Nabihah Iqbal’s “Saw U Twice”

I’m going to start tonight’s posts with a few tracks I’ve been meaning to recommend. But for one reason or another, I just haven’t found the right words to describe them.

First up is Nabihah Iqbal’s soft psychedelic soother “Saw U Twice.” I remember hearing this one last month, being taken by its welcome calm and meditative ease. It’s a track that feels effortless, and consequently, is so easy to listen to. It’s textured with lush organic grooves, and ethereal vocals that feel both intangible and clear.

“Saw U Twice” comes form the 2017 album “Weighing of the Heart,” marking Iqbal’s debut as a “solo” artist. The “solo” is actually in name only, choosing to adopt her full name, over her previous moniker Throwing Shade.

Admittedly, I’m not entirely familiar with her prior efforts as Throwing Shade. But I have a cursory knowledge of her acclaimed 2016 EP “House of Silk.” It skews experimental and electronic. And there’s an emphasis on multi-cultured rhythmic compositions.

Today, Iqbal keeps things more elemental, adapting her worldly aesthetics to more traditional and naturalistic instrumentation. Her spirit of exploration remains. And her knowledge of electronic craft factors symbiotically with her newfound identity. Not surprisingly, if you look back, you can feel the seeds of “Saw U Twice” within these earlier efforts.

Here’s “Saw U Twice.” Enjoy!

“Saw U Twice” from the 2017 album “Weighing of the Heart.”

And if you’re curious, here’s one of my favorite selections from Iqbal’s Throwing Shade, titled “Marble Air.” The more I listen to this one, the more I hear the inspirational beginnings of her current work, and particularly “Saw U Twice.”

“Marble Air” from the 2016 EP “House of Silk.”