Alt-R&B riser keshi will release his sophomore LP, REQUIEM, on September 13, and today, the Texas-born singer-songwriter is back with “Say,” a smooth and sophisticated nocturnal party jam aimed a potential lover he’s this close to getting with.
“In all my attempts to make meaningful music, I overlooked songs that were built to just get people to move,” keshi said in a statement. “I remember touring on the road and really craving to play songs that just felt good to groove to. ‘Say’ is my answer to that. It’s got a moody sort of cadence with an admiration for city-pop baked into it.”
keshi wrote “Say” with Elie Rizk, Imad Royal, Malay, Patrick “J. Que” Smith, and Trey Campbell. In the opening verse, keshi croons over shuffling drums and a lightly funky bass lick. He wants to make a move on this person, but he’s not getting verbal confirmation that it’s the right play.
Say, say it
You do this all the time
No sense in holding back tonight
Can’t contain it
Even if I tried
He explains his conundrum more plainly on the pre-chorus, as the drums fall away and muted handclaps keep the beat.
Can’t read your mind
When all you do is dance on the line
Can’t read your mind
All I need is a sign
The groove returns on the hook, as keshi urges this other person to acknowledge that they feel the same way.
Say the word
I know what you’re thinking, but just say it first
Been waiting all this time for you to take your turn
In my arms for a second
Baby, say the word, and I’ll be yours
In the second verse, keshi continues picking up on nonverbal clues. But he wants to hear the magic words.
The look you’re giving me gives you away
You finally found the high that you’ve been chasing
Only one more choice you gotta make
I need you to tell me ‘cause I
On the bridge, keshi hints at the good time that awaits. They’re so close.
So close to your body, can you feel it?
Come and spend the night with someone new
Talking with your hands, but do you mean it?
Baby, all you gotta do is
“Say” comes with a sleek, noirish video that features keshi and his dream girl moving through a seemingly deserted Seoul.
You can read all the lyrics to “Say” on Genius now.