Somebody
Singer-songwriter Tishmone’s released her debut album, Somebody, with Firebrand Entertainment on June 3rd. The album is a modern twist on R&B, with infusions of blues, Latin, and hip hop beats. Overall, the album actually features very minimal instrumentation, keeping the focus on her vocals. Somebody incorporates three 90 second tracks that are sonically intriguing, and create an interesting effect when listening to the album overall. They don’t feel like they are only 90 seconds, but seem like full musical experiences that segment the story into chapters.
The first track is named “Change Me,” and the ethereal vocals, reverb, piano and light percussion immediately set the tone for the album. Tishmone’ resents that her partner wants to change her because she knows who she is. This is also the first 90 second track, and the song ends abruptly as if her relationship is over. The song might be quick, but the quality of her tone and overall sound more than compensate. The R&B influence in “Change Me” gives way to a more retro feel for the next track, “In My Head.” The blues chords of the piano and guitar are accented with quick high hats and a bit of bass. This suits the vibe of “In My Head,” which highlights some frustrations of two focused people in love. She and her partner are dedicated to their crafts, and can get so caught up in their work that they don’t make time for each other. She gets through this emotional distance by keeping him close “in her head.”
The second 90 second track is “In the Moment,” and it showcases Tishmone’s beautiful vocal tone. The song feels like a 1990’s/early 2000’s R&B classic, with a clean acoustic that is joined by a jazz guitar echoing the melody. The next track up is “Low Key.” This track has a much more modern R&B feel, with Weeknd-esque vibes, heavy beats and distortion on vocals. Tishmone’ is celebrating her successes and her strong work ethic. She wants and deserves to be recognized for balancing her roles as a musician, actress, and mother. Even though it’s impossible to be perfect all the time, it’s important to take the time to step back and admire your own growth. “Low Key” is followed by “Down,” a complex and well-produced track that leans into layered harmonies and vocal lines. The song is sensual, and the mellow vocals play off of a fun backing beat.
The album shifts with the third and final 90 second track, “Kisses.” This track and the next, “Trippen,” feature a Latin-style guitar and steel drums, making them stand out from the others. Throughout “Kisses,” Tishmone’s vocals move smoothly through complex runs, joined by romantic and melancholy harmonies as she pines over missing her partner’s kisses. The Latin guitar and steel drums are joined by heavy beats in “Trippen.” Tishmone’ puts her vocal range on full display in this track. She croons about internalizing her own anxieties, and how it’s tripping her out. Tishmone’ concludes her album with the title track, “Somebody.” “Somebody” is love song at its core, but it’s also practical. She doesn’t want “just somebody,” but also want to be sure that she can trust that her love won’t give into temptation or let others get in the way of their relationship. It’s the longest track, and a strong closer. Tishmone’ is clearly a talent, and if this is only her first album she has a long career ahead of her.
