Album Review: Endless Night by Maeta
After releasing her slept-on debut LP and riding on the radio success of “Through the Night,” Maeta returns with a seven-track project produced by KAYTRANADA.
Infusing modern R&B with elements of lounge jazz and pop, Maeta’s enchanting vocal style has garnered attention since her initial releases. Her silky voice first attracted a following through a series of brief projects, which culminated in the 2020 track “Teen Scene,” produced by KAYTRANADA and featuring Buddy. This song was later included in her Roc Nation debut, the Habits EP, released in 2021. By 2023, Maeta had collaborated with artists such as Ty Dolla $ign and Lucky Daye on her highly interactive 13-track debut LP (which she says is an EP), When I Hear Your Name.
Speaking of KAYTRANADA, he’s had a busy decade since the releases of Intimidated and Simple with IDK. Last year, the producer teamed up with rapper Aminé for the full album KAYTRAMINÉ, which boasted contributions from notable artists such as Snoop Dogg, Pharrell Williams, and Amaarae. As the year progressed, KAYTRANADA dropped a double single that included Rochelle Jordan on “Lover/Friend” and Channel Tres on “Stuntin.” These songs served as a teaser for another project rich in collaborations, titled Timeless, which was released earlier in the month. This album featured a diverse range of artists, including Childish Gambino, Charlotte Day Wilson, and Don Toliver. Two weeks later, Maeta and KAYTRANADA teamed up to give us an Endless Night to remember.
As anticipated, the rhythm in this lead-off track, “DJ Got Me,” is top-notch. It incorporates several of KAYTRANADA’s trademark elements, such as a stretchy bass and kick drum combination, along with layers of cool, icy synth to temper the dance floor’s intensity. The enchanting mix spun by the DJ is so compelling that it keeps her dancing until the early morning hours, even allowing her to blend in a touch of Indeep’s iconic “Last Night a DJ Saved My Life.” Nevertheless, Maeta holds her own, seamlessly aligning with the beat as she croons about a DJ whose groove has her completely mesmerized.
The title track continues the feeling where Maeta tells a tale of longing for escape and intimacy. The lyrics paint a picture of a love that feels like a refuge, a place where worries fade away. She craves this feeling, this escape, and asks her lover to stay lost in their shared world. “Mustang Sally” is about a girl who is a bit of a heartbreaker. The uptempo beat has this dark and mysterious vibe with heavy bass. She likes to have fun and isn't afraid to move on from guys who don't treat her right. She compares her love to a Mustang Sally, fast and out of control. She is warning this guy that she is not the settling down type.
“It burns like a cigarette on a leather jacket.”
With James Fauntleroy’s singing background, “Come Again” explores wanting a second chance with a lover. With this track, Maeta regrets how things ended and believes it could be better. She’s sure he feels the same way and wants him to return ("Take back the night when you came and left too soon”). KAYTRANADA’s production has a steady, slow tempo, creating a laid-back mood. The melody uses simple sounds, letting the singer’s voice take center stage. Even though “New Lover” doesn’t stick out too much, the song lays down a smooth, downtempo groove where Maeta is haunted by her ex's memories and feelings, making it tough for her to give herself to this new person fully.
The closing track, “Up All Night,” is an immediate standout. Maeta tells a tale of love's captivating hold that dives into the thrilling experience of finding someone who makes time meaningless. The vibe is smooth and seductive, laying a chill foundation for Maeta's vocals to shine. This project is well-crafted and hits the sweet spot. The lyrics and sound blend well to make an enjoyable listening experience. It may not break the mold, but Maeta’s strong performance makes you want to run it back.
Solid (★★★½☆)
Favorite Track(s): “Come Again,” “Mustang Sally,” “Up All Night”
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