WRITTEN BY NEVAEH TILLMAN, PHOTO FROM MALIA
I’m at a loss for words for how captivating Back in My Body is for those on their journey of self-discovery, reminding themselves of their worth.
The album shines with themes of individuality, loving yourself, and healing in this game we call life. MALIA’s R&B / neo-soul sound is celebraory, as each song, with soothing melodies and creative lyrics, puts forth a soulful energy. My personal favorites off the album are “Back in My Body“, “Do it out of Love,” and “Genesis” because the lyrics pierce my brain, and I truly feel peace and my confidence lifts as I play these songs. This album reminds me that artists can use their power for good and impact listeners with feel-good music.
As a long-time listener of MALIA’s work (since the Ripe EP album), I was excited to hear that MALIA is following her last album, What’s After ‘I Love You’, with a new album that leads to the window to your soul. MALIA describes Back in My Body “[as] a meditation on quieting the yearning for acceptance she was looking for outside of herself, reconnecting with the divine, and creating a grounded and safe sense of home.”
This album invites all barriers to be broken down and all emotions to be embraced and loved—Some find that “MALIA’s sounds aren’t just something you listen to, they’re something you feel.” As I listened, I found myself subconsciously reflecting on my own life experiences. Who’s to say your story isn’t told between each lyric too? It may seem scary to be vulnerable, but MALIA’s resilience shows that one should embrace the healing journey, and I couldn’t agree more.