HeIsTheArtist’s “Dreaming In Emerald City (Wicked Deluxe Edition)” is an intricate tapestry of sound and emotion that seamlessly weaves together elements of Broadway, neo-soul, and modern pop sensibilities. This EP serves not only as a tribute to the iconic narratives of “The Wizard of Oz” and “West Side Story” but also as a modern reinterpretation of their themes through a musical lens that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly new.
The EP kicks off with a vintage cinematic cover of “I’m Always Chasing Rainbows,” immediately setting a tone of longing and introspection reminiscent of Judy Garland’s original performances. This choice of opener is a nod to the timeless nature of seeking something more, a theme that resonates deeply within the narrative framework of “The Wizard of Oz.”
Following this, “Mi Amor” emerges as an original piece that bridges the gap between classic storytelling and contemporary love stories, echoing the emotional depth and complexity of both “The Wizard of Oz” and “West Side Story.” This track, alongside its remixes, showcases HeIsTheArtist’s versatility in genre manipulation, adapting his sound to fit different musical styles while maintaining a cohesive thematic thread.
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The covers of “Lovin’ You” (Minnie Riperton) and “I Believe in You and Me” (Whitney Houston) pivot the EP towards the universal theme of love—its discovery, its acceptance, and its defiance of external judgments. These acoustic versions strip down the production to highlight the raw emotional delivery and lyrical content, emphasizing the purity of love in its many forms.
In a shift towards self-empowerment, a cover of Rhianna’s “Diamonds” and Indie.Arie’s “Brown Skin” celebrates self-love and the rejection of societal beauty standards. Through these tracks, HeIsTheArtist encourages listeners to find beauty and value within themselves, echoing the empowerment and self-acceptance messages that are increasingly prevalent in today’s cultural dialogues.
The inclusion of various remixes of “Mi Amor” demonstrates HeIsTheArtist’s experimental nature and willingness to explore different sonic landscapes. The “Dream Pop Remix” and “City Pop Remix” (along with its instrumental version) offer listeners alternative interpretations of the original track, emphasizing the versatility of the core melody and lyrics when placed within different genre contexts. These remixes serve as a bridge between the original’s neo-soul roots and more contemporary pop and electronic influences.
“Dreaming In Emerald City (Wicked Deluxe Edition)” is a richly layered EP that offers listeners a multifaceted musical experience. Through its combination of covers and original compositions, HeIsTheArtist explores themes of longing, love, and self-acceptance, all while paying homage to the cinematic and musical giants that have inspired his work. The EP’s blend of Broadway-style vocals with neo-soul and modern pop remixes creates a unique sound that both honors its roots and looks forward to the future of music.
HeIsTheArtist’s ability to navigate through various musical styles while maintaining a cohesive thematic and emotional core is a testament to his artistry and vision. “Dreaming In Emerald City (Wicked Deluxe Edition)” is not only a celebration of iconic stories and songs but also a forward-thinking exploration of what it means to dream and love in today’s world.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
