Amethyst's 'What You Call It': A Soulful Journey of Reflection [Review]

Amethyst's latest single, What You Call It, is a soulful exploration of emotional depth and vulnerability, showcasing her rich, expressive vocals and intricate musical arrangement.

Hailing from Chichester, Amethyst's musical journey began early, from singing Disney songs around the house to being introduced to classical and soca music by her father. By age 11, she had mastered multiple instruments, including classical piano, violin, drums, clarinet, and guitar.

What You Call opens with a profound quote by James Baldwin, setting the stage for its introspective theme. Described by Amethyst as “urging us all to look deeper within ourselves and the people we are becoming,” the song discusses the painful truth of addiction and greed. This emotional tension resonates throughout Amethyst's performance, where her vocals carry depth and nuance, accompanied by diverse instrumentation that incorporates elements of gospel.

Amethyst draws inspiration from a diverse spectrum of musical influences, citing Lianne La Havas, Ella Fitzgerald, Beyoncé and Jazmine Sullivan. This eclectic blend manifests in her music—a fusion of modern R&B production, soulful jazz vocals, and the timeless allure of old-school soul instrumentation.

Reflecting on her creative process, Amethyst has expressed, "I like to mix my own experiences with ideas from films, TV, or my friends when I write a song to almost blur the lines so people never really know what's my story and what isn't." This approach lends her music an authenticity that transcends conventional genre boundaries, inviting listeners into a narrative that feels deeply personal yet universally relatable.

Having garnered attention and recognition for her previous singles "Patience" and "Higher," which received huge support from Jamie Cullum at Radio 2, Victoria Jane at Radio 1, and Jamz Supernova at 1 Xtra as well as support from the MOBO Help Musicians funding, Amethyst continues to build momentum with her compelling new release.

What You Call It not only showcases Amethyst's vocal prowess and musical versatility but also solidifies her reputation as an artist to watch. With each note and lyric, Amethyst invites audiences into her world. As she continues to evolve, Amethyst's distinctive sound and compelling storytelling will undoubtedly captivate audiences all over, firmly establishing her as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.