REVIEW: Rina Chanel — Sweetest Of Melody (SINGLE)

Classically trained vocalist, Rina Chanel, has released her latest single. The alliteratively titled, “Sweetest Of Melody” is certainly not misleading, as it’s both sweet and melodic. Senghor Robinson is a guest vocalist, who brings a male perspective to this tender ballad. There’s no shrills or frills with this one. It’s simply a straightforward love song, that wouldn’t have been out of place in 1992, yet still has a freshness to it.

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/rinachanelmusic/

A native of Virginia Beach, Chanel has all the talent and pedigree of a Pop Diva, but none of the sass. She’s a modern woman, with what seem to be core values. Her influences hover in the 80’s and 90’s range, and her passion for singing is instantly identifiable. Maybe it’s because she’s still on the precipice of her career, but her humbleness is endearing and refreshing. Cliché as it may be, she’s the type of girl your Mother would absolutely adore.

“Sweetest Of Melody,” seems like a sidestep from Chanel’s more typically Pop-oriented works. She’s subtly versatile, and she’s capable of singing in 5 different dialects. On “Sweetest Of Melody,” she laments towards her love interest with a spontaneous soliloquy. Robinson, who portrays her romantic counterpart, casually and gracefully walks on set, with a symbolic bouquet of roses. The two never cross the line into overly mushy territory, and instead come across as dignified and even, dapper.

When I met you/my life was changed/it was renewed. Despite its easy listening premise, there is a great deal of conviction to be found in the lyrics of this track. Chanel delivers every line with precision, but doesn’t discount the importance of raw emotion. Her confidence is palpable, but she never pushes too far upstream. Robinson’s velvety, Vandross-like delivery, compliments Rina’s more expressive approach. The blending of the two vocal tracks, must be commended as well. The volumes across the mix are perfectly blended.

During a recent conversation, I pointed out that 80’s style Soft Rock is one of the few genres, yet to see any sort of resurgence. While, “Sweetest Of Melody,” does not fall under the Rock banner, its spirit is compatible with the 80’s soft ballad era. With this song, Chanel is doing something very few others are, yet it doesn’t seem contrived or premeditated. “Sweetest Of Melody,” could very well wind up being a signature piece for Rina Chanel, and perhaps a defining one as well. You’re likely going to want to revisit it again and again, as I know I did.

It’s always encouraging to see someone charting their own path, even if it means rediscovering a lost feeling. Rina Chanel has gifted us an incredibly uplifting ballad, albeit in less than bombastic fashion. It’s truly the disarming quality of the track that sets it apart. This is the type of song that makes you excited to hear just what Chanel does next. As for now, just allow the sweetest of melodies, to linger in your mind and soul.

Colin Jordan