Ella Mai Celebrates 30 with New Lovestruck EP ‘3’ (Review)

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They say good things come in threes, and Ella Mai knows this. On November 3rd she stepped into her third decade of life and celebrated her birthday with a three-track drop.

One of the most recognisable voices in today’s R&B scene, the Grammy award-winning Brit has made a triumphant musical return. Whether you’re ‘boo’d up’ or single this season, this trio of ultra-romantic tracks will get you swooning. This artist is about quality over quantity, as each track is strong enough to be a standalone single.

The singer paired up with trusted long-time collaborator DJ Mustard who produced all the tracks. Their incredible partnership showcases her ability to straddle the UK and US markets seamlessly with her unmistakable vocal talent. This is her first solo release since her ‘Heart On My Sleeve‘ album where songs like ‘DFMU‘ and my personal favourite ‘Leave You Alone‘ added to her string of hits.

Some of her biggest hits have often detailed pain in her relationships, so it’s refreshing to hear Ella in her lovestruck bag. Fans point to her highly publicised relationship with Jayson Tatum as her inspiration for the project – they have matching number 3 tattoos. Even if you were unaware of her personal life, these tracks build an intoxicatingly beautiful picture of a partnership that will warm your winter.

‘Hearts On Deck‘

We’re introduced to a version of Ella Mai who is weak in the knees with love. Uncharacteristically vulnerable, the Londoner sings about feelings she’s never felt before. Similarly, she flexes that her partner has met his match, as she brings a ‘game’ metaphor throughout the entire song. A clever chess analogy is followed, suggesting every move from both sides is calculated. “Checkmate and call me your queen.”, she sings. This songstress knows how to make a killer hook, and this track proves it. It’ll leave you feeling upbeat, bold, and confident.

‘One Of These‘

This is my favourite track, and it seems I’m not alone. This is the track that has taken off on streaming, boasting a superb sample of Cee-Lo Green’s ‘I’ll Be Around‘. Talking to fans like a big sister, she claims she has found her ideal man and suggests her girlfriends get them one like this too. Powerful, punchy, and full of that alpha-female energy, this track has that classic DJ Mustard sound that jumps through your speakers.

‘Little Things‘

The project is closed out with a love jam that brims with gratitude for her healthy relationship. Giving major ‘Cater 2 U‘ by Destiny’s Child vibes, she steps into the roles of caretaker, lover, friend, and confidant. Mai croons over a love who is always on the road. The lyrics detail how sometimes their young love has to take a back seat while they both shine. However, she knows their love is real and is calm and patient in this knowledge. This slower track illustrates her powerful vocals and soft side.

Summary

To conclude, ‘3‘ is a solid reminder of Ella Mai’s place in R&B. She might keep a low-key public profile, but her talent keeps her in the spotlight. The singer is one of those artists who can create exceptionally addictive melodies, with the talent to make even the most ambitious vocal stylings work. It is no surprise she’s a regular feature across the R&B and rap scene; her on the chorus tends to be the Midas touch. My only disappointment about this project is that it is far too short. I’m excited for what’s still to come.

Rating: 9/10

Ella Mai is on Instagram, X, and TikTok. Read more album reviews here and stream ‘3‘ below.

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