Joy Crookes Admits Envy on Charming New Single ‘Carmen’
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Joy Crookes is the last artist who should feel insecure. The Bangladeshi-Irish crooner delivers decadent, hypnotic soul that is truly timeless. Her voice is so distinctive, akin to Billie Holliday or the stylings of Dinah Washington, which henceforth contributed to her 2022 Mercury Prize nomination and her millions of monthly streams. Yet, her new single shows that even she is not immune to jealousy.
The South-London songwriter is astoundingly candid in this track. She admits resentment and deep admiration for effortlessly beautiful women enjoying ‘pretty privilege’. She paints the picture of a ‘vanilla type’ beauty queen who has the world throwing itself at her feet. It’s truly heartbreaking to hear Joy feel so insecure as a ‘Brown skin European with that London eye‘.
It’s no secret that women are vetted by society to see each other as competition. What I love about this single is how Joy suggests that even with this knowledge, her envy is still too deep-rooted. We truly are conditioned to strive for shinier hair, a better figure, and a perfect smile. This track will be relatable to every woman, and the sincere storytelling makes fans feel closer to Joy than ever before.
However, Joy brings home how ridiculous this all is in the must-watch music video. Perhaps the best music video this year, fans are treated to a hilarious parody of today’s beauty standards. The scary revelation at the end of the video is that even the men we chase want to be treated like Carmen.
In conclusion, this single whets fans’ appetite for a speculative upcoming sophomore album. Collaborations with Kano and Vince Staples have brought even more ears to her unique sound this year. However, her debut effort, ‘Skin‘, released in 2021, already feels so long ago. As we eagerly cross our fingers for a new full-length project, we’ll keep this catchy single on repeat.
Joy Crookes is on Instagram, Threads, X and TikTok. Read more news pieces here.
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