A return to action for long time #TEAMw21 favourite Raihanna Estrada finds her her latest single pondering the power of "Photographs". She is pictured on the cover with a mass of memories laid out before her.
Raihanna takes the central theme of the photograph to pull in a number of observations that just staring at these captured images can bring. Musically it is a lesson of how simplicity can far outdo layers of complication. there's a minimal amount of instrumentation here - some percussion, bass and two prominent guitars - yet they are able to establish the fast pace of the song, as well as giving a sub Allman brothers hook to reel the listener in from the very start,. as well as providing the perfect platform for Raihanna.
The first observation the Raihanna makes, is the power of photographs to rejuvenate and reinvigorate with memories of happier times when perhaps you are feeling a little blue.
"Some days when I don't feel right
I go to into my closet and pull out that old Samsonite"
The chorus outlines Raihanna's sheer affection for these little slices of personal history.
"Some are black an white and some are technicolour"
I am in a lot of them
And I just make up stories to all of the others
Diving into the past
Trying hard to make the memories last
Every time I lose myself I go back - to photographs"
Naturally as time passes some people only exist in memories apart from photographs or snippets of video - and Raihanna finds herself able to relive "family Christmas parties" If finds her wishing for a time machine to know
"Every story that was ever told"
The final observation comes in the bridge - that the time to ask questions of the folk in the photographs is while they are with you, not when they are gone.
"Couldn't know then what I know now
Not to take a single day for granted inside of that house
The only way to learn is to live and get burned
I guess the biggest lesson is always ask the questions"
The final chorus sees Raihanna start almost a capella, slightly amending the lyrics bringing them to the current - her voice is tracked by a supporting male ( husband Eric? ) that just adds an extra dimension to the overall sound
There is also a poignant last line
" I'm reminded of the ones I once had" - the ones that will live on on the memory and those "Photographs"
Always great to hear from Raihanna and this single is definitely no exception.