MUSIC REVIEW: 'Favourite Song' by Sage
Sage aka Barbara Chemutai Ng’eno has a new song out. PHOTO| FILE
What you need to know:
When the song begins, you think it is going to be a sweet ballad type ode to love, but an Afro up-tempo beat kicks in and it is clearly not.
Favourite Song is about losing a loved one and wishing they could turn back the hand of time.
Sage has a new song out, and no one is more excited than me – except, perhaps, Sage.
After a hiatus that was threatening to stretch much longer than we were ready for, it seems that Sage has decided to have mercy on her fans and give us back her beautiful, powerful voice. Maybe the little one in her life gave her inspiration? Whatever the reason, we're glad it's Sage season.
When I interviewed her a while ago on the Base she spoke of a new album – something I am also waiting for. One can only hope that this new – favourite, if you will – song, is a sign of good things to come.
When the song begins, you think it is going to be a sweet ballad type ode to love, but an Afro up-tempo beat kicks in and it is clearly not.
is about losing a loved one and wishing they could turn back the hand of time. She sings
You are my favourite song
I could play you all day long
but you went away from me
there's only silence and broken dreams
The words are poignant, and though it is a song about sadness, the up tempo beat would make you think it is a celebration of love, though it is a celebration of heartache, so to speak.
You wouldn't think that this would work – because sad songs usually have sad melodies – but it does.
What I always enjoy about Sage's music apart from her obvious lyrical prowess is the journey the melody takes you on – the songs are never just simply a verse, a chorus, and a bridge, or a straightforward easily imitable series of repeated notes.
She dances all over the harmonies with skill – which makes it pretty hard to sing along to, but a wonder to take in.
The sadness is better portrayed in Sage's face in the video – which cuts to show her in various (gorgeous Afro-chic inspired) outfits while saying nothing and looking an arresting combination of nostalgic and broken – and, quite frankly, fierce.
And I know it is a sad song but Sage looks fantastic, and teases her lost lover with glimpses of her thigh through sheer outfits and a black body-con mini-dress interspersed between feathery fake eyelashes and garden scenes! I'm loving Sage in 2015. Go check out the song – she's definitely still got it.
