The latest single from María Isabel has her looking demons in the face for love. “Baby” is weightless, lovelorn R&B that finds middle ground between Ashanti and Jorja Smith; not quite a ballad, but Isabel’s vocals exercise an angelic airiness as she puts her life on the line for unreciprocated love.
The Dominican-American singer captures the seductive ache for a bygone connection to return. But at the heart of “Baby” Isabel is aware that that spark is gone: “And whenever they try to come for me / You won’t look a demon in the face for me.” There lies the song’s tension: the dissonance that desiring something passionately enough won’t change another’s heart. Although her silvery coos are entrancing, after a few rounds, “Baby” is devastating.
This new track comes with the announcement of her forthcoming EP i hope you’re very unhappy without me that’s out next Friday, September 10. Isabel released her debut single “The 1” in 2020 and wasted no time with the release of her first album Stuck in the Sky last October.
Listen to “Baby” below.
