By Jessica Nguyen & Brian Pham
The release of “GABRIEL” on March 25 marked R&B alternative pop sensation keshi’s first step into the studio album world after six EPs. Featuring songs, such as “GET IT,” “HELL/HEAVEN” and “ANGEL,” keshi continued to showcase his flexibility in music production, songwriting and singing through a variety of different melodies and lyrics in this latest album.
Casey Luong started his music career by posting songs on Soundcloud five years ago under the name “keshi.” Known for his distinct multi-layer instrumentals along with falsetto vocals, keshi blew up with songs including “like i need you,” “2 soon” and “right here.” Since then, he quit his job as an oncology nurse in Texas, continued to release music online and has now become a well-known artist, selling out tours and having his music even featured on the movie “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.”
“GABRIEL” is a collection of all the stories and feelings that keshi has experienced in the past years of his life. It captures his new sense of confidence but also his confusion regarding his musical identity and connection to his home and the people he loves. With the help of executive producer Elie Rixk, keshi’s “GABRIEL” is nothing like what he has done before.
“GET IT”
“GET IT” is the opening track to “GABRIEL” and it is certainly a show-stopper. Unlike many of his other songs, “GET IT” features a catchy blend of upbeat trap rhythm that contrasts the soft guitar and light beat that many of his listeners may be used to. Instead, keshi allows himself to explore his more materialistic side with new sounds like his father’s voice, a peaceful flute choir and sirens all mixed together. Its intense beat drops makes its listeners just want to “get it.” At the same time, this song also showcased the two-sideness of fame and money as near the end of the song, keshi talked about not being sure about who he was anymore in the final acoustic part of the song.
“WESTSIDE”
After leaving his job to become a singer-songwriter, “WESTSIDE” touched on whether it was really worth it. Over a dreamy guitar riff, keshi sang about his concerns about living out his dreams of making music and balancing his relationships with his partner and family; this song speaks out about feeling overwhelmed, something that many high school students can relate to. It is no wonder that keshi’s third track “WESTSIDE” is one of many listeners’ favorite songs on the album that includes not only emotional and honest lyrics, but also an impressive show of his production, instruments and vocals that reveal how much he has changed since his first songs. It is a combination of his old and new selves with his famous falsetto and vulnerability but also his growth from learning from his mistakes along the way.
“TOUCH”
keshi’s fourth track “TOUCH” is a long way from his previous song about heartbreak and pain. Instead, “TOUCH” is a sensual story about lust between two people despite it being so wrong. Here, keshi displayed his ability of having such a wide vocal range, using baritone vocals during the verses but also a high pitch in the chorus. The song adds to how keshi’s “GABRIEL” is the right album to listen to. Although many people criticize the song for being overly repetitive, its reiteration only makes it more catchy.
“MILLI”
There is no in-between with “MILLI.” You either love it or hate it and for us, it is our least favorite song on the album. Similar to “GET IT,” “MILLI” also includes an upbeat and loud melody with intense drum loops and beat drops. However, it doesn’t hit the same way his other songs do as the lyrics seem to fall flat and overall, the song doesn’t reflect what people love about keshi most: his artistry and personality.
“PERE”
“PERE,” which translates to “father” in French, included a 47 second all-dialogue interlude of keshi’s father speaking in French as a child in Vietnamese before leaving for war. He began by saying how he “would like to tell [himself], don’t worry; that everything will be fine” as a response to keshi’s question about what he would say to his 18-year-old self. Through “PERE,” keshi revealed how albums aren’t just a collection of songs; they share a story through their lyrics and melodies. They reveal the artists’ experiences and lessons. They are a piece of the artist.
“HELL/HEAVEN”
keshi’s eighth track, “HELL/HEAVEN”, was one of our favorite songs from the album with its steady beat and tender chorus. With a blend of glitch rhythms and intricate layer of sounds, including guitars, bass and drums, keshi’s soft voice is still able to shine through as he sings about whether loving someone was actually hell or heaven as he struggled with being so devoted to someone that he began to lose himself.
“GABRIEL”
“GABRIEL” marked the last song of keshi’s 12-song album. Its soft melody is the perfect way to end the album but its last lyrics, “Before I leave, I’ll see Gabriel” leave a cliffhanger that has listeners dumbfounded by what is to come. Throughout the album, keshi included numerous references to angels, heaven and hell. This song shared the same title as the album and alluded to guardian angel of Israel, Gabriel. Seeing Gabriel meant that God had given that person a message and it was up to them to work to accept it. In ending his album this way, keshi raised the question of whether one should move on from a chapter of their life or fight for it and the people and things they love.
“GABRIEL” is raw and intimate. With dreamy, soft harmonies along with powerful, upbeat chords, it shows the authenticity of keshi as he shared himself with the world. The contrast of his first track “GET IT” verus “GABRIEL” add to how much he has changed throughout the years and will only continue to change. Unlike previous songs, keshi capitalized his titles for this album, only adding onto how he has grown up. Although many of his older listeners may not like his new sound, change is inevitable and we are excited to see where keshi will go in the future.
