My how Phatfffat has grown! Yes, I know Dondria hasn’t gone by that moniker in quite sometime, but that’s how I was introduced to her, and I’ve been following her figurative and physical metamorphosis since the beginning. Dondria dropped her latest project Perspective on her birthday 1/6/23 and I’m already enjoying it and have run it back at least 3 times. The 8 track collection is a swift, smooth listen that makes me hopeful for actual singers and R&B in 2023.
Perspective, which has been in the works for a few years is a well produced release that truly shows Dondria’s evolution as a woman and explores love, introspection, and freedom all from her vantage point. This project also showcases how much of a complete master of her voice Dondria has remained.
My standouts include; Let it Be, which I believe was released in 2021. I’ve had this single on repeat well before the album came out because I haven’t heard Dondria’s voice like this before. It could be the situation I was in at the time, but the rasp and grittiness in her voice resonated with me. Lose Myself- exhibits a level of extreme vulnerability while remaining steadfast in what’s best for her. If you’ve ever lost in love you can relate, and the haunting piano and ending harmony only makes this song more stirring. Lastly, although it’s only 1:24, Free (Interlude) is my shit! I really believe I can begin my mornings listening to this. It’s kind of a resounding one word affirmation of sorts. We’ve all been there. If 2020 didn’t make you feel off, then the constant state of the world has done it to you at some point.
I searched high and low for the producers on this album and couldn’t find them credited, but they did an amazing job! I did find that 6milejp produced “Take you There”. The producers created a work of art that perfectly complimented Dondria’s voice. I’ll keep looking because I want to know what else they’ve produced that I may have missed. Go listen to Perspective and let me know what you think below in the comments. If this is what R&B is going to sound like in 2023, I’m ready!