Contemporary gospel and ‘90s R&B collide on Malika’s “I Live”

10 August 2017, 14:22 | Written by The Line of Best Fit

(Tracks)

(Malika)

As if made for these late-summer nights, ‘I Live’ pairs sweet, soulful vibes with polished pop sensibilities.

London-based singer Malika gives a graceful nod to everything R&B with her smooth, melismatic vocals, backed by funk-inspired guitars and classic electro-soul beats.

Follow our Discovery Playlist on Spotify and catch up on the last seven days in new music

"I Live" is a feel-good love song, peppered with delicate strings and jaunty keys. Malika’s vocal lines cascade over gorgeous, gospel-like harmonies as she reveals the exclusivity of her love: “‘Cause I live / live for nothing else but you.” After breaking out her falsetto at the bridge she goes from strength to strength, showing off a surprising powerful level of vocal agility.

Malika teamed up with producer Bearcubs for the single, which is the first release from her recent debut EP Songs About C. The EP also features collaborations with the likes of Snakehips and Maths Time Joy.

"I Live" is out 11 August.