Album Review: Ramian Encapsulates Love Lorn Woes In “It’s Disrespectful Outside.”
It has been a minute since I have jotted down my thoughts on music. Partially because I have been too occupied galavanting my youth and well, there hasn’t been anything worthwhile pleasing to my ears. From Savara’s poorly marketed “No Overthinking,”(sources of intelligence have informed mem it was pulled off DSPs due to copyright infringement) which I actually had no idea about to basic rap albums, nothing has really been worth my precious time. Despite the mediocrity running in the music industry ,let’s leave Charisma out of this because the man is a beast,I came across a perfectly curated R&B gem from a little known songbird dubbed Ramian.
Releasing his debut album “It’s Disrespectful Outside,” Ramian comes with full guns ablaze and his main target is love. More often than not we as the listeners have been subjected to the abc compositions from R&B artists. If it isn’t this, we have to sit around for thirty minutes of R&B artists singing about how love went wrong with the most basic lyrics in as much as they are relatable, they are so simple that I could even qualify as a songwriter. Okay so what stands out with Ramian’s project? I am sure this is the question rummaging through your head, well dear reader please take a seat as I breakdown what this genius of a boy gave to us in his tape.
Titled “It’s Disrespectful Outside,” Ramian takes his listeners through a 46 minute journey of love that’s characterised by toxicity, intensity and desperation. You know how Taylor Swift is the queen of break up songs? Well Ramian might have just solidified his position as the king of unrequited love “..confessions of a lost soul, I try to run away..”. Kicking off with ‘City Lights,’ Ramian invites us into his perception of failing love that’s fleeting away yet affecting him. You know the feeling when your lover(s) hit you up six days after texting them? Well Ramian puts all the emotions experienced into this song as he skids over a perfect crescendo catapulting his heartbreak into real time existence as he sings “..Don’t keep telling cause it’s a false hope…” In all essence city girls actually relate to this line despite pretending to be made of tough skin.
Ramian’s smooth philanderer personality towards love shines through as he progresses into ‘Open Book.’ Produced by Autum Kray the track drags you into a euphoric moment of trying to discover yourself after a relationship. The singer-songwriter offers a fresh bliss of air with crisp compositions with the devilish production that sounds a bit too short leaving you wanting more of that “holy” encounter with love. Throughout the tape one thing is clear, Ramian can’t stand an elusive lover and well who is to judge? The precariousness to detail from production to composition and even diction, you can tell a lot of time and effort was put into “It’s Disrespectful Outside,” and well to be honest love is disrespectful because as Ramian says in ‘Lucid’ some stories don't have a happy ending. My edging point with this album was the relatability of his lyrics. Produced by Kiprono’s Stereo the guitar and piano riffs form a perfect backdrop against Ramian’s voice as he narrates the concept of failed love.
While most unknown artists often seek bigger names to feature in their projects, Ramian ensures his audience ,and new fans get a glimpse of his artistry. With only three features EMZY!, Kahiro and Leroy Mumeita, the tape takes form as the perfect debut album. I am sure we have heard enough of R&B bops that fade away from our minds immediately after consumption and with ‘Birds Up In My Room,’ Ramian avoids all the typical love song themes. With the second half of the album the piper changes his tune appreciating his unrequited muse and the lessons that come with love. ‘Best Gin’ and ‘Cats In Crocs’ have to be my personal favourites. The delicate delivery as he starts off “..I hope you heal from whatever makes you drink Best Gin..” makes you feel the utmost hate for whoever who hurt Ramian and still stand in awe at his sassiness. He can’t decide whether he wants his lover back “..maybe we can find a way to my house..” or he is fed up “..you cry too much..” I guess these moments enable Ramian to connect with the feelings of a hot and cold relationship making him a shining star who is aware of his emotions and purr we love a non-nonchalant babe. In ‘Cats In Crocs’ you get a euphoric and intimate moment due to the high note piano keys that tend to symbolise the highs and lows that comes with self realisation when you are like damn I really do want to stick around despite the pain “..I will wait for you..’ yes it’s all love and he puts it perfectly in this number.
In the title track ‘It’s Disrespectful Outside’ we get to experience a new side of Ramian. Assertive and standing on business assuring himself of his self-worth. He sits back on the harmonies and takes a hardcore delivery route as he chokes with pride. But not too hard to be confused with a rap song. We all need validation, it's part of the human consciousness and with this comes the need to have someone by your side but is it worth taking the disrespect? Well you know the answer. ‘Don’t Wait For Me(Unlearn)’ ends the album with Ramian coming to terms with reality as he sings “..I don’t need saving, I will be alright..” Letting go of his angel dust he gives a candid confession “..people say the wrong things, never know the story, trying to find the feeling..don’t wait for me..get back to your shit..” We can clearly see the boy grew up from his one sided tormented love and is ready for the next season.
“It’s Disrespectful Outside,” encapsulates all the feelings we experience in love. From situationships to relationships this album hits the core. Despite leaving lingering feelings we need to let go when necessary. Ramian might not have his dream muse or love but all over the album he proves he is a songwriter who is here to take over.
Stream “It’s Disrespectful Outside”
