Shaznay Lewis proves that she is a transcendent talent…

Hey, peeps.

Wow. Holy. HELL. I’m already reacting and we haven’t even started yet. Let me tell you right now…you’re not ready. STRAP IN.

Today, we are diving into the completely ethereal blessing of an album that is Pages by Shaznay Lewis.

I had no idea who she was before listening to this album, and that’s on me. Thank GOD she found me in the form of this work because…wow, I am so much better off for it. What an honor to listen to such art. This needed to be in my life and she really did find me.

Listen to this album YESTERDAY.

We’re gonna run through it track by track because that’s what she deserves, okay?

Track 1: Missiles — What. An. Opener. Lewis really said, “I’m show-stopping. Here’s why.” The first few words that came to mind when this song graced my ears were orchestral, primal, ethereal, and funky. She creates this absolutely effortless, flawless amalgamation of genres; incorporating R&B, pop, hip-hop, classical, and pure organic sounds all into one song. This is the perfect introduction of what’s to come on this album. Lewis showcases her range vocally, rising to falsetto, then dropping down into her chest voice. And, judging from the lyrics, it’s evident that she knows what she’s about, even post-breakup. This is truly a queen’s entrance.

Track 2: Pick You Up (feat. Self Esteem) — This next track opens with what seems to be an audio message sent from Lewis herself to a close, best friend. She speaks very warmly and genuinely, advising this person that being hard on themselves doesn’t serve them at all on their journey of navigating through life. Lewis reminds this person, who clearly means a great deal to her, that they have her and their friendship to lean on despite all the darkness in the world, and that helping each other to see the brightness and beauty of life is worth focusing on. Honestly, the echo-ey production of this song makes me feel like I’m traveling through space, gaining perspective as I gaze down on the Earth floating beneath me.

Track 3: Kiss of Life — Ohhhhh, the beat changing going into the chorus of this track was effortless! This is just a pure funk classic. Like…what a great, groovy vibe this third song has. I want Lewis to represent the human race at a conference of the galaxies if we ever have one because…my GOD. She is so confident and unafraid to be vulnerable. When it comes to love, she is loving hard until she finds the real thing. Iconic role model sh*t right there.

Track 4: Good Mourning (feat. Shola Ama & General Levy) — YO. This one went craaaaazy. Although it’s about how relationships can be black and white, cut and dry, and simple, it felt like it should’ve been on a soundtrack for an action film, like a Marvel movie or Alita: Battle Angel. Lewis integrates these swelling strings with her beats and it’s insane; nuts in the best way. She doesn’t need to try hard. She’s just that impressive. My one gripe about this song is…I don’t think it needed the male artist on it.

Track 5: Supposed to Be — Okay, this track is probably my least favorite so far, but that doesn’t mean that it’s bad! It reminded me of a K-Pop song in terms of its production (and I LOVE K-Pop, thank you very much!!), but one that would’ve been used in a Disney or Pixar movie. Ya know…like, a song that’s been oversaturated by American culture and media? One of those pop songs “calculated” to be a big hit because it has the right “formula.” Had a great message though; again, Lewis REALLY knows what she is all about. At least it relies on the layering of harmonies of all of her gorgeous vocals.

Track 6: Got to Let Go — Oh my gosh. The chorus of this track! Lewis is truly a master of all genres and she is showcasing it!! She begins this one with a mantra sung acapella – “We’ll be fine…” – before launching into this beat, reflecting on a warm, amazing bond she shared with someone that she will always have love for but has to move on from. She treasures the past but must look forward to her own future, and she sounds so strong despite the message being so heart-wrenching. Definitely bittersweet, for sure.

Track 7: Tears to the Floor — Ohhh my GOD! This is my favorite!! Okay, sooo – I’ll be struttin’ to this one. DAMN, I am in loveee. As a dancer, this one made me move. Like, holy F*CK. Tears to the Floor introduces an electronic aspect to Lewis’ universe while she looks pain straight in the face and dances right through it. Her therapy is dance. Also, this needs to be on the Arcane soundtrack. Like, someone get League of Legends on the line because…hello?

Track 8: Bruises — There is teaaa on this track, and she is calling this person out for it. Love it. This person did her dirty but she’s airing it all out. Good for her. Seriously, because the lyrics in this song talk about some jaw-dropping cruelty. Screw that. It’s clear that what they shared wasn’t love, but a game to this other person. In terms of production, Bruises has this electronic beat that just exudes an aura of this futuristic power.

Track 9: Peaches — Shaznay Lewis is Mother Nature, and her song Peaches confirms it. It sounds like we start out in a forest, or a jungle maybe, and then a piano comes in and she just starts preaching pure truths. And, again, my jaw dropped to the ground when the beat came in. I had to look up the lyrics to this one and actually read through them because of their depth, but I think she’s talking about the purity of the ground and soil, and how it holds secrets of generations past that we’ll never know. But Earth, who has been present from the start, has seen it all. Also, I just love how intensely she utilizes the string section of her orchestra.

Track 10: Awake (Motu) — Okay, so…this song is my least favorite track in terms of instrumental production. It has an incredible message, though, and is very, VERY timely. Lewis calls us to action, sharing that hope and love will prevail against the hatred that exists in the world. But we have to change our old ways in order to fight for the freedom of all people, because how are we able to go on living our lives knowing all aren’t free? Lewis says, “Do better. Be better.”

Track 11: Miracle — Girlll, it is just banger after banger with Ms. Lewis. Damn, I wasn’t ready for this beat!! Miracle made me feel like Lewis is ready and she is rising. Long may she reign. This is another call to action, but she still differentiates herself from the song immediately prior; another testament to her talent. This track is dripping with the aura of an amazing, incredible, badass of a woman who is ready to stand up for the good in the world, lead the revolution, and motivate us all to keep pushing because the work never ends. Keep growing.

Track 12: Hearts in Danger — Lewis is nothing but true to herself, and Hearts in Danger is further evidence of that. This one was a little spicy, and made me feel like she was referencing the high before the fall (into love). And she is gonna fall hard. She’s excited because, as we know, she loves love, but she also knows that it’s gonna be messy and it might even hurt. But she’s here for the ride because she thinks it’s worth it. Lewis isn’t sure where this situationship is gonna go, and the uncertainty of that is scary and painful, but she is still taking her chances by the reins. Feeling emotions is always worth it.

Track 13: Never Ever (Reimagined) — This track, our first of two bonus tracks, is a revamped and revived version of the song by the same title that originated from the British-Canadian band, All Saints. Lewis got her start in the girl group, and this song definitely feels like an homage to that. I’m glad it seems that she looks back on her time in the group fondly. In the same vein as many other tracks on her album, this song references a relationship that wasn’t what she thought it was going to be, and even though that’s tragic, she recognizes now that there is peace in walking away from something she’s realized isn’t good anymore.

Track 14: Pure Shores (Reimagined) — Lastly, we come to the final track of this album, and another tribute to All Saints, at that. What a wonderful conclusion to an astonishing journey Lewis took us on. Pure Shores (Reimagined) is a bit of a slow-burn, but still so satisfying; a very full circle moment.

Shaznay Lewis stuns and exceeds expectations. Do yourself a favor and give this album a listen. You won’t regret it. And give her her tens. 

Thank you, Shaznay. You are transcendent.

Rating: 5 out of 5