An anthem of contemporary soul

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A singer-songwriter from South-West London, Tawiah stunned this writer at her concert last year at The Albany – the highlight of which was her original song ‘Borders’. The studio version of the song has only recently been released, prior to the unveiling of Tawiah’s debut album this coming November.

Reminiscent of the uplifting midtempo crooners of Bill Withers, ‘Borders’ is a warming four minutes of alternative soul. The sentiment is very ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’ – that love is able to conquer whatever distance and obstacles one faces – but is wrapped up in a slow-burning arrangement with just bass and drums accompanying Tawiah to the first pre-chorus at which point the soundscape becomes fuller. The subject matter and melody could have allowed for a more overtly gospel arrangement, but, consistent with Tawiah’s minimalist oeuvre, she keeps affairs nuanced and reflective.

‘You need to understand it wasn’t my plan for the long distance,’ she sings at the pre-chorus, lamenting the ‘few and far between‘ moments spent with her lover. The bright and melodic chorus provides a jolt of optimism as Tawiah states her unwavering commitment: ‘I know there are so many others / But I’m crossing borders, waters / To see your face again.‘ She adopts a casual, part-spoken delivery in the verses. The song is, after all, a direct address to her lover. At the final stretch, she opens up her voice and riffs over the backing vocals.

With virtuoso backing vocalists LaSharVu cooing in the background (perhaps they could be louder?), the song builds towards the refrain of ‘gotta see your face again‘ which in just five words encapsulates the hope, longing, and love at the heart of ‘Borders’.

(Image copyright: First World Records)