Aisha Badru - “Lazy River”
Photo: Jeffery Trapani
Aisha Badru’s “Lazy River” is a beautifully crafted song, both lyrically and musically. For me, it is an impressive introduction to Badru’s songwriting. The acoustic finger-picking pattern sets the tone for the dreamy, reflective, and melancholic song. It acts as a lovely counterpoint to the vocal melody. The acoustic sound is heightened by the use of an analogue tape-like delay/effect, creating a slightly warped feel. The reversed notes add an interesting layer to the music. The way the acoustic guitar has been mixed perfectly complements the lyrical content, which is about remembering someone once loved.
The vocal is a standout, with a breathy, quiet, and soft delivery that showcases a beautiful and airy range. The use of backing vocals is a nice touch and gives the song a wider soundscape. The lo-fi electric drum beat is very low in the mix and provides a steady, subdued pulse. The use of reverb is simply gorgeous and helps to enhance the mood and emotions of the song. When not listening to the lyrics, but just letting the melody wash over you, the song is almost ambient. “Lazy River” is a really well-crafted piece of music.
Badru adds: ““My music career has healed a huge part of me… I have had to face every single insecurity about myself pursuing this life path. I’ve had to face my fear of public speaking and performing, talking in front of a camera, of my own insecurities being exposed, doing photo shoots. That has been incredibly healing.”
Be sure to catch the official music video!