A Sermon of Soulful Sass and Sonic Swagger
If there’s one thing “Lotus” shouts from the rooftops (with the confidence of a cat who just landed on its feet), it’s this: Little Simz doesn’t owe us—or anyone—a damn thing. While 2021’s “Sometimes I Might Be Introvert” was the grand, cinematic confessional we didn’t know we needed, “Lotus” is the artist’s quiet flex, a record that knows you know exactly who’s in the booth—no disclaimers necessary.
Let’s be clear: “Lotus” is a low-key masterclass in turning vulnerability into power. “Free” is the pep talk your anxious heart has been waiting for, “Peace” is the gratitude journal you forgot you started, and “Blood” (ft. Wretch32 and Casshh) shows that family matters—even when the WhatsApp group is stone-cold silent.
The guest list here reads like a sonic dinner party where only the coolest kids got invites: Michael Kiwanuka, Sampha, Moses Sumney—each one showing up to pull at Simz’s psyche like it’s the last thread on their favorite hoodie.
But don’t let the calm fool you—Simz can still throw a sonic haymaker. Opener “Thief” channels Bond-theme bombast, strings and guitar lines so sharp they could slice through your Sunday scaries. “Flood” (ft. Obongjayar and Moonchild Sanelly) pulses like a tribal drum circle that’s had one too many espresso shots, while “Hollow” sees Simz spitting rhymes with the kind of righteous fury that could make Parliament itself quake.
This album’s emotional spine is laid bare on “Lonely,” where Simz carries her own weight like a champion boxer—no hype man required. And that’s where the magic lies: hope, confidence, and a sense of having earned the flowers she’s getting. “Lotus” (ft. Michael Kiwanuka and Yussef Dayes) is a victory lap that feels as deserved as it is triumphant. “Young” and “Enough” show that Simz isn’t afraid to clown around with her own ideas, proving she’s fully in the driver’s seat, foot on the gas.
And then, there’s the finale: “Blue” (ft. Sampha). Simz croons, “God said I’m the best for the job, I agree.”
“Lotus,” out now via AWAL.
Lyrics_Young
Who’s that creeping in my window? (who?)
I get a hot flash whenever the wind blows (swish)
Nothing to my name now and everybody knows (yeah)
When I’m in need of cash I go down to the bingo (bingo)
Last night asked Jenny for a quid (please)
This is the fifth time I’m used to taking the piss (I am)
A bottle of Rio and some chicken and chips
In my fuck me up pumps and my Winehouse quiff (we love you Amy)
Who’s that knocking at the front door? (It’s the mailman)
Bills bills please no more (no more)
I’m 20 something young with my priorities straight (yeah)
I need a buy booze and I need to buy a draw (I do)
This summer I’m going out every night (yeah)
Anyone can get it I ain’t scared of a fight (what you looking at?)
You can be down or be on the other side (true)
But this is my idea of the perfect life
Living out your wildest dreams yeah we’re just young and dumb
No responsibilities don’t care for anyone
Who’s that over there giving it the biggen? (who?)
Sorry officer I don’t wanna go to prison (sorry)
I know that I was taught but I probably didn’t listen (yeah)
But taught myself to fire when I needed ammunition (that’s right)
I taught myself to sing and I taught myself to shout (la la)
I taught myself how to get by and go without (easy)
I taught myself to make a proper English breakfast (hash browns)
Cos I’m a little teapot short and stout (I am)
I’m that girl all alone in the crowd (that’s me)
Cos all of yous are followers and do it for the clout (yeah yeah)
I can’t afford to be what everybody’s on
The only way I can afford is if you do a discount (give me a bargain)
Next summer I’ll probably be overseas
I speak a lot of French, oui oui oui
Mate you’re just a hater cos my future's bright
And this is my idea of the perfect life
Living out your wildest dreams yeah we’re just young and dumb
No responsibilities don’t care for anyone
Dance like there’s no one around yeah it’s just you and me
We don’t care for finer things cos love is all we need
Yeah
So don’t be looking at my face weird
I am somebody that they feared
I just wanna play my bass here
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