Set in Reykjavík, Iceland, Silja Rós has gained recognition in the music industry for her engaging melodies and beautiful voice. She was raised in her own country’s dreamy surroundings, which frequently served as inspiration for the songs’ rich emotional content and exquisite lyrics. Silja got started in music at a young age. She experimented with many other musical styles since she loved harmonies and complex jazz chords, but she finally discovered her own voice in a pop and R&B blend. Silja has created a sound that is both avant-garde and intensely personal, drawing influence from musicians like Frank Ocean, Yebba, Olivia Dean, and Jacob Collier.
She stands out as a distinctive voice in the Icelandic music scene thanks to her ability to blend complex harmonies with deep melodies. In 2023, Silja Rós’ genius was recognized nationally when the Bylgjan Listening Awards selected her as Iceland’s next rising talent. Her reputation as a leading player in Icelandic music today has been cemented by her tracks’ continuous ascent up the country’s national radio charts, especially those featuring Rás 2 and Bylgjan. With a release date of 2024, Silja is now recording her third album, which should further highlight her developing artistic and lyrical abilities.
The new song by Silja Rós, “…real love,” which was released on June 7th, 2024, demonstrates how talented and compelling she is as a storyteller and artist. This carefree summer day, full of nostalgia and joy from past adventures, is well captured in this easy-listening, funky R&B pop song. The song, which draws inspiration from Silja’s personal experiences living in Los Angeles, takes listeners to a bygone era in which friendships are treasured beneath the bright sun and dreams are embraced with zeal. “…real love” invites listeners to rediscover the enduring magic of being young, wild, and free with its easygoing rhythm and stirring lyrics.
I was instantly mesmerized by the captivating melody and deep, soulful undertones of Silja Rós’s new single, “…real love,” as soon as I hit play. This song sticks out among the plethora of pop and R&B tunes due to its distinctive genre fusion and intensely personal story. I knew right away that this song was unique and that it was written with sincerity and emotion.
The song’s beginning beat drew me in because it had a clear, constant drum beat that set the tone for the rest of the song. This beat provided an unstoppable groove to the song, making it feel both old and new at the same time. The piano added a sense of sophistication and elegance with its velvety tones that blended wonderfully over the beat. The track then became more subdued as the bass added a driving, evolving undercurrent that gave the entire piece a strong, grounded vibe.
In “…real love,” Silja Rós’s voice is undeniably the highlight of the show. Her delicate, light vocals had a heavenly tone that drew me in right away. She conveys the sense that this song originates from a very intimate place with such grace and sincerity in the delivery of each word. The song’s lyrics, which are a reflection of her time spent in Los Angeles with friends, are endearing and nostalgic. Her expressive singing brought the endless bright days, the carefree moments shared with friends, and the rooftop pool to life in vivid detail.
The way Silja’s vocals and the instrumentation interact is one of the song’s most remarkable features. This is a truly superb example of balance. A steady and enticing beat is provided by Kristófer Nökkvi’s drums and Baldur Kristjánsson’s bass, with the guitar and Rhodes, played by Magnus Dagsson, alternating softly. Each instrument blends well with the others to provide a cohesive soundscape that has a grounded yet expansive quality.
The arrangement’s subtle tweaks and transitions throughout the song kept me interested. In times of contemplative serenity, Silja’s voice floats softly above the instruments, almost like a whisper. These are set against more dynamic portions that create a lush and engrossing listening experience through the addition of depth and texture through double-tracked harmonies and backup vocals. Every aspect of the song is enhanced by the flawless production by Stefán Örn Gunnlaugsson.
By the song’s conclusion, I was flooded with satisfaction and nostalgia. “…real love” is appreciating those memories and the feelings they arouse, not just thinking back on good occasions from the past. It helped me realize how vital it is to live in the now, to value life’s little pleasures, and how music can transport us back to those valuable times. A poignant ode to the spirit of friendship and youth, Silja Rós’s creation is as much a lovely listen as it is. Any summer playlist would benefit from including this song, which has the ideal balance of emotion, groove, and artistry that will stay with listeners long after the last note fades.
For more information about Silja Rós, click on the icons below.
