Sprung from the rich palette of R&B and soul, few singles match the caliber of depth and existential weight contained within Stephan Folkes's "Say It Like You Mean It (Longer Version)." This thought-provoking track dips into the openness and nuances of unrequited love, too, a familiar feeling shared by many, but one that is not often sung about in such a vulnerable way.
Stephan's singing brings an unmistakable influence with his killer blend of vocal power and tenderness, which puts a spotlight on the type of voice that makes you want to listen closely to the words. It is a song of a love forsaken or unrequited, reminding one to value their own time and energy, and lending gravitas to the message of self-worth, in both relationships and life. Hailing from Leytonstone, East London, his music never stays still. It is evident in his audacity to superimpose rock, funk, jazz, R&B, soul, pop, disco, trance, and even metal in his soundscape, a testament to pushing creative boundaries.
Realizing how this shapes his work, and combining it with further influences from every corner, where iconic legends like Prince, George Michael, Stevie Wonder, and the Bee Gees converge with modern inspirations such as Billie Eilish, certainly explains the compelling audio aesthetic behind Stephan. The end result is an innovative and relevant sound that sounds both new and old. "Say It Like You Mean It (Longer Version)" is a call to arms for the vulnerably outspoken, and a psychedelic torch-pass from Stephan. This song serves as an enticing entry point into the work of an artist who dares to defy both genre and convention.
Reviewed by LyricalOdyssey Music
on
August 12, 2025
Rating:
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