“Love Me Jeje” – Tems

Chéri’s Take:

This song pays tribute to the 1997 song “Love Me Jeje” by Seyi Sodimu. “Jeje” means gentle, and the lyrics reflect why Tems will always be on UTCT’s playlist! It’s a sweet outpouring of being present and vulnerable, sending that light and fully indulging in a connection of rich vibrations. It’s both a lighthearted and sincere feeling and just makes you groove and get out of your head. The idea of loving faithfully and unfailingly and being “on your wave right now” just tunes you into that frequency of flowing with real love.

Favorite Lyric:

“If not you, then I don’t wanna know, I don’t want no story Day and night, it’s unconditional, got me livin’ softly, yeah, yeah” This line brings me back to the feeling of being in that zone with someone. The idea of unconditional love having a way of softening you in the most beautiful way. It can be so hard to find that, and when you do, to stay in that space. The idea of completion – not seeking any story to experience with any other person – it’s because you’re connected and present. That’s a beautiful space to be in, and the song so tastefully and playfully cheers on that wonderful gentle love.

UTCT Reminder:

 A fellow songwriter friend and I were contemplating an idea about how anything discussing real love, especially in song, can always translate well to being directed to God. It was an interesting conversation, and when I look deeper into lyrics now, I can see that pattern. Tems will always be part of UTCT because of how her pure vibe and loving energy helps us all tune into the essence of what it means to be alive and love. UTCT, remember to surround yourself with influences that mirror your essence!

The Fear Is Not Real – Willow

Chéri’s Take:

This nostalgic sound brings the vibe back to the ’90s and ’00s era of alternative vibes that sound straight out of a poet’s journal. It outlines being real with yourself without being your own enemy. Sometimes, that truth involves feeling all of your feelings, which can be terrifying. To truly be yourself, you have to face that resistance because in the transparency of silence within your own mind, there’s no hiding your truth. Sometimes, we need solitude and not to “be had” in order to enter that inner space. In order to fully live, you may have to allow yourself to break to pieces and come back whole again. All this to know, the fear is an illusion and can be overcome by releasing yourself from the stress of claiming the battle. Own yourself so you don’t fight yourself.

Favorite Lyric:

“To be the child Before the mother” I adore these lyrics. I hear them as a nod to the amazing ability that children have to be open, pure, present, and unafraid. I love the specificity of “before the mother” – perhaps to share the message that before you act as an adult in your own life or even raise another person, allow yourself the space to go into that child-space (inner child and outward expression with the freedom of a child).

UTCT Reminder:

Be real with YOU. If nothing else, FIND YOUR YIELLE WITHIN! Sometimes, there isn’t space or time to talk things out with others. In that case, where can you find silence? Silence can be that field where your truth can grow from the dirt and reveal themselves, eventually blossoming. You can’t witness yourself if you never go there, never create that space for yourself. Sometimes, this is all we can do in the face of fear. Even if your silent haven is prayer to God – did you know that you might have to be willing to face and address all the things you want to bring to God in order for you to actually enter a transparent and intimate space? Otherwise, we may be disguising and hiding ourselves, not that we can’t see what’s there anyway, but we’re creating a blockage and disconnection. So, don’t make the fear real or claim the battle. Be in your truth.

“Making A Choice” – R.L.U.M.R.

Chéri’s Take:

This song beautifully unpacks the experience of inner demons keeping you up at night and taking the steps to overcome it through choosing to be your own strength and leaning on a village of chosen family that see, value, and love you where you are. Confessions pull at the heart, making us feel exposed if we’ve ever taken melatonin to try to hush the negative voices, stayed on the phone with someone through the night because that’s better than being left alone to drown, or been worried about disappointing or pissing off the people in our lives. The harsh words of the negative voice, performed as poetic rap intros to each verse, sound like a cruel bully there to drain your soul in the darkness. The valleys of these verses create an honest contrast to the gentle peaks of the choruses that affirm the message “I will be my strength, I’m making a choice” – solidifying that the inner bully is the weakness and can be left unchosen.

Favorite Lyric:

“The only way I’ll know is seeing this shit through to the end, And being sure to build a family from friends, I’m making a choice” This brings a full sense of meaning to the song by giving us the map on how to find your WHY and what to do after you make that choice. It solidifies the power of making a decision where many times, we feel that we’re just going through these mental and emotional challenges with no control or autonomy. While that’s a very real feeling, the light at the end of the tunnel is the willingness to see what actually happens and build that family of people that you are safe to grow and heal with.

UTCT Reminder:

Don’t give up. Whatever you’re going through, whatever keeps you up at night in fear and shame, please know that you have choices to make every day. There are so many possibilities, and we are here to provide support and offerings. Consider – what decision can you make today, tonight, or tomorrow, that serves as a small step for your own strength?

“Home” – Willow ft jon  batiste

Chéri’s Take:

The song champions being present and going with the FLOW of life! The predominantly instrumental song utilizes the voice as a fully expressive instrument transcending the words to speak the language of storytelling from a sonic perspective. The cinematic expression feels free and open, affirming the message of the lyrics. There is a sense of perseverance, committing to the same vocal motifs and lyrics, even as the music’s dynamics change and shift, rising and falling. This reflects the beauty of holding on to the trust that everything will be OK no matter where the journey of life takes you.

Favorite Lyric:

“I live my life in a river of grace, oh-oh, oh-oh I trust this river to carry me home” There are quite literally no other actual lyrics in the song. In that simplicity, it’s perfect. Sung differently both times, the word “grace” feels very intentional. Grace indicates forgiveness, permission, and space to be authentic and not be penalized for existing. The “river” paints a picture of strong forces carrying you through many channels where the scenery may be beautiful, but you may also feel afraid or out of control at times. The idea of trusting that journey to take you where you belong – where you came from and where you’re going – is a profound affirmation of power and surrender.

UTCT Reminder:

DID SOMEONE SAY “SURRENDER”? This is it. This is the whole vibe. This is no judgment of it, no grading or labeling of what this journey will be. It’s simply grace and trust, and sometimes that’s either all we need or all we can give, and frankly, that’s enough.