Summi has a way of reaching out and pulling at your heartstrings so effortlessly in his latest album. Wake Up And Smell the Roses is an eclectic mix of electro-pop, rhythmic blues and rap. Summi is clearly breaking boundaries with regard to his music, which makes it truly universal. The album is introspective in nature, you see it immediately when you hear Fallin.

Fallin

Fallin is the second song in the album and it is sure to have your shoulders groovin’. Before Fallin however there is also a Rise(Intro) a real tone setter. Fallin is where we get to with its synth-pop but also meticulously arranged beat structures that is sure to leave you a little in your head. This one though is not only introspective, it is confessional in nature. He speaks of this overwhelming sense of reality in this number but with a swagger that is infectious. 

Vices

Throughout the album, Summi reflects on our innate tendency to blame others for our problems. When in reality, we are often the root of most of our problems. There is a graph with the album’s soundscape. The first place we see a shift in vibes is in Vices, a collaboration with Daniel Gallardo. We hear the party pop vibes being amped up in this single. It still doesn’t take away from the introspection with an added aspect of self-consciousness as they speak of their vices, even if it means love itself as a vice. “I’ve been looking for something that would give me peace of mind.” 

Summi and the Nightmare

Nightmare is the second last single on the album. It honestly embodies a large portion of our generation. We are exposed to so much from a young age, all sorts of vices. It’s no wonder we can pendulum from “A generation that is capable of so much greatness” to “Crippiling anxiety.”. Films that encapsulates us as a generation in a frame is Bodies Bodies Bodies and Not Okay. These are comedic and satirical gems that have a killer (pun intended) sense of humour. Most songs from Wake Up and Smell The Roses would fit wonderfully within both the film’s playlists. Especially songs like Vices, Bad Ners, Ego and Nightmare. 

It’s so hard not to give each song its spotlight in this review. Each track has its own importance and texture that cannot be boxed into a single genre. The album is rich with collaborations, adding a mixture of experiences, feelings and moods to the mix. You cannot afford to miss out on this listening experience. You can find the link to Summi’s album and more attached below. Do yourself a favour and heart it.