Charlotte Day Wilson
“Selfish”
Stone Woman Music / XL Recordings
The Canadian singer Charlotte Day Wilson is back with new music – and it’s one of the most energetic tunes I’ve heard from her in a while.
I had grown accustomed to down-tempo songs of longing and love from Wilson, who has the perfect voice for this type of material. But on “Selfish,” she’s a whole new vibe.
It starts right from the jump with a driving, amen break inspired drum line that’s fitting for a sexy, sophisticated cocktail lounge during the golden hour before the sun goes down and things really kick off.
Her vocal is used like a sample that’s been chopped up and flipped throughout “Selfish,” creating these interesting vocal melodies from gasps and fragments of words. (You’ll probably hear a bit of inspiration from Suzanne Vega’s “Tom’s Diner.”) The vocal approach is no doubt influenced by another Canadian export Saya Gray, who collaborated on this track with Wilson.
“‘Selfish’ is one of those songs that came together effortlessly,” wrote Wilson. “About 3 hours all together, just pure collaborative ease between myself, Saya Gray, Ace G & Braden Sauder. Saya was sitting at the piano playing some chords and instantly I knew where the song was heading. It was one of those moments we dream of as songwriters where there are no questions, just answers.”
And it’s effortlessly some of the most exciting work from Wilson I’ve heard in a while. I’ve always loved her voice, but now I’m thrilled to see what this next chapter will bring with a more expansive sound and willingness to experiment in how her voice can be used.
