Sunday by Kwaku Asante

I sometimes listen to new music because the album cover caught my attention. That's how I stumbled upon Kwaku Asante and his riveting love song, "Sunday." Now I must share it with you.

Transcript

Love Lines from ‘Sunday’ by Kwaku Asante

I’ll sometimes listen to an artist I’ve never heard of based on their album cover. You can tell a lot about one’s music from the accompanying artwork. If the cover conveys a futuristic feel, there’s a solid chance the songs are and experimental, possibly electronic. If Whitney Houston is perched atop a motorcycle, the album is sure to be a bit sassy. When we saw Beyoncé in a contemplative head bowed pose on the cover of Lemonade, we knew we were in for at least a sip of tea.

I could go on. I will go on, for just a few seconds. Often, when the artist displays an expressionless headshot on their cover, the music is vulnerable and open. They’re naked. This is the case with all four of Adele’s albums and two of Sam Smith’s last three. Go look at the covers and then listen to the music. 

Look at the cover of Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814 and the Janet album. Wouldn’t you say each fits its content?

For many music makers, albums are thematic. Those committed to artistry create a cohesive package including specific color schemes and accompanying tour wardrobe. Songs follow a connecting thread or similar sound, and artwork aims to reflect the vibe. So, I sometimes listen to new, unknown artists because their cover catches my attention. It tells me I might like what I hear. 

This is how I stumbled upon Kwaku Asante. My man looks shoulder deep in thought on the cover of his honeycomb EP. Or he looks stressed, distraught, maybe tired depending on the mood lens through which you’re viewing things when you see it. 

Regardless of which exact way it hits you, the black and white honeycomb cover featuring Kwaku with his eyes closed, resting his head against arms folded atop a table displays a heaviness. It communicates substance. I saw the image and thought, oh he’s going in with this one.

{Insert Cover} 

Listening to honeycomb confirmed my suspicions. The songs are measured and emotive. Kwaku’s rugged baritone voice oozes with unhurried passion. Lyrics are intimate and nuanced. This EP delivers the kind of music that digs a tunnel into your soul.

The combination of depth and patience is apparent on every song but was especially evident for me with “Sunday.” On this track Kwaku muses about spending the day worshipping his partner. He braids her hair while rain drops fall in poetic rhythm. There is flirting, sharing of secrets and other ritualistic undertakings. 

When we envision ourselves being loved by someone, I think we all imagine some version of what Kwaku details on “Sunday.” I adore every line of the song, but my favorite lyrics are:

No place I’d rather be,
With lucid contingency.

Broke my heart at a cost and
You fixed it for free.

This might explain why he reveres her so—why Sundays are reserved for his catering to her. She gave him back something he’d lost and Kwaku holds deep gratitude for the effort. Or perhaps it’s only an acknowledgment. One item on an endless list of reasons they are standing on sacred ground.

https://youtu.be/59BNcdq7BEo