Two years since the release of his first full-length album, Vietnamese-American artist Keshi launched his highly anticipated sophomore album, “Requiem.” The singer-songwriter had been busy touring during this time, leaving fans waiting for new music. From mourning the loss of a close one to exploring the feelings of his interpersonal relationships, the 13-track discography descends into a new side of Keshi.
Requiem is defined as “a musical service or composition in honor of the dead.” In an interview with the Grammys, Keshi opened up about “Requiem” being dedicated to a friend and collaborator who passed away a couple years ago.
The title track reflects on dealing with grief. The lyrics, along with a slow piano progression, create a somber mood. With an emotional delivery, Keshi sings, “Oh, it’s not the same/I miss you everyday/Still some things I wish I told ya’/Can’t you stay?/Why’d you go away?”
A darker mood is produced by an eerie tone and falsetto in “Night” ultimately creating a gloomy feeling. The night represents a darkness that seems to be consuming. The lyrics, “Somebody wake me/So save me from the night,” portray a sense of wanting to break free from something inescapable.
The sixth track, “Dream” runs parallel to “Night.” In this ethereal-like song, Keshi softly sings about someone who is “a dream come true” —someone whom he would rather dream about than experience nightmares about. The song is paired with a music video.
Themes of love and sensual undertones glimmer throughout the album in songs like “Say” and “Soft Spot.” The song “Say” is a perfect nighttime song to cruise to with playful lyrics that illustrate a longing for someone.
“Soft Spot” elicits a hazy feeling of being in love. Keshi unexpectedly finds himself doing things he doesn’t normally do because he has a “soft spot” for someone special to him. “Don’t believe in love, but no one makes me feel like you do,” he gently sings.
Diving into Keshi’s relationship with his music career, “Amen” sheds light on how he has felt about his exponential rise to fame. In the minute-long intro song, he sings, “All of the glory/All of the weight of the world/On my shoulders crashing down on me/But I want more.”
In “Texas,” the combination of a guitar riff, harmonica and steady beat create a nostalgic yearning for home. The Texas-born artist sings about reminiscing on easier times when he was younger and feeling lost in the present. Keshi repeats, “Take me back to Texas,” at the beginning of each chorus, which strengthens the feeling of missing the place where he grew up.
A week after the album’s release, Keshi surprised fans with an additional track “Kiss Me Right,” a song he had only performed live on tour. The extra track ends the album on a more upbeat tone, with fast paced beats and flirtatious lyrics.
The melancholic atmosphere of “Requiem” perfectly showcases an honest look into Keshi’s life over the past couple of years. From beginning to end, each track dives into the complexities of dealing with grief, love and fame.
