Ari Lennox has released a new track titled “Soft Girl Era.” At first glance, the cover art led me to expect something in the realm of Ariana Grande—a light, bubbly pop sound. While the track does have fun, airy vocals, it also carries a deep, gritty melodic foundation that caught me off guard in the best way. The production is warm and layered, featuring cowbells, trap claps, heavy bass, and a subtle funk influence that shines through in both the vocals and instrumentation. There are even some unexpected details, like a choir adding richness to the sound—and if you listen closely around 1:50, you can even hear a cat meowing in the background.

I think this song is really cool. I started by talking about my expectations, and now I have to admit—I didn’t get what I expected at all. Instead, I got something much cooler, much groovier, and surprisingly emotional. The vocals are the first thing that stand out, but the bass and claps are what linger. I can’t say for certain whether the bass was played live or created with software, but it feels organic—probably played by hand, because it just feels that good.

Aesthetically and artistically, if this track defines Ari Lennox’s “soft girl era,” I want to hear more. The style I initially expected from the title feels a bit overdone, so I was pleasantly surprised by the fresh and unexpected direction she took instead. The harmonized vocals in the chorus are especially beautiful, adding even more depth to her already stunning voice.

Anything else? This track is just cool. It delivers a sound you’ve probably never heard before, something Ari Lennox excels at.

If you’re up for a discovery journey, give “Soft Girl Era” a spin—you won’t regret it!

Author: Peter Källman

Peter Källman is a writer from Sweden who loves playing in bands, writing reviews and going to live shows!