Award-winning Toronto singer/songwriter Tanika Charles is giving us more Reasons To Stay as she drops her long-awaited new album. The 11-track project had a 3 single lead, which gave fans a taste of what to expect. Blending a mix of modern contemporary soul/ R&B with jazz, hip-hop and a dash of pop (not the bubble gum flavour), Tanika Charles delivers a highly potent body of work brimming with captivating soundscapes, insightful songwriting and profound themes that range from love, loss, family matters, success and the never-ending search for life’s true purpose. To help bring the project to fruition, she enlists creative help from Scott McCannell (Lydia Persaud, Henry Nozuka), Kyla Charter (Aysanabee) and Chino de Villa (Jessie Reyez), a guest feature from Quebec-based singer/songwriter Clerel, with vocal support from Aphrose and Claire Davis while Monophonics’ frontman Kelly Finnigan handles the mixing and mastering.

The opening track, “Don’t Like You Anymore,” is an affirmation of self and the maturity to let certain things be for the sake of peace. Inspired by the strained relationship with her mother, she takes listeners through the tumultuous events that have rocked her since childhood and the painful process of having to create boundaries between someone she loves to maintain her inner peace. Bolstered by a bright, anthemic soundscape, Tanika Charles gives a powerful performance that evokes renewed strength and passion for life. This is followed by the retro-tinged funk-soul “Consistency,” which evokes the Motown era. This track explores the inner workings of true love between two individuals with a focus on the element of being consistent and forthcoming through it all to avoid any form of second-guessing.  “No More” is the perfect anthem for moving on after enduring a terrible relationship. Tanika Charles details the mental exhaustion that comes from being stuck in a cycle with a toxic partner. Armed with her expressive vocal tone, she calmly states her predicament and proceeds to remove herself before it’s too late. The next track, “How Long Will It Take,” is a heartfelt tale of stunted growth and misplaced priorities. The production has a laid-back and warm aesthetic that adds a solemn touch to the heartwrenching lyrics.

The project continues with the previously released single “Here When You’re Ready, ” a mid-tempo soul ballad with modern jazz elements comprising warm pads, lush piano arrangements and a steady groove underpinned by Tanika Charles’ commanding vocals. Here, she takes listeners on an emotional journey of redemption, clarity, sibling love and the cycle of conflict and resolutions. Inspired by the tumultuous relationship with her brother, Tanika Charles explores the struggles she faced being a mother figure while holding down the fort of a broken family. Far from throwing blame, she looks at the experience through different nuances, and in the end, she will always be there to reconnect because the love will always be there. This is followed by the title track “Reasons To Stay,” a solemn soul ballad that looks at a one-sided relationship and how the imbalance keeps tipping towards one end and unfortunately, the other party refuses to weigh in and make amends. Here, Tanika Charles gives it her all to no avail and all the reasons to stay fade away. Next is the interlude “The Lament,” a short skit that showcases her vocal range and rich melodic style. It’s brief, powerful and enthralling all at once. “Talk To Me Nice” is a smooth, soulful/R&B number that oozes nostalgia and warmth. Here, Tanika Charles delivers a soul-stirring performance ripe with seductive and alluring tones. The track is a heartfelt and unapologetic display of vulnerability, emotions and love for that special someone whose presence completes everything. The production is quite hypnotic, and the layered arrangement adds that extra punch into the mix.  The final track, “Win,” is an astoundingly brilliant duet featuring Clerel, and together they deliver the perfect aspirational anthem for everyone going through hard times.

Overall Reasons To Stay, is consistent, soulful and heartfelt in many ways. Tanika Charles’ vocals are always a delight, and her songwriting approach is unique, relatable and engaging from start to finish. Other notable tracks include the bass-driven “Don’t Let Go” and the happy-go-lucky “Having A Time”

Reasons To Stay is released via independent soul specialist label Record Kicks.

Stream on all DSPs here.

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