The pain of having a crush, something that most of us are familiar with, gets a fizzing rendition in NYC based singer-songwriter Yaniza’s first 2021 single “i love you”.
Listening to this song is like stepping into a candyland set. It’s sweet and pure, an intoxicating fantasy-land where Yaniza displays her Cupid’s bow wound for the world to see. Layered with snaps, synths, chimes and poppy drum beats, Yaniza’s cheerful ukulele carries us through her dream-scape. Her soft vocals and harmonies melt into each other beautifully, and with effortless skill.
I’ve been trying to keep all these thoughts inside my head
but when I go out and grab drinks with my friends
I can’t help it, I gotta tell them
You’ve been nothing but nice to me since we first met
had me crushing on you even way back then
I felt it.
It’s like I’m melting.
Yaniza’s catchy ukulele tune and shimmery effects takes me right back to 2010’s era internet, and I’m not that mad about it. I think the decision to go as sugary as she did, while at times a bit overpowering, ultimately works well with what she’s communicating. The feelings she’s writing about sound naive, but they are universal, and this is a reminder of that. Crushes are a nearly inescapable part of life, and not reserved for middle school as embarrassing and frustrating as they may feel in the moment.
Are you thinking about me?
Talking about me?
Or are you happy living without me?
Either way, I gotta say I’ve fallen.
Despite not knowing if her feelings are reciprocated, the intensity of the crush pervades. Sometimes the la-la land of infatuation is safer than knowing the truth, so Yaniza takes us to that bubbly, restless place and allows herself to daydream.
After an exuberant verse of Yaniza singing: “I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you!” the chimes and sparkles fall away and we are hit with the final lines,
And you know, I wish you loved me
I wish you loved me
I’ll admire from afar
try to settle down my heart for now
Ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ow
“Ow” is right. Rejection is never fun, but sometimes the fantasy bubble has to break. “i love you,” portrays the power of crushes, and how easily hopes can be shattered.
Yaniza creates a place to let your heart wander, before reminding us of the not-always-so-sweet reality of life.
