Anderson .Paak talks into the sound of Motown legend Smokey Robinson for his latest single, “Make It Better,” the follow-up to his recent offering, “King James.” On the sultry track, produced by Alchemist and Fredwreck, the West Coast crooner delivers intoxicating vocals about work required to maintain a relationship. The song is supported by the Andy Hines-directed music video, which brings Anderson’s thoughts to life.
“Make It Better” by Anderson .Paak featuring Smokey Robinson is a soulful collaboration that blends Anderson .Paak’s modern R&B style with Smokey Robinson’s timeless vocals. Released as a single from Anderson .Paak’s album “Ventura,” the song merges nostalgic melodies with heartfelt lyrics about love and reconciliation.
The track opens with a smooth and melodic instrumentation that immediately sets a nostalgic and romantic tone. Anderson .Paak’s soulful voice intertwines effortlessly with Smokey Robinson’s legendary vocals, creating a rich and harmonious duet. Their voices complement each other beautifully, conveying the emotional depth of the song’s narrative.
Lyrically, “Make It Better” explores themes of relationship struggles and the desire to mend and strengthen love. The lyrics reflect on the challenges and compromises inherent in maintaining a deep connection, emphasizing the importance of patience and understanding.
The production of “Make It Better” features lush arrangements of strings, horns, and subtle percussion, creating a lush and soulful backdrop for the vocal performances. The song’s smooth groove and heartfelt lyrics make it a standout in contemporary R&B, resonating with listeners who appreciate soul-stirring melodies and genuine storytelling.
Speaking to Zane Lowe on Beats 1, .Paak opened up about co-writing the song with Smokey Robinson. “He still got it. He came through. He said, ‘You gotta make it nice, baby. You gotta say something sweet to her, baby. If you want her to fall in love, you gotta make love to her with your words, man,’” he said. “My original was like, ‘It’s easier to run away than to eat what’s on your fucking plate,’ and he was like, ‘No baby. What in the hell? No, no.’ And then he came back. He said, ‘Burn me a disc, one with the instrumental, one with the lyrics. Ima come back. Ima have it ready for you.’ Came back, ‘It’s easier to run away than to look at what would make you stay.’”
‘Make It Better’ will appear on Anderson’s forthcoming album, Ventura, slated to arrive on April 12. The follow-up to last November’s ‘Oxnard’ was executive produced by Dr. Dre and features André 3000, Jazmine Sullivan, Brandy, Nate Dogg, and Lalah Hathaway.
In support of the album, Anderson will kick off his “Best Teef in the Game Tour” on May 17 with Thundercat, Earl Sweatshirt, Noname, Mac DeMarco, and Jessie Reyez on select dates.
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