Shantel May - Don’t Let Them See You Cry (EP)
Toronto's own Shantel May's debut is here & it's a poignant one, embracing that warrior spirit that's clearly coursing throughout her veins. She's here to break down any walls that may stand in her way; personally, we don't get, or at least I don't hear that much good R&B these days, but clearly, it's cause I'm not looking in the right places & if you're like me then look no further than "Don't Let Them See You Cry." This record makes vulnerability feel like strength; she's not afraid to show her love for this other person. She places "No Ratings" on her lover; it's an elegant opening to the display of her glass heart inside a clean vitrine for all to view.
Although she hoped for more than just a friendship, "It's Better This Way," she's trying to protect him from getting hurt; they wanted to make it work, but it simply couldn't & she's hoping the feeling is mutual if not at least, come to an understanding. She's standing firmly on her decision & knows to expect him to do the same, always beautiful when we can just be mature about things. We don't see that often; she promises to still be there for him though, he still holds a special place in her heart & until she says so, you're not coming back in for another chance; Westside Gunn respects this boundary & makes some requests himself.
She "Don't Wanna Pretend" the love is real if it isn't if there are feelings involved, how can we keep them from clashing?" She asks questions that deserve an answer yet, none of us can answer them. They say if you love something, you have to let it go & if it comes back, then it was always yours; this one made me cry cause I've personally been dealing with what she's speaking about; glad there's an artist out there, to sum up, a piece of my life through her own experiences musically. She's not "Waiting" to be "Yours," is she or is she not? She's through with the "Back N Forth," let's stop playing these games and fight for something real. I'd say she accomplished that here on her powerful debut; this first impression shall be everlasting even if the magic refuses to be.