Loyle Carner ft. Tom Misch - Angel

Loyle Carner

The south London hip-hop artist Loyle Carner has once again teamed up with his longtime friend and collaborator Tom Misch to produce 'Angel' for his latest album Not Waving, But Drowning. The music video, which is directed by Felix AAA, shows the two artists wandering around the small, idyllic town of Faro in Portugal on their bicycles. The two friends are seen hanging around and having a nice time with their mates. The video is shot in a cool, casual manner and has a candid look to it. 

Max Gottwald's photography is able to create a carefree and relaxed visual setting for the beautifully crafted song and its calm, laidback rhythm.  The look and feel of the video live up to the raw, earthy sound of Carner's raps and the simple story which the song is narrating. Like many other songs on the album, it is a love letter from Carner to his 'French vanilla butter pecan'. The lyrics are deeply poetic and personal. Produced by Tom Misch, the music track is heartfelt and elegant.  For 'Angel', Carner has created a beautiful summery melody set to old-school hip-hop beats. The soulful guitar phrases, a funky bassline, and the nu-jazz synth chords complete the soundscape that is really graceful. 

According to the music critic Amber Ruth-Anderson, the music of Not Waving, But Drowning 'is ego-free, old-school hip-hop at its finest; a little retro it might sound, but it’s still refreshing'.' Angel' is a true representative of this style. The lyricism of the song is unmistakably Loyle Carner's signature. Both the music and the visuals of the song can have a soothing effect on the viewer-listener. It is hard to remain untouched by the warmth and the refreshing energy captured in the audiovisual world of 'Angel'. This track is undoubtedly a unique hip-hop production that stands out in a genre largely dominated by strong masculine chords.
 

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