Tafari Anthony - No Good
Cards on the table here, I do have some minimal connection to Tafari Anthony through a dear friend of mine in Toronto but this connection is quite minuscule. That being said, I thought it important to make it apparent.
Personal connectivity aside, I must say that Anthony’s recent release, ‘No Good’ creates a deeper connection than any I may already have with him. While this track has a focus on certain relationships simply not working and not being good for the involved parties, there is, found within, a gripping reality that really hits home and drives this listener to cling to each and every sultry word that issues from Anthony’s mouth.
There is something all too familiar in Anthony’s musical scenario: an obsessive partner pouring through texts, looking for a reason to cause trouble; an intentional and stress-driven relationship through fear that just is not healthy for anyone. A very relatable song, indeed, for both sides of this coin.
To the construct of the song, I must say, as I always do, that I am not a particular fan of autotune. but limited to the intro and vocal backing throughout, I have to admit that it does fit this song. And even if it did not, it would hardly matter given just how beautifully the track is sung. Tafari Anthony has a voice that spans a vast range and he makes stellar use of it in this track. Anyone who thinks that he is ‘No Good’ can simply make like a record and spin.
Just touching on the beat of the track for a moment, while this is certainly a balladic piece, there is still a solid foundation through which I think many people could perhaps find themselves falling into one of the above relationship scenarios. I only say this because this track could definitely be used at the club and it is always open season in such places…though I guess given the current times, the club scene will have to be relegated to individual homes with ten people or fewer to enjoy the bump and grind.
Either way, whether groovin’ on the dance floor or laying at home in tears, this heavy hitter by Toronto’s own Tafari Anthony is certainly beyond ‘No Good’. It is a masterful must for those who dig solid beats and staggering R&B vocals. Make sure to check back in for our review of Anthony’s upcoming EP ‘The Way You See Me’ due to drop later this year!
