#FMSpotlight: KÄRMA ‘Three’ (Listen)

Listen: KÄRMA – Three

KÄRMA, an R&B singer, songwriter, and audio engineer, revitalizes the music scene by utilizing a musical styling reminiscent of the early/mid-2000s. In like manner, KÄRMA takes a fresh approach when speaking about love and its many facets. At best, her tunes are relatable and appealing to the ears. 

KÄRMA’s 3-track effort, Three explores the ups and downs of love and intimate moments shared between two individuals. In hindsight, the Jersey City-based songstress wears her heart on her sleeve as she speaks about a waning relationship and one that’s blooming. Clocking in at nine minutes and nine seconds, Three is her fifth project to date. Vocally, the About Last Night crooner carries a mesmerizing, velvety, and soulful range that’s guaranteed to leave anyone swooned. 

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Her first song, “Clouded Eyez,” sees the artist speaking about a relationship that goes awry. At one point, it seemed like the partnership would last for a lifetime. Although they’re together, she begins to question if his feelings are still strong for her. 

“Things ain’t the same as they use to be/Ain’t no love when you look at me now/You force your hand like you’re loving me/I can tell you don’t want me around,” she delivers. 

As the song goes on, she reminisces on “them days when you loved me just right.” Shortly after, she declares that if the feeling is no longer mutual, he should leave. Before “Clouded Eyez” closes, she sympathizes with her lover, saying, “If you gotta go/Don’t hold it back/Do what you gotta do.” Sonically, the jam uses muffled arrangements, white noise, claps, atmospheric, piano keys, and congo drums. Once the build-up commences, kick-snares and piano keys come in. 

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The second song, “Break Off,” details a failing relationship. Because of this, her outlook on love has changed.

“I never want to give myself away/No I know better/Be misguided, forgive myself, I won’t/They always gotta do the most,” she sings. 

Elsewhere, KÄRMA raps about his deceiving ways, spitting, “Say Karma I be down for you/But you a lie/Big boss, big boss baby, you ain’t got no spine and you ain’t cracking mine,” along with “It hit the fan/Don’t need a friend now/You for pretend/Don’t force a hand now/You know I overstand.” 

Nearly two minutes in, “Break Off” adds in some spacey arrangements, and she states that she’s moving on for the better. Overall, “Break Off” is an intimate R&B offering that pairs jazz elements with falsetto-like back vocals. 

Lastly, “Creep 2018” speaks about a requited chemistry between her and another man. Because of this, the two would like to make love to each other. “You been saying how you wanted me/This could be a good quality,” she sings. Though she’s committed to another, he isn’t doing his part. 

Ultimately, the goal at hand is to please one another. She expresses,

“I can feel it when you’re deep inside/I gotta know if you’re down to ride/So pick me up around 8 or 9/You know that Ima need all my time.” 

Beat-wise, “Creep 2018” is a bedroom R&B offering that uses a dark piano loop, spacey arrangements, and an electro synth. 

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Listen to Three by KÄRMA below:

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