Mika Elizabeth - Reality Check
Rock, Pop
Illinois, U.S.
Overall Impression: Superbly performed and written with a great degree of conviction, Mika Elizabeth's "Reality Check" is a thematically poignant alternative pop-rock track that manages to delicately craft a profound narrative through its gracefully emotive vocal performance and rich instrumental arrangement. Mika's voice carries a poignant emotional resonance, the delicate nuances of her delivery enhancing the song's introspective depth profoundly. This vocal performance, marked by its understated demeanor, allows the listener to connect intimately with the lyrical content in a way that is not only deeply engaging but undeniably relatable. The emotionally charged vocal performance, along with the sophisticated blend of instrumental elements, makes this song a powerful reflection on the human condition and the ongoing battle to stay true to oneself.
Strongest Point(s): The arrangement of "Reality Check" is very well-detailed and bears a great deal of both dynamic awareness and timbral variety to create a free-flowing and multi-layered listening experience that draws you in from the get-go. The instrumentation, both well-chosen and offering plenty in the way of distinct tonal characteristics provides a finely layered backdrop for Mika's beautiful free-flowing vocals to glide over. Between the ambient synth pads and their enveloping sense of atmosphere, the grit-infused momentum-creating palm-muted rhythm guitar, the delicate lead melodies, ethereal vocal harmonies, soulful organ elements, driving percussion, and unexpected harpsichord flourishes, an irrefutably immersive soundscape has been created. The lyrics are also particularly strong and the themes they explore are certainly compelling. Reality Check" explores the struggles of maintaining a sense of self amidst external pressures and internal turmoil. The recurring lines "Every day, waking up / Making it so hard to believe" echo a daily battle with disillusionment and the difficulty of facing reality. The verses delve into the feeling of being lost in a world of make-believe, captured by the lines "All my life, I've been playing make-believe / Stuck in a daze / Living in a fantasy". Lyrically, "Reality Check" explores the struggles of maintaining a sense of self amidst external pressures and internal turmoil. The recurring lines "Every day, waking up / Making it so hard to believe" echo a daily battle with disillusionment and the difficulty of facing reality. The verses delve into the feeling of being lost in a world of make-believe, captured by the lines "All my life, I've been playing make-believe / Stuck in a daze / Living in a fantasy". Of course, with lyrics like these, an equally spellbinding vocal performance is needed and Mika most definitely delivers. Her soulful approach and understated vocal presence are the heart of the track and she navigates the arrangement with a great deal of both finesse and grace. Thankfully, all these well-handled elements have been both captured and represented in a solid mix that boasts great clarity and technical nuance. Every distinct element has been allowed the opportunity to shine, resulting in a well-rounded and engaging production that ensures both the music and performances can come across most effectively.
Target Audience Appeal: Alternative pop-rock lovers are sure to find "Reality Check" to be an engaging listening experience.
Artist target suggestions: Adele, Billie Eilish, Stevie Knicks, Paramore, Maroon 5, Rihanna, P!NK, Nelly Furtado, Florence & The Machine, Gwen Stefani, Haim
Interested in having your Song Reviewed by our Professional Staff? Head to your RadioAirplay.com dash and click Song Reviews under the Special Offers menu!
About the Reviewer:
Andre is a freelance session guitarist, composer, and sound engineer based in the U.K. Having studied music production and composition at a degree level, he has taken his passion for all things audio-related to a level that has allowed him to become both a competent musician and performer. Being a self-confessed "Guitar Nerd" Andre has been continually studying the guitar as well as teaching it, helping students learn the instrument, develop their songwriting, and become proficient in home recording.