“Love Me or Let Me Be,” the new single from Chicago trio The Shades, leaps between breezy pop charm and edgy, harmony-filled wit. The single layers roots of R&B under a floating falsetto chorus and ever-building groove. “Love Me or Let Me Be” recognizes the game of love and chooses to play along, unafraid to lay the cards on the table and call any bluff. The single is off of their upcoming EP, DRAW, due out Oct. 25.
Listen to “Love Me or Let Me Be” on Spotify and SoundCloud
”Love Me or Let Me Be” grows from buoyant pop anthem to full-on R&B breakdown as the temptations of love weigh down on the choice to let memory live or leave forever. In its music and lyrics, “Love Me or Let Me Be” confronts the frustrations of a lingering romance in a witty and playful style. It commands energy and blends unlikely marriages of musical genre until its highest peak is reached. “Oohs” bounce and sway over an infectious groove, giving way for a snappy hip-hop breakdown which will have you clapping along.
DRAW, the upcoming EP from pop/rock trio The Shades, evokes multiple meanings woven seamlessly into the fabric of the record. Most apparent is the hand-drawn cover art – a collaboration with Chicago artist Shayne Taylor – which is both aesthetically enchanting and ripe with lyrical references which can be found on the album. DRAW also refers to a dead heat or stalemate, which calls out the duality of choices that underscore each song’s message. Throughout the record, the singers dare listeners to “Love Me or Let Me Be”, or “Stitch It Up & Pass It On”. No matter where the listener’s heart is guided in each song, DRAW is a clear indication that The Shades are carving out a path of their own.
