Single Review: 'MAD' by MAR1ASOL x Ginga Soul

By Morgan Martin

It’s said that passion leads to purpose, and MAR1ASOL would know the feeling well. With an EP and album under her belt, she is steadfast in searching for her authentic sound. Her work has always come straight from the heart and this new single is no different. It’s the dreamy melodies over catchy beats that have lifted her out of obscurity. 

MAR1ASOL is a hot young artist creeping into the mainstream R&B scene. She hails from Argentina, but her influences are familiar: Kehlani, H.E.R, Mila J and Toni Braxton can all be recognized in her works. Already four years into her career, the 23-year-old follows her first album with single, ‘MAD’.

MAR1ASOL credits her husband, who doubles as her musical collaborator, for inspiring the raw emotion of the track. Following the success of her last album, she dedicated herself to musical introspection, and it’s evident from her crooning intro that ‘MAD’ is 100% open authenticity.

"I feel so sad/ in this industry/ sometimes I can't find myself/ and go back home"

It’s a heartfelt revelation with a neo-soul sound. But it’s not all tears and rain clouds, MAR1ASOL has an issue with the entertainment industry’s commodification of personalities, and she’s not moping, she’s angry. 

I feel so mad/ don't wanna leave it/ I just wanna sing for me and nothing more

‘MAD’ is an artist’s conundrum, can art separate from money and bureaucracy? Does the pomp and circumstance of the industry tarnish art? Should someone have to alter their personality to become famous? Why isn’t sound enough? None of these questions are answered but all of the frustration is felt. MAR1ASOL isn’t trying to solve problems but she’s starting the conversation around them, saying in a Pit Stop Interview, “So I was like, what’s the point of trying to be ‘perfect’ if you feel alone and the importance of making music that makes me happy”. It’s an important conversation. 

This MAR1ASOL track is fresh nostalgia. With an old school vibe and a new voice, MAR1ASOL’s sultry alto pairs perfectly with the angelic accompaniment of Florida native, Ginga Soul. The collaboration has benefited MAR1ASOL as her sound matures and departs from past works, it seems Ginga Soul gave her the push she needed to grow.

Simple yet hypnotic, ‘MAD’ floats through your head long after it’s gone.

Listen here: YouTube—Apple—Music—Spotify

Morgan is a culture writer for La Tonique.