Shh! Kali is speaking!
Kali Uchis has been one of my top artists on Spotify for many years now, and this article will try to convince you to join me in doing so. You may know her from her most popular song “Telepatia” or the catchy Grammy winning collaboration with Kaytranada, “10%”. Her lush and sultry voice is ever so present in her third studio album, Red Moon in Venus. Universally loved within a week of its release RMIV has been a clear display of Kali’s vocal progression, versatility, and wisdom. Lovestruck or lovesick, your heart will be held carefully with Uchis’ newest masterpiece.
To preface my personal RMIV rankings, I’d like to list some of my favorite older songs of hers to justify why some of her newer works might appeal to me more than others. Listed from oldest to newest, these songs birthed my bias and picky taste…
Ridin’ Round
Tirano (ft. Fuego)
Miami (ft. BIA)
Tomorrow
Feel Like A Fool
10% (with Kaytranada)
la luz(Fin) (with Jhayco)
Drugs n’ Hella Melodies (ft. Don Toliver
Now let’s get into it! I present to you, my review and rankings of Red Moon in Venus!
#1. Fantasy (ft. Don Toliver)
Babe, if you don’t worship me, it just don’t work for me
My favorite song on the album. I’ve been anxiously waiting for a Kali x Don collab since their heavenly Drugs N Hella Melodies. They vocally complement each other so well, you can feel their chemistry through your headphones. Only downsides are that I wish it was longer and didn’t have such an abrupt ending, like c’mon Kali I was just getting into it!
#2. Endlessly
You, endlessly, consistently, that’s all I want
From the start, I am into it. Darkfunk, the producer, nails it with their incorporation of the drums and the pop-funk feel. In my opinion, Endlessly reminds me of Kali’s collaboration with Tyler the Creator and Bootsy Collins, After the Storm.
#3. I Wish you Roses
My love’s deep as the ocean, Don’t you drown on me
Emotion provoking if you ever parted ways with someone and only have good intentions. This is more slow paced but rightfully slow; it’s like a lullaby. Anti-cry song, kind of one that you listen to and just lull in your feelings and sentiments. It reminds me of SZA’s Good Days because it radiates such positivity while acknowledging where you’ve been hurt.
#4. Hasta Cuando
Whatever makes you feel better, Paint me as the villain if that makes you feel better, Make everyone hate me if that makes you feel better
Catchy, rhythmically complex, picks things back up after Como Te Quiero Yo. The lyrics are so real and relatable. If you’ve ever had people bothered by your presence and take you as a threat to their ego, this is a little middle finger to them and their desperation. Whatever makes them feel better!
#5. Moral Conscience
Surroundin’ yourself with praise, but the truth sets in on those nights alone
Karma is a b***h, she has your back! In Moral Conscience Kali is making peace with her past in a very “What Goes Around, Comes Around” way. Placing your trust in the universe can be difficult, but it’s easier after the reassurance Kali provides through this song. Love the outro as well.
#6. Blue
See, I’m praying God will send me an angel, Will the angels bring me back to you?
Similarly emotionally provoking to I Wish you Roses, Blue is a confession of such infatuation that makes you feel powerless when it’s gone. There’s so much vulnerability and depth to this song. Kali reminds us that making someone your world comes at a huge cost to your mental health if things don’t work out the way you want them to. If you miss someone that you love unconditionally, you have to give Blue a listen.
#7. Moonlight
There’s nowhere we won’t go
The MOODIEST song of the album, and I’m here for it. Classic Kali! Reminds me of Miami on Isolation, her second studio album.
#8. All Mine
Every time I see you smile, that’s all me
In All Mine, Kali establishes a territorial tone. Self confidence is infused into this song.
#9. Deserve Me (ft. Summer Walker)
You see the world through tired eyes, deep down you gotta know you’re wrong
Know you’re better off without them? “Deserve Me” is for you. Nuff said.
#10. Love Between…
Where would you like to spend eternity?
A true serenade, it’s slow, it’s moody, it’s groovy, it has a little bit of spunk. Top down, cruising, nothing but you and the sunset. Only wishing the song was longer, and put it a step below “piece of art” because it only fit’s a certain vibe.
#11. Como Te Quiero Yo
‘Cause we got issues, everyone does. Si no hay drama no hay amor
This song I would pair with “Love Between…” because pace-wise they’re very similar. If you’re listening to the album in order it fits in very well and feels like a purposeful interlude without being called one.
#12. Not Too Late (Interlude)
You won’t find me twice, and this I promise
This song has such a unique funk to it, and it’s like you’re doing affirmations. The Spanish rap catches you off guard but it ends up fitting in nicely.
#13. Worth the Wait (ft. Omar Apollo)
Quit telling me you wanna put a baby in me if your affection for me’s only skin-deep
Omar opens the song wonderfully, and Kali’s lyrics revolve around her knowing her worth. Very conversational, but I don’t think I would add this to my recent release playlist, it wouldn’t be something I’d listen to routinely.
#14. Happy Now
Promise you’ll take the stars out of the sky, Make them all align just for us
Not going to lie, I usually don’t like upbeat songs in this nature, so the beginning of this song discouraged me. Although it’s very sing-songy to me, I do love the lyrics and the second part of the song. Turned out to be a great conclusion to this album.
#15. in My Garden…
I just wanted to tell you, in case you forgot, I love you
Only ranked so low because it is the intro song. It’s short, it’s sweet, it primes listeners and puts them in the setting of Kali’s garden.
This list is absolutely subject to change and modification. It was hard to rank these because a lot of them were of equivalent enjoyment… looking back at my rankings, I think I would’ve had an easier time making a tier list. I’m hoping some songs grow on me and move up the list. Regardless, all are worth a listen, and I hope I have influenced you to give them a try. Kali Uchis, other than wise and humble with an incredible backstory, is a pop juggernaut. Truly devoted to her work and art, I hope she garners even more recognition. I don’t doubt she is full of more surprises and gifts, but in the meantime, I’ll be absolutely savoring Red Moon in Venus!