Solita (Kali Uchis song)

"Solita" is a song by Colombian-American singer Kali Uchis. It was released on December 4, 2019, through Virgin EMI Records and Interscope Records.[1][2] Originally meant to serve as the lead single for Uchis’ upcoming second studio album, the track would later be demoted to a stand-alone single.

"Solita"
Single by Kali Uchis
Language
  • English
  • Spanish
ReleasedDecember 4, 2019 (2019-12-04)
Recorded2018
Length2:58
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Kali Uchis singles chronology
"Time"
(2019)		 "Solita"
(2019)		 "Aquí Yo Mando"
(2020)
Music video
"Solita" on YouTube

Composition
I’d rather dance alone than with the devil. This song is about healing, freedom and embracing the mixed emotions that come with that. I hope my fans feel sexy when they listen to it.

—Uchis on "Solita"[3]

"Solita" was written by Kali Uchis, Anthony Clemons, Jr., Marco Masis, Rupert Thomas Jr., and Jahaan Akil Sweet, with production being handled by the latter three alongside Austen Jux-Chandler.[1] It runs for 2 minutes and 58 seconds.[4] Described by Uchis as "sad, yet horny," the song was written in 2018 and is inspired by a breakup she experienced.[5] According to her, the song comments on the positive points of being alone, rather than the "toxic stuff" commonly associated with a single person.[6] The Fader's Jordan Darville described the track as a "Latin trap-influenced slow burn,"[2] and Pitchfork's Colin Lodewick noted a reggaeton beat.[7] Brazilian news portal R7.com labeled the track as a "modern R&B with Latin touches."[8] Mxdwmm's Ashwin Charey compared the song's production to that of 1980s synth-pop, while noting its influences from hip hop and format which follows a crescendo and diminuendo pattern.[9]

Writing for Clash, Robin Murray characterized "Solita" as an "ode to independence, to rejecting societal pressure to embrace a relationship"[10] and an "ultra-addictive pop riot",[11] whilst Peter Helman from Stereogum deemed that it "returns to [Uchis'] old theme of isolation."[12] Uchis' vocals on "Solita" are described by MTV News' Trey Alston as "stronger than it initially lets on, deepening into a swift and booming wind."[13] The song features Uchis singing in both English and Spanish.[14]

Music video

An accompanying music video for "Solita" premiered on December 18, 2019, and was directed by Amber Grace Johnson and filmed in Los Angeles.[15] Johnson hired frequent collaborator Object & Animal to produce the music video,[11] which presents Uchis in different characters and personalities, with Nia Groce from Hypebeast describing her looks as "outer-space themed [...] transforming into the likes of an exotic dancer and a goddess."[16] Clash's Murray wrote that the video is "a colourful, vivid return from a vital force."[11]

Synopsis

The video starts with Kali in a cocoon of glass in the middle of the desert.[17] She then performs with white pythons in the sand while short clips of Uchis featuring a futuristic mask in between scenes. Afterwards, she wears a red bodysuit while men appear to be worshiping around her. Later, she becomes surrounded by oiled-up men holding Zippo lighters while she smokes.[18] The video ends with the same men who were surrounding her close their lighters individually and leaving Uchis in darkness.

Personnel

Credits adapted from Tidal.[4]

  • Vocals: Kali Uchis
  • Songwriting: Anthony Clemons, Jr., Jahaan Akil Sweet, Kali Uchis, Tainy, Rupert Thomas, Jr.
  • Production: Austen Jux-Chandler, Jahaan Sweet, Sevn Thomas, Tainy
  • Engineering: Austen Jux-Chandler, Lauren D'Elia, Octavia Landix
  • Mastering: Colin Leonard
  • Vocal production: Austen Jux-Chandler, Lauren D'Elia
  • Mixing: Josh Gudwin
  • Mixing assistance: Elijah Mirritt-Hitch

Charts
Chart (2019) Peak
position
US Latin Pop Digital Song Sales (Billboard)[19] 9
gollark: Are you an antinatalist now?
gollark: I... may have some pictures stored in a backup somewhere?
gollark: It was quite fun and popular, but broke because of poor performance.
gollark: An old server with a kitchen sink pack.
gollark: Also on Switchcraft.

References
  1. "Solita - Single by Kali Uchis". Apple Music. Retrieved December 26, 2019.
  2. Darville, Jordan (December 4, 2019). "Kali Uchis shares new song "Solita"". The Fader. Retrieved December 26, 2019.
  3. Wass, Mike (December 18, 2019). "Kali Uchis Returns With Bilingual Banger "Solita"". Idolator. Retrieved December 26, 2019.
  4. "TIDAL". Retrieved December 26, 2019.
  5. Kali Uchis on "Solita" (Video). March 12, 2019.
  6. Kali Uchis Talks About the Inspiration Behind "Solita", Her New Album and more (Video). YouTube. December 5, 2019.
  7. Lodewick, Colin (December 4, 2019). ""Solita" by Kali Uchis Review". Pitchfork. Retrieved December 26, 2019.
  8. ""Solita" de Kali Uchis ganha clipe marcado pela sensualidade. Veja!". R7.com (in Portuguese). December 19, 2019. Retrieved December 26, 2019.
  9. Charey, Ashwin (4 December 2019). "Kali Uchis Releases New Bilingual Song "Solita" -". mxdwn Music. Retrieved 2 January 2020.
  10. Murray, Robin (December 5, 2019). "Kali Uchis Marks Her Return With 'Solita'". Clash. Retrieved December 26, 2019.
  11. Murray, Robin (December 19, 2019). "Kali Uchis Seizes Her LA Swag In 'Solita'". Clash. Retrieved December 26, 2019.
  12. Helman, Peter (December 4, 2019). "Kali Uchis – "Solita"". Stereogum. Retrieved December 26, 2019.
  13. Alston, Trey (December 4, 2019). "Kali Uchis Makes A Breakup Sound Sexy On 'Solita'". MTV News. Retrieved December 26, 2019.
  14. Minsker, Evan (December 4, 2019). "Kali Uchis Shares New Song "Solita": Listen". Pitchfork. Retrieved December 26, 2019.
  15. Kali Uchis - Solita (Official Video) (Music video). YouTube.
  16. Groce, Nia (19 December 2019). "Kali Uchis Shares Theatrical "Solita" Music Video". HYPEBEAST. Retrieved 2 January 2020.
  17. Batterbury, Maria. "Kali Uchis : Solita, her new video clip sensual unveiled". The Saxon. Retrieved 2 January 2020.
  18. "Kali Uchis hypnotizes in sensual video for "Solita"". lab.fm. Bandlab Technologies. 20 December 2019. Retrieved 2 January 2020.
  19. "Kali Uchis Chart History (Latin Pop Digital Song Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved December 26, 2019.
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