Estelle has shown us many facets of her musical talent throughout her 15-year career. From pop to R&B, hip-hop to grime, whatever the GRAMMY-winning artist puts out, it's pretty much guaranteed to be a dope listening experience. But her latest album, Lovers Rock, might offer the truest sense of who the artist really is. Steeped in Afro-Caribbean beats, rhythms and rhymes, the project reflects her Grenadian/Senegalese heritage and celebrates her parents' unconventional romance.
A musical love story like this is sure to have some slow wines for sexytimes (Estelle is one of nine children, after all), and "Lights Out" fits the bill. The singer expresses carnal longing but emotional openness as well, singing, "'Cause there ain't no question, my mind's always open for you / I wanna be the one you run to / Call it obsession, but my body's calling for you / I've fallen for you." Discussing the track, she says, "'Lights Out' is my favorite song off the Lovers Rock album as I feel it truly embodies what Lovers Rock is to me. The song came effortless to me and I love how it expresses the beauty in vulnerability and desire."
Like the album's previous visuals, "Lights Out" is helmed by Denzel Williams. The clip was shot in Australia, but don't expect to see the beauty of the Outback, nor the vibrant metropolitan life of cities like Sydney or Melbourne. We do at least get fleeting glimpses of the skyline, but otherwise, the footage stays within the confines of a sleek hotel room. Estelle brings the sensual lyrics to life while simultaneously giving a tour of the intimate space. Don't be surprised if you're ready to plan a weekend getaway or staycation after watching.
Additionally, Estelle has partnered with ESSENCE Festival organizers to present Essence After Dark Dancehall & Afro Beats LinkUp. The event will highlight artists from the worlds of Dancehall, Reggae and Afro-Beat including Machel Montano, Spice, Wale, Kranium, Rotimi, Nick & Navi and more with music by Max Glazer and Shacia Marley. You can witness the LinkUp on Friday, July 5th at the 2019 ESSENCE Fest.
Peep the clip for "Lights Out" below and hear the track on Lovers Rock, currently available via Estelle's website or wherever good music is sold. If you can't make it to New Orleans, to put ya lightas up during Essence After Dark, keep scrolling to see when Estelle will be stopping at a city near you.
Estelle Tour Dates:
May 23rd - Atlanta Appearance (MomoCon Atlanta)
May 25th - Somerset, UK Performance (Shindig Fest)
June 1st - Dallas Performance (Pride)
June 2nd - Chicago Performance (Hyde Park Brewfest)
June 14th-16th - South Africa Performance (International Soweto Jazz Festival)
July 5th - New Orleans Performance (ESSENCE Fest)
Aug 10th - New York Performance (VP 40th Anniversary Concert, Summerstage at Central Park)
