We’ve been singing the praises of Jalen Ngonda since he invited us to listen to his talent on “Come Around And Love Me” last year. And, quite frankly, we can’t get enough of the classic soul acolyte. Luckily, he seems to have a few more gems up his sleeve. He recently gifted us with single “Illusions,” and he’s back yet again with another new song, “Here To Stay.”
Of course, “Here To Stay” finds Jalen in his ’60s soul bag with a love song that would fit on the radio right alongside songs by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles. Over a lilting guitar, gentle drums and a little touch of piano and organ, the singer-songwriter proclaims that his love is one with staying power. He uses the verses to convince his love that he’s true, singing, “So I promise day and day out / Through this love affair / You’re mines and for us to share / The makings of our own.”
It’s on the chorus, however, that he really sets things in stone. “See you / Only you / Can change my intentions / Woah-oh-oh, woah-oh-oh,” he sings. “Please don’t turn away / I’ll be here to stay.”
It seems that “Here To Stay” was one of the cuts that didn’t make Come Around And Love Me. Given the undeniable quality of that album and caliber of this track, we can only imagine all the musical magic he made during those sessions. We can only hope that we get to experience more of them in the months to come.
Relish the soulful stylings of Jalen Ngonda once again when you listen to “Here To Stay” below.
