Nana Adjoa - Simple Things

One of the beautiful things about a gifted songwriter that can play different instruments is that in the studio they can create a certain kind of synergy: things seem to fit in a way that feels upgraded. Of note particularly here is the way the vocal melody works with the guitar-bass riff over the chorus; written, of course, by a studied bassist with a killer voice.

Life is about nudging things around until they fit into place, and the rubbery groove seems to knock back and forth, looking for the right combination. A spacey downtime-bridge seems unnecessary until the refrain makes it work. The secret sauce is a backbeat-heavy counterpoint between the guitars and the vocal over a lazy tick-tock groove.

Nana Adjoa is a Dutch-Ghanaian singer, songwriter, bass and guitar player. This song is featured on our CHILL NEW Songwriters playlist.