This experimental artist has gone into punk-rock mode with her new track “Transparent Soul.”
20-year-old Willow Smith has been making music since she was super young, beginning with the hit song “Whip My Hair” releasing when she was only nine. Since 2015, Smith has put out three solo projects, each demonstrating the musician’s versatility and talent in their own unique ways. However, her sound has usually been more consistent with rhythm and blues and pop, but being different from the usual is something that Willow never shies away from.
The new single features drummer Travis Barker, member of alt-rock band Blink-182, and draws influence from them as well, with pop-punk power chords and hard-hitting percussion.
“I don’t fucking know if it’s a lie or it’s a fact / All your little fake friends will sell your secrets for some cash / Smile in your face, then put your cig out on my back / If you ever see me just get to running like The Flash.”
Apart from having a unique sound, Willow is also an amazing lyricist. This track talks about unreal people, especially in the world of music and fame. The title “Transparent Soul” is referring to someone who you can easily see through, whether that be a sneaky man or a super vain woman.
“I don’t fucking know if it’s paradise or it’s a trap / They’re treating me like royalty, but is it kissing ass? / No one’s brave enough to take the fall right / But it’s all your fault, why you acting like it’s alright? / I knew a girl just like you / She was vain, just like you / Such a pain, just like you and everybody knows the truth / Transparent soul / I can see right through, just so you know.”
When everyone knows you are rich and famous, it can be even harder to tell if people are truly being genuine toward you or just want in on the stardom. This is something that Willow obviously struggles with as she is part of an entire family whose lives are in the spotlight. While there is an array of positivity to this, it can also cause major difficulties, especially when it comes to close relationships.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Smith stated that the song was inspired by a quote she read from Hindu guru Radhanath Swami that goes: “It is said that a saintly person is so pure that he or she acts like a spotless mirror. When we come in the presence of such a mirror-like soul, we can see both the beauty and ugliness of our inner life.”
Smith goes on to talk about the fact that she has always been drawn toward rock music, but wasn’t aware that she has the voice to truly thrive in creating it.
The message is clear in the words, but the sound and visuals truly exemplify the mood and show that Willow’s talent is far from surface-level. The accompanying video features Willow dressed in full-on punk attire from a spiked collar to out-of-the box jewelry and makeup.
Her style in all areas of life is truly one-of-a-kind, and I love being able to watch and hear Willow’s journey as both a recording artist and an individual. I’m looking forward to more music like this from the youngest Smith child in the near future. If you are a music lover like me, you should definitely check this song out, as well as her entire discography.
I would give this single 5 out of 5 Swoops.
