When I Hear Your Name by Maeta

Throughout music, love is described in different ways. Love that is mainly lust, love that should expire, love that lasts, or love that’s ambiguous. In 2022, after releasing the single, “Frank For You,” 23-year-old R&B singer Maeta is back with When I Hear Your Name. By melding R&B with genres such as dance and pop, Maeta provides listeners with a gripping collection of songs as she opens up about her own relationship, with features including James Fauntleroy, Ambré, Lucky Daye, Ty Dolla $ign, and Free Nationals. 

Opening the album is “Sexual Love (feat. James Fauntleroy).” Initially swarming the song is a bleak atmosphere and unrecognizable vocals, but as the song continues, Maeta’s emotive voice emerges, paired effectively with James Fauntleroy’s smooth tone, and a striking bass further enriches the song. A stunning introduction, “Sexual Love” dives into the start of a relationship. Although it began with friendship, the chemistry and desire could not be denied, and quickly, the friendship was transformed. 

Completely switching up the mood is “Cool Cat,” a cover of Queen’s funk and disco inspired pop-rock song. The song is relaxed and breezy, giving off summer vibes and illustrating this man who, as the song supplies, is “taking all the sunshine away.” Having great ambition, he seeks more from life and is an expert at gaining everyone’s attention. With everything he does, he is causing Maeta’s heart to sway. With the lively guitar and lighthearted production, Maeta’s powerful voice has space to soar. Involving aspects of pop and dance, “Anybody” is another song to compel you to move, but it unveils the love and desperation Maeta feels. Even though the man she loves has other priorities, Maeta emphasizes her need for him and only him.  

Moving on, Maeta ruminates over this relationship in “Control Freak (feat. Ambré)” and “Questions.” “Control Freak (feat. Ambré)” is one of the dreamiest songs on the album. Towards the end her soothing voice asks, “Is it me or do you just like your control?” As their relationship sours, “F*ck Your Friend,” is lyrically petty and bitter, as Maeta confides that she should have gotten with her ex’s friend, in order to hurt him and ease her own pain. The piano accompanying the song is graceful, adding to the emotion Maeta pours into her words. Reaching the halfway point of the album, “Clarity (feat. Lucky Daye)” is short and straightforward. Strings and piano enhance Maeta’s sweet voice as she urges the man she loves to be transparent with his feelings. 

When I Hear Your Name continues with Maeta’s attempts to move on in “ASMR” and “Kissing New People (feat. Ty Dollar $ign).” Only a minute long, “Something Happens When I Hear Your Name,” is tender and poignant. The instrumental is guided by piano, heightening the feeling of loneliness, as Maeta shares how much she misses her ex.

A quiet dance song that allows listeners to be absorbed in the sounds or in, their own feelings, “See You Around” has Maeta hoping she will no longer see, or think about, her ex. However, when you think the song is over, a stronger beat ends the silence and the vibe changes entirely. Conflicting her previous wishes, Maeta boldly admits that she wants her ex back. 

Receiving listeners at the end of the album, “S(EX)” is intimate. Maeta sounds almost resigned as she divulges the connection she has with her ex. Despite the title, this song isn’t merely about getting back with an ex because of sex. An ex is comfortable, due to the memories and the lingering feelings, which makes them hard to resist. 

To close, we have the soulful “Through the Night (feat. Free Nationals).” Both direct and earnest, Maeta tells her ex that she wants to be with him, regardless of the trials they’ll face together. What makes this song special is the instrumentals provided by Free Nationals and the emotion Maeta puts into each word she sings. She showcases immense vulnerability as she pleads with her ex to try loving her. 

When I Hear Your Name communicates the often uncertain, painful, and helpless emotions that come with many relationships, especially ones that lack good communication and commitment. As Maeta tells her story, listeners are gifted with her evolving sound and impressive voice. Born in Indianapolis, but currently living in Los Angeles, Maeta is making waves with her stunning voice, truthful lyrics, and enthralling sound.