Megan Warrender
As someone who has cherished many a moment listening to Mariah Carey and found a particular favourite in 2009’s Obsessed, I am undoubtedly one of many who would feel protective over her iconic shady anthem. However, LA-based New York / Italian singer Niia, gloriously interpolates this in her latest track Obsession: a sleek and sultry composite which combines 2000s RnB with a more melodic contemporary sound, and of course a glamorous edge, paying homage to Carey herself.
A classically trained pianist and singer, Niia’s strong yet smooth mellifluous vocals reign supreme over twinkling piano riffs and a fragmented yet rolling jazz-inspired beat. She sensuously weaves low key RnB tones, noirish soul and future jazz sounds through the track, which effortlessly combine with the meandering instrumental.
Obsession is accompanied by a tongue in cheek video, in which we see Niia flaunting and posing in an array of outfits complete with wigs and sunnies. These visuals add to the tracks feel-good carefree attitude. It is an ode to the casual creeping facilitated through today’s social media climate, cheekily calling out those who quietly but knowingly emulate her while simultaneously not giving them a second thought.
This track alongside 2019’s sultry upbeat single Whatever you got are both exciting precursors to Niia’s latest album, II: La Bella Vita, which will be released on 14th February, the perfect valentines gift.
While we wait, watch Obsession below: