On March 3rd, 2023, Kali Uchis released her 3rd studio album, Red Moon In Venus. The album is R&B/neo-soul and has both English and Spanglish songs. The album reflects the different aspects and experiences of femininity, hence the name Red Moon In Venus. Kali Uchis explains this to Consequence: “...the divine femininity of the moon and Venus. The moon and Venus work together to make key aspects of love and domestic life work well.”
1. “in My Garden…”
“in My Garden” is only 25 seconds long, but it really sets the mood for the album. Kali Uchis is heard saying, “Hello? Can you hear me? I just wanted to tell you, in case you forgot, I love you.” The intro transitions into the next track so well, you can’t even tell when it changes. Since it’s only 25 seconds long, it’s not rated like an actual song, but for that transition? 10/10.
2. “I Wish you Roses”
“I Wish you Roses” is the first single on the album and is definitely a favorite on the album. This song is all about releasing people from your life and stopping the cycle of bitterness and resentment. It’s an example of how you can eliminate toxic people from your life to help yourself while still having love for them. The song itself is amazingly produced, and the vocals are like a breath of fresh air. It has a sense of calm and transports listeners into springtime. 10/10.
3. “Worth the Wait (feat. Omar Apollo)”
“Worth the Wait (feat. Omar Apollo)” is the first song on the album with a featured artist. It tells the story of balancing both sex and romance in a relationship. Kali Uchis says that she “wants to be around you [her partner] every day” but doesn’t want to be used only for sex; she wants a real relationship riddled with romance. This song is sexy and romantic at the same time, showcasing both sides of Uchis’s musical tone perfectly. At first I wasn’t a big fan of this song, but it really grew on me and has many components I’ve grown to love. Not to mention the amazing transition into the next track. 8/10.
4. “Love Between…”
“Love Between…” quite literally tells the story of endless love between two people and the euphoric feeling of being with the right person for you. The song is very slow, almost like something you would slow-dance to. This song has a richness to it that, when paired with Kali Uchis’s heavenly vocals, creates a real feeling of love. 8/10.
5. “All Mine”
In “All Mine,” Kali Uchis lets other girls know that she is the only one for her partner. The song is very repetitive: Kali keeps on reminding the girls who want her partner that he is all hers. My favorite part of this song is the vocals. Her voice is so soothing and, in this song, a little taunting. 6/10.
6. “Fantasy (feat. Don Toliver)”
This track, featuring Don Toliver, Kali Uchis’s current boyfriend, is a commentary on their relationship together. The song has a very upbeat tone to it and makes you want to get up and dance. The beat and vibe of the song are unmatched, making it one of my favorites. Their relationship is so beautiful and is really shown through this song. They both say that they “wanna dance” and Don Toliver sings that he’s “really winnin’, livin’ happily.” 9/10.
7. “Como Te Quiero Yo”
“Como te quiero yo” translates to “How I love you.” The song is a continuation of the previous track, explaining that love has its ups and downs and it’s healthy to disagree on some things. But she reminds herself and her partner that they need to be able to put their differences aside so that they can still exist together. The song is mostly in English with some Spanish phrases throughout. The song is very well done with heavy R&B elements, piano and guitar chords as well as Kali Uchis’s background vocals and spoken word. Put together, the song is a work of art. 8/10.
8. “Hasta Cuando”
This song is similar to her previous hit “Dead to Me” and is considered a sequel of sorts. In the song, she responds to an ex’s new girl who keeps talking about her in jealousy. She repeatedly exclaims “whatever makes you feel better,” creating a sense of exasperation, but also separation. She is completely unbothered, much like in “Dead to Me” where she is heard repeating “you’re obsessed, just let me go.” In the closing statement, Uchis sighs and exclaims “Yeah, everybody hates me. Please don’t ask me about no old shit. Peace.” This paints the picture of her moving on from her past and requesting that others do as well. 8/10.
9. “Endlessly”
In this track, Kali Uchis details how she is different from other girls who will do anything for someone. Instead, she loves her partners endlessly, causing them to keep on coming back to her. This song has a disco theme to it, creating a nightlife vibe. 7/10.
10. “Moral Conscience”
“Moral Conscience” is all about karma. The song has a very vengeful feel to it and conveys the bitter side to exes. The song is slightly haunting while also showcasing Uchis’s thoughts about her past relationships. Literally a work of art. 10/10.
11. “Not Too Late (interlude)”
Although just being an interlude, this song has a very calm and smooth energy, which is a nice break from some of the more aggressive energy in the album. 7/10.
12. “Blue"
Blue is literally the color of sadness and that’s what this song radiates. Kali Uchis is describing the struggle of ending a relationship and the mood that comes with it. The song itself is beautiful and gives the energy it needs to give. 8/10.
13. “Deserve Me (with Summer Walker)”
This song is all about being angry with your partner. Both Kali Uchis and Summer Walker sing about disappointment in their relationships and how their partners “don’t deserve” them. With a catchy beat and amazing vocals with both of the artists, the song is a hit. 8/10.
14. “Moonlight"
THIS SONG. The intro. The vocals. The instruments. It’s just the perfect song. It literally makes anyone who listens to feel as if they are floating in the clouds. 11/10.
15. “Happy Now”
This song reflects on Uchis’s outlook on her relationship. She has come full circle and is willing to forgive and forget so she can be happy again. The song definitely embodies that with its upbeat tone and poppy feel. 7/10.
Overall
The album overall was amazing. Kali Uchis tells an amazing story of love and heartbreak all with such a femininity-infused tone and quality. The well-placed transitions and fluidity between songs were impeccable, and the lyrics and singing was incredible. A classic 10/10.
Minali Brosnan
