Rozzi Crane, an American singer-songwriter from San Francisco, has just released her debut EP, Space. As the first artist signed to Adam Levine’s record label, 222 Records, she definitely has a lot to live up to, but this release is looking very hopeful for the budding star.
“Psycho” is the first track on the EP. It opens like a proud chant, a thumping, roaring cry of her newfound victory as she sings, “It’s my life, it’s my mind / I can do what I want / All I want, I don’t have to ask you / What to do, what to say / I’m so free I’m so brave.” It’s a song that highlights all of her flaws, all the ways in which she’s “psycho” but also emphasizes on the freedom she’s found in accepting all of that. Despite the slightly generic beats and background chants, the song does its job well in terms of introducing us to her powerful vocals from the very start. It’s a triumphant song, and in some ways it represents her finally breaking out as an artist and exploring new ground.
“Crazy Ass Bitch” brings in an edgier tone to the EP, with hard-hitting beats to level the more fast-paced tempo of the song. Despite being infused with some electronic elements, Crane’s distinct voice surprisingly manages to shine brighter here than in the previous song. Her impressive range is showcased flawlessly, singing with the assertiveness that only divas like Mariah and Beyoncé can pull off. However, Crane isn’t like any of them in this song. She’s a blend of something else entirely, a pop singer edging towards rock territory, but with a shot of soul as well.
“Painkiller” is a duet with Adam Levine, a mid-tempo song that packs an emotional punch stronger than the previous two songs. If there’s one thing that Crane has that most artists lack, is her ability to sing with emotional depth. When she sings, “Oh, there’s goes the pain / Fill me in your bloodstream / See you in the morning” you can absolutely feel the agonizing weight of her suffering pulling you down, while she shoots up into the chorus as Levine takes over. Levine’s mellow, slightly airy voice complements Crane’s deep and heavy vocals, making for a solid duet between the two.
“Half the Man” is the last song in the EP, and arguably the best one. It’s a soulful ballad, reminiscent of the likes of Adele or Amy Winehouse. The song opens with just the piano, along with Crane singing, “It’s just that I still believe / That I can find somebody / Who is strong like me.” If she wasn’t a diva yet, this song could very much push her into that territory. She takes full command of the song, pulling out all the stops without any hesitation. If one song were to be a single, this song deserves to be it. It’s a successful EP by any standards, giving us so much more to look forward to from her.