The Breeze Grew a Fire

by 
AlbumFeb 14 / 202513 songs, 36m 39s
Alternative R&B Alt-Pop

Following Mereba’s 2019 solo debut, *The Jungle Is the Only Way Out*, and 2020’s *Spilligion* as part of the Spillage Village supergroup, her perspective was shifted by the birth of her son. *The Breeze Grew a Fire* honors her role as maternal figure while leaving room for her to examine her own place in the world. On the album, Mereba, who cut her teeth in Atlanta’s underground scene, creates uplifting anthems of triumph and perseverance. Opener “Counterfeit” has her rapping over a sugary synth melody and shuffling drums. The chorus explodes as she sings, “You’re the original/Don’t let ’em counterfeit you.” She takes this advice to heart, embracing a number of genres and unexpected detours on *The Breeze Grew a Fire*. “White Doves” hearkens back to the neo-R&B of D’Angelo and The Soulquarians, while “Meteorite” skips and shuffles alongside a lo-fi rap beat.

91

7.8 / 10

The Los Angeles-based singer, guitarist, and rapper finds refuge on her second solo album, buoyed by looser arrangements and immediate, declarative songwriting.

9 / 10

Southern-bred alternative RnB singer-songwriter Mereba delivers an air of maturity and self-actualisation on sophomore album, 'The Breeze Grew a Fire’.