I found this one via SubmitHub, a site dedicated to showcasing indie talent and indie bloggers and connecting them with each other. In the process of looking through tracks that were listed in the “Hot or Not” section (and plugging “Never Fail”), I found “Merry Go Round” by New Zealand artist LEO. The premise is simple: the love he and his partner are in is one that is a bit counterproductive and keeps putting them both through the ringer–over and over and over again. Subject-wise, it doesn’t tread much new ground, but that’s okay. Here’s why: the melodic nature of LEO’s vocals brings everything together and helps this one escape your typical “love sucks” R&B song of the early 2020s.

In short, the brother can sing.

Over a guitar-centric beat, LEO sings his soul out about this potentially toxic love. It’s a track that can–and will–appeal to those going through breakups of their own. His sing-rap verse in the middle of the song was a pleasant surprise and kept things interesting. Essentially, it was kind of like early Drake without the hanging onto every last syllable in his bars for emphasis. It’s a great midsummer track to break up to. Check it out below and remember to support dope music in all its forms.