Kentucky-raised artist Alana Hil’s influence range from pop to jazz, with artists such as Ella Fitzgerald and groups such as the Black Eyed Peas inspiring the singer/songwriter. On “Those Days,” she teams up with producer Printz Board to craft something about the past that still feels brand-new. From the Ahmad-esque “back in the day” lyrics to Hil’s powerful voice, there’s nothing about this track that makes me want to pass on it. In fact, all of that just makes me want to write about it more. I love the rich harmonies employed here as well as the minimalistic production. I feel the song could’ve gone a bit over-the-top, but instead opted for a bit more subtlety. This makes the lyrics and themes both stand out that much more. We even get a bit of Hil’s nomadic spirit throughout the song, as we effortlessly shift from theme to theme on “Those Days.”

Hil mentions that she wants people to feel the “gritty, raw earth in [her] music.” What I take this to mean is “these are my truths, I will never change them. Take it or leave it.” However, you don’t want to just leave it here. She grabs you with her vocals and creates a song that anyone can relate to. Heck, while I’m happy being (almost) 36, I’m also at that age where I look back and say “damn, I wish I had more time.” I also realize that my past, for better and worse, has shaped me more and more the longer I’m on this plane. On that note, the song comments on the finite nature of life while also avoiding going dark. It says, to me, “enjoy life and remember the old days. Just don’t repeat them if it doesn’t serve you.” Those are definitely words to live by. Check out the track below and support dope music in all its forms.