Add this song to your playlist if you feel like strutting down the hallway - Ian Abel.
The classic saying “karma’s a bitch” is a familiar yet indescribable way to taunt or get even with someone. Ian Abel’s (“able”) new single embodies how we want that person to get their just desserts. “Karma’s a bitch” is an aggressive yet sexy alternative pop song with electro-pop elements that’ll make you feel like you’re vibing out in a nightclub, but you can also play whenever you feel like strutting down a hallway. The instrumental brings a reminiscence of late 2000s and early-mid 2010s hits from Lady Gaga and Britney Spears. It sounds like a song Britney Spears would sing, and the “you better work bitch” adlib solidified it for me.
The song lyrics have two sides: it follows the mantra "karma is a b****”, asking for the person to be punished for what they’ve done.; it also personifies karma as an actual bitch who ruined the the singer’s life, but he still has it out for her:
“Karma’s a bitch But damn she sure looks fine from behind.”
After the first listen, I was remind of Boys Beware by mad tsui because of this lyrics:
“That boy might be the worst, but damn he looks fine.”
Though it’s a different concept and message, they talk about how a person doing them wrong in a relationship made them feel. Tsui’s song serves as a warning to stay away from attractive but toxic men. Ian’s song serves as a wish for karma to get them.
Ian Abel (“able”) is a queer alternative pop artist based in New York. He debuted in 2016 with his EP Icarcus and has made a name for himself within the local alt. pop scene since. He performed at the Rockwood Music Hall, The Bitter End, Goldsound's, and Lovecraft Bar, showcasing his velvet voice and electro-pop arrangements in his songs. Ian’s songs and videos have been featured on many music publications, including Spotify’s Fresh Finds. He has over 7,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. Wolf in a Suit describes him as “mesmerizing, powerful, enchanting”. Ian’s latest releases include "Drowning," “Right Hand Man,” and the 90s house remix of “The Way I Feel About You” by Adam Joseph. He recently co-directed the music video for his song “Taste”, featuring over a dozen other NYC artists and performers with multiple backgrounds, so be on the lookout for that!
Written by Yaba Ahounou