sit back baby - néomi

For anyone in a rough patch, “sit back baby” by néomi can serve as a vessel for positive affirmations to get you through.

“sit back baby” shines when you examine its lyrical contents, which is served by the stripped back, relaxing instrumentation. Néomi acknowledges the inevitable pains, troubles, and assorted difficulties that come from simply existing: all of the things that never feel okay. However, the fact that trials and tribulations are to be expected makes those things okay, or at least make persevering okay. Néomi explains how letting go, releasing control of the situation or at least the energy one puts into it, is the key for a more peaceful life. The track is reminiscent of the phrase “this too shall pass”--the notion that just like how the heightened, joyful moments are temporary, so are the moments of the opposite character. Her skill in exploring a subject matter so complexly human and vulnerable in a digestible, relatively simple manner is one not many song-writers have. The lyrics of “sit back baby” lend themselves to both a deeper, more analytical listening experience or to a more passive one, in which you just hear a tender voice telling you to let go.

Much like the prose of the track, the production is calming and at ease. The drums keep it moving and energized, but are balanced with ambient guitar, especially as the song comes to a close. A flute can be heard occasionally in the background, transporting the listener to a serene outdoor environment of their choosing. It bears similarity to other artists in her folk-pop genre, like Jensen Mcrae, Lizzy McAlpine, Phoebe Bridgers, etc… so fans of them will greatly enjoy “sit back baby” as much as works from them.

The intimacy of “sit back baby” is so touching, with néomi’s colorful vocal tone and her telling of an experience all of us can relate to. I can say I left with a contentedness after listening, knowing that there can be beauty in sadness; how it is okay to put my heart on the line, and the guaranteed passing of it. “sit back baby” is a gentle reminder that life can happen to you, and you do not always have to happen to life; let life be messy sometimes, because more often than not, it will clean itself up.