Sumi X – “Say You Love Me” [Song Review]

Los Angeles-based pop artist Sumi X recently released her latest single, “Say You Love Me.” The song is a commentary on how so many people live vicariously through device screens in today’s world, resulting in ersatz connections and imaginary worlds.

Sumi X explains, “It’s crazy that, in a time when we’re all so much more connected than ever through social media, so many of us are lonelier, more anxious, and lacking real, meaningful human connection.”

As an Indian American, she fell prey to what was expected of her for many years … going into tech and building a tech consulting company for over a decade until she finally gained the courage to follow her dream. Leaving her world behind, she moved to LA and released her first single, “Electric Baby,” in the spring of 2023 and hasn’t stopped since.

With influences from John Coltrane to James Blake and P!nk to Pink Floyd, Sumi X pushes the boundaries of what’s possible for women in music and what pop music in America can sound like.

Sumi X, photo by @flaschworld

Opening on a steady, crunching, mid-tempo rhythm, “Say You Love” travels on gleaming layers of gentle pop savors. Sumi X’s evocative vocals imbue the lyrics with yearning tones, expressing her need for authentic relationships rather than simulation. There’s an air of charming simplicity to her request for love.

Gilded by Sumi X’s fluid, alluring voice, “Say You Love Me” reveals a craving for tangible human interaction.

Run Time: 3:20
Release Date: March 15, 2024
Record Label: Independent