Lí-Lí Octave’s latest release, Play on Venus, is a masterful live album that blends classic jazz, R&B, and soulful storytelling, showcasing the Caribbean artist’s impressive vocal range and emotional depth. Recorded live at Jazz n’ Dine, this ten-track album is a testament to Lí-Lí’s powerful songwriting and her ability to connect with listeners through stories of love, loss, and self-discovery. Released on September 30th, 2024, Play on Venus takes listeners on a journey through the female perspective, offering a deeply personal look into everyday situations and relationships.
“Out of Place” is a haunting reflection on feelings of isolation and uncertainty in a relationship. Lí-Lí Octave’s slow, silky vocals are paired with a wailing guitar riff, creating a rich atmosphere as she contemplates whether love is enough to keep a couple together. Her voice soars in the song’s crescendo, full of emotion and defiance, delivering the poignant line, “Love is not enough / We’re both out of place.”
Another notable track, “Grandma’s Kitchen,” offers a heartfelt ode to the life lessons passed down to her by her grandmother. The song reflects on the wisdom she gained while “catching lessons of life and love” under her grandmother’s roof. Lí-Lí’s lyrics, “Love isn’t about knocking boots / It’s about growing the right roots,” echo the importance of seeking depth in relationships, making this smooth and groovy track both nostalgic and empowering.
In “Work of Art,” Lí-Lí delivers a sincere anthem of self-love, reminding listeners of their inherent worth and beauty. With confident and uplifting lyrics, she urges us to recognize our unique potential: “All you say you want / You can be / I know you have it in you.” This song is a celebration of self-acceptance, a message that we all sometimes need to hear.
The album concludes with “Top of the World,” a funky, high-energy track filled with plucky basslines, distorted guitars, and a vibrant horn section. It’s an anthem of resilience and empowerment, as Lí-Lí declares, “I am a diamond under pressure.” The track’s dynamic energy and soulful organ breakdown give it a triumphant and hymn-like quality, closing the album on a powerful note.
Throughout Play on Venus, Lí-Lí Octave’s four-octave vocal range is on full display, weaving effortlessly between sultry ballads, groovy anthems, and defiant breakup songs. Her presence as a performer is palpable, and the live recording gives listeners a taste of her immense charisma and charm. Between songs, Lí-Lí interacts with the audience, inviting them to join her on this soulful journey through the highs and lows of love, self-empowerment, and everything in between.
Play on Venus is a vibrant and thoughtful release that showcases Lí-Lí Octave as a vocal powerhouse and a storyteller of great depth. Her blend of classic jazz, R&B, and modern influences makes this album a standout, offering a fresh take on timeless themes through the lens of a deeply connected, Caribbean-born artist.
