Review: "HABITS" - Norah Hendriks
- Azalea Withrow
- Nov 14
- 2 min read
Self-aware and witty, Norah Hendriks' confessional lyrics expose the singer-songwriter's familiar poor dating patterns in her single "HABITS." Hendriks sings about the addictive pull and push of her short-lived romantic escapades with the uncommitted girls she chooses, who are, she says "dangling what we could be in front of my face." The repeating lyric "I think we should change" sums up Hendriks' feelings about these dynamics in her life. It's also a nod to her upcoming EP entitled I Think We Should Change This. Yet, she simultaneously acknowledges to listeners, "I pretend that I don't care 'cause I'm too scared to understand why I seek out these dead ends." In her own words, Hendriks describes the perfect scene for listening to the single to be "walking down the street at noon, from someone else’s house, hungover but energised, hating your life but loving it more, and laughing at yourself..."
Blending classical influences with modern pop arrangements, Hendriks delivers something bold and honest in her most pop-leaning song to date. Staying true to her staple classical instrumentals, the song introduces Hendriks' vocals against a track of lush strings before adding crescendoing percussion. Transitioning into a more upbeat pop sound, the arrangement adds keys and electric guitar tracks that mirror the singer's quickening vocals. The range of the singer-songwriter's voice and musical genre is reflected clearly in the unapologetic single. "HABITS" is a fun, sexy sonic exploration of the allure behind possibly baneful and certainly disappointing relationships.
Previously known under the musical alias Noor, the Dutch singer, originally from Amsterdam, is now based in London. The singer-songwriter split her music, putting out her newer, English-language songs under the name Norah Hendriks while her Dutch music remains under Noor. With a combined average of over 43,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, Hendriks' poignant lyrics and luscious sound resonate across a wide audience. Inspired by a mixture of classical and jazz music, the pop persuasion of her new EP is experimental and fresh. Recently playing her first headlining show in London this past September, Norah Hendriks is quickly solidifying a place for her affecting music.
Written By Azalea Withrow
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