Review: "I Want It All" - Oshri

Love and success are two of the biggest things most people desire. On one hand, you may want to find someone that understands and loves you. On the other hand, you may really want to focus on your ambitions and achieve personal greatness. But oftentimes, there can be a point of tension and conflict between the two goals, especially when trying to find balance for both. We live in a world where it's widely taught and believed that you cannot have both without some struggles. In Oshri's latest song “I Want It All,” he uses heartfelt lyrics and an incredibly unique sound to explore the tension that arises between love and ambition.

Throughout the song, the storytelling through the lyrics is profound and unmissable. The lyric, “I wanna take a leap / But I wonder / Is it one way or the other?” clearly shows the struggle of having to choose between love or ambition, when all you really want is to take a leap and follow your heart. Another notable and unforgettable lyric at the beginning that shows this is: “I should be packaged with a warning / I don’t wanna be lonely / Stuck in between the heart and the head / All of the lights keep on flashing in red.” This shows the underlying conflict and pain that comes along with the push-pull feelings between love and ambition. A lot of that conflict exists internally as you have to constantly question whether you wish to pursue everything or settle with the person you love.

“I Want It All” is a song that is simply mesmerizing. The moment you start listening, Oshri’s vocals immediately hooks you. He has a naturally seductive vocal tone that makes it feel as if you are being enthralled with each lyric he sings. “I Want It All” is the best example of the power behind music. Oshri has created a piece of art that is magnetizing and feels like a siren song that can easily lure you away. I could imagine the song playing as a dramatic score in a devastating romance film or something that would be listened to while reading a fiction novel. It’s impossible to hear the song and feel nothing. Oshri’s voice has this unforgettable aura to it that makes “I Want It All” have endless repeat value. There is also a layer of power from the cultural roots Oshri blends into the song. He added Middle Eastern textures through the background instrumentals from a sitar and oud, which proudly showcased the beauty of his culture and Yemenite roots. It’s not just a song, but an unforgettable listening experience that lingers in both your head and your heart.

Oshri is a Yemenite singer-songwriter from South Africa who is currently based in Los Angeles. His music career took off when he won the first ever South African TRACE Music Stars competition. The show was mentored by Wyclef Jean and broadcasted on Trace Urban, the second largest music video television network in the world. After living in South Africa, Oshri moved to New York City to continue his endeavors with Wyclef and pursue his efforts in gaining recognition in the music world. Oshri was invited to perform at the Trace Urban Music Awards in Paris of 2015. He was approached by the American pop and R&B singer, Akon, to sign to his label. After realizing that the label wasn’t a good fit for his music, he left on good terms and began to release music independently. His first release was on the Billboard Top–40 Dance chart.

With French and Middle Eastern parents, his music style is heavily influenced by his cultural diversity, and creates a one-of-a-kind sound. Oshri is very active on his social media accounts, so be sure to follow to stay updated with his future releases!

Written By Kyler Griggs

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