Review: "I Wish You Knew" - Rue Vega

Rue Vega stuns audiences with her emotive, culturally relevant debut single, "I Wish You Knew." Birthed in the middle of a shift at Abercrombie, Vega's chorus, "I wish you knew how beautiful you are," stands as the centerpiece of Vega's heart-stirring message. Using the women in her life as a reference, Vega sketches their shared stories like the art pieces they are. She uses herself and those around her as muses to fearlessly tackle issues of self-image and rigid beauty standards. Vega uses her experiences to capture the times when it feels like we can never be good enough in the eyes of our toughest critic: ourselves. Accompanied by a moving visualizer, Vega's commentary on society, self-criticism, and image sheds light on the realities of so many women who are struggling to see their own worth. "I Wish You Knew" beautifully vocalizes the thoughts we hesitate to admit to ourselves and the surrounding beauties in our lives; it reminds us that in the midst of the "impossible beauty standard," it's up to us to redefine beauty not only for others but also for the one we face in the mirror.

"I Wish You Knew" is an exceptionally powerful ballad that outlines and restructures our ideas of inner and outer beauty. The piano presence is extraordinarily poignant and firm, serving as an emotionally resonant and concrete foundation for the song. The lyrics of this piece, coupled with tight harmonies, add intricate layers of detail and craft to the listening experience. The gradual build-up to Vega's impassioned, orchestra-backed deliveries is felt throughout the listener, fully captivating our senses and gracefully drawing us into the track's emotional charms. In roughly 3 minutes, Vega balances delicacy and yearning with intensity and insistence, demonstrating her range and capability as a new artist. "I Wish You Knew" serves as both a meaningful display of Vega's deeply genuine desires and an empowering anthem that comforts the soul.

At just twenty years old, Rue Vega is emerging as a new, colorfully distinct voice in pop music. While "I Wish You Knew" is her first official debut single, the multi-instrumentalist has been writing for years, with many personal, narrative projects in development. As a key element of her authentic brand, Vega emphasizes that she is "not the cool girl," breaking away from industry stereotypes and making music for those who live in a world of solace, hopeless romance, and unattended parties. Vega transposes her experiences into heartfelt melodies, sharing them with the world. Her vulnerability and unique sound allow her to connect with many audiences on a deeper level. For more updates on Vega's journey, follow the links down below and stay tuned!

Written by Pejah Carr

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