Rita Ora has crafted an incredible love song that flawlessly encapsulates the feelings of falling in love and finding the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. “You & I” was written by the singer the morning after she got married, making the track even more special and intimate. The song begins with the lyric: “I used to listen to love songs on repeat// Tryna figure out how they would work for me// I just wanna dance with somebody// Somebody who loved me.” After this legendary Whitney Houston reference, Ora switches scenes to the sweet moment that she met the “somebody who loves” her. Throughout the song, she references iconic love songs that parallel the first two lines. Prior to meeting her husband, she was unable to relate to these love songs—and she wondered if she ever would. Now she is dancing in his arms to “Eternal Flame” and singing all the words to “Sweet Caroline.” She is head over heels for her partner and knows that they will be together forever. He treats her like a queen and makes her feel safe and supported. This is the type of love that everyone dreams of finding one day. Now that Ora has found it, she will never let it go. This sentimental track will be remembered as a timeless classic and known as the perfect first dance song for every wedding.
The sweet lyrics are beautifully complemented by the soothing production, making “You & I” the perfect romantic pop ballad. A unique synth beat leads the intro before Ora’s voice kicks off the verse with synth notes in the background. The production continues through the verse as the listener is guided through the vulnerable lyrics. Once the lyrics switch to the moment Ora met her partner, a subtle piano and airy synth sounds begin, making the atmosphere light and dreamy. In the pre-chorus, her powerful voice becomes more evident as she passionately sings her devotion to her husband. When the chorus begins, the beat mutes while the piano and light airy waves take the forefront of the production. In the second half of the chorus, the full production is introduced as the beat returns to the track. Ora’s strong vocals sing the lyrics with a level of conviction that only those who truly relate to the lyrics can provide. The production maintains a steady structure throughout the remainder of the track, with angelic background vocals that harmonize with Ora’s lead vocals. This provides an additional dynamic to the track that enhances the sweet, emotional soundscape. With the mesmerizing production and sentimental lyrics, “You & I” is a beautiful ode to her lover that will forever have a special place in the hearts of listeners.
Rita Ora is one of the UK’s most successful modern pop singer-songwriters. Her debut album, Ora, was released in 2012. This album topped the UK charts and included two #1 UK singles. She has a total of 4 #1 UK singles and holds the record for the most Top 10 singles for a British female artist in the history of the UK. She was recently awarded the “Entertainer Award” at the 2022 UK Glamour Women of the Year awards. She has collaborations with artists such as Cardi B, Bebe Rexha, Charli XCX, Kygo, and Iggy Azalea. She has also dabbled in acting, taking on projects such as Fast & Furious 6, the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy, and Southpaw. She has made a huge name for herself in both the music and film industries. On July 14, 2023, Ora released her 12-track album, You & I, with each song co-written by the singer. This is her first album under her partnership with BMG, which provides her ownership over all her future master recordings and allow her artistic control in a way she was not allowed before. This makes her new era of music even more meaningful and intimate than anything she has ever released before.
Written By Karlee Skipper
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