A timeless account of connection, development, and transformation…
27 · 02 · 2025
‘Dirty Talk’ conveys the emotions of love, loss, and self-discovery through a lasting musical backdrop. After her 2020 EP ‘Sugarbaby’, Michi returns with her debut album, making waves in the quiet – female-led narratives intertwined with rich textures of nostalgic R&B, soul, and Motown. This ten-track collection stands as a testament to the strength of resilience and identity, showcasing Michi's confidence and openness.
Navigating through feelings of sensitivity and sorrow, ‘Dirty Talk’ represents Michi’s realization that embracing these emotions makes her invincible. While it captures moments of heartache, the album also symbolizes the artist's journey toward self-assurance. Collaborating with Blake Rhein and Paul Cherry on production, ‘Dirty Talk’s R&B grooves oscillate between nostalgic musical elements and contemporary sounds, with Michi’s smooth vocals anchoring her unique storytelling throughout the album. Covering themes of lost love, newfound love, and self-love – this debut album is a powerful reflection of life’s most impactful experiences.
Michi, or Michelle Guerrero, was a dancer for many years before embarking on her music career in her mid-twenties. With great highs often come significant lows; after launching her debut EP ‘Sugarbaby’, she experienced a breakup that led her to leave LA for a small coastal town. ‘Dirty Talk’ evolved from a collection of heartbreak stories, exposing Michi’s grief, anger, and sorrow. In her introspection, Michi discovered beauty in exploring emotions hidden beneath her heartbreak. For her, ‘Dirty Talk’ is not merely a release but also a celebration – each track unfolds as a chapter where growth and transformation are evident.
Beyond the themes, Michi also pays homage to her heritage throughout the album; she incorporates her Latin roots on ‘Memmy (Recuerdo)’, featuring Brazilian bossa nova artist Gabriel de Rosa, who sings in Portuguese alongside Michi’s Spanish. The refrain poignantly translates to, “My only mission is to remember.” While tracks like ‘Walking Away’ and ‘OMW’ echo the slow, sultry R&B of the 90s, ‘There’s No Heaven’ brings to mind 70s disco club synths, showcasing Michi's range of sonic versatility.
‘Dirty Talk’ mirrors Michi’s personal evolution – not only as an artist but as an individual. Through heartfelt narratives of growth, expansive musical canvases, and seamless production, the album is poised to be timeless, marking a fresh new chapter for the artist.
7/10
Words: Rachel Min Leong
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'Dirty Talk' captures the emotions of love, loss, and self-discovery through a timeless musical backdrop. It marks the artist's return following her 2020 EP.