Four years after the release of her critically acclaimed album “Trouble in Paradise,” South African singer-songwriter Shekhinah is back with a new project that marks both a continuation and an evolution of her sound. Titled “Less Trouble,” the 12-track album sees the Durban-born artist further explore the inner workings of her emotions, this time with a renewed sense of clarity and a firm stance on her romantic needs.
In 2021, “Trouble in Paradise” was a sharp pivot for Shekhinah. The album delved into the gloomy spectacle of grief, crippling anxiety, and the shifting landscape of her romantic life, moving away from the dreamy, optimistic soul-pop of her earlier work. “Less Trouble” picks up where its predecessor left off, but as the title suggests, it signals a shift in perspective. Shekhinah is no longer as willing to be weighed down by emotional landmines. Instead, she transforms her innermost thoughts on romance and attraction into sharp commentaries on modern dating dynamics, all while reinforcing her desire for clarity and non-toxic love.
This assertive new outlook is immediately apparent on the soulful opener, “Break up Season.” Shekhinah is keen to assert her needs and save herself from the looming specter of heartbreak, singing, “Trouble in your eyes/Every single time, all we do is fight/I’m getting really tired/I can’t shake this feeling, it’s break up season.” This track sets the tone for an album that deals in the currency of heartbreak and letting go of self-serving desires.
However, “Less Trouble” is far from a somber affair. The album is also a colorful and melodic journey, with Shekhinah weaving influences from pop, dance, and Afrobeats into her work. This vibrant mix of genres injects a vitality into the project, signaling a shift from being overtly moored by worries to living life on her own terms.
The album features a compelling lineup of collaborations, showcasing Shekhinah’s ability to connect with other talented artists. Lordkez joins her on “Bare Minimum,” while MOLIY features on “Risk,” and Mars Baby appears on “Too Good to Fail.” King Stunna adds his touch to the track “Spoonky,” creating a diverse and dynamic listening experience.
“Less Trouble” is a testament to Shekhinah’s growth as both a songwriter and a woman. With tracks like “Hard to Leave,” “New Casanova,” “What Are We,” and the two-part “Steady” and “Steady Pt 2,” the album takes listeners on a journey through the complexities of modern love. The project culminates with the optimistic “Until Until,” a fitting end to an album that ultimately finds Shekhinah more empowered and in control of her own narrative.
“Less Trouble” is available now on all major streaming platforms.
