Vince Leigh’s Review: My Kind of Love by Prema Smith
By Vince Leigh (Ex drummer of Pseudo Echo, Tina Arena and John Farnham) of Australian Radio Promotion for Sheldon Ang Media
The new single release for emerging Australian singer-songwriter, Prema Smith, is as smooth as you can imagine, merging classic 90s-era R&B and contemporary pop. And like Prema’s previous release, This Is Me, which attracted significant support from KIIS – iHEART AUSTRALIA, THE EDGE/CADA ARN, GRAFTON 1047FM SRN, and SEA FM TASMANIA, Prema reunites with Grammy-winner Jackie’s Boy, known for his work with industry titans like Madonna, Justin Bieber, and David Guetta. However, this isn’t just a mere sequel; there appears to be a concerted attempt to create a viable and entertaining hybrid genre, and for the most part, My Kind Of Love works on that score.
A mid-paced groove is the foundation for this spare yet somehow expansive-sounding track. A modified electric piano sound drives the song, with specific phrases and sprinklings adding finesse and, at other times, battling it out with Prema’s vocal for supremacy. In the end, Prema’s direct and unashamedly candid lyric wins the day. With lines such as, ‘Kissing on your neck / A feeling you won’t forget / Your hearts beating oh so fast / Baby you are safe with me’, as heard during the pre-chorus, the effect is sure to be disarming and highly suited to the smouldering, post-midnight seduction soundtrack..
In a relatively short burst, the song manages to create a sustained mood, never forceful and demanding but entirely convincing; Prema sounds like he means it. This is understandable, considering his credo. My Kind Of Love mirrors Smith’s philosophy of ‘positive mindfulness’. It seems to serve as a cornerstone for initiatives like Self Appreciation Day—a day dedicated to promoting mental well-being and self-love that Prema has set up. My Kind Of Love should have no trouble attracting a broad audience and reaffirming all the gains he’s made at radio and on streaming platforms. The track is easy to digest—not a negative but quite the contrary.
