About a year ago Tems released her critically acclaimed hit single, Try Me which doubled as a coming of age anthem and the portal through which she barrelled straight into the mainstream. Tems has been ready to ride her newfound fame to max since she started reaping the benefits of having a transitional breakout single like Try Me that afforded her opportunities like a feature on the remix to American singer, Khalid’s Know Your Worth, among other things, but she’s paced herself. This week, however, she takes the next step of her journey with Damages, the lead single off her upcoming EP.
What better way to start this new phase than with a different side of Tems, one that appreciates the bubbly quality and universal nature of Dancehall music? Tems recognizes this and on Damages, she assumes a Rastafarian persona that helps her deliver a gyrating goodbye message to a lover she’s done with.
Try Me showed us Tems is fierce and on Damages, we witness the full extent of her stamina. Over Badmantej’s sprightly mix of reggae-tinged instrumentals, Tems words “tell me what you need from me now, I’m not what you need to be now, I’m done with this” rings melodiously and definitely, making her our poster girl for necessary transitions.