EnVi Rotation: A Daily Dose of Self-Love
The beauty of being unique is in the irreplaceable individuality you possess. From the color of your skin and sound of your voice, to the shape of your body and the spirit of your mind, your special qualities are what makes you shine and make you who you are. Self-love might not be an easy task, but with the help of music, artists make sure to remind you that you’re one of a kind. For this installment of EnVi Rotation, Team EnVi rounded up artists across the globe who use their sound as means of promoting uniqueness, confidence, and most importantly, wholeheartedly loving yourself forevermore.
HWASA — “I Love My Body”
Nothing screams body positivity like HWASA’s uplifting retro-pop single “I Love My Body.” Serving a declaration of self-love and self-acceptance, HWASA celebrates her body and individuality in the outspoken anthem. “I Love My Body” delivers an emotionally resonating message of opposing traditional beauty standards by embracing your true self regardless of others’ judgements. With an infectious melody and catchy chorus, HWASA reassures it’s okay to be okay, because nobody’s love and support is more important than your own. “I Love My Body” in and of itself is a confidence booster with inspiring lyrics from beginning to end such as, “Whether I lost weight or not, what’s it to you? / It’s no longer good to see you / Pointless greetings for who / ‘Cause my body’s more than that / Don’t be talking smack, hating on me like / I’m worth so much more than that.” From head to toe, we are all unique in our own way, and besides, conventional is so out of season!
Fujii Kaze — “Flowers”
We’re all blessed with our own unique qualities and dreams — it’s what defines who we are. And for Japanese singer-songwriter Fujii Kaze, everyone has their own flower blooming with special colors and features in his single “Flowers.” Renowned for his heartening mission to spread love and freedom to the world through his music, Kaze gifts listeners with an ode of love and affirmation. Kaze cleverly ties one’s identity and growth to the blooming process of a flower, characterizing the listener’s flower as the essence of your own beauty in life. With the track’s uptempo piano harmonizing with the addictive drum groove, Kaze gives out hope and encouragement through words of motivation, determination, and faith. Singing, “Confused by the various shapes and forms / But onе day everything will feel so cute / What will I be / What color would I like to be / I’m going to find / The flower inside of me,” Kaze warmly serenades us on life’s journey of self-growth and self-discovery. “Flowers” provides a guide into the journey of one’s self-searching. Now, go find the flower within you and let it bloom!
Kiều Chi — “A Sad Day”
Continuing the theme of blossoming with your true colors, Vietnamese songstress Kiều Chi sings with pride in her joyous single, “A Sad Day” (Original title: Một Ngày Buồn). Dripping with positive energy, Kiều Chi cheerfully inspires as she conveys daily gratitude towards herself. Contrasting the song’s title, the mellow pop tune is full of sweet affirmations towards a person’s character and position in the world. Kiều Chi sings of happy days full of love for herself in the sweet lyrics, “I’m happy because to me, I’m the most beautiful flower / I’m happy because every morning brings true rays of sunlight / I don’t care about love, I look at myself in the mirror / When I feel a nice smile, I hug it and keep it for myself,” reaffirming the message to be kind to yourself and fall in love with who you are despite the hatred surrounding you. Because even if you’re not in love, as long as you love yourself, you’re the most beautiful flower!
SunKissed Lola — “Nene”
Hailing from Olongapo, Zambales, up-and-coming Filipino rock band SunKissed Lola are well-versed in all forms of love. In their affectionate ode “Nene,” their declaration of self-love is conveyed through lines of praise and encouragement. Established in the OPM scene with their romantic themes and emotive anthems, members Dan Ombao, Alvin Serito, Laura Lacbain, Danj Quimson, Genson Viloria, and Rodnie Resos, dedicate their love-filled single to women across the globe. The song was originally released in March for Women’s History Month. SunKissed Lola bring comfort as they tell you to embrace your uniqueness and respect yourself. Singing, “Nene, why don’t you try to fly? / Not everyone agrees / No matter how many times you are compared to Toto / Nene, no matter where you land / Keep walking / Believe in yourself, anything can be done to you,” SunKissed Lola send a message of empowerment as they encourage you to express your own authenticity. While the sweet composition focuses on women across the diaspora, “Nene”’s overall objective stands as a call to reject societal norms by embracing your identity and rising above others’ set limitations.
Lizzo — “Good As Hell”
Don’t let anyone drag you down! Pick up your feet and start again to achieve everything you want and need. Make sure to “take a deep breath and focus on you” as mentioned in the lyrics, because you are a strong and talented person deserving of only the best. While piano chords played throughout the song sound similar to music you’d walk down an aisle to, Lizzo assures you that this aisle leads to a path of self-love and self-admiration. The energetic beat, along with some sassy snaps, remind us to show no remorse and strive for our happiness. Lizzo is definitely a queen of self-love singles that bring a tear to your eye, but also fill you with motivation to keep being unapologetically you. “Good As Hell” is a song that is passionate about telling you not to undervalue yourself. Such a confidence-forward song motivates you to put in the effort of loving yourself.
XG — “TGIF”
Evacuate the dancefloor because hip-hop/R&B septet XG are here to get loud and proud! Renowned for their bold ventures into experimental soundscapes, XG create a freeing and boisterous environment you can’t help but dance to. “TGIF” is rooted in ‘90s deep house, boasting a hypnotic bass sound reminiscent of ballroom music. Embracing clever wordplay and playful delivery, XG confidently sing of self-acceptance and loving oneself no matter what others might say. As long as you feel “fly” and know your own truth, nobody can come close to your own beauty. Creatively directed by Rima Yoon, the colorful music video exhibits a futuristic visual feast, amplifying the girls’ declaration of admiration, appreciation, and self-worth. You want it, you got it, so let’s be like XG and flaunt it!
Megan Thee Stallion — “Her”
Megan Thee Stallion ambitiously grapples with emotional warfare, external scrutiny, and socio-political connotations throughout her multidimensional, vulnerable album Traumazine. The self-respecting track “Her” shines as an anthem to loving herself while serving its hot dish of disses to all the haters in her life. Incorporating ballroom elements both visually and instrumentally, “Her” is a braggadocious rap track celebrating Megan’s beauty and success as she fearlessly denounces those who attempt to bring women down. Megan confidently delivers her proclamation of self-confidence and unshakable morale despite the constant strife with pessimism that surrounds her. Tapping in on her assets of steadfast delivery and sharp lyricism, Megan welcomes the hate and invites you to feed off it as it will only make you stronger and rise higher above those who bring you down.
Lee Youngji (feat. D.O.) — “Small Girl”
If you’ve ever felt worried about whether your voice, body, or personality has taken up too much space, you’re not alone — even Lee Youngji has felt the same way. “Small Girl” is here to reassure you that there are people who love how much space you take up, so don’t be afraid to take up more. The low bass and gentle chords of “Small Girl” allow the lyrics and Youngji’s voice to ring through, allowing the precious message to be heard and valued. While the two singers sing the melody there is no effort to harmonize which gives the music a feeling of individualized support and recognition. There are always people who can relate to being insecure about taking up space, so remember you’ll never be alone. Being big may feel so defeating that you feel like a smaller more insecure form of yourself, but remember you are loved at any size. Keep on taking up space, don’t change a thing cause EnVi loves your “big laugh, big voice, and big personality.”
Lee Youngji Socials: IG | X | YT
Bruno Mars (feat. Cardi B) — “Finesse (Remix)”
If there’s one thing Bruno Mars never fails to do, it’s writing a song that fills you with confidence. “Finesse” is an upbeat song paired with the iconic Bruno Mars runs and riffs. On its first release the song was a regular single with just Mars on the track, but not too long after, the beloved rapper Cardi B was featured on the song. The collaboration was unexpected and thrilling, but with the combination of Cardi’s rap skills and Mars’ vocals, the song and music video took off. With Cardi opening the song showcasing her confidence through her rap which is accompanied by high hats and a few catchy chords, Mars quickly follows by flaunting his vocals. Did you hear that siren in the back? Careful — everyone got it going on! The artists are “dripping in finesse” while they show off their dance moves and, through the lyrics, encourage listeners to strut their stuff and flaunt. Like these musicians prompt, be confident in who you are and show it to everyone you know!
Bruno Mars Socials: IG | TK | X | YT
Cardi B Socials: IG | TK | X | YT
Solar —“Colors”
If you weren’t already strutting down your imaginary runway while listening to “Colors,” EnVi thinks it’s about time to. With an addictive beat that has you itching to vogue and lyrics that tell you to “look in the mirror and pose”, what’s not to love? Don’t be afraid to join Solar while she vogues like in the music video, but don’t forget about the encouraging confidence displayed through the lyrics. With an addictive strobe beat mixed with synthesizers, this song has everyone jumping and dancing to it. The music’s high energy is infectious but with the addition of flutes, it seems quite elegant and empowering. EnVi thinks you’re hot and gorgeous so keep on looking in that mirror and striking your best pose.
Other tracks featured in our “A Daily Dose of Self-Love” playlist include “DALLA DALLA” by ITZY, “Tomboy” by Destiny Rogers, and “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga. Listen to everything mentioned and more, curated by Team EnVi only for you on Spotify.
Obsessed with these new discoveries? Check out Music Team’s favorite tracks of 2024 so far here!
