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One And Only (from Ex’Act / Lotto – 2016)

Melding retro synths with airhorns (!), One And Only’s introduction is a little disorienting. It’s the odd track that manages to feel both languid and brisk, thanks to an insistent beat underlined by warped electronics that all seem to melt into one another. It’s a fitful brew, and one that will likely polarize. The instrumental almost feels at odds with the smooth r&b melody on top, like a mash-up of two different songs. For me, the experiment doesn’t work as strongly as it could, but I applaud the production’s willingness to go beyond what we’d consider a typical mid-tempo. Despite this, One And Only’s strongest moment actually occurs toward its conclusion, where the guys go acapella for a few stirring seconds.

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