By: Fatima Privitt
Tyler Lewis is an R&B/pop artist from the outskirts of London, known for blending nostalgic 2000s sounds with a contemporary sonic landscape. Listening to “be original” feels like stepping back into 2008, as if I’ve just turned on the radio and caught it playing between Beyoncé’s “Irreplaceable” and Jojo’s “Get Out.”
With hard-hitting hip-hop drum beats, string arrangements, and layered vocals, producers RELTY and Joe Gosling draw inspiration from the atmosphere of ‘90s and 2000s pop hits. The sharp hi-hats complement the vocal performance in a way reminiscent of classic ‘90s R&B and Y2K pop. This is paired with a minimalist foundation of intentional instrumentation and a light beat, allowing Lewis’ voice and lyrics to take center stage.
With lyrics like “If you’re gonna run around, she best be unbelievable, if you’re gonna let me down, make it unforgettable” and “if you’re gonna break my heart, make it so damn good ‘cause I’ve seen it all, be original,” the song explores vulnerability through the lessons learned in relationships. It reflects on how these experiences can teach us to recognize our worth rather than settle for familiar patterns or repeated disappointments.
It’s this exploration of complicated feelings, paired with the recognizable 2000s R&B and pop production, that makes the single so inviting. There’s a sense of reclaiming your power and autonomy through Lewis’ authenticity, which shines throughout the track.