Track Review: Normani Gets Vulnerable With "Fair"

As we (seemingly) draw closer to Normani's debut album, she's treated us to another taste of what's to come. The pensive "Fair" follows up the blockbuster Aaliyah-interpolating "Wild Side." Written and produced by Harv, Felisha Fury, Abby Keen, and Normani herself, "Fair" finds the Fifth Harmony alumna reeling from the complexities of the post-breakup healing process. "Is it fair that you moved on? / 'Cause I swear that I haven't," she croons.

In the footsteps of "Motivation" and "Wild Side," "Fair" is a more subdued and lyric-focused number that displays Normani's vulnerability in a way that she hasn't before. She and Harv opt for extremely sparse production that feels spacey enough to represent the disillusionment of the post-breakup mood. This, in turn, creates a clean slate for Nomani to bare her heart, but the emotional intensity she reaches for would have been bolstered by some backing harmonies. The vocal dynamics on the lead track also feel a bit safe. However, there are moments, like when she projects on the terrific "hearts don't break down the middle" lyric, where she certainly hits the mark. The choice for constant sparseness stings worst during the pre-chorus, a prime opportunity for some slick inventive harmonies instead of Auto-Tuned vocalizations.

"Fair" is an interesting, and potentially risky, follow-up to "Wild Side." Nonetheless, this single is an admirable example of Normani using her Top 40 reach to make smooth heartfelt R&B records.

Score: 71