Track Review: Bree Runway, ‘That Girl’

Bulletin Award nominee Bree Runway’s 2022 musical releases have been fairly sporadic. Although a full-length project does not appear to be on the horizon until next year, Bree’s singles have shifted her into a sonic territory that is both consistent and clearly discernible from the world of 2000AND4EVA.

“That Girl,” which follows “Pressure” and “Somebody Like You” as Bree’s third single of the year, finds Bree pulling from the sounds of ballroom culture to craft an admittedly run-of-the-mill “bad bitch anthem” that feels redundant. From Bulletin Award nominee Doechii’s “Persuasive” to Beyoncé’s “Pure / Honey,” this year has given us haughty ballroom-influenced bangers that have infinitely more vigor and urgency than “That Girl.”

The EASYFUN-produced beat is too sparse and thin to properly balance the attitude Bree brings to her verses. In fact, Bree’s verses feature some of the best rapping she’s done since the more hip-hop-centric numbers on her 2000AND4EVA mixtape. She’s playing with her timbre and pitch in a way that adds color to what are fairly predictable bars. Nevertheless, nothing can compensate for that grating, lifeless hook. All of Bree’s 2022 releases have struggled with honing strong hooks which is quite puzzling given her knack for earworm hooks on 2000AND4EVA.

“That Girl,” which will serve as the lead single for Bree’s forthcoming album, might be a miss, but there are still glimmers of genius that shine through what’s an unfortunately weak song. That alone, combined with Bree’s irresistible charisma, is more than enough to stay tuned into her upcoming debut studio album.

Score: 58