In a world where overproduction often drowns out authenticity, Melanie Fiona returns with an EP that strips the soul bare and reclaims the power of simplicity. Say Yes EP is not about perfection—it’s about permission. Permission to feel deeply, to speak honestly, to move intentionally. This project doesn’t just offer songs—it offers spaces. Spaces for self-acceptance, grown love, and quiet revelations. At Beyond The Mainstream, we honor artists who lead with truth, and this EP is a masterclass in musical sincerity.
Let’s dive in…
1. Say Yes
Tempo: Mid-tempo, warm groove
Vibe: Intimate, intentional, soul-soaked
Lyrics: A spiritual affirmation wrapped in the language of love
This opener feels like Fiona is extending her hand—not just romantically, but universally—inviting us to surrender to vulnerability. The tempo doesn’t rush; it strolls with confidence. The vibe is tender but assured, like the calm right before deep connection. Lyrically, it reads like a mantra for those ready to open themselves fully—whether to a person, a purpose, or themselves. It’s not a question—it’s an offering.
2. Make Me Feel (with LaRussel)
Tempo: Laid-back but kinetic, bounce with depth
Vibe: Flirtation and friction wrapped in a silky rhythm
Lyrics: Honest, playful, a dialogue between energy and need
This is the EP’s most conversational piece. Fiona delivers her signature soul while LaRussel counterbalances with grounded spoken truths. Their chemistry doesn’t scream; it simmers. The beat is loose but structured, like a late-night drive with tension in the air. The beauty here is the transparency—two people negotiating connection in real time, with groove as their translator. It’s flirty but mature. It doesn’t chase approval—it just exists.
3. Do That
Tempo: Crisp, head-nod bounce
Vibe: Light empowerment, clean rhythm, motivational edges
Lyrics: An affirmation disguised as a love letter
“Do That” speaks to what it feels like to be seen and celebrated without being interrupted. The tempo is mid-uptempo, driven by clean percussion and understated keys that allow Fiona’s voice to glide. The vibe is encouraging—think of it as a mirror held up to the listener saying: “Keep showing up.” This one’s not just romantic—it could apply to self-work, friendship, or passion. It’s the sound of witnessing and supporting.
4. Mona Lisa Smile
Tempo: Slow, cinematic, and patient
Vibe: Classic soul meets inner monologue
Lyrics: The masks we wear when we need to survive
This track is a portrait of pain wrapped in elegance. It leans into slower tempo with no urgency—just reflection. There’s a vintage quality to it, but it’s not stuck in the past—it honors it. Fiona sounds like someone narrating a documentary of her own emotional history. The lyrics hint at suppression, at beauty masking struggle. It’s not about sadness—it’s about strength that wears perfume and lipstick. Vulnerability here isn’t a crack; it’s an artform.
5. I Choose You
Tempo: Mid-tempo with a bright pulse
Vibe: Resolute, joyful, ceremonial
Lyrics: A quiet commitment shouted through melody
“I Choose You” isn’t about romance at its peak—it’s about the quiet, daily decisions that make love last. The tempo is firm and grounding. The melody is celebratory without being theatrical. This is the type of song you’d play not during the proposal, but in the morning after the argument, when you’re still saying “yes” anyway. The lyrics are understatedly powerful—they elevate choice as the ultimate romantic gesture.
6. Say Yes (Extended Jam)
Feat. SiR, Thundercat, Charlie Bereal, Chris Dave
Tempo: Fluid and improvisational, shape-shifting
Vibe: Sonic communion, experimental soul church
Lyrics: Mostly vibe-driven, more mantra than narrative
This isn’t a song—it’s a spiritual landscape. The tempo breathes, stretches, contracts. It’s not about perfection, it’s about presence. Fiona’s voice returns as a guide, but this time she’s surrounded by cosmic minds. SiR brings atmosphere, Thundercat’s bass spirals like DNA, and Chris Dave provides rhythmic curiosity instead of basic backbeat. It’s less about lyrical detail and more about emotional transmission—like a live therapy session between soul musicians.
Our overall EP perspective is that Melanie Fiona’s Say Yes – EP is a subtle, confident reintroduction—not of who she is, but where she currently stands. The project refuses to chase trends, instead delivering a raw but polished sound that rewards deep listening. It’s not made for charts—it’s made for people who’ve lived a little. The sequencing reflects a journey from invitation (Say Yes), to vulnerability (Make Me Feel, Mona Lisa Smile), to declaration (I Choose You), and ultimately expansion (Extended Jam).
Check Melanie Fiona on IG: @melaniefiona
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