(December 7, 2021) For as long as women could raise their voices, many have lent theirs to the cause of the moment: equality in the workplace, freedom to express their individuality, pleas for security and to create their own paths and lead fulfilling lives on their own terms. Anthems from eras past continue to resonate today — when one senses the ferocity behind Aretha Franklin’s “Respect,” the resolve in Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” and the angst in Mary J. Blige’s “No More Drama,” the emotions are more than heard, they’re felt. That bold, lilting proclamation is what one will discover in Abi Ferrell’s “come correct or get left” mantra, “Don’t Follow Me.”
Despite the very-publicized struggles that girls and women still endure across the globe, there are still some critics (especially those of the opposite sex) who dismiss them, pointing to progress to discount the issues or outright deny what’s going on.
Floating on a gauzy cloud of a 70s-era slow groove and delivered with a coquettish flair, Abi’s latest single is a powerful, self-assured statement that demands total loyalty and respect, or nothing at all: “Don’t you see the injustice, can you see our struggle, through your glaring privilege/Just ask your sister how bad it is, and if you’re not convinced then this is something I insist...”
Based in Oxfordshire, Abi’s sound is proof of the power and reach of true music, echoing the authenticity of soul divas that came to prominence decades before she got here (Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, Carole King), yet channeling her own sultry soprano and searing lyricism to move a new generation. “Don’t Follow Me” comes after Abi’s well-received 2019 EP, The Only Way I Learn, and is just a hint of the burgeoning promise that true R&B lovers will happily recognize and revel in. Only obey the message literally if you’re cool with bypassing a rising star.
By Melody Charles
Abi Ferrell – “Don’t Follow Me”
