(February 27, 2026) Aria Dai’s “4 a.m. in Paris” is an homage to the 1980’s sound of Minneapolis sonically and in terms of attitude. “4 a.m. in Paris” is sensual but funky. The synthesizers and percussion are a nod to some of Prince’s ballads from back in the day.
Dai adds to that with her vocals. She has a voice that holds the kind of range and clarity that a would be well suited for opera. Just listen to her on the interlude “Mon Amor,” which is the track after “4 a.m. in Paris,” to hear what I’m talking about.
Dai’s vocals on “4 a.m. in Paris” are more conversational and stream of consciousness, which fits with the song’s theme of her reflecting on lovely time she had in Paris with her lover. Perhaps she is writing her thoughts into a journal, or maybe Dai is musing into the void of her empty room. At some point; however, “4 a.m. in Paris” ends with her calling her lover and leaving her thoughts on a voice mail. “4 a.m. in Paris” is an erotic reminder that what’s understood does not need to be said. Check it out here.
By Howard Dukes
