(June 25, 2023) Make way for Opelsings! After years of living in the southernmost part of New England (New Haven, Connecticut since the age of one) while pursuing career opportunities as a group vocalist, Opelsings — born Opel Thompson — moved back to her UK hometown of London and is now breaking out with her own solo content.
With a string of singles she’s branded “Virgo R&B love stories” on her Instagram, the musically trained singer takes a mighty plunge into sultry soul on her latest single, “Stay.” Inside the three-minute odyssey, the UK singer pairs up with Washington DC producer Chazz Oliver (Nile Rodgers, Q-Tip, All4One) on a smooth Quiet Storm ballad that conjures the sexy atmospheric vibes of Kelz and Keith Sweat slo-jam throwbacks.
Lyrically the song fully embraces her lover, flaws and all, begging them to “stay, don’t go away.” The stylish ingredients hearkens back to the time Opel did a short stint with Monje, a girl group that opened for some of the best in 90s contemporary R&B like Jodeci, Immature and Changing Faces and even won first place during a televised talent competition on BET’s Teen Summit.
Opel’s love for jazz is also apparent on the record, where she imports a sweet, calming grace atop her generous use of melisma. Check out “Stay” and let us know your thoughts.
By J Matthew Cobb
Chazz Oliver feat. Opelsings – “Stay”