First Listen: Kim Tavar gives old school dance fun on “Lovin”

(October 17, 2024) Boston-based singer Kim Tavar is taking a swipe at the game of love with a slice of ‘80’s funk nostalgia on her latest single, “Not How You Get My Lovin’.” Taking an interpolation of Melba Moore’s Kashif-produced 1982 hit “Love’s Comin’ At Cha,” she comes out the gate with a warning against “lies, lies, lies” while crisscrossing through melodic curves and smooth soulful production handled by Sweden’s Jon Remneus.

She’s open to forgiveness during the dating process: “I’ll play the fool (Oooh!)/But just for you (only you)/ “Cause I’ll know you’ll be lying in a day or two.”

In an era where post-disco is the hot thing in pop, wearing out sunny songs by Dua Lipa and Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso,” “Not How You Get My Lovin’” helps to keep the sound vibrant and alive. The light, bubbly sonics also leave enough room for Tavar to shine vocally in background and upfront. “You’ll hear that familiar 80’s style that I love so much,” she says. “My producer, Jon, did his thing which allowed me to write a new fresh tune.”

She even gives a careful nod to the original lyrics of Melba Moore’s dance floor filler on the bridge: “My love’s coming at ‘cha/And I know we both agree/For the ups-and-downs and good times/You’re confusing me.” 

But there’s no confusion about this musical discovery. Tavar has a winner here, one over which SoulTrackers will surely marvel.

By J Matthew Cobb

Kim Tavar

"Not How You Get My Lovin'"

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Not How You Get My Lovin’ by Kim Tavar

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