Since releasing his debut album, “ØZI: The Album,” in 2018, ØZI has consistently impressed with his impact across music, fashion, and culture. He is the only Taiwanese artist to be featured in the main menu music of the “NBA 2K” series, and he has even performed at NBA events. A six-time nominee for the Golden Melody Awards, ØZI has released a string of successful collaborations, including “SEX TAPE” with Sunset Rollercoaster earlier this year and “EEEASY” with Echo in July. Now, he’s back with a new collaboration, this time with 9m88, on the captivating track, “BLEU.” The release also marks the announcement of ØZI’s upcoming album, set for release later this year.
The inspiration for “BLEU” stems from the world of classic fragrances. The song title itself is a nod to a renowned perfume series, and the lyrics use suggestive and veiled language to portray the sensual game of attraction and infatuation. Blending elements of Bossa Nova, R&B, and jazz, the track creates a languid yet alluring atmosphere, guiding the listener through a sonic journey of suggestive melodies.
ØZI and 9m88’s vocal styles bring to life the story of a passionate but ultimately ephemeral romance. The song evokes the lingering scent of a fleeting encounter, addictive but destined to fade away with time. The lyrics are laced with teasing and playful innuendo, crafting a world of fleeting and spontaneous emotions that both enthral and leave a lingering sense of yearning. The lyrics, “We agreed not to get attached/Why are you going back on your word?” encapsulate this transient nature of the relationship.
This collaboration marks ØZI and 9m88’s second release together, following their previous track, “B.O.” Released in 2017, “BLACK OUT” was their first collaboration, and after six years, the duo reunited to create something new and distinct. Both artists have acknowledged their musical growth since their previous collaboration, and this evolution is evident in “BLEU.”
“BLEU” is a departure from the party-like atmosphere of “BLACK OUT.” The track skillfully blends the lightness of Bossa Nova, the relaxed vibes of R&B, and the improvisational spirit of jazz, creating a seductive and alluring sound. The music itself feels like a captivating emotional game, drawing the listener into the ebb and flow of unspoken emotions, allowing them to feel the subtle shifts in affection. The unique blend of styles showcases the artists’ strengths and makes the song deeply personal, underscoring the significance of the collaboration.
For ØZI, fragrances are an important element of personal style and charm, playing a crucial role in influencing the impressions he makes on potential partners. “BLEU” uses the fading scent of perfume as a metaphor to depict the fleeting nature of a summer fling and the ephemeral nature of modern dating.
Unlike many songs that explicitly explore themes of romance and infatuation, “BLEU” delves deeper into the subtle nuances of atmosphere, seduction, and immersion. The lyrics emphasize the intoxicating aroma and the allure of the encounter, guiding the listener into a captivating game of love, painting a vivid picture of lingering emotions, a reminder of a memory that fades like the scent of perfume, yet lingers in the mind.
9m88 elaborates on the lyrical intent, stating, “As I was writing, I envisioned two people meeting in a different place, a moment that is intense but fleeting. Ultimately, they must go their separate ways, and because of the time constraint, they can’t truly commit to a long-term relationship. So they both choose to not speak their true feelings.”
The duo particularly favors the chorus line, “The BLEU on you was never meant to stay,” as a poignant metaphor for the ephemeral nature of their connection, echoing the fading scent of perfume, a recurring theme throughout the song.
“BLEU” takes the sensual elements of perfume and translates them into a musical experience, capturing the intensity of a brief, passionate connection. The track is a reminder of the delicate balance between infatuation and the fleeting nature of desire, a testament to the maturing artistry of ØZI and 9m88.
