Song You Need: METTE’s “Mama’s Eyes” is a pop song longing for home

Freedom and belonging battle it out on this pulsating new track.

May 04, 2023
Song You Need: METTE’s “Mama’s Eyes” is a pop song longing for home

The FADER’s “Songs You Need” are the tracks we can’t stop playing. Check back every day for new music and follow along on our Spotify playlist.

ADVERTISEMENT

On her latest single "Mama's Eyes," pop star METTE attempts to find balance between a life spent grabbing at the opportunities in life with a more quiet, loving life with her family. It switches boldly from highly energetic verses and a celebratory chorus that could have been ripped straight from the BeBe & CeCe Winans songs she sweetly recalls listening to in the kitchen with her mom.

ADVERTISEMENT

That is one of a collection of details that add texture to a song that could land in schmaltzy Hallmark territory otherwise. The smell of pineapple Mentos conjures memories of childhood while METTE also recalls playing dress-up in mom's heels, yet still barely reaching the door handle at her tender age.

At its core, "Mama's Eyes" is about the push-and-pull of chasing a goal. "I should probably listen more, yeah, mother, I know," she sings at one point, Adding defiantly, "I just wanna be dancing again." Prior to launching her music career METTE was part of Pharrell's backing dancer crew and her songs all boast a rhthym-first dynamic. "Mama's Eyes" is no different, only this time she engages the heart as much as the hips.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT
Song You Need: METTE’s “Mama’s Eyes” is a pop song longing for home