Music Review: iio "Rapture (Tastes So Sweet)"

iio

Rapture (Tastes So Sweet)

Album: N/A

Year: 2001

            Nadia Ali is still reeling from an unexpected hookup in the clandestine “Rapture (Tastes So Sweet).”

           Ali la la’s over shimmering synths, setting a candlelit tone. She couldn’t believe how gorgeous he was. She couldn’t breathe and forgot where she was for at least a minute or so as she stared at him. Her friend nudged her, asking her if she was ok. She murmured a quick “yes.” She suddenly became of aware of her movements and tried to take her time with each step back. He caught her gaze and gave her a warm smile. She began to shake, wondering what to say and do. However, he introduced himself and said he was uncertain himself. He put her at ease. (“The night I laid my eyes on you/I felt everything around me move/Got nervous when you looked my way/But you knew all the words to say.”)

            In the pre-chorus, she didn’t intend to fall him for him that night. She has dated multiple guys and each time the relationships have crashed and burned. She wishes she could’ve found a shortcut on meeting him sooner. (“And your love slowly moved right in/All this time, oh, my love, where you been.”)

           In the chorus, she touches his cheek as they dance. She could be with him for the rest of her life. It’s as though he already knows her. She has reached nirvana. (“Mi amore, don't you know/My love I want you so/Sugar you make my soul complete/Rapture tastes so sweet.”)

         She is always thinking of him. He pulls her to the side and they make out in the corner, away from prying eyes. As they untangle from each other, they exchange private glances. There will be more of it later. He outright wants her and his passion overwhelms her. (“I'm mesmerized in every way/You keep me in a state of daze/Your kisses make my skin feel weak/Always suffering in your heat.”)

        In the pre-chorus, she says is soaring and seems to have an emotional high she has never experienced. (“Lift our souls like a bird in the wind/Oh, I glide like I'm flying through heaven.”)

            The chorus is sung twice.

            Ali’s la la’s again.

              The chorus is sung twice.

               Ali’s la la’s end the single.

           Ali’s smoky vocals captivate with its aura of mystery. She’s a regular at the club and many people know who she is. She is known her elegance but also for her secrecy. Those which she will only tell the love of her life.

          The original mix is much longer, clocking in at 6:46. It adds a bridge, lots of drum machines and every section is extended. However, the radio mix is the better version. The anthemic dance formula does not work for it as much as the original version tries to make it so. The radio mix sets its illicit midnight affair mood, thereby making the missing bridge redundant.

           The discreet “Rapture (Tastes So Sweet)” leaves people wanting to know more.