British songstress Ella Mai is an R&B angel, sent from what feels like the late '90s to both innovate and reminisce on soul music. Her smooth tone is not restricted, and her vocal range is impressively powerful. We love how perfect her all-too-relatable lyrics are to belt out in the car with the windows down. Her nostalgic vibes are easy to replay over and over, and if you haven't heard much more from her discography besides "Boo'd Up" or "Trip," then you have seriously missed out on the chance to sing what you otherwise might have rage texted. She captures the thoughts you have in the shower [1] and the things you cry out during long car rides. Scroll through to listen to some of our favourites and fall in love with Ella Mai's catalogue of diva-inspired soul music.
"Naked" by Ella Mai
This sexy song will make you want to strip down your insecurities and emotional walls, as Ella Mai sings of how she is searching for "somebody who loves me naked / someone who never asks for love, but knows how to take it." It's an incredibly beautiful and empowering piece to get ready to.
"10,000 Hours" by Ella Mai
For anyone who finds themselves constantly asking why it takes the person they are interested in so long to answer back, this song is for you. Ella Mai questions why her partner takes so long to call her and only does so late at night, expressing how their love could be amazing if they enjoy each second together, because even 10,000 hours isn't enough.
"What You Did" by Mahalia (ft. Ella Mai)
Although this song is headlined by Mahalia, Ella Mai's feature is a hard-hitting and beautifully done mix. The two women harmonize to highlight how universal their feelings of betrayal are, as the subject of the song is seeing someone else behind their backs. The fiery mood of the song definitely gives off Beyoncé Lemonade [2] vibes.
"A Thousand Times" by Ella Mai
Don't go back to the past is the message carried throughout this song. "I hope you fall and you break your heart / like you broke mine" is the declaration Ella Mai makes in the song, as she hopes the person who did her wrong is brokenhearted by the next girl, and warns him not to come back for any do-overs. For those who are "a thousand times" over their toxic love, this song will put you in all those feels.
"Don't Want You" by Ella Mai
"Don't Want You" is all about women who have sacrificed and given all their emotional and financial energy to a person who uses them for stability before leaving ungratefully. It's a comeback anthem for everyone out there who gave love to someone who took you for granted. It's a no regrets, DGAF slam.
"Lay Up" by Ella Mai
This island-esque/R&B medley proposes what life would be like if lovers could escape other people, distractions from technology, and simply lay up together somewhere just as warm and beautiful as their relationship.
"Trip" by Ella Mai
This live version of Ella Mai's hit "Trip" is the song for anyone coming home from a date that makes you say "can this be too good to be true?" Ella Mai outlines how much she is falling for her partner and how incredulous she is to how hard she is trippin' for her new person.
"Shot Clock" by Ella Mai
"Shot Clock" is the anthem for anyone strained with a feeling of impatience toward a partner who just won't make a move. Ella Mai describes a relationship moving too slowly and wishes badly for her person to finally do something.
"Easy" by Ella Mai
This may be a live version of Mai's original, but if you are hearing "Easy" for the first time, this soulful and raw version perfectly shows off Ella Mai's impressive range. The subtle piano notes throughout frame her angelic voice wonderfully.
"Everything" by Ella Mai ft. John Legend
Oh my, if you are looking for a true combination of soul and R&B, this duet with John Legend [3] is IT. The two singers harmonize beautifully in the second verse of this slowed-down ballad.
"Boo'd Up" by Ella Mai
So, if you have ever heard of Ella Mai, you probably have listened to the hit "Boo'd Up." The song is catchy and there's a reason it stayed in the Billboard 100 for so long.
"She Don't" by Ella Mai Ft. Ty Dolla $ign
Like most songs in Ella Mai's discography, she directly addresses partners who have either wronged her or haven't given her the love she very much knows she deserves. Here, Ella Mai sings to a partner who has cheated and recounts all the ways the other girl doesn't compare to their connection. Ty Dolla $ign comes in as the man's point of view, asking for forgiveness. The song is a back-and-forth conversation about a woman's pain and process of coping with cheating, and a man attempting and failing to own up to what he did.
"Breakfast in Bed" by Ella Mai
A common theme among Ella Mai's music is the power of a woman's sexual and romantic interests, as she has an incredible self-awareness of herself and her desires. "Breakfast in Bed" is one of the sexier songs by Ella Mai, where she takes control of her sexuality in regard to what she wants from her partner. It's a fascinating twist in a usually male-dominated industry about men outlining their sexual fantasies.