Tina Yao’s newest R&B effort, Ginger Tea, shows listeners the beautiful sides of love.
In essence, the four-track EP concentrates on the strength of family and romantic love.
Specifically, “Apu Ding” details the history of ginger tea and how people should drink it.
Tina Yao sings about a partner that seems to be fading away before telling them they’ve brought light to her life. Thereafter, she embraces her roots, motherland, and unbreakable family bond.
As Tina Yao channels into a vulnerable state, she leads her singles with honesty and introspection.
Sonically, Ginger Tea bounces in variations of R&B. Pop, lofi, and bedroom R&B are linked in the beats as well.
One standout record off Ginger Tea is called “Light.”
Rolling in eloquently at nearly three minutes, “Light” shadows the uneasiness of letting someone get close to your heart. At first, the song begins with an ambient soundscape and a sweet piano loop. Shortly after, the soundscape takes on a bedroom R&B form and implements violin riffs and heavy 808s.
Using a crystallized range, Tina Yao sings about a suitor who has captivated her. However, the songstress fears that their time together might be cut short. Although there’s no indication of why they’d promptly go their separate ways, she wants to cherish every moment.
Voicing how she was drawn to him, Tina sings
“I was in the dark when you came/Alone/But not for long/I felt a spark when you came.”
After, she unveils how this same pattern of short-lived relationships is uncommon for her.
“I’ve seen those lights before, and they don’t last forever,” she croons.
Her previous partner “dimmed” her light, but she’s confident that he’ll only make it radiate.
In the chorus, Tina Yao sings
“This might be temporary/Temporary things they scare me/ But let’s do it all before the lights go out.”
Ultimately, Ginger Tea guides listeners to appreciate life’s simplest joys. To add, the 4-track EP moves them to hug their loved ones a little tighter.
