OLI Delivers a Message of Authentic and Gentle Love in the Ethereal R&B of “Happy”

OLI_Happy1_crop — OLI, photo courtesy the artist

The radio edit of “Happy” by OLI sounds like a modern, lo-fi take on an R&B pop love song. The accompanying music video has a sheen of haze as OLI walks down streets in spring interspersed with shots of blooming flowers, a cute chihuahua, people frolicking about and engaged in what brings them uncomplicated joy. Echoing sax, finger snaps, subtle piano figures, wordless vocals like spring sun breaking through clouds all come together with OLI’s soulful vocals to help convey an undeniable spirit of love and goodwill toward a loved one who seems stuck in a funk. Without hitting us over the head with melodramatic professions of love forever and hackneyed, overly sentimental imagery, OLI and her collaborators on the song and video craft an emotional space that, as the song says, make it seem easy to step into the kind of happiness one can have if you’re willing to accept it. It speaks to the kind of love that’s open, welcoming and understanding rather than insisting that one loses oneself and gives up a portion of one’s identity in a conditional way. It is the rare love song that seems genuine rather than offering saccharine platitudes as meaningful. Watch the video for “Happy” on YouTube and connect with OLI at the links below.