Pressing play on this song feels like opening a ballerina music box. Dramatic and hypnotising, ‘Wasted Love’ by Austrian-Filipino artist JJ is an extraordinary song full of surprises.
First of all, the storytelling is simply superb (which comes as no surprise since the songwriting credits go to none other than TEYA). As we are pulled into the song by a magnificent piano melody, we find out with the first line why the love is wasted: “I’m an ocean of love and you’re scared of water.” A simple yet poetic and poignant way to describe heartbreak; JJ then goes on to further explain his agony with the lyric “You left me in the deep end, I’m drowning in my feelings.” The ocean metaphor is used throughout the whole song and ties it together beautifully. This is especially important as the track combines several different musical elements – a big risk, as this might not always sound very organic. In this case, however, the different sounds seamlessly blend into one another – much like ocean waves.
Right from the ominous piano melody at the start, a beat drop seems imminent. Instead, we get an opera chorus that is not only sonically stunning but fits in perfectly with the symbolism, as the transition from the tentative first verse into the captivating chorus feels like wading through the shallows into the deep end that JJ sings about.
It’s hard to pick out just one highlight but the second verse is certainly a strong contender. It dips its toes into the waters of a classic pop ballad and then leads us into the second chorus, where the song gets increasingly more dramatic. As it builds up to its grand finale, we get the long awaited beat drop and are suddenly hit by a wave of EDM, until eventually, the track culminates in a beautiful high note – how else could it have possibly ended?
Apart from shaping the lyrics, the ocean metaphor is palpable in the music itself too, as the volume, the pace and the beat are rising and falling like ocean waves. Additionally, listening to the chorus feels like floating in the ocean, making ‘Wasted Love’ an experience rather than just a song.
Then, of course, there is JJ’s voice and its stunning versatility. As an opera singer, his vocals reach incredible heights during the chorus, while his voice finds the perfect balance of vulnerability and strength in the second verse. As for the instruments, the beautiful strings add to the drama of the song without taking away the spotlight from JJ’s voice.
Furthermore, ‘Wasted Love’ also has a massive replay value, a feature that is not to be underestimated. Because the song stands out so much, it will most certainly stand the test of time as well. To sum it up, it’s exciting, dramatic, electric – simply perfect.
Written by: Melanie Falkensteiner
Edited by: Ilse Muis
