What do you get when you combine the love for Prince and all things 80s music with a modern R&B and hip-hop track? Singer and songwriter Brandon Agustus shows his sensitive side and confident side in “Let Your Heart Break” out now via his new record Days of Wasted Youth.
Agustus is a Florida-born, New York City-based indie artist. His love for the 80s era music peaks its head quite a few times in “Let Your Heart Break”, but it’s his modern twists and turns with sound experimentation that makes him the opposite of being a copycat. Much of the music bed in “Let Your Heart Break” triggers a sentimental reaction – he’s primed his listener to find a way back into their memory bank (as if they needed to be reminded) of the times they were hurting or had their heart broken. The faint acoustic guitar and whisper of an electronic piano – the keys hitting both low and high notes. It’s his voice that dives also showcases the peaks and the valleys. In an almost tangible way, he breaks down any walls or barriers to the listener’s feelings. It’s as if he’s listening just as much as he’s singing.
The chorus “let your heart break” fashions itself in a few different ways. He sings “pride don’t make you strong, let your heart break…just a little” and “and in the end you’ll find that you’ll be okay, you’ll be fine letting your heart break.” When he transitions he uses words like “and the beat goes one, two, three”. When he raps about getting through the clouds and reminding that in the moment it is “only temporary drama” he’s chill, mellow. “Time heals all wounds, if you let it,” he raps. He has much to say, and forgive me, at times I couldn’t keep up! He then mixes in a chipmunk-sounding voice that is way unexpected. The beat is still slow, it’s not a fast-paced tempo. I found myself swaying to the rhythm and keeping up no problem (like a boss!). I have to say I enjoyed his singing voice more than his rapping. Then, like a powerful force, his singing chorus jumps right back. Perfect timing.
So much can be applauded about “Let Your Heart Break”. I found myself a little wary of the Alvin and The Chipmunk’s voice styling thrown in, but after a few listens, I embraced it. It’s different and I think it’s a reflection of how Agustus views his inner voice. That voice changes over time and he calls on the listener to find their own path. I think I wanted a bit more out of the music bed, but again, his voice is memorable. I think he more than makes up for the music base. Despite these very minimal hiccups, it’s a great song. His songwriting skills are quite impressive. Overall, Agustus’ “Let Your Heart Break” is a diamond in the rough. With so many choices to make, so many songs to choose, this one shine’s pretty bright.
Troy Johnston