Words by Tim Hakki @TimHakki
Mama J’s ‘Three Simple Rules’ is the kind of plastic soul sound that Bowie described and went for heavily during his Young Americans period. Enervating horns, lush melodies and Mama J’s jaw dropping voice are all factors in an experience that’s so musically on-point and exciting, it’s hard to describe in words. Aretha Franklin’s feel-good songwriting is a spiritual forebear, and even though this song might be seen as a pastiche by some, it’s execution is so tactful that it sounds vibrant, vital and fresh. What are Mama J’s three simple rules? You’ll have to press play and find out for yourself with this one.