“One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain”. That’s Bob Marley, and the line fits the first time you play “SHINE A LIGHT”—the last track from Runnan’s self-titled EP. This release isn’t here to overcomplicate things. Runnan, a China-born and New York-based artist, is doing everything himself: writing, producing, arranging, and playing every instrument. The project is all about clean R&B with modern polish.
When you play “AIR,” it’s clear Runnan’s sound is built on real experience—there’s smooth synths, a steady beat, and vocals that sound genuinely unforced. The topics are simple – feeling detached, trying to figure things out, looking for some peace in a busy world. There’s no mystery here, and no manufactured drama. Songs on this EP are for listeners who don’t want a lecture – they want something real that makes sense at the end of a long day.
With “HOLD U TIGHT” you can tell what he’s about in the first minute. The groove is relaxed but not lazy, the melody is catchy, and there’s no wall of effects drowning out the vocals. Runnan is singing about being there for someone and wanting them around right now. If you miss ‘90s R&B when the chorus mattered most, this is in your wheelhouse. But it’s never dated. Underneath that is a crisp, modern production style—this is very much a new release, not some throwback.
“SHINE A LIGHT” is easily the standout. The message is simple – be in the moment with the people next to you, try not to let the outside pressure get in your head. Lyrics aren’t reaching for big metaphors, they’re just honest. The chorus comes on strong, but the arrangement always keeps it tight—no pointless extra runs, no wasted space. Shine a light, keep things moving, and stay grounded. That’s the energy of the whole record.
If you like to feel a groove and actually hear the lyrics, you’ll appreciate this EP. Runnan’s voice isn’t buried in effects or stacked with harmonies. Everything is uncluttered and intentional—this is the record you can put on start to finish without skipping. It fits late-night car rides and solo walks in the city just as much as it works in the background at home.
There aren’t a lot of R&B artists right now with backgrounds or stories quite like Runnan’s, but that’s not the whole sell. The real draw here is quality control. If you’re fed up with bloated albums and trends that vanish in a month, this EP is for you. Stream it now and hear for yourself what real, no-nonsense R&B sounds like in 2025.
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