"Wait a Minute!" by Willow // Song Review

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"Wait A Minute!" by Willow is such a captivating and introspective song, one that continues to stand out as a highlight from her early work. This song effortlessly blends experimental neo-funk sounds with emotional complexity. Wanting to stop and reflect for a moment amidst a chaotic situation, "Wait A Minute!" gives honest insight into her thoughts on growing up, falling in love and exploring her spirituality. The ethereal and atmospheric production, paired with her engaging vocal delivery really makes this song so memorable. "Hold on, wait a minute, feel my heart's intention, oh," she sings in the chorus, "Hold on, wait a minute, I left my consciousness in the sixth dimension, left my soul in his vision, let's go get it, oh, oh". 

This song was featured as the thirteenth track on her 2015 debut album Ardipithecus, but it didn't start gaining traction until around 2019 as one of the first notable songs to go viral on TikTok, which at the time was still a relatively new phenomenon. As much as I have mixed feelings about the platform as a whole now, I do love that TikTok has been able to give so many artists and deep cut tracks a massive boost in the way that "Wait A Minute!" has experienced in that time. TikTok has not only bridged generational gaps but has also showcased the timelessness of certain songs, proving that great music can always find its moment, no matter when it was created.

Again in 2022, the remixed sped-up version of "Wait A Minute!" went viral as well, which further proved its timelessness and versatility as a song. Because of that second boost, the song reached platinum certification, as well. 


Up to the point that "Wait A Minute!" and the rest of Ardipithecus was released in 2015, Willow had already been carving out a unique space for herself in the music industry for quite some time. Five years prior in 2010, her music career initially gained widespread attention with her debut single, "Whip My Hair". It was released when she was just ten years old, it was such a fun, youthful and empowering anthem of self-expression. The artistic growth between 2010 and 2015 was massive, as she matured her music shifted towards more introspective and experimental tones, all of which is on full display with Ardipithecus. 

In an interview with Fader, Willow talked about the meaning behind the album's title, and the connection it has with her music as a whole. "Ardipithecus Ramidus is the scientific name of the first hominid bones found on earth. I wanted to name my musical compilation after it because, while I was making these songs I was in such a transitional state," she said. "Digging deep in the soil of my heart and finding bits and pieces of my ancient self that tell stories, which end up being the lyrics to the songs. Ardipithecus is my first album in my entire career and it makes me feel so blessed to be able to share my evolution..."

It's really cool that she was able to make a song like this at just 15 years old, to be so in-tune with your artistry in the way she was with "Wait A Minute!" especially is so rare to see. The song was co-written and produced by James Chul Rim. Much of Ardipithecus is completely self-written and self-produced, which is another impressive accomplishment.

Together, her early hits and her later experimental works reveal her journey from a young pop star to a thoughtful and innovative musician determined to chart her own path. She has only continued to refine her sound as the years have gone by, continuously embracing a diverse range of genres and pushing the boundaries of her artistry.

She has such a unique artistic vision that has just kept evolving with each release after. For this week's song review, I wanted to highlight one of my personal favorites by Willow, but she has released so much incredible music over the years that is definitely worth checking out if you haven't already.  


Thanks for reading! Check out more from my song of the week series here. I would love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below!


Photo Credit: Interscope Records, Roc Nation



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