How Do You Want Me? Is Emotional and Candid from Start to Finish

How Do You Want Me? by ARIANA FIG is an alt-pop track about being open with your partner. It draws parallels between the vulnerability of intimacy in a relationship with open communication, both requiring a candid and honest connection between two people. It explores this message while also creating a compelling, energetic pop sound that makes you want to nod your head. 

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The song opens with this staccato string sound and a held-back vocal delivery. This feels symbolic of the stage before you open up to someone in a relationship. The staccato melody feels restricted and the vocalist seems tentative to deliver every line. As the track flourishes, harmonies come into the mix along with an ethereal, pulsating synth that fills out the composition. This change feels symbolic of the opening up of the relationship. The track ebbs and flows between this unrestricted bloom and a held-back timbre throughout. Each of these sections adds emphasis to the other through its contrast. The quieter sections make the bold ones feel even stronger and vice versa. It’s amazing how the vocals read the tone of the instrumental so well. It creates a sense of sonic cohesion between the two elements and builds unity that adds energy to the track. Another aspect that adds emphasis to the cohesion and unity of the track is the harmonies. These silky, high-register vocals fill out the melody beautifully, adding texture to the bolder sections. They also add important emphasis to key lyrics, elevating them above the rest of the composition and shining a spotlight on them so the listener understands their importance. Underneath the melody is this driving bass that establishes the rhythm with a heavy thumping sound that feels like a heartbeat. 

Overall, ARIANA FIG nails this tone of vulnerability in an exciting and energetic alt-pop track. The ebb and flow of bold and exciting moments compared with the quiet and restrained ones perfectly encapsulates the feeling of opening up to someone.