find your new favorite r&b tune with maritza merk’s “both ways”
By Grace Niemiec
New York R&B artist Maritza Merk shines with dynamic lyrical and musical themes in her newest single, “Both Ways”.
Merk describes the new track as “a song about a complicated love thing, like putting together a puzzle with all the wrong pieces.” Much like its subject, “Both Ways” is like a puzzle, but in no way lacking the correct pieces. The combination of Merk’s gorgeous vocals and sultry, electronic instrumentals is a perfect match.
The track begins with a lyrical introduction to the situation Merk previously hinted at: “Yeah, we been here before / Can’t complain.” Immediately, the beat kicks in with rising and falling synths and some catchy drum hits, building an uneven yet enjoyable environment for the listener. The tune has a natural side to side flow just like the relationship that acts as the lyrical focus. These two people are constantly shifting the power and (unlike this track) it’s not working. It’s a familiar story for any R&B fan, but Merk’s portrayal of this dynamic goes all the way down to the song's instrumental roots.
The lyrics mirror the give and take of the musical swells, reflecting a tug-of-war relationship where neither party is right: “How do you fix this? / I’m tryin’ to be realistic / cause I know in the end you won’t listen.” This attention to detail towards musical choices stakes Merk’s claim among the rising R&B stars that deserve listeners’ attention right now. Her ability to match the failed romance cliché with a worthy modern beat is a breath of fresh air within the genre.
With this single’s mastery of the genre’s classic themes, paired with a cohesive modern aesthetic, Merk proves that R&B artists can have it both ways.