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- H.E.R.'s Volume 1 and March Comes in Like a Lion: The Volume of Silence
H.E.R.'s Volume 1 and March Comes in Like a Lion: The Volume of Silence
H.E.R.’s Volume 1 is a contemporary R&B album that revolutionized the idea of anonymity in music, emphasizing raw emotion and vulnerability. The self-titled album strips back the façade of fame to present a series of tracks that convey the complexity of love and self-discovery. On a parallel plane, the anime and manga series March Comes in Like a Lion, created by Chica Umino, tells the story of a young shogi player who grapples with depression and loneliness, seeking connection and meaning within his internal silence.
Both H.E.R.’s Volume 1 and March Comes in Like a Lion delve into profound themes, particularly identity and society's impact on the individual. Love and conflict also present themselves not as mere topics, but as experiences that shape their narratives.
"Feel a way, every time you hear my music it's like you feel a way” (H.E.R., “Feel A Way”)
The album's introspective lyrics echo the silent contemplation of Rei, the young protagonist of March Comes in Like a Lion, as he navigates his emotions in a world that feels both loud and yet oftentimes deafeningly silent.
The Art of Storytelling Through Senses and Sensibilities
The narrative strength of H.E.R.’s Volume 1 lies in its ability to weave a sonic story without a visible protagonist. H.E.R. uses melody and lyrics to paint an emotional landscape that listeners can step into. Similarly, March Comes in Like a Lion employs stark contrasts in its visual style—moments of vibrant warmth counterbalanced by scenes engulfed in shadow—to reflect Rei's internal struggles.
Musical Ebb and Flow Mirrored in Visual Storytelling:
“Jungle” (H.E.R.)
"I don't want no problems, I wish a b**h would Try to come between us, it won't end up good You know I love you like no one else could I go to Hell and back for ya"
These lyrics parallel the protective and tumultuous emotions Rei feels towards his foster sister, Hinata, as well as the depth of his own internal battles. The ebb and flow of the music underscore the visual storytelling, reflecting the peaks and valleys of Rei's journey.
The Emotional Echoes and Resonance with the Audience
Both H.E.R.'s album and the anime resonate deeply with audiences, setting off a cascade of emotion with their respective artistic mediums. Fans of March Comes in Like a Lion often discuss the poignant, unspoken feelings that are conveyed through Rei's eyes and subtle body language, just as H.E.R.'s Volume 1 listeners relate to the vulnerability and raw emotion in the lyrics.
“Facts” (H.E.R.)
"I'm telling you the facts We don't have to rush, just take it slow You and I don't have to act Just let it flow, let the love unfold"
Volume 1 and March encourage their audience to embrace the silent volumes of their own experiences, acknowledging that strength can be found in moments of quiet reflection.
Reflecting on Silent Stories and Unheard Lyrics
Through its unique blend of melodic storytelling and poignant lyricism, H.E.R.’s Volume 1 complements the introspective and emotive journey found within March Comes in Like a Lion. Fans of the music can relate to the silence that surrounds Rei, finding themselves in the album’s unspoken spaces between beats and melodies.
Conversely, admirers of the anime/manga can appreciate the sonic narrative crafted by H.E.R., recognizing their own internal monologues and struggles amidst the harmonies and verses. The intersection of these two works reveals a shared human experience—where silence speaks the loudest volumes about who we are.
The comparison is not only meaningful but essential, for it bridges the gap between how we listen and how we observe, reminding us that the most profound connections often come from what goes unsaid.