Sasha Joy’s latest single, “To Stay,” released in mid November, is a breathtaking exploration of emotional gravity and the transformative power of connection. Recorded in Shoreditch and refined at Studio Cryogene, the track arrives as a “slow burn” that marks a pivotal evolution in Joy’s career, establishing her as a vocalist of genuine interpretive authority.
Produced by Sanga Toto, the song strikes a delicate balance between a global groove and cinematic tenderness. It opens with atmospheric synths and moody guitar plucks that create a serene, ambient glow. The production is intentionally minimalistic, carving out a vast space for Joy’s voice to sit at the center like a “beating heart”. A notable highlight is the midsection key change, which introduces jazzy organs and layered vocals, providing a welcome surprise that keeps the listener hooked.
Joy’s vocal delivery is the track’s primary engine. She begins with an intimate whisper, as if singing directly into the listener’s ear, before blooming into a luscious upper range. Critics have praised her ability to move between feather light falsettos and smoky, resonant chest tones, a “vocal chiaroscuro” that brings a rich emotional depth to the storytelling.
Lyrically, “To Stay” is more than a standard love song; it is a meditation on presence and resilience. It captures the “calm assurance” found in a relationship that rearranges one’s priorities and provides a sense of peace amidst the chaos of the world.
With its technical polish from Globe Audio Mastering and Joy’s soulful sincerity, “To Stay” is a “genre bending balm” that confirms she is a force to be reckoned with in the UK’s soul and R&B scene.
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