Rina Sawayama has released a deluxe version of her sophomore album, Hold the Girl, featuring two new bonus tracks. Stream it below.
Released in celebration of the original album’s first anniversary, Hold the Girl (Bonus Edition) includes the single “Flavour of the Month” and a reimagining of the record’s eighth track, “Imagining,” featuring Amaarae. The former track first appeared as a demo included on the Japanese edition of Hold the Girl.
As for the fresh cut of “Imagining,” Amaarae lends her voice for a new verse, perfectly fitting into the song’s electro-pop arrangement. The tension around her crisp, processed vocals builds from line to line, eventually coming to a head as Sawayama reenters with the song’s hook, bringing the track into “irresistibly dancy” territory. Stream the new tracks below.
Sawayama has had quite a remarkable year, leading the charge as part of a new generation of artists reclaiming nu-metal and pushing the boundaries of the typical pop sound. She also made her silver screen debut, appearing in John Wick: Chapter 4 as the daughter of Hiroyuki Sanada’s character.
This past March, Sawayama shared “Eye for an Eye” from the John Wick soundtrack. A few months later, she embarked on a 2023 tour, which included a stop at Glastonbury, where she called out label-mate and masters-owner, The 1975’s Matty Healy, for his antics, and appeared alongside Sir Elton John. This week, Consequence named Glastonbury 2023 the Festival of the Year.
Hold the Girl (Bonus Edition) Artwork:
Hold the Girl (Bonus Edition) Tracklist:
01. Minor Feelings
02. Hold the Girl
03. This Hell
04. Catch Me In the Air
05. Forgiveness
06. Holy (Til You Let Me Go)
07. Your Age
08. Imagining
09. Frankenstein
10. Hurricanes
11. Send My Love to John
12. Phantom
13. To Be Alive
14. Imagining (Bonus Track) (feat. Amaarae)
15. Flavour of the Month (Bonus Track)
