The sultry and jazzy heartbreak of Nina Mone’s newest single, “Broken Clock,” give the piece a vintage feel. While the Lizzo comparisons may be inevitable, Nina’s work is far more rooted in classic R&B. The NYC based songstress appears to still be a very young lady, but with a tempered soul and a wise heart. There isn’t a great deal of accessible background information on her, but she has released music over the last several years. Her dedication to her craft and her genre is aligned with her mission statement.
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For songwriters, telling a relatively common story in their own unique voice is a welcoming challenge. On “Broken Clock,” Nina finds that her idyllic romance has been shattered beyond repair. She uses the metaphor of a broken clock, and the time that she will never get back, wasted on someone she thought was true. Again, it’s an age old narrative, but Nina Mone isn’t typical, thus she gives a standout performance. She’s both cautious and expressive throughout the track, and the song ends up being more than solid.
Lyrically, Nina is open and literal on “Broken Clock.” She leaves little to assumption, and instead paints a picture of a situation that likely mirrors that of many. She references getting close to her former flame’s children; something rarely addressed, but a very real and relatable scenario. Her pain is palpable, and she sings from a deep place with genuine emotion. There’s nothing about her performance that seems as though she’s merely channeling the spirit of a lovelorn woman.
In the video for “Broken Clock,” we see rotating shots of Nina on a plane, with an antique style, rotary phone. She strangely has the phone, some distance from her ear. In other shots, we see Nina performing the song in what appears to be another area of the plane. We’re given the impression that she has fully committed to leaving the relationship behind, but that her healing has just begun. Her screen presence is strong, and Nina throws herself into the performance, without going too far.
Compositionally, “Broken Clock,” abides by a simple formula, heavily relying on Nina’s vocal performance. However, it’s a nuanced backdrop that doesn’t lean in to the standard R&B tropes. Instead, we get an almost lounge-like ambiance that somehow evokes a more meaningful sense of melancholy. The music enhances Nina’s performance, without rushing or exclaiming her. It’s a strong mix, with a characteristic touch.
One of Nina’s most endearing and valuable qualities, would seem to be her humility. She truly bares her soul on “Broken Clock,” and shows great courage in doing so. Yeah you love the drama/but I’m stuck with this trauma is one of the key lines to “Broken Clock.” She doesn’t deny her victimization, but instead makes an unspoken vow to not let it define her. This is the kind of piece that introduces Nina Mone to a new audience, and wins them over with her honesty and sincerity. “Broken Clock” is now available for streaming and download.
Trace Whittaker
