Nneka - Heartbeat

If music can hurt and heal at the same time, it probably sounds like Nneka ...

In 2008, the Nigerian-German artist landed a global hit with "Heartbeat," a track that sticks in your mind thanks to its pulsating beat. The song is raw and unvarnished, a quality that extends to the message behind it. The track was created in just about 45 minutes. Nneka entered the studio and heard a peculiar, almost mechanical bass loop that immediately reminded her of a heartbeat. With this track, Nneka proves that "Soul" is not just a genre, but an attitude. "Heartbeat" is a deeply political song. In it, Nneka processes the exploitation and corruption in her homeland, the Niger Delta. The "heartbeat" represents the suffering of the local people living in poverty amidst oil wealth. It is a musical outcry against ignorance. In the audiophile scene, "Heartbeat" (especially the original version and the Chase & Status remix) is considered an insider tip for system testing: Low-Bass Control: The song features an extremely clean yet powerful sub-bass line. If your speakers or subwoofer aren't precise, the track will "bleed" or the cabinet will start to drone. Dynamics & Contrast: The combination of hard drum hits, mellotron strings, and Nneka's haunting voice challenges the dynamic range of any system. High-End Clarity: While the bass provides the foundation, the cymbals and hi-hats cut through the mix with razor-sharp precision. Good speakers resolve these high frequencies cleanly without becoming fatiguing.