Reid Kellermann | Staff Illustrator

Zoumer’s new soft-pop single “Round and round,” in collaboration with mishmish, is dazzling, with refreshing originality and masterful synergy between its raw lyricism and polished production. Not only did Zoumer write the lyrics for this song, the Danish-Algerian artist also produced it. Her composition feels somewhat reminiscent of Gracie Abrams, with a warm sound and propelling beat combined. Zoumer’s personal touch shines through in her metaphoric lyrics and lulling yet enticing sound.

The lyrics describe a house where she spends time with an enigmatic individual under jasmine flowers, symbols of both innocence and romance. The symbolism of jasmines feels validating of real life experiences in relationships, where there can be undertones of inexperience coupled with attraction that are never explicitly stated but present and felt. She also frequently returns to the title, from describing spiraling staircases to her relationship with this individual, complementing the jasmine imagery by expressing the tumultuous, dizzying feeling these ambiguous relationships catalyze. 

Paired with the production ushering in vibrant yet calming waves of sound like the leaves falling around campus, listening to the song creates a dream-like experience. It provides an escape for listeners to step away from the busyness of life and become absorbed by Zoumer’s artistry. 

The song left me wondering whether it’s reminiscing on passion or purity, or perhaps both. The ambiguity only added to the ethereal quality and suggests that the lines between romantic and platonic feelings are often blurred. This dizzying feeling is alluded to in the title “Round and round.”

The single is definitely the kind of song I could catch myself nodding absentmindedly to or humming in the shower. Whether you want a new sound for your study playlist or a thought-provoking listen, this single is both the perfect background beat and relatable bop.