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AmyJayneXoX		#1 Posted : 06 July 2025 19:47:28(UTC)
Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered Joined: 22/02/2013(UTC) Posts: 8,660 Location: Ashford Thanks: 4414 times Was thanked: 4100 time(s) in 1397 post(s)		Title: Self Reflection Length: 44:28 Genre(s): Pop, Synth-Pop, Alternative Pop, R&B, Drum & Bass Label: Independent/Self-Released Written By: Elyar Black, Adam Black Produced By: Edwardo Lopez, Sebastian “Sebi” Ashmore, Daniel Hansel, Mark Franklin, Greg Devlin Singles Released: New Perspective [#1], Better Than Me [#4], Psycho Love Game [#1] “Self Reflection” is the long-awaited second studio album by American singer-songwriter Elyar Black. Work on the album began over 5 years ago when the 33 year-old was taking time away from the industry to focus and reflect on his life hence the title of the album. After a handful of now standalone singles which where released all the way back in 2019 which were lifted from his now scrapped original second studio album, Elyar burst back onto the scene in 2023 and has some of the biggest success in his career to date. The album was written primarily by the singer himself as the majority of the album is taken from personal moments within his life, a couple of the track however where written or co-written along with his older brother Adam Black. The album comprises a handful on genres and musical styles ranging from Pop to R&B all the way through to Drum & Bass and more synth-pop elements, it terms of musical styles for the majority of the album Elyar has stuck to his standards however this album sees the 33 year-old slow things down on a number of tracks with a more mellow tempo. It terms of production Elyar worked with a few of his close industry friends with the album being entirely produced at his home studio by Edwardo Lopez, Sebastian “Sebi” Ashmore, Daniel Hansel, Mark Franklin and Greg Devlin. From the fourteen tracks on the album to date three singles have been released from the album “New Perspective” which topped the charts for a number of weeks. “Better Than Me” which debuted and peaked at #4 and the most recent offering from the album came in the form of “Psycho Love Game” which ones again gave Elyar another #1 single. Critical reception to the album has been mostly positive with many of the critics calling this the best work by far of his career with many noting that the raw and honest lyrics in many of the songs is a breath of fresh air from the usually mostly sexually charged content that Elyar has become known for over the years. Danny Blackmore wrote in his review. “This album is so raw and honest about aspects of his life and that is why the title of the album is fitting, in terms of sound it’s pretty standard Elyar but I do love that his slowed things down and really showcases that he actually has a damn decent voice. Overall I would give this album a solid 8/10.” Kylie Graham wrote in her four star review of the album. “This album has been in the making for years and it shows, it flows beautifully and clearly was made from the heart, my personal favourites are definitely “Ghost Of Yesterday” which showcases a much more slower tempo and “Back To The Start” which is short but catchy bop and I am always here for those, this is a fantastic work of art to add to his discography.” Francis Callus wrote in his review. “Okay overall this is his best body of work to date, my only gripe is two of the tracks nestle between all of these personal, raw songs there are the track mark Elyar tracks talking about sex, but other that the album is definitely up there as one of my favourite albums of the year so far.” Caroline Smith wrote in her review. “No offence to the boys of the Weekend who once signed Elyar to Five Pesky Kids but now as an independent artist woah his album is just on another level to anything Elyar has brought to the table before color me impressed and surprised, this album has been on repeat and not a single track has been skip or overlooked by me, top notch stuff.” Elyar wrote: Finally! After all these years and several changes and scrapping songs and writing new ones, Self Reflection is finally seeing the light of day. This album was equal parts exciting to make but also bitterly hard, this album is raw it’s honest and it really documents the years I spent away from the industry, of course there’s a couple of typical songs in there but they aren’t as in your face sexual, getting to wrote with my brother Adam was both amazing but also a pain in the ass because as a big brother he loves to try and annoy me but we managed to pull it together to write a few great tracks together, I hope you guys love the album and hopefully can relate to a lot of the lyrics within the album because I feel like a lot of my own personal struggles and failures in life can resonate with a lot of people. So here it is guys I present to you “Self Reflection!” TRACKLIST: 1: New Perspective 2: Ghost Of Yesterday 3: Better Than Me 4: Back To The Start 5: Psycho Love Game 6: Wrong Reasons 7: Hard To Let Go 8: Funky, Sex, Magic 9: Better Than Your Ex 10: Cheated 11: 9 Inches Of Magic 12: Shouldn’t Have 13: Big Mistake 14: Playin’ Games Edited by user 03 August 2025 22:50:20(UTC) \| Reason: Not specified

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AmyJayneXoX		#2 Posted : 25 July 2025 22:02:54(UTC)
Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered Joined: 22/02/2013(UTC) Posts: 8,660 Location: Ashford Thanks: 4414 times Was thanked: 4100 time(s) in 1397 post(s)		Title: New Perspective Length: 3:31 Genre(s): Synth-Pop, Drum & Bass, R&B Label: Independent/Self Released Written By: Elyar Black Produced By: Edwardo Lopez, Sebastian “Sebi” Ashmore Taken From The Album: Self Reflection ”New Perspective” is the brand new single by American singer-songwriter Elyar Black, the song marks the singers first musical release since 2019’s ”Get Me (Naked)”. Following the release of his 2019 single the singer planned to release his second studio album ”Expectations” however his former label Five Pesky Kids Records seemingly pulled the plug on the release of the album for unknown reasons, following the pull of the album Elyar turned away from the spotlight to focus on raising his now 7 year-old son Nicolai “Nico” Black. However Elyar now makes his return to the spotlight after almost 5 years. The track was written by the 31 year-old and reflects on his life and his past romantic on and off again relationship with fellow American singer-songwriter Lexi Marie Taylor. The track was produced by the production team of Edwardo Lopez and Sebastian “Sebi” Ashmore and has a total runtime of three minutes and thirty-one seconds. The song serves as the lead single from the singers second official album ”Self Reflection” which is rumoured to be released in 2024. The song incorporates elements of Synth-Pop, Drum & Bass and R&B marking a new sound direction for Elyar. Critical reception from the song has been relatively positive. Nina Mauboy of Idolised said in her review. “He just drops this single out of nowhere and call me surprised it’s quite slick, clearly Black has gone away and come back with a more mature sound, energy and vibe I really dig this track”. Leslie Daniels wrote in her 7/10 review. “New music, new attitude, new Elyar, this song is quite mellow and impactful all at the same time, I do fear however that the song could fail to live up to expectations but it’s a solid comeback track.” Mason Fairchild of DigitalSpy wrote in his review. “I wasn’t expecting this track at all, definitely wasn’t expecting this entirely new sound from Elyar, but I must say it’s catchy enough to make some waves on the radio and for once his not singing about sex so that’s a positive in my eyes, solid effort.” Gina Daio of MusicSheet wrote a less favourable review in her review of the track. “Okay this isn’t what I was expecting, now I am not saying it’s terrible but I definitely don’t think this fits with what we have come to expect from the singer, the track seems a little out of place against the rest of his discography and back catalog but maybe that was the point, at least I hope it was.” Cameron Valdez of NME wrote in his review of which he gave the song a solid score of 85/100. “I must say I am surprised but also super intrigued by this single it’s totally different and it breaths a complete new direction and I am all for artists coming out with an unexpected new sound and style this could definitely be one of the best comebacks of the year easily, it’s so well written and the production slaps big time”. Elyar wrote: ”Surprise, I am back! Honestly after the pulling of my album all those years ago I never thought I’d have the motivation, courage to release music again but it was actually my son he was like daddy you must sing and stuff and I couldn’t let the little fella down so I decided to have a self reflection of sorts hence the album title and put everything that’s happened in my life in the last 5 years or so down on paper and New Perspective is what came from it honestly the writing of this song was tough I had to relive parts of my life I have tried hard to forget but that is sometimes what makes the best lyrics come out and I couldn’t be happier with it and that’s why I chose it to be the lead from the album so I hope that my fans old and new enjoy it and support it because this album hasn’t been an easier journey at times for me, but I am so humbly grateful that my fans are still there and have been bugging me for years to release new music and finally I am ready to do just that!” NEW PERSPECTIVE I know it’s been a while Time flies on by But everything has changed It’ll never ever be the same I don’t even remember the bad days But I don’t know if you’d still love me today 30 years of shame it’s time to make a change Cos I got a new perspective on life now Time for playing games is done Just imagine what we could of become But it doesn’t matter now Perspectives changed, people change Will you even remember my face Changed my mind, body and soul All you’ll remember is my face Got a new demeanour and attitude I only ever want to remember the good old days Remember the days when I was a young, wild and free Before you go saying you have heard it all before Just look at my life the last few years Living life in obscurity to cleanse my brain Cos I got a new perspective on life now Time for playing games is done Just imagine what we could of become But it doesn’t matter now Perspectives changed, people change Let’s refresh the mind You say you have moved on But I wonder if you’d even recognise me today Life is now good for me I hope you’re life had turned out the way you wanted Made the dreams you had come true I have new goals of my own I have a new lease on life, time is right Cos I got a new perspective on life now Time for playing games is done Just imagine what we could of become But it doesn’t matter now Perspectives changed, people change Cos I got a new perspective on life now Time for playing games is done Just imagine what we could of become But it doesn’t matter now Perspectives changed, people change SOUNDS LIKE:

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AmyJayneXoX		#3 Posted : 25 July 2025 22:22:20(UTC)
Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered Joined: 22/02/2013(UTC) Posts: 8,660 Location: Ashford Thanks: 4414 times Was thanked: 4100 time(s) in 1397 post(s)		Title: Ghost Of Yesterday Genre(s): Pop, Synth-Pop Length: 2:22 Written By: Elyar Black Produced By: Greg Devlin, Mark Franklin “Ghost Of Yesterday” is the second track out of fourteen on Elyar Black’s second studio album “Self Reflection”. The song has an overall pop sound and once again has a far more mid-tempo, chilled vibe despite its lyrical content. The track was written by the star himself and discusses how a girl has left such an impression that he feels like she is haunting him and can’t seem to shake her from his mind. Production was handled by Greg Devlin and Mark Franklin who have helped heavily with the overall sound and production of the entire album. The track has a total run time of only two minutes and twenty-two seconds making it a short but reflective track and fits with the overall vibe of the album. Elyar wrote: ”So track two is Ghost Of Yesterday” this was a track that came about a few years ago back when I was in a fairly dark place in my life not only just mentally but physically and this track was just about my mind space at the time I honestly felt like all eyes where on me from not only my exs but the media also…so despite the fact it is talking about a girl in the lyrics in reality I felt like the whole world at the time was haunting me and I really was having restless nights wide awake. So here it guys this “Ghost Of Yesterday” Ghost Of Yesterday In the shadows of my mind you linger on Ghost of our past where has the time gone I hear your whispers late in the night Can't shake the feeling something ain't right Your laughter echoes through these empty halls Faded memories painted on the walls I try to run but you're always near You've become my biggest fear Haunted by the love we used to know Everywhere I turn you seem to follow Can't escape the ghost of yesterday Haunted by the words we didn't say Photos scattered like shards of broken dreams Your touch still burns or so it seems I see your face in every stranger's eyes Wonder when this haunting dies The clock keeps ticking but time stands still Your phantom presence bends my will Can't find peace in daylight or dawn This haunted heart keeps holding on Haunted by the love we used to know Everywhere I turn you seem to follow Can't escape the ghost of yesterday Haunted by the words we didn't say SOUNDS LIKE:

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AmyJayneXoX		#4 Posted : 03 August 2025 22:54:36(UTC)
Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered Joined: 22/02/2013(UTC) Posts: 8,660 Location: Ashford Thanks: 4414 times Was thanked: 4100 time(s) in 1397 post(s)		Title: Better Than Me Length: 2:57 Genre(s): Alternative Pop, Synth-Pop Release Date: 5th January 2024 Label: Independent/Self-Released Written By: Elyar Black Produced By: Edwardo Lopez, Sebastian “Sebi” Ashmore Taken From The Album: Self Reflection “Better Than Me” is the brand new single by Elyar Black and once again sees the 31 year-old release music entirely independently with no label backing. The single is the second to be lifted from his upcoming second studio album ”Self Reflection” which is scheduled for release later this year. ”Better Than Me” is the follow up to his hugely successful comeback single ”New Perspective” which was released late last year and topped the charts for two consecutive weeks.”Better Than Me” was written by the 31 year-old and was produced once again by Edwardo Lopez and Sebastian “Sebi” Ashmore whom wherealso tthe masterminds behind Elyar’s previous single. The track has a run time of two minutes and fifty-seven seconds making it one of the shortest tracks in Elyar’s discography so far in his career. ”Better Than Me” once again follows Elyar on his journey of self discovery and reflection with the 31 year-old talking about a past relationship and how as much he doesn't like to admit it but his exs new partner is a much better man than he was during the time in their relationship, we can only assume that this track was written about Elyar’s well publicized relationship with Lexi Marie Taylor and how he mistreated her during their on and off again relationship and how her current partner whom we can only assume is in reference to Beau Elliott treats her better. So once again just like with ”New Persective” ”Better Than Me” once again shows a more honest and vulnerable side to the 31 year-old. Critical reception for ”Better Than Me” has been mixed to mostly positive with Erica Blackman writing in her review. “Ah after his comeback last year I couldn't wait for more new and I haven't been disappointed this is another stellar track from the younger Black brother and once again shows his only human”. Jessica Maxwell wrote a less than favourable review writing “Finally Elyar is being honest and showing the world his true colors, I always knew he was an asshole and this track in my eyes proves that, props to him for confirming it though I guess”. Daniel Garcia of NME gave the track a score of 8.5/10 in his review. “Regardless of if this track paints Elyar in a not-so-nice light the track itself is a bop that can't be denied, another fabulous track from what is shaping up to be a great album!”. Taylor Erikson wrote in her review giving the track a 6/10. “Its a decent track actually I feel like it will go over well with his fanbase that he already has but lyrically doesn't paint him in the best image but maybe that was the point?”. Esmee Colland wrote in her review. “Showing his true colors and admitting he messed up that takes serious guts so in reality we should be praising him for that, as for the track itself once again is produced so well, Elyar definitely knows his limitations as a vocals and sticks to where his vocals shine so you can't fault that”. Jenna Cladwell of Digital Spy wrote in her review. “This is such an open and honest track, definitely would make any girl cautious to date the 31-year-old but as a track as a whole it is an upbeat bop and masks the overall negativity of the lyrically content well, I could see this track doing well as a whole package.” she gave the song a 7/10. Cian James wrote in his review of the track. “As a whole package this song is so well produced but it does unfortunately showcase Elyar’s vocal limitations but when you look like he does who cares if he has the greatest singing voice or not am I right?…this track also is very open and honest which is rare in this day and age…Elyar certainly won't be landing many chicks with this track but perhaps that was the point, everyone has their flaws and maybe now he has matured and realised his mistakes and come out of it a better man, overall though another top tune from the guy that cannot be denied.” Elyar’s thoughts on “Better Than Me” wrote: “So single number #2 is a track that wasn't easy to write that's for sure, opening up and admitting you fucked up is not an easy thing to do but I feel like it was necessary to heal and learn from my past mistakes…I wasn’t the greatest boyfriend back in the day though physically I would never lay my hands on a woman, mentally for years I did mess with Lexi’s head and she thought I was a great guy because of that when in reality I probably wasn't at the time. Then Beau came along and she realized and had her eyes opened that I wasn't that great of a guy, sure I could satisfy her in the bedroom but outside of that we argued a lot and our relationship was toxic for the majority of it, I wasn't the most faithful I can hold my hands up and admit that and this song shows that, for me this song is for all the ladies out there that have been in a toxic relationship with a man and its also for the lads whom need to realized that they can't win if they treated a woman this way. like I said this wasn't easy to write it wasn't easy to expose my flaws but I was young and stupid in the time period this song is about and now I am 31…almost 32 years old I can admit that I have matured and grown up noticed those flaws and worked on them and worked on myself to be a better version of myself so I hope people who listen to this don't listen and think I am still that same person because I am not.” “I firstly want to thank Lexi without her this track never would have come about and also Beau, now I know he and I haven't had the best track record but can't fault the guy in all honesty his actually a decent guy who's extremely misunderstood of course I need to thank the producers once again they have worked wonders and made this track what it is and I can't thank them enough for the vibe they created for this track which wasn't easy given the lyrically content. So that's it guys I hope you enjoy the track and don't judge me to harshly!” BETTER THAN ME All the time spend chasing my dream Focusing solely on me, myself and I When in reality I should of been focusing on the two of us Not a day go by that I don’t live with regrets For all the times I messed with your head I get that I played with your emotions Turned you into a narcissist bitch with no cognitive function Then he came along and changed the game God damn it drove me insane It’s taking me years to realise That’s his a better man than me I treated you like a puppet in my own sick circus Yet he treated you like a Queen made you feel worthy I understand now why you couldn’t let him go His better than me in every which way Even though that pains me to say He lead you to a life that’s stable For that I should be thankful His better than me in every which way Better than me, better than me Though it pains me to say Better than me, better than me I made your life hell for the best part of 10 years Thought I was a king balling it like I’m in Buckingham Palace Hurting you with my harsh word Selling your soul to the devil Just to make things work Made you fall for my charms When really it was just doing harm Karmas a bitch, now I know it’s true So many years I fucked with you Making you believe my love with pure But really I just made your life a god damn bore It’s taking me years to realise That’s his a better man than me I treated you like a puppet in my own sick circus Yet he treated you like a Queen made you feel worthy I understand now why you couldn’t let him go His better than me in every which way Even though that pains me to say He lead you to a life that’s stable For that I should be thankful His better than me in every which way Better than me, better than me Though it pains me to say Better than me, better than me His better than me, better than me Better than me, god damn it his better than me His better than me, oh so better than me Better than me, fuck this his better than me Better than me, better than me, better than me Feeling like I have lost touch with my humanity Driving you to total crazy levels of insanity Wrecking your mind with my sick twisted games Making you play sides, hoping to win the game He and I are one and the same Except his the one keeping you sane Forgive me father for I have sinned 30 years of life and I still have nothing All those years wasted being immature For fuck sake why was I such a man whore You didn’t deserve any of this Forgive me for all the I have done Except his the one that’s won It’s taking me years to realise That’s his a better man than me I treated you like a puppet in my own sick circus Yet he treated you like a Queen made you feel worthy I understand now why you couldn’t let him go His better than me in every which way Even though that pains me to say He lead you to a life that’s stable For that I should be thankful His better than me in every which way Better than me, better than me Though it pains me to say Better than me, better than me His better than me, better than me Better than me, god damn it his better than me His better than me, oh so better than me Better than me, fuck this his better than me Better than me, better than me, better than me SOUNDS LIKE:

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