
B3N&J8CUB, a pop artist known for their emotionally charged vocals and lush, atmospheric production, deliver an almost nostalgic, Ibiza-infused track in their recently released “I Remember.” Composed by Benjamin Hakim, this song dives deep into the electronic soul and indie pop realms, echoing the sun-drenched soundscapes of 2016’s golden age of electronic pop.
Right from the start, “I Remember” evokes memories of Avicii’s feel-good anthems with warm, beachy beats. It’s got that unmistakable summer afterglow vibe, the kind of track you’d imagine soundtracking a sunset set at an Ibiza club. The production is polished, smooth, and immersive, with glimmers of emotional depth woven through the melody and lyrics.
That said, as someone who doesn’t typically gravitate toward this genre, I found myself torn. While the song is well produced and hits all the right sonic marks, it sometimes feels like it’s trying to be a certain kind of song rather than authentically embodying it. In aiming to capture the essence of that 2016 electronic-pop wave, some of the “emotionally charged vocals and introspective songwriting” that B3N&J8CUB are known for, according to their Spotify bio, feel slightly inauthentic.
One point that especially stood out was the ending. It cuts off so suddenly, right as it seems like another lyric or emotional punch is coming. It left me more confused than contemplative. A more thoughtful outro, even just a few extra bars to let the final emotion land, could have really elevated the experience.
Still, credit where it’s due: “I Remember” is an atmospheric, undeniably catchy track that showcases B3N&J8CUB’s knack for evocative production and melody. It’s a track that would absolutely thrive on a summer playlist, particularly for fans of nostalgic, synthy pop with an emotional edge.
With just a bit more emphasis on lyrical intimacy and a more cohesive ending, B3N&J8CUB have the potential to create something truly unforgettable.
SCORE/Good: This song is perfect if you are feeling nostalgic for the 2026 summer and are ready to go for a drive through some palm trees, but it does still have its faults.
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