“Play it Cool” is a thoughtful sequel to her debut single, “Iconic,” and Ella Quynh displays a different side to her artistry. The previous version was more into the guitar-driven pop-rock, while this one takes its time, and lets the emotion cool down before music slowly builds. From the first strings, the atmosphere is established, with the gentle acoustic guitar and Quynh’s clear and expressive voice. She never comes across as being superfluous. Rather, she lets the words breathe and captures the heart of doubt that comes with a relationship that isn’t always so clear on what to do with emotion and sound judgment.
The drums and electric guitars take over, the song becomes more natural, but still with a personal touch. I really enjoy the way “Play it Cool” takes a gentle turn for the fuller, more spirited sound and quynh takes it with such confidence. Her delivery is certainly real and the arrangement is not so much a hindrance as it is a help. It’s a positive development for a young artist just starting to develop her repertoire. Ella Quynh is definitely worth watching and “Play it Cool” is a good argument that she is.
