We previously featured Layla Kaylif for taking us on a darkly poetic journey through desire, jealousy, and spiritual awakening with her evocative single, Closer, so when we heard that the visionary artist and Anglo-Arab “Pop Poet” was back with Walks on Water, we were curious to say the least, and couldn’t wait to listen and share our experience.
Walks on Water opens with an intimate piano riff, expanding with soft-rock drums and chords as ISRA3L sings, “Like a windy highway, you killed a thousand women inside me, and became queen, and when I travel in your eyes, I ride a magic carpet ride cos our love walks on water…”
The opus expands with luscious choral vocals for the mantra-like hook before a luscious strings arrangement enhances the emotional quotient of the song.
We immediately connect with the literary quality of the songwriting. There is something timeless about the way Layla Kaylif approaches love, allowing sensuality, spirituality and metaphor to exist within the same emotional space. We could imagine fans of Tracy Chapman, particularly those drawn to her ability to turn intimate human experiences into poetic and culturally resonant songwriting, connecting deeply with what Layla and ISRA3L have created sonically.
There is also a sophisticated singer-songwriter sensibility reminiscent of Suzanne Vega, whilst the spiritual dimensions and Arabic poetic influence give the piece its own distinct identity.
The phrase walks on water becomes particularly fascinating because it elevates love beyond ordinary romance. There is almost a devotional quality to the language. The concept of the “magic carpet ride” imagery brings another dimension, connecting the sensuality of the song to Layla’s Anglo-Arab identity.
We also love the story behind the collaboration. Drawing upon fragments and imagery from the poetry of Syrian literary giant Nizar Qabbani, Layla rearranges and adapts those ideas alongside her own writing, while her original melody was subsequently reinterpreted through a male vocal perspective.
We could imagine Walks on Water landing a sync placement in a film like In the Mood for Love, The English Patient, or Past Lives. Television-wise, we could also see it working well within Normal People, The White Lotus, The Day of the Jackal, or Adults.
Needless to say, we are in awe of the sophistication. Walks on Water is a beautifully textured meeting point between poetry, soul, pop and spirituality. We will be keeping a close eye on Layla Kaylif as we anticipate her forthcoming album, and in the meantime, we have added the song to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist.