Tems – What You Need

Back with another hit after “Raindance”…

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[7.33]Nortey Dowuona: The concrete block kick that swallows the mix of this song was either placed by GuiltyBeatz or Temz, and throughout the earnest soprano vocals it anchors an otherwise vaporous and languid song, by knocking loose your willingness to lean into the vibes and forcing you up into the distinct poetry of Tems. “I’m better on my own, you’re better when you’re gone” is a cutting last line, but it’s not meant to be, it’s a thoughtful, frank assessment of their relationship. They don’t work well together, they feel happier apart, they only linger in this relationship as a holding position, and in the pre chorus, Tems pointedly asks, why stay in this position? Out of fear? Out of fear then comfort? Out of fear, then comfort, then resentment. This is not what she needs, and not what the other partner needs, so she cuts them loose, breaking the rope with the concrete blocks of the kicks. What do, then, they need? Who knows.
[8]

Charli Jae Brister: ’S’fine. Plodding and repetitive. Great voice, though—silky and winding, perfect for the spare arrangement. Tems goes for restrained and understated, which works, but she reaches the ceiling of “serviceable” rather than pushing through to “good”.
[6]

Claire Davidson: Tems is often gifted with very layered, pristine-sounding production, and “What You Need” is no different: the track’s central groove, built on piano keys and a loping bass thump, sounds both expansive and relaxed, perfect for her naturally emotive delivery to fill the space. That more meditative atmosphere makes for an odd fit with her lyrics, though, which see Tems emphatically come to terms with the reality that she and her partner aren’t a good match, sounding as if she’s in tears when declaring I’m not what you need. This isn’t to say that the track should strive for full-throated bombast (though Tems does have the pipes for it), but simply that it could stand to be more dynamic — maybe add some strings or a more robust piano arrangement to the chorus, instead of letting that laconic beat stoically trudge through its leading lady’s pain.
[6]

Alfred Soto: Her stillness, far from statuesque, has a quiet charismatic power. Stepping between the two keyboard notes as if vacillating between frustration and indifference, Tems gives another performance by an adult for adults.
[8]

Edward Okulicz: In terms of a lyric, or a story, “What You Need” is unsatisfying. As a piece of music, it’s the opposite — felt, lived-in, relatable. It just goes to show that a really great voice can take an unsatisfying, mozzarella-stretching end of a relationship and make you enjoy every bite of it even while you know it’s kind of unhealthy.
[8]

Al Varela: Gorgeous little song. The steady beat and gentle keys provide a soothing backdrop to a very romantically tragic song where Tems pushes away a lover trying to keep this relationship alive. I love how beautifully Tems balances the elegance and desperation of her vocals. Establishing a firm boundary that this relationship has no chance of survival and that it’s best for the both of them to stay as far away from each other as possible. The tragedy of this song is knowing there’s some underlying feelings that remain with each other, but what good are those feelings if staying here is tearing them apart?
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