Emerging R&B trio Psiryn has delivered a masterclass in honouring legacy while forging new ground with their latest single, “The Softest.” A reimagining of Xscape’s 1998 slow jam “The Softest Place On Earth,” the track displays nostalgic sensuality with contemporary artistry.
Produced by T-Nyce and co-written by Kandi Burruss—Xscape’s Grammy-winning member and Psiryn’s mentor—“The Softest” retains the original’s seductive chorus while infusing verses with modern lyricism and lush harmonies. The trio’s approach was deliberate: “We didn’t just want to remake the song. We wanted to make it ours, while still honoring the women who gave it to us first,” they shared. Collaborators like Ashun Kwamena and vocal producer Brandin Jay helped craft a soundscape that feels both timeless and fresh, with honeyed vocals and layered production that evoke a “dreamlike atmosphere.”
The release follows Psiryn’s record-breaking debut, “Sober,” which made them the first all-female R&B group in over 20 years to top Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart—a feat last achieved by Floetry in 2003 and Brownstone in 1995. This momentum underscores their mission to revive the girl-group era with a modern twist, channeling the “powerhouse energy” of groups like Destiny’s Child while maintaining a distinct identity.
Lyrically, “The Softest” redefines vulnerability as power. Lines like “Baby, won’t you come inside / I’ll take you on a fantasy ride” merge intimacy with confidence, framing tenderness as a radical act. The trio’s harmonies—seamlessly interwoven yet individually distinct—create a “sonically pleasing tapestry” that balances nostalgia with innovation.
With support from industry heavyweights like Kandi Burruss and Nick Cannon, Psiryn is positioned as both torchbearers and disruptors. Their recent performance on The Queens of R&B Tour alongside Xscape and SWV further cements their place in the genre’s evolving narrative. As they rework classics and craft originals, the trio embodies a rare duality: reverence for R&B’s roots and audacity to reshape its future.
In an era where R&B’s boundaries are continually expanding, Psiryn’s success signals a revival of intentional, harmony-driven storytelling. “The Softest” is a declaration that artistry thrives when legacy and innovation collide.
