Kali Uchis has returned with her deeply personal album, "Sincerely," which she describes as music she wrote for her future self. Released on May 9, 2025, the album marks her first English-language project since "Red Moon in Venus." It began as a collection of letters to herself, friends, and loved ones but evolved into a poignant reflection on her life experiences, including the birth of her first child and the recent loss of her mother.
In an interview with AP entertainment journalist Leslie Ambriz, Uchis explained her creative process, stating, "I really did make the music that I needed for my grieving process, for just the place that I’m at in my life right now." The album's first single, "Sunshine & Rain...," features a touching clip of her mother saying, "Good morning, sunshine," which Uchis included to honor her mother’s memory. "I wanted to immortalize her in the project," she said.
The 14-track album showcases Uchis's vulnerability, with songs like "Daggers!" encouraging self-love and "ILYSMIH" capturing the intimacy of motherhood as it was written while she was in her hospital bed with her newborn. Uchis hopes that listeners will feel more connected to themselves and their emotions after experiencing her music. "I hope it will give them some type of solace," she expressed.
Musically, "Sincerely" offers a blend of nostalgic and modern sounds. The album opens with "Heaven Is a Home...," a vintage-sounding track that draws inspiration from ’60s girl groups. It features lush strings and harp, creating a dreamy atmosphere. Uchis's vocals are layered, adding to the ethereal quality of the song. "Hey, could you quiet down?" she implores, setting a tranquil mood.
While the album pays homage to retro styles, it also incorporates contemporary influences. For instance, "Silk Lingerie" features programmed drums, while "Angels All Around Me" uses breakbeats to complement Uchis's laidback vocals. The doo-wop-inspired "All I Can Say" is a nostalgic nod to the past, filled with romantic imagery.
Uchis describes herself as an old-school romantic in "Lose My Cool," embracing love while acknowledging the complexities of life. Tracks like "Sugar, Honey, Love" and "ILSYMIH" reflect her new chapter of motherhood, filled with warmth and affection. However, the album does not shy away from addressing the challenges of the world, as seen in "Sunshine & Rain," where she questions, "Whatever happened to the human race?/Did everyone’s minds get melted and deranged?"
Notably, "Sincerely" features no guest artists, allowing Uchis to shine on her own. The album’s measured tempos and heavy reverb create a cohesive listening experience, reinforcing the themes of healing and self-discovery. Uchis describes the project as her most existential and honest work, stating, "It’s definitely the most beautiful body of work to me, and it’s going to be, for me, the most meaningful and impactful."
Reflecting on her writing process, Uchis noted that many songs were crafted without music, allowing her to focus on the emotion behind the lyrics. "I try to just make beauty out of all of my experiences," she said, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in her music.
As Uchis navigates her grief and celebrates motherhood, "Sincerely" serves as a testament to her growth as an artist and a person. The album is dedicated to her mother, and Uchis hopes it resonates with listeners who may be experiencing their own struggles. "I’m a very deep feeler. I’m very empathetic. I feel a lot. And I wanted to make a body of work that fully showed that vulnerability," she explained.
Listeners can expect a journey through the complexities of life, love, and loss in Uchis's latest offering. With its heartfelt lyrics and soothing melodies, "Sincerely" invites fans to reflect on their own experiences while finding joy in the present moment. As Uchis puts it, "Finding ways to appreciate every moment and not take life for granted. Treat every day special." This album, a blend of personal narrative and artistic expression, is sure to leave a lasting impact on all who listen.
