Recalling the elegance and sophistication of D’Angelo and Roberta Flack, ‘I Hope You Understand’ is a cinematic spin on neo-soul with string orchestrations that yield a pronounced sense of grandeur and sophistication. The track was produced by Berchie’s long-time collaborator Hilts.

A testament of self-actualization, ‘I Hope You Understand’ narrates the journey of someone conditioned to habitually prioritize the feelings of others, finally discovering the strength to abandon that thinking and start advocating for themselves and their needs.

Speaking on the track’s origins, Lizzie said: “I wrote this song to tell a story about finding the courage to leave a situation that is no longer for me, through the lens of someone who is always concerned about other people’s feelings first, but this time deciding to choose themselves. In this case, it was me leaving my job in the hopes of pursuing music. Others may draw parallels to breaking away from relationships, friendships etc, and this interpretation is welcomed.”

Defiant yet tender, the strong emotional resonance carried in the song’s profound but affecting lyrics is an extension of what is fast becoming a signature for Lizzie; creating a community through her songs in which her fans commune and offer exchanges pertaining to the trials, struggles and real-life experiences facing young adults in Britain.

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With its gospel-tinged production by way of Berchie’s long-time collaborator Hilts, ‘Flaws & All’ recalls the roof-raising work of Aretha Franklin, Al Green and Joss Stone. Providing an aural backdrop that is subtle in the powerful emotions wrought in both track’s lyrics and Berchie’s rousing vocal which she expresses with tasteful restraint.

Reveling in the majesty of finding true love and kinship with someone who loves them unconditionally, ‘Flaws & All’ is a treatise on the splendor love can emanate in spite of someone’s natural shortcomings and imperfections. Berchie sings “I thought the grass was greener but you showed me love is the water that you need to grow”.

At a time when most discourse on dating and relationships is increasingly eschewing vulnerability and compassion in favor of short-lived and meaningless escapades heavy on transactional actions and self-gratification, ‘Flaws & All’ provides an refreshingly optimistic take on love in the millennial and Gen-Z age. Rebuffing the temptation to fall victim to a jaded mindset and attitude.

Speaking on the track’s inspiration, Lizzie said: “There’s too many situationships out there, but I’m here for real love. This song is about realizing that the love of your life has been beside you all along and having someone love you for who you are. This song definitely echoes the love songs of Minnie Riperton, Anita Baker, Sade and Cleo Sol – poets of love.”

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