Hard to believe in 2024 there is still something untouchably sexy about a music video filmed in black and white. A bold style choice for the first 27 seconds of Mario’s new music video for the recently dropped single “Space.” A hot Bond-ish girl takes her place at a collection of monitors, as she manipulates the screen, an aerial shot featuring a cool hue of red opens up to a wild party on an elevated dance floor. It’s the kind of party that hooks you immediately with the cascade of beautiful people, in vogue fashion and its propulsive rhythms. With a few chic afro’s waving through this unfussy beat, Mario is right where he belongs…centerstage.
Produced by the 4x Grammy winning James Fauntleroy, “Space” is a welcome track that also comes directly following Mario’s surprise guest spot on Nicki Minaj’s Pink Friday Two Tour, in Los Angeles. “James and I have a similar philosophy when it comes to the love of timeless music,” Mario says. Void of any lyrical cliches, “Space” is truly next level. Infused with Mario’s persuasive emotion, I think this track is at the other end of the R&B spectrum.
With a pace tailor made for anyone not shy about letting a groove seize control, this is a special song that doesn’t need a destination. Why? It’s about that flirty journey that Mario promotes; the one that shifts musical tides without compunction. “Space” is funk wrapped in innovation. Mario grabs listeners and guides them on this unforgettable clubby track that trickles with some kind of soul-baring confessionalism I’ve never heard before. I know it’s just one track, but I need to give props to Mario and Fauntleroy for generating something that is so far from misguided, you can actually taste how tangible this track will become. No surprise here that Mario’s singing is consistently refined and brilliant with an added playful dimension. The seductive tease of Mario’s vocals combined with some enticing lyrics disassembles and restores love and sex in the same breath. With his playboy quips throughout, “Space” has a sound that manages to instill a cool throwback to the great Marvin Gaye.
Featured Photo Credit: Amy Lee