- The Detroit artist returns to XL for a poppy R&B number with massive crossover appeal.
- John FM isn't a typical R&B artist, if you can even call him that. His thoughtful lyrics—rooted in dark humour, political commentary and self-reflection—come in all shapes and sizes, including fuzzy rambles, matter-of-fact conversation and falsetto ballads. Drawing comparisons with rappers Earl Sweatshirt and Akai Solo, the Detroit producer used a palette of dusty house, experimental synths and lo-fi beats for his 2020 EP, American Spirit, but this new single leans more towards upbeat pop and retro funk.
This peppy mood is a strategic counter to the track's disturbing inspiration, "a high school puppy love gone south after her parents found out I was Black," according to John FM. He takes risks by pitching his vocals up high, which could have sounded comical but actually comes off soulful instead, thanks to his buttery tone and smooth cadence that brings to mind Prince's Camille alter ego. With its catchy chorus and nostalgic, '80s-inspired mood, "White Science" has crossover success written all over it while still fitting into John FM's suave, low-key style.