There Is A Softness To Your Touch

TV on the Radio “Careful You”

A good chunk of the TV on the Radio catalog is made up of songs by either Tunde Adebimpe or Kyp Malone that deal with a romantic conflict in which deep love and affection is at odds with behavior and feelings that are slowly poisoning their relationship. Both of these guys are obsessed with idealized romance being corrupted or destroyed by the humanity of the people involved, as though any passionate love affair is just like Icarus flying towards the sun. What really makes these songs work, and “Careful You” in particular, is the way they never lose sight of the kindness and soulful connection at the start of the relationship, and address their lovers with affection and respect no matter how toxic things have become. In this song, Tunde really makes you feel like it could work, even if he has no idea how it could be salvaged. There’s a lot of heart in this song, but it’s mostly broken.

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