Rachel Leo, from Auckland, NZ, is a bona fide pop star making her way to the top. She’s already hit the NZ singles charts a number of times, and based on what I see from her newest single In My Dreams, I understand why.

When you put a slick mix, and ultra professional arrangement and engineering/mastering together with an almost dream-pop melody and a vocalist on top of her emotive delivery game, you’re going a long way towards hitting the bullseye. When it’s a commercially viable tune, a genre that’s popular, and a performer who looks the part, you’re more or less there. What she needs now is air play, and she’s got the right people around her to do that. Watch her soar!

Recorded on the Shore at Joel Jones‘ studio, and polished up in Sydney by Liam Quinn, I’m reviewing a genuine chart topper here. And it deserves to be. Rachel‘s self-penned lyrics may sound about a lost love, but she’s in fact lamenting a broken friendship. From her press release: “The adlibs are pretty raw on this song,” says Rachel, “I’ve never been super comfortable with belting but after some encouragement from my producer Joel Jones I just let it rip!” In My Dreams is about struggling to come to terms with the loss of an important person. For Rachel, this was the loss of a best friend through betrayal. “My entire identity and perception of my world was shattered overnight. This is the friend breakup anthem I needed, and I hope it’s healing for someone else going through the same thing.” Catharsis as an aim is always a positive, in my book. For oneself, and as a potential aid for others.

The accompanying music video is directed by Zac Emerson (of LA Woman). With early morning scenes shot on Piha Beach, Rachel‘s certainly dedicated. The video is well shot, provides a contrast of before and after emotions for Rachel to portray as the friendship break-up occurs. Lighting is great, the diversity and timing of the shots really work, and the artist delivers and draws your attention. Great vid.

This is R & B pop at its finest. Watch it fly to the top of the charts and go global. Great song. One for the car, the club, mid afternoon Spotify hit in work as the energy is sapping, and is class from go to whoa. She’s on all the socials. Check her out and give her a follow and subscribe. Support the Kiwi stuff!