Artist(s): Joshua Grimmie, Payton
Title: Flavors
Genre(s): Reggae Fusion, Ska
Length: 5:32
Writer: J.Grimmie, P.Rodriguez
Producer: Joshua Grimmie
Label: Five Pesky Kids
From The Album: GOLDENHEART
Flavors is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter and producer Joshua Grimmie with additional vocals from Puerto Rican rapper, Payton. The song was originally a solo record and appeared as the eleventh track on Grimmie's second studio album, "GOLDENHEART". "Flavors" was reworked with a slightly shortened bridge and a guest rap verse from Payton for its single release. It was written, arranged, mixed and produced entirely by Joshua himself with Payton penning his own verse later. Grimmie wrote the track in May 2020, becoming the very last song created for the project. The song was written as an ode to his boyfriend, fellow recording artist, Dae Ho Park with Payton dedicating his verse to Andrea. "Flavors" is a departure from the rockier sounds heard throughout "GOLDENHEART" but still maintains many sonic elements heard throughout the record. It is a Reggae Fusion song, featuring a simple chord progression and usage of steel drums alongside "nonchalant" vocals from Joshua, creating a very "breezy" soundscape. "Flavors" recalls the initial fear from Park and Grimmie over becoming romantically involved, before expressing how natural it actually all feels now that they are together. With the song's title and certain lines within the track, "Flavors" can also be seen as a double entendre for oral sex. The lyrics also refer to previous songs in the tracklist; "Bluest Summer" and "Tragic Kingdom".
After a cathartic album creation process and the death of his sister, Joshua took several months away from the project, grieving his loss and also feeling creatively blocked. Throughout his hardships, Joshua's boyfriend, Dae Ho Park, had been a source of comfort and pillar of strength. Grimmie decided to dedicate a song to him and wrap up his recording sessions feeling "nothing but love". After months of creating "dark", "heavy", and "angst-ridden" tracks, Joshua realised that he had yet to tap into his love life, which also underwent a huge shift over the last two years. Park and Grimmie had been best friends for several years but did not become romantically involved until 2019, during the recording process of "GOLDENHEART". On "Flavors", Joshua confesses that the pair always held an attraction and deep connection with one another since they first met. However, due to Grimmie's relationship with Johnny Carter and, afterwards, the fear of potentially ruining a close friendship, Dae and Joshua denied their feelings for the longest time. The love song's simple chord progression and relaxed vocal delivery from Joshua, only spanning an octave and a half, is said to reflect the "easy" nature of their romantic relationship.
Joshua wrote:"This section of songs on the album, "Starry Eyed Dreamer", "Swallow" and "Flavors" is where I'm feeling most confident about myself. A huge part of that is down to love. Now, I hate real fucking soppy love songs but sometimes...you just have to swoon over your partner. Yeah, my boyfriend is real fucking hot and I totally want to make everyone jealous but it's deeper than that. He really is my other half. The only person who truly gets me. I honestly don't think I'd be here today if not for him. I owe him so much and I think dedicating a song to him on an album that will hopefully live on forever is a good start. I played the song to Dae and he blushed. See, Dae is much more of a cool cat. I'm the sentimental, emotional one. If Dae was moved by it then it means that it hit the spot. It definitely had to go on the album, even if it is a detour from the heavier sound. "Flavors" is my "soft boi" moment. There's no hidden meaning. There's no other feelings besides love and gratitude. It's just straight-forward, laying it on the line. I love and adore him. I decided to really lean into the Reggae influenced dotted around the album and amplify it tenfold. "Flavors" is a real old school love jam. I wanted the sonics to make it feel like you're in love, slow dancing and getting intimate with the one you love."
"For the single release, I knew I wanted to do something different. Nowadays, with albums being unbundled on iTunes and streaming services, people can listen to and support what they want without a specific song being serviced as an official single. "Flavors" is one of my favorites on the record but, as it's been out there as part of the album since December, I didn't want to service it as it is when it's pretty much dead in the water for a lot of people. I wanted to brightened it up, do something interesting and give it a new lease of life for sending it to radio. When I decided I was going to put another artist on there, I knew right away I wanted Payton. Not only is it an unexpected pairing but he just fits perfectly. The beat of the track works so well with his cadence. Our voices both have quite husky textures and work well together. There's also the fact that when it comes to lyrics regarding intimacy, I knew Payton wouldn't hold back."
FlavorsJoshua
PaytonA little scared to jump into the deep end
With you, I've found my best friend
Against wicked lips, we'd have to contend
But it was about time we dropped the pretence
Knew me way back when I was fresh and lost
Always a spark but a line we never crossed
A sea of possibilities swirl in your eyes
Man, I think I dreamed you into my life
Count my lucky stars for that beautiful night
Slow on the moves but it was always at first sight
Out of all the flavors, you're my favorite
Goes down a treat, gotta learn to savor it
Chased different highs that never followed through
And every time, it came right back to you
Both spent so long just trying to deny
But you're the best flavor that I've ever triedYou weren't afraid to enter the tragic kingdom
Brightened it up with your incredible vision
Encouraging me with your words of wisdom
The only one to ever catch on to my rhythm
And I can't believe all the time we wasted
The sweetest recipe that we've ever tasted
Opened up and showed off our true colors
Bloomed more beautifully way under the covers
Luscious pinks prettier than any others
Could dive in and get lost in the land of wonder
Out of all the flavors, you're my favorite
Goes down a treat, gotta learn to savor it
Chased different highs that never followed through
And every time, it came right back to you
Both spent so long just trying to deny
But you're the best flavor that I've ever triedMy darling, it was always you
Brightening up my shades of blue
You kiss it all and make it better
My everything, my favorite flavor
3 diamond stud, young ass thug we ain't worried bout marriage
I'm a rapper baby, so don't trap with me cause I’m savage
Vilifyin' ma actions while still in love wit the old me
She says I won’t say anything, that I don’t see
You won't say nuttin’ and it makes you hot
Drinkin' forties talkin' shit and what what not
Blunts rollin, steady flow on this big love boat
And I was feelin’ alil slick when I handed her the love note
Somethin' bout the little things you make me do
Turned a gangsta to a lover, mia espiritu
And I’m your Prince Charmin’, you be my princess
Lay you down, lick my lips, tasting the realest
And outta all duh flavas, you da one dat taste best
I'm your savior, keep me cravin, wit all ya finesse Out of all the flavors, you're my favorite
Goes down a treat, gotta learn to savor it
Chased different highs that never followed through
And every time, it came right back to you
Both spent so long just trying to deny
But you're the best flavor that I've ever triedOut of all the flavors, you're my favorite
Goes down a treat, gotta learn to savor it
Chased different highs that never followed through
And every time, it came right back to you
Both spent so long just trying to deny
But you're the best flavor that I've ever triedMmmmm, mmmmm, mmmmm, my favorite flavor
Mmmmm, mmmmm, mmmmm, my favorite flavor
Mmmmm, mmmmm, mmmmm, my favorite flavor
Mmmmm, mmmmm, mmmmm, my favorite flavor
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