stuck in motion - valeria

6.9/10

Photography by Bailey Fletcher

From the first bars, Valeria immerses us in a velvet-toned soundscape- low basslines and misty synths create a moody, late-night energy. The production leans minimal and atmospheric, evoking the sensation of being suspended in time. It’s haunting and cinematic, like a soundtrack to a solitary drive under city lights.

Valeria’s vocal tone is undeniably beautiful- warm, expressive, and emotionally resonant. That’s why it’s a bit of a missed opportunity that her voice feels slightly buried in the mix. The heavy use of autotune adds a synthetic polish that works for the aesthetic, but at times, it dulls the natural character of her voice. There’s a human element in her tone that wants to break through- and should. She has the kind of voice that deserves to lead, not just blend.

Thematically, "Stuck in Motion" is a slow burn- about emotional limbo, the weight of indecision, and the quiet ache of not being quite here or there. There’s a sense of vulnerability that runs through the lyrics, and the delivery (even with the vocal effects) captures that floating-in-place feeling well. It's melancholic, but not hopeless- more reflective than defeated.

"Stuck in Motion" succeeds in crafting a mood and delivering emotional texture, but it would hit even harder if Valeria’s vocals were allowed more room to shine. The autotune doesn’t ruin the experience, but it does smooth over some of the rawness that could make the track even more impactful. With a bit more vocal clarity and less processing, this track could shift from "atmospheric" to "transcendent."

Verdict: 6.9/10

A beautifully moody song with an artist whose voice deserves more front-and-center treatment. Give us more Valeria, less filter!