When Elaine dropped her debut EP, Elements, in 2019, it was a game changer for South African R&B. The success that followed led her to sign with an American record label and move to Los Angeles, where her journey took unexpected turns, including a period of isolation during the COVID-19 lockdown. Now, five years later, Elaine has returned with her first full-length project, Stone Cold Heart, marking a period of personal growth and artistic reinvention. Here are 20 key things you should know about the album that’s poised to make waves across the globe:
1. A Return to Independence
Stone Cold Heart marks Elaine’s first project as an independent artist since leaving her former American record label. She parted ways with the label due to creative differences and her desire to control her artistic direction.
2. Born From Personal Challenges
The album reflects Elaine’s journey through personal and professional trials. She explains that the album emerged from a time when she felt immense pressure to “boss up” and grow, despite her emotional vulnerability.
3. A Blend of Genres
Stone Cold Heart isn’t just R&B. Elaine explores Afrobeats, amapiano, and even rock on this LP, showcasing her versatility and desire to push the boundaries of her sound.
4. The Power of Self-Discovery
Elaine describes this album as a chronicle of self-discovery. She says it captures who she is now after navigating a series of life-changing experiences over the past five years.
5. The Title’s Meaning
Elaine explains that Stone Cold Heart is about finding a balance between being emotionally open and knowing when to protect yourself with boundaries.
6. Sampling Brandy in the Lead Single
The opening track, “Broken Hearted Ass Bitch,” features a nostalgic sample of Brandy’s 1995 song “Brokenhearted.” Elaine felt the sample perfectly set the tone for a track about emotionally unavailable relationships.
7. Navigating Love in LA
In “Broken Hearted Ass Bitch,” Elaine opens up about her experiences trying to find love in Los Angeles, which she found to be emotionally distant and cold.
8. A Painful Relationship Cycle in “Relapsing (Freestyle)”
This track dives deep into an on-again, off-again relationship, where manipulation and emotional manipulation played a huge part. It’s about learning to break away from toxic cycles.
9. Amapiano Meets R&B in “La Vida Loca”
Elaine embraces amapiano in “La Vida Loca,” fusing it with R&B to create what she calls “R&P” (Rhythm & Piano). The track symbolizes her freedom and joy after overcoming significant challenges.
10. A Special Love Story in “Rumours”
Elaine wrote “Rumours” about someone who helped her regain her confidence and let down her emotional guard, teaching her not to close herself off to love.
11. A Song About Emotional Distance in “Stone Cold”
In this introspective track, Elaine explores themes of exhaustion and emotional detachment, with production that blends piano with deep, emotional R&B.
12. Rock-Inspired Romance in “Love Me Slowly”
Elaine ventures into rock-inspired territory with “Love Me Slowly,” a dark and poetic love song that explores the idea of love given in doses, lasting longer than love bombed relationships.
13. Letting Go in “Lost & Found”
“Lost & Found” captures the bittersweet emotions Elaine experienced after receiving an email terminating her contract with her former label. It’s a song about walking away and rediscovering herself.
14. Collaboration with Baby S.O.N.
Elaine teamed up with producer Baby S.O.N. for the title track “Stone Cold,” creating a song that mixes emotional vulnerability with deep amapiano-infused production.
15. Reflecting on Her Journey
Elaine says this album represents a universe she created for herself after feeling like her world was falling apart. It’s a musical reflection of her journey through personal and career challenges.
16. From LA to South Africa
Elaine’s time in Los Angeles heavily influenced the first half of the album, while the second half is rooted in her return to South Africa, where she began rediscovering local sounds and influences.
17. Elaine’s Personal Growth
The five-year period since Elements taught Elaine to navigate self-doubt, depression, and emotional trauma. She channeled these experiences into her music, emerging stronger and more confident.
18. From University to Stardom
Elaine originally created her debut EP, Elements, while juggling university classes. She had no idea it would catapult her to international fame.
19. A New Era of Vulnerability
Elaine describes this album as a declaration of her new era—one where she’s vocal about how she wants to be loved, what she stands for, and the boundaries she sets.
20. Elaine is Just Getting Started
With Stone Cold Heart, Elaine is paving the way for even greater success. The LP marks a fresh chapter for the singer, and fans can expect her to continue evolving both musically and personally.
Elaine’s Stone Cold Heart LP is more than just a musical project—it’s a reflection of a young woman’s journey through love, heartache, and self-discovery, set against the backdrop of multiple genres. It’s clear that Elaine is no longer the wide-eyed university student who made Elements, but a fully realized artist with a story to tell.
