Multidisciplinary Sudanese-American artist Dua Saleh (they/them) releases their highly anticipated debut album, I SHOULD CALL THEM, via Ghostly International. This new project features a collection of R&B-infused electronic indie-pop songs that portray the spiritual power, resilience, and joy of love found between two star-crossed lovers. Equal parts imaginative and lived-through, it's a statement record only Saleh could make. Featuring striking collaborations with Gallant, serpentwithfeet, Sid Sriram, and Ambré, Saleh shapes their most vulnerable work to date, an apocalyptic narrative informed by environmental anxieties and their experiences as a lover, holding personal truth and hope amidst chaos. Sonically, the album ushers in a new era for the artist whose boundless sound continues to expand, and the result is breathtaking.
 
I SHOULD CALL THEM is Dua at their most authentic and riveting. "I am being honest with myself with this record, this is my story," says Saleh, highlighting the outsized role identity and gender expression has played in their process. They see queer love as an act of defiance, be it figuratively, in the album's storyline, which follows two lovers at the end-of-times, or literally, in the many oppressed cultures around the world. They reference inspirations in popular culture with trans and queer representation such as Japanese manga and various memes like the one the album’s title winks at. They credit Minnesota, where Saleh came of age, for its inclusivity and catalyzing encouragement, and pay homage to the Midwest with the pulsing opening track "chi girl," which details the playful pursuit of a crush in Chicago.
 
Collectively, the album captures Dua’s kaleidoscopic range and output, elastic in how they use their voice, making for their most dynamic work to date. It features a brilliant mixture of R&B, pop, rock, electronic, and even unique moments such as a 'Black Metal R&B' blowout that perfectly soundtracks themes and messages that are delivered through and rooted in Dua’s foundation as first a skilled poet with close ties to their indigenous roots. Existing between fantasy and reality, the songs are lined with a fierce authenticity, vulnerability and rawness that capture ecstasy and dread personified, catharsis for modern times, and a thrilling example of an artist unafraid and thriving.
 
The album features production contributions from highly acclaimed Grammy nominated producers such as Rogét Chahayed (Travis Scott, Jack Harlow, Khalid, Doja Cat), Biako (Fousheé, Yuna, Jean Dawson), Stint (Carly Rae Jepsen, Kesha), and 1Mind (Juice WRLD, Don Toliver, Lil Yachty). It serves as Saleh's first body of work since their contribution as a co-writer for Travis Scott’sUTOPIA track ‘MY EYES’ (alongside Justin Vernon and Sampha), returning to their breakout role in the Netflix series Sex Education, and taking the cover of GAY TIMES as their 2023 Rising Star in Music honour recipient.