L.A.-based Indonesian pop upstart NIKI has announced her forthcoming third studio album, Buzz, and with that news comes the lead single, “Too Much of a Good Thing,” a funky little pop-rock tune that debuted inside the Top 30 of the Genius Top Songs chart.
NIKI wrote and produced the song with help from Ethan Gruska (Fiona Apple, Phoebe Bridgers), and she describes it as a “fun, tongue-in-cheek song about desire, imagination and the playground of excitement and irreverence they create.”
“It’s about that initial anticipation we all know and love where there’s a little extra pep in your step, which I feel translates even sonically, with that timeless, stroll-along-to-the-tempo groove you get when you are momentarily invincible,” NIKI said in a statement, citing Fleetwood Mac and The Beatles as key influences.
“Too Much of a Good Thing” is basically about wanting to have a fling with someone. But NIKI finds novel pathways through this classic pop-song territory. Here she is in the first verse, gleefully making the case for why she and this other person would make a lousy couple.
Well, you look like you’re gonna break my heart
And I look like a tough shot in the dark on a good day
Intentions clear and stronger than the noon sky
You’re the bee’s knees, I’m the bull’s eye
But in a doomed way (Way)
Both of these people are, presumably, a lot. And for a little while, that could be a lot of fun. Or maybe not, but NIKI is keen on finding out.
Maybe it won’t be a sure thing
But it sure is a good thing
I get the feeling that this feeling isn’t one meant to last anyway
On some level, NIKI thinks this other person is kind of ridiculous. She says so in the second verse, but that doesn’t stop her from wanting a little action.
You show off your true nature on your earlobe
Serpentine, you’re a walking, breathing trope in a fun way
Not to jinx it, but I wanna be the reason
Your future lovers keep changing with the seasons, babe
The second time through the pre-chorus, NIKI admits that she could develop feelings for this person and wind up getting her heart broken. But she’s very comfortable with this possibility.
Something tells me this is gonna hurt someday
But I don’t believe in mistakes
I know that’s convenient to say
“Too Much of a Good Thing” arrives with a black-and-white music video that finds NIKI strolling around New York City in a very cool leopard-print jacket. At one point, she picks up a tarot card from the sidewalk and keeps on going, unfazed by what the future may bring.
You can read all the lyrics to “Too Much of a Good Thing” on Genius now.
