“In a world where you can be anything / I’ll be kind to you / Could you be kind to me?” In just these two sentences, Zak Abel captures the heart and soul of his latest song, for which he finally released the official music video, on May 20th (he shared its acoustic version in March).
The location gives off right away a throwback vibe. A vibrant green field and a clear blue sky… Anyone else getting a flashback of Windows’ most famous wallpaper? Be it a conscious nod or not, it seems fitting both with the 80s/90s sound the British singer revives here (think Prince’s Kiss and Michael Jackson’s Black or White) and the feel-good energy of the whole track. And soon enough, the video turns into a dance party under the sun, with people dressed differently and being nice and friendly with one another as they jam along together.
Initially released in February, Be Kind is the first solo song the Brit has shared in nearly three years. The Tennis-player-turned-musician did collaborate with the likes of Saweetie, Seeb and Kygo in the meantime, but this track finally feels his.
“I wrote Be Kind because I was seeing a lot of divisiveness and intolerance online, he said in an interview for Los Angeles radio station 103.3 MYfm. You know, going on Twitter and seeing some crazy stuff, and just people not wanting to understand each other and being horrible. And I was like: ‘You know what? I would love it if there was some more kindness in the world’.” So he put the sentiment in a song.
In doing so, the 26-year-old joins a still-recent movement in internet culture calling for more kindness, notably popularized by English singer-songwriter Harry Styles. Back in 2017, the former One Direction member had just launched his solo career, and made the words “Treat People With Kindness” his motto. Seen as embroidery and pins personalizing clothing items worn by the artist, the phrase caught on with fans and ended up being hugely present in his merchandise. He even turned it into an anthem, later on.
Way before that, in 2015, Disney alumna Selena Gomez was already singing Kill Em With Kindness, which might sound a little more violent, but carries a similar message. Although no link has been established between the two on this matter, it is known that Styles is a fan of her work. So some inspiration might have occurred. No matter the origin of it, kindness has finally become cool.
Be Kind only confirms that. Once you’ve listened it, the catchy and cheery tune might still play in your mind. If it does, hopefully it will serve as a reminder to be kind, always. Let’s not let it all be just a trend.
