There is a particular breed of person who hears “I’m not interested” and somehow translates it into “try again next Tuesday.” You know the type. They’re commenting on every Instagram picture, sending texts nobody asked for and behaving like they’re three dates deep into a relationship that exists exclusively in their imagination. It’s exhausting. It’s also apparently a pretty good subject for a pop song.
Enter Deja Renee, whose latest single, “Obsession,” takes this wonderfully irritating experience and turns it into a polished pop-R&B number. Rather than writing another song about desperately wanting somebody who doesn’t want you back, Renee flips the situation around. She’s the one being pursued and she’s getting increasingly bored with the whole arrangement.
The San Diego singer-songwriter is now exploring a sonic territory that sounds more forward-thinking and radio-friendly than ever. “Obsession” features booming bass, trap-derived hi-hats, catchy hooks and smoggy production. It’s got pretty much everything you could want to just hang in your headphones, without being so much that you would be required to familiarize yourself with the finer details of 21st century R&B.
There are a few musical references that could be interpreted here: the punchy, bass-driven production coupled with some of the cheeky vocal styling feels very much like a more minded version of Ariana Grande’s pop-R&B and a hint of Doja Cat appears in the vocal style and by that metric, fans of Adela can also find resonance in that appeal.
Not revolutionary, per se, but the combination nonetheless suggests the generic playground that Renee is venturing through: a world of pop music with a little more texture than whatever plug-in was loaded into the DAW.
The song’s concept is refreshingly straightforward. According to Renee, “Obsession” concerns a guy who constantly comments on her pictures, sends messages and behaves as though they’re romantically involved despite her making it clear that they’re just friends. It’s not exactly Shakespeare, but then again, Shakespeare probably didn’t have to deal with somebody replying to every Instagram story with heart-eye emojis.
What’s particularly enjoyable is how Renee approaches the subject. There’s frustration, certainly, but also a playful confidence that prevents the track from becoming another miserable breakup confession. She’s not heartbroken. She’s annoyed. There’s a difference and pop music could probably use more songs that understand it.
Her vocal background helps sell the material. With classical voice and jazz training, an Associate of Arts in Music Performance from MiraCosta College and influences including Ariana Grande, Doja Cat and Tori Kelly, Renee brings technical control and expressive personality to her contemporary sound.
“Obsession” continues that progression with a catchy, confident single that demonstrates a more polished side of her artistry. Sometimes a good hook, a heavy bassline and a very clear message are enough. To make an Obsession (2026) joke, this is a great pop-R&B song to tell “nice guys” no… no… no, no, no, nO, NO, NO DON’T DO THAAAAAT.
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About the Author
A tenured media critic known working as a ghost writer, freelance critic for various publications around the world, the former lead writer of review blogspace Atop The Treehouse and content creator for Manila Bulletin.
