From the upcoming album ‘Paper Can’t Wrap Fire’, Melbourne’s genre-bending maestro delivers a smooth, sensual double single.
Melbourne/Naarm-based artist Don Glori unveils a magnetic two-track release—“Janet” (featuring ML Hall) and “Ron Song”—from his eagerly anticipated third album, Paper Can’t Wrap Fire. True to his boundary-pushing, genre-fusing style, Don delivers a rich sonic palette that spans sultry R&B to sun-drenched Brazilian samba, capturing listeners in an immersive audio experience.
“Janet” – A Soulful Slow Jam with 90s R&B Swagger
Opening with “Janet”, Don Glori channels the spirit of late ‘80s and ‘90s R&B with a smooth, quiet storm atmosphere. Featuring the velvety lead vocals of ML Hall and lush backing harmonies from Ruby Dargaville, Isadora Lauritz, and Bianca Kyriacou, the track evokes the sensuality of Janet Jackson’s “I Get So Lonely”—complete with a hypnotic double hook, synth flourishes, and a touch of vintage soul.
Built on a bubbling electronic bassline and lifted by soft acoustic guitar, grand piano, and string pads, “Janet” is both musically tender and lyrically bold. “It’s definitely a song about lust,” Don shares. “The production rises to the occasion—with Boyz II Men-style pre-choruses, Aguilera-like adlibs, and an Isley Brothers-inspired outro.” The collaboration with ML Hall adds the perfect amount of vocal finesse and emotional depth.
“Ron Song” – A Brazilian Love Letter
Flipping the mood, “Ron Song” transports listeners straight to Rio de Janeiro, drawing inspiration from legends like João Donato and Seu George. A glowing tribute to Brazil’s rich musical traditions, the track features samba rhythms, buttery Rhodes piano, rhythmic cuíca textures by Alcides Neto, and playful acoustic guitar riffs. The warm, horn-driven arrangement evokes both nostalgia and joy, shimmering with sunny optimism.
“The Rhodes was routed through a suitcase preamp for stereo tremolo, the guitars were captured with ribbon mics, and the bass uses a chorus effect for depth. It’s all about the ear candy—every detail is massaged into the mix.”
Don explains the meticulous sound design behind the track:
With cuíca conversing with the Rhodes in the outro, fans of Azymuth and classic partido alto will feel right at home.
A Taste of Paper Can’t Wrap Fire
This double single is a testament to Don Glori’s fearless musicality and his ability to merge diverse influences into cohesive, emotional pieces. Whether it’s the intimate longing of “Janet” or the rhythmic joy of “Ron Song”, both tracks showcase an artist at the top of his game—passionate, precise, and globally tuned.
Listen to “Janet (Ft. ML Hall)” and “Ron Song” now and get ready for the full journey when Paper Can’t Wrap Fire drops.
