Martone: “We Loved Each Other Through It”
Dance music often promises transcendence, but more often delivers distraction. On “We Loved Each Other Through It,” Martone aims for something larger—an Afrohouse track that reaches toward history, endurance, and collective memory while still functioning as a piece of club-ready circuitry. The result is a song that doesn’t entirely escape the conventions of its genre, but occasionally pushes against them in compelling ways.
Built on a familiar Afrohouse framework—layered hand percussion, a steady four-on-the-floor pulse, and gently cycling synth textures—the track prioritizes groove over spectacle. There are no dramatic drops or aggressive builds here. Instead, the rhythm settles into a hypnotic loop, creating a sense of continuity that feels intentional, even meditative. It’s a structure that invites immersion rather than demanding attention.
Martone’s vocal performance follows a similar logic. His delivery is controlled and unhurried, often blending into the mix rather than sitting above it. The repeated phrase “I love, I love, I love you” functions as both hook and mantra, its simplicity gradually accumulating emotional weight through repetition. It’s effective, though at times it risks feeling overly literal.
The song’s thematic core—resilience through adversity—is introduced most clearly in the chorus: “Through chains, through tears, through worlds apart / We loved each other through it.” The imagery gestures toward historical trauma, particularly that associated with the African diaspora, though the lyrics remain broad enough to accommodate multiple interpretations. This ambiguity works in the track’s favor, allowing it to resonate across contexts, even if it occasionally feels underdeveloped.
Where the song succeeds most is in its ability to balance emotional intent with physical momentum. The production, shaped with collaborator Michael E. Williams II, resists the urge to overcomplicate. Subtle shifts in percussion and texture provide just enough variation to sustain interest, while the groove remains the central force throughout.
Still, “We Loved Each Other Through It” doesn’t fully transcend its structure. Its reliance on repetition—both lyrically and musically—can feel limiting, particularly for listeners seeking more dynamic progression. But within the context of Afrohouse, where repetition is often a feature rather than a flaw, the track holds its ground.
Martone, who has built a persona around bold self-expression and high-energy releases, takes a more restrained approach here. That restraint is notable. It suggests an artist more interested in atmosphere than immediacy, in sustaining a mood rather than chasing a peak moment.
The track’s early commercial success—it reached No. 2 on the UK iTunes Africa Songs chart following an advance release—points to its accessibility. It’s easy to understand why: the groove is inviting, the message is clear, and the production is polished without being overbearing.
In the end, “We Loved Each Other Through It” occupies a space between intention and execution. It doesn’t radically redefine Afrohouse, but it doesn’t need to. Its strength lies in its steadiness—in its commitment to a feeling, a rhythm, a message that unfolds gradually rather than explosively.
It’s not a reinvention. But it is a reminder that even within familiar forms, there’s still room for resonance.
–Jeremy Larsden