By Mr. Benjamins
A song that whispers louder than shouts
Music in 2025 is crowded with chest-thumping anthems, instant-viral hooks, and algorithm-tailored noise. But every once in a while, a song arrives that forces you to pause, strip away the distractions, and simply feel. How Many Times 2 — the latest release from American singer-songwriter Eylsia Nicolas — is one of those rare offerings. Dropped on August 20, 2025, the track may not open with stadium fireworks, but its power is in the stillness: it’s hypnotic, soothing, and deeply human.
On the surface, the record is folk/acoustic. Listen closely, though, and it stretches beyond genres — laced with country warmth, gospel undertones, and a vulnerability that could sit comfortably beside modern singer-songwriters. Eylsia doesn’t crowd her sound. Instead, she lets space breathe, every note carrying a weight that keeps you listening.
The journey behind the voice
Eylsia’s story reads like a screenplay: a first-generation American with Irish and Filipino roots, she began life not as a musician, but as a tennis prodigy. By 14, she had already won the Irish Open. She later competed at Wimbledon and the US Open, carving her name into the international sports scene.
Then came the pivot. A career-ending injury closed the tennis chapter, but opened the door to an entirely different arena: music and business. Rising through the industry, she served as Executive Vice President at a record label that partnered with icons like Stevie Wonder, Kenny Rogers, Paul McCartney, and Luciano Pavarotti. Later, she became the youngest president of a nationally accredited U.S. college, while also joining retail boards and leading business ventures.
Life dealt another twist during Covid. A severe health crisis damaged her vocal cords, silencing her dream of returning to music. But technology — particularly the audio advancements developed by Worldipi.com — helped her regain her voice. That comeback, forged through science, persistence, and gratitude, is woven into every note she now sings.
When you hear How Many Times 2, you’re not just hearing melody. You’re hearing a survivor, an innovator, and an artist unafraid of vulnerability.
The sound of “How Many Times 2”
The track flows gently, like a confession set to music. Her vocal phrasing carries both fragility and backbone — a rare mix. There’s a slight melancholy, but not the kind that drags you down. Instead, it feels cleansing, almost like the emotional release of a long exhale.
From a critic’s lens, the production leans minimalist. No clutter. Just voice, instrumentation, and atmosphere. That choice works: it amplifies the intimacy. Think Dolly Parton’s timeless simplicity meets Don Williams’ storytelling calm. Yet, Eylsia’s approach feels modern, bridging traditions with her own edge.
Where it stands in today’s music landscape
In the current folk/acoustic crossover space, competition is fierce. Streaming platforms overflow with hopeful voices strumming chords and whispering truths. What makes Eylsia stand out is her lived experience. Her biography is not a press kit gimmick; it directly informs her art. The years of discipline from tennis, the executive precision from corporate life, and the resilience of medical recovery all feed into a sound that’s both tender and assured.
That’s the authenticity fans crave. You can’t fake mileage.
The missing puzzle pieces
To be blunt: while How Many Times 2 shines musically, the supporting materials lag behind. The album cover, high-resolution artist photos, and press release were not submitted at the time of this review. That weakens promotional push. A great song without visuals is like a powerful novel without a cover — it risks being overlooked in the crowded marketplace.
For an artist of Eylsia’s caliber, visuals aren’t vanity. They’re part of the storytelling arsenal. Hopefully, her team locks this down quickly, because the world deserves the full package.
Bigger picture: what Eylsia represents
Eylsia’s return with How Many Times 2 isn’t just a personal victory. It represents a larger trend in music: resilience as artistry. Many artists who faced silence during the pandemic — whether from health, burnout, or systemic barriers — are now creating with sharper urgency. The public responds not just to songs, but to survival stories.
She also stands out for her advocacy. Beyond her music, Eylsia has pledged portions of royalties to support fellow musicians, while simultaneously expanding into entertainment, tech, and fashion. That kind of ecosystem thinking — blending creativity with philanthropy and entrepreneurship — is exactly what the next generation of artists will need.
The verdict
How Many Times 2 is not just a song; it’s a meditation. It won’t shake clubs or dominate TikTok challenges, but it will linger in headphones and quiet nights. And that’s the point.
As a reviewer, I can confidently say: Eylsia’s voice isn’t just back. It’s evolved. If this track is the opening chapter of her new phase, then her next releases could cement her as a serious name across genres.
For now, she’s gifted us a song that feels like both a question and an answer. And in a world where music often screams, sometimes it takes a whisper to be heard the loudest.
Listen to Eylsia’s How Many Times 2 on Spotify now. Share with friends, and keep an eye out for more features on This Is Hip Hop HQ.
Artists who want to follow in her footsteps: submit your music through Groover and let your voice travel further.
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