Mili Mili by Arjan Dhillon

Arjan Dhillon has delivered memorable performances before, but Mili Mili sits comfortably among the very best. The music, composed by MXRCI, carries the song forward with a confidence that matches the performance.

There are singers who perform songs and singers who live inside them. On Mili Mili, Arjan Dhillon clearly belongs in the second group. Hearing Mili Mili without thinking of a talented ensemble cast is almost impossible for anyone who has seen Mili Mili.

The song dates from 2022, but nothing about it sounds dated — the emotions it captures are not tied to a moment. The emotional register of Mili Mili is wide enough to fit celebration and solitude equally well.

The concision of Mili Mili — just 1:55 — is part of what makes it work. There is nothing here that should not be. For anyone yet to hear Mili Mili, the experience ahead is a good one. For those returning, it will be as good as they remember.