In her singing and piano playing, Charan breaks from traditional romance to talk about the dizzying, intoxicating effect of superficial beauty aesthetics. The angle gives the song a strange emotional twist, moving away from the traditional idea of love and instead looking at how looks can affect attention and perception.
The organic musical nature of the recording is furthered by the use of real instruments. It's a lively tune with a strong vocal and a tight rhythm section that lays a solid foundation for the arrangement. A funky electric guitar solo adds another layer of personality, building off the song's funk-driven edge without detracting from its core message.
"Black & White" is notable for its provocative subject matter and lively musicianship. Joelle Charan transforms an observation on beauty and perception into a vibrant soul, jazz, and funk release. She gives the song an expressive identity with live instrumentation, piano, and commanding vocals.