By Hannah Lazarte
Malcom Todd, one of the fastest-growing bedroom-pop R&B artists, recently surprised his fans with the release of his fourth album, “Do That Again.”
Compared to his previous albums, such as “Sweet Boy” and “Malcom Todd,” Todd experimented more with his sound, with each song being vastly different from the others.
The new album focuses on Todd’s relationship with a special someone in the songs “I Saw Your Face” and “Gun To My Head,” where they keep breaking up and getting back together.
While we all have our own favorites, let’s look at some of my top picks and more from the album!
Jean Skirt
“I’m getting sweaty, you’re getting ready,” Todd said.
Starting off the album is “Jean Skirt,” which is about both Todd and the other person’s anticipation and eagerness to finally see each other again. The song is under a minute long and ends with the two finally seeing each other. However, I personally did not like the song, as it was too slow for me.
Difficult Love
“Break my heart again,” Todd said.
The sixth song of the album, “Difficult Love,” is about the issues that come with the relationship, such as the person always “overcomplicating,” but even with the problems, Todd mentions his willingness to work out the relationship. Todd even tells them to “rip his heart out,” further showing his unwillingness to move on from the relationship.
Unlike “Jean Skirt,” I loved this song, and it’s definitely in my top three favorites of the album. My only issue, however, was the abrupt ending since it didn’t make the song feel complete.
Malcolm in the Middle
“What do you dream about?” Todd said. “Do I appear when you’re around?”
Following “Difficult Love” is my personal favorite on the album, “Malcom in the Middle.” Through the title, Todd paid a homage to his dad, who wrote the TV show, “The Middle.” The song is upbeat, using electric guitar plucks to explain the feeling of moving on from a relationship, but also getting into a new one, showing how he is “in the middle” of it all.
For me, the best part of the song would be the bridge, when the guitar stops plucking, and Todd begins speaking his secret thoughts in the relationship.
Altogether, the piece lets us see Todd’s true thoughts when it comes to moving on in an upbeat way, making it seem as if we are experiencing the situation as him.
Do That Again
“You’re not my lady,” Todd said. “I call your phone, then I hang up, and I feel crazy.”
Concluding the album with the thirteenth track is “Do That Again.” With Steve Lacy as backing vocals, the song is about wanting to “do [a relationship] again.” Throughout the song, Todd is overthinking his past relationship and his idea to get back together with his ex.
Like the opening track, “Do That Again” was too slow for me and not the usual upbeat song I usually listen to. It also didn’t relate to me, so I felt no connection with it.
Conclusion
“Do That Again” was definitely a switch-up from the rest of the album. While some songs, such as “Obsessica,” reminded me of the “Sweet Boy” album, it was clear that Todd is trying something new with his music. However, that doesn’t mean this is my last time listening to the album.
In fact, I would do that again.
