A N N I V E R S A R Y / Bryson Tiller / October 2, 2020
- Joshua Yoo
- Oct 5, 2020
- 2 min read
Up until the last couple of weeks, a Bryson Tiller appearance anywhere in the music industry surfaced once in a blue moon, just to let his diehard loyal fanbase know he was still alive. But to much excitement of the R&B world, Bryson resurfaces to drop his third studio album, a concise ten tracks that much emulates his sound that allowed him to blow up in the first place.
Looking back to his debut album “Trapsoul,” a lot of the production and writing on this album is conceived in the same style, bringing out similar strengths and weaknesses accordingly. Some of the instrumentals impress in their quality and texture, such as “Sorrows,” where the deep modulating bass lines and busy percussion act as great sonic counterparts to Tiller’s soaring melody lines. Tracks such as “Keep Doing What You’re Doing” and “Timeless Interlude” also play into a more contemplative and soulful mood for him, bringing out very intimate passages that succeed in establishing a certain tone, especially as a loving tribute to his grandmother.
However, Bryson Tiller vocally still relatively underwhelms a good amount of time on this project, where some combination of his delivery, certain vocal effects, and the mixing turn out performances that feel rather hollow (“I’m Ready for You”). The songwriting leaves some songs desiring more on their lyrical impact, sometimes lacking depth and/or creativity (“Always Forever”). Not every production choice on the album excels either, such as “Inhale,” where the far overstretched intro makes Tiller’s verse seem more like an interlude.
While this album may not do much to turn people into new fans, anyone who has appreciated Bryson Tiller’s trap-R&B style until now shouldn’t be disappointed. It’s a return to action for him that certainly leaves anticipation for what’s next.
Best Track(s): Keep Doing What You’re Doing, Timeless Interlude, Next To You, Sorrows
Lowlight(s): I’m Ready for You, Inhale
SCORE: 5/10
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yjXqbrTdF4
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