R&B sensation Giveon recently released his highly anticipated second full studio album, “Beloved.” The album was officially released on July 11.
“Beloved” is a soundtrack of love and heartbreak, and optimism. featuring a vintage sound with a modern twist. Think Al Green, Teddy Pendergrass, Marvin Gaye, and many of the greats of the 1970s era. The cover of the album even looks vintage, with Giveon’s headshot, rocking a brown suit.
Personally, I believe songs back then had a meaning; a message, and talked about what people were really going through, love, and life in general.
The 14-track album runs only 39 minutes, but those minutes are spent worth while. The strings, live and brass instruments, the familiar syncopations and chords, and the electric sounds all add to those 70s vibes, and you’ll hear it and feel it instantly.
One of the lead singles from the album“Rather Be” was released on May 16 and puts you in the mind of Al Green’s classic, “Let’s Stay Together,” with the chords and syncopation of the brass section during the song.
Giveon says he’d “rather be a fool than start with something new.” This is deep because let’s be honest, the dating pool is very tricky right now, and most people are hanging on to dead love, afraid of what’s on the other side.
The hook says, “(Ooh) I’d rather be a fool/Than believe in someone new/(Ooh) I’d rather be with you/Than the other half of someone who is not even half of you.
“MUD” is the intro song on the album and starts with a very symphonic intro, then comes in with a smooth beginning. Think Teddy Pendergrass.
This song hits different because I’m sure many people have experienced their names being smeared and being cast as the bad person in the relationship. Most people don’t tell both sides of the story.
The hook says, “You run my name through the mud (Ooh, oh)/Wipe that dirt off your shoe (Mm-mm)/You run my name through the mud/And you be lyin’ to yourself so much it sounds true, mm.”
Of course, on the tracks, the Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter delivers his smooth, effortless baritone vocals.
Not all of the songs are not sad or about heartbreak, though. For example, “Keeper” talks about getting it right the first time and staying….not coming back and driving your partner crazy.
The hook says, “I’m tellin’ you, baby//I can’t be what I’m not, but you gon’ be the one to change me/I know that I’m enough, but I’m just tryna be the one that you keep/Not just the one who comes back around and drives you crazy/I swear, back around again.”
I really enjoyed this album. It’s always a breath of fresh air to hear music with substance that’s talking about something besides twerking and spending money.
Giveon does a great job of blending classic and modern sounds on this album, while also talking about relatable subjects. Giveon’s “Beloved” is a no skip album.
Listen to “Beloved,” here:
ABOUT GIVEON
Giveon Dezmann Evans is a Long Beach, California native. He rose to fame in 2020 with the hit song “Chicago Freestyle,” featuring Drake. which peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100.
In 2020, Giveon signed with Epic Records to release two EP’s: the Grammy Award-nominated “Take Time” and “When It’s All Said and Done.”
His hit single “Heartbreak Anniversary”, which peaked at number 16 on the chart and received quintuple platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
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