With his sophomore album released this year, I've really started enjoying Loyle's debut. Before now, I was casually familiar with this record as my group of friends would often play tracks from it. However, I had never really taken the time to get to know it properly and let it sink in.
Loyle's style on the mic is a low-key, soulful approach; backed by equally mellow, jazzy instrumentation. This creates an pretty relaxed and spacious atmosphere, allowing room for Loyle's lyrics to shine. He is a strong lyricist with a knack for a smooth and catchy flow. The beats are also primarily samples of real instruments (rather than electronic beats), which I feel enhances the intimacy and connection of the record.
The lyric's are introspective, dealing with interpersonal relationships, Loyle's state of mind, and growing up. There are references to debt and having little money, but these are more in relation to Loyle's personal experiences than some wider statement. I enjoy that this record is just an expression of Loyle, rather than an attempt at any kind of profound statement. It definitely makes the album more accessible and ready for any situation.
That being said, I do gravitate to the more intense tracks here. Ain't Nothing Changed references student loans and debt with an angsty chorus, where Loyle berates the fact that 'ain't nothing changed'. Stars & Shards and No CD are groovier songs driven by an electric guitar, the latter being the albums closest thing to the typical hip hop self aggrandising bluster. It's a track about his love for the genre really, but it has this confident swagger not particularly present on the rest of the record. The one detractor this album has is that it is almost a little too chill at points. Some of the tracks, while working great on the album, don't have enough to draw me in for a listen outside of the record.
This album is such an accessible one, and a great one for newcomers to the genre. It's chilled out and cool, with engaging and emotional lyrics. It might be a little too unprofound for me to truly love this record, but it's is certainly enjoyable all the way through.
Top Tracks: Mean It In The Morning, Damselfly, Ain't Nothing Changed, Stars & Shards, No CD
7/10
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