Movies

Teddy Swims’ Raw Emotions Make a Splash in New Album: Soul Man’s Journey Continues

BBG News

TEDDY SWIMS: I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2) (Atlantic)

Verdict: Heartfelt storytelling

2024 saw a significant influence of female artists in the music scene, with Taylor Swift’s Eras tour, Charli XCX’s ‘brat summer’, and the emergence of Chappell Roan, among others. Women ruled the musical landscape that year.

Actually, the full story is slightly different: Out of the top 5 best-selling UK singles, four were sung by male solo artists – Noah Kahan, Benson Boone, Hozier and Teddy Swims. Interestingly, Sabrina Carpenter managed to secure a spot on this list with her hit Espresso.

In 2025, it appears this trend will persist, with the bearded and tattooed Swims expected to remain at the forefront.

On the border between pop and soul music, the American vocalist made a significant breakthrough last year with “Lose Control,” a touching ballad that explores themes of addiction and chaos. Since then, his career has gained impressive traction, marked by an upcoming arena tour in March and the release today of his second full-length studio album.

32-year-old, hailing from Atlanta’s outskirts, took his initial steps in the world of music by sharing cover versions of Shania Twain’s “You’re Still The One” and Michael Jackson’s “Rock With You” on his YouTube account for the first time.

Originally named Jaten Dimsdale, this individual chose to be known as Swims (a nickname derived from an internet abbreviation for Someone Who Isn’t Me Sometimes) to lend authenticity to his musical performances, under the persona of Teddy, a moniker from his childhood. However, it’s his straightforward honesty that has truly gained him recognition.

In other words, I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2), as implied by its title, serves as a sequel to his 2023 debut album. Once again, Swims is joined by his consistent collaborators such as Mikky Ekko from Nashville, Julian Bunetta and John Ryan who previously worked with One Direction. The collection of 13 songs in this installment continues to bare Swims’ emotions openly, showcasing the strength of his soulful, blue-eyed voice.

There’s a new level of complexity: Swims isn’t completely free from the issues that drove his first work, but the general tone is much more optimistic.

His singing style can occasionally veer towards the overly dramatic. The song ‘Not Your Man’ finds him crooning, “The tears I fake can never be as real,” but his raw emotion is dulled by an excessively emotional backing. At times, it appears that his inspirations are too evident – the guitar and drum loop in ‘It Ain’t Easy’ closely resemble Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Dreams.’

He excels when he takes on the role of the tormented soul musician. He claims that the phrase “everything but therapy” was prompted by his struggle to handle life’s challenges in a rational manner, and he explores various heartfelt soul genres in his quest for understanding: polished ballads in Your Kind Of Crazy, relaxing tunes on the nostalgic Northern Lights, and catchy pop melodies on the poignant single Bad Dreams.

Apart from his traditional influences, he also explores modern R&B, inviting notable collaborators to join him in this journey. A heartfelt ballad titled “Are You Even Real” is a duet with California-based singer Giveon. Additionally, Muni Long and Coco Jones provide their powerful vocals on various tracks, while GloRilla lends her rapping skills – these appearances add a fresh, contemporary vibe to his music.

Previously, he candidly chronicled his struggles, but now he’s eagerly moving forward. Recently, he and his partner, the singer-songwriter Raiche Wright, revealed they are expecting a child in June. On his latest song “She Loves The Rain,” he expresses how a good woman rescued him, showcasing his talent for powerful vocals and emotional storytelling.

Perhaps finding contentment at home and becoming a parent could bring him inner tranquility. Meanwhile, his musical journey seems to be thriving.

 

FKA TWIGS: Eusexua (Young Recordings)

Verdict: Enigmatic star hits the dancefloor

The elusive artist FKA Twigs is tough to categorize. A dancer turned video star for Kylie Minogue and Ed Sheeran, she ventures into realms others shy away from. Her 2014 debut album, LP1, delved into futuristic R&B her 2019 release Magdalene presented enchanting piano ballads and heartbreak tunes, seemingly influenced by the dissolution of her engagement to actor Robert Pattinson.

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but be thrilled about the dancefloor-bound journey of the artist formerly known as Tahliah Barnett from Cheltenham. But here’s the twist – in true FKA twigs fashion, it’s not just a straightforward dance move. Eusexua, born out of the techno beats I heard during my Prague film shoot nights, is an experimental odyssey, pushing boundaries and redefining music as we know it.

37-year-old expresses that Eusexua refers to a particular state or feeling. She describes it as a brief instance of transcendence, which can be triggered by art, music, intimacy, and unity. Despite its vague nature, Twigs acknowledges the concept. In an attempt to evoke sensations of escape and exhilaration, she collaborates with Koreless (a pseudonym for musician and DJ Lewis Roberts) on a series of electronic tracks.

On the opening track of her album, she states, ‘I was on the verge of something more significant than ever before, yet no one informed me.’ In the song Perfect Stranger, she expresses a wish to maintain an aspect of enigma in her fresh relationship. She sings, ‘I’m unaware of the town you hail from, your zodiac sign, or the school where you struggled.’ She goes on to say, ‘I don’t know, and I couldn’t care less.’

This album boasts some fascinating guests. The track Drums Of Death, heavily processed with auto-tune, is constructed around a sample from the 2012 single One Of A Kind by K-pop rapper G-Dragon. The captivating Keep It, Hold It showcases a five-piece choir. Notably, the dance-pop number Childlike Things includes a Japanese verse sung by North West, the 11-year-old daughter of Kanye West and Kim Kardashian.

In a breathless, soaring tone, the final track Wanderlust stands out as another noteworthy moment. This composition, penned by Stuart Price and jointly produced by Marius de Vries – both having collaborated with Madonna – evokes the spirit of the pop legend’s electronic ballads. Twigs’ daring approach makes Eusexua an intriguing blend of hits and misses, yet her ambition to innovate is commendable.

  • Teddy Swims starts a UK tour on March 3 at Utilita Arena, Birmingham. FKA Twigs plays Aviva Studios, Manchester, on March 18, and Magazine, London, on March 21 (both ticketmaster.co.uk). 
 

BEST OF THE NEW RELEASES 

MAC MILLER: Balloonerism (Warner)

As an ardent admirer, I find an intimate vibe in the second posthumous release (following 2020’s Circles) by the late Pittsburgh artist and rapper Miller, who tragically passed away due to an accidental overdose in 2018. Some of these tracks are mere sketches, with the enigmatic SZA, last year’s Glastonbury headliner, lending her spectral vocals on DJ’s Chord Organ. Yet, the rough, unrefined qualities of these songs, preserved by avoiding studio manipulation and showcasing Miller’s raw demos, only heighten their emotional impact. Tomorrow Will Never Know exudes a dreamy, new-age atmosphere, while 5 Dollar Pony Rides, with its relaxed and easygoing vibe, stands out as a standout track.

 

MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER, JULIE FOWLIS & KARINE POLWART: Looking For The Thread (Thirty Tigers)

Much like the collaborative albums created by Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris in 1987 and 1999 (known as Trio and Trio II), this new album features a harmonious blend of talents between Americana veteran Carpenter and Scottish artists Fowlis and Polwart. Born out of lockdown and brought to fruition after they performed at the Celtic Connections festival in Glasgow in 2023, this album combines traditional Gaelic melodies with contemporary folk music. Notably, Carpenter wrote Satellite, a song about a ‘zombie spaceship’, and A Heart That Never Closes, an exceptional piece.

 

IGGY POP: Live At Montreux Jazz Festival 2023 (earMUSIC)

Attending a jazz festival may seem unusual for the pioneer of punk music, but Iggy Pop fit perfectly in Montreux’s Stravinski Auditorium. With a skilled band supporting him, boasting an impressive brass section, Iggy shines during his career-spanning set. The collection includes beloved Stooges songs like I Wanna Be Your Dog and Search And Destroy, as well as his solo hits. The horns give Nightclubbing a gritty vibe. The Passenger transforms into an enthusiastic crowd sing-along. As a senior citizen, he remains an extraordinary live performer. Available now as a double vinyl LP (£35) and CD/Blu-ray combo pack (£20).

(This version tries to keep the original’s structure while making it more approachable for casual readers by simplifying some of the sentence structures and using everyday language.)

 

JOHANN PACHELBEL: Magnificat II (CPO)

This CD offers a fresh perspective on Pachelbel, who is famous for his single piece, the Canon. The second disc focuses on his settings of the Magnificat and surpasses the first in quality. The Himlische Cantorey choir performs his remarkable five-part harmonies under the direction of Jan Kobow, who also sings tenor. Alongside him, the Hamburg ensemble presents two Magnificats and three motets. Bass Joel Frederiksen takes a solo motet, providing strong support to the small chorus, while soprano Veronika Winter also receives a motet. It’s amazing to consider the amount and quality of music Pachelbel composed.

Tully Potter  

Read More

2025-01-24 04:57

Previous post JoJo Unrecognizable with New Wispy Bangs and Honey-Blond Bob in NYC
Next post FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves open beta release date announced: Everything you need to know!