Album: Freudian
Artist: Daniel Caesar
Release Date: August 25, 2017
Genre: R&B
Length: 0:44:47
Label: Golden Child Recordings
Producer: Jordan Evans/Matthew Burnett/Alex Ernewein/BadBadNotGood/Daniel Caesar/Jordan Manswell/Riley Bell
This album is far from a Freudian slip...
The first studio album by Daniel Caesar, Freudian was nominated for Best R&B Album; "Get You" was nominated for Best R&B Performance at the 60th Grammy Awards, and "Best Part" won Best R&B Performance at the 61st Grammy Awards. The album peaked at #25 on the US Billboard 200 and eventually went on to certify Gold.
Each song having lyrics about relationships, good and bad, it would be easy for Caesar to fall into a trap where all the songs seem predictable. That is where Daniel Caesar shines. Writing each song in full or in part during the tracks with features, Caesar finds the perfect way to keep the lyrics interesting.
The songs with features on them are some of the best on the album. Kali Uchis on "Get You", H.E.R on "Best Part", "Take Me Away" with Syd, and "Transform" with Charlotte Day Wilson, give an enchanting contrast to Caesar's voice. Caesar has a wide vocal range and it so perfectly mixes with the guest features on these songs, especially during "Get You" and "Best Part". Going up and down in pitch, Caesar isn't afraid to hold back and that's what makes him so endearing to listen to alone, but contrasted with another vocalist is elegant.
Caesar has the ability to utilize his voice in a way that doesn't scream lead vocalist, it screams instrument. In the song, "Neu Roses (Transgressor's Song) a lot of the song is strictly voiced. Even though there is a background choir, Caesar is able to create a song that doesn't have much else for over half of the song and yet keeps the listener engaged. Then, when the croak of what sounds like a guitar and the backbeat of the drums shine through, it quickly makes the entire wait from the beginning extra worth it.
Perfecting the exact style he goes for, Caesar is a modern take on a genre that dates back to the beginnings of music. If you compare Caesar with the founders of R&B there aren't many differences except an advancement of knowledge and technology. Caesar is able to give off the perfect R&B feel while still keeping it modern, and also advancing the genre with the use of effects and instruments.
Contrasting the slight static you hear in "Loose" with the piano playing in the background, to the piano as a major focal point in the following song "We Find Love", shows this modernity within Freudian. The way the album transitions from one song to the next, while still keeping the same stylistic feel, shows a lot with "We Find Love". The powerful, yet peaceful drum hits, the overall drone of the bass, the background vocalist runs, the choir, and the tambourine hits, the list could go on. Every song at its core is a simple R&B track about relationships, but deeper within, is a world of complexities and thoughtful lyrics. Even the songs that seem to be more intimate, like "Blessed", which on the surface, may sound like it's just Caesar and an instrument, but hidden beneath are a lot of intricacies.
The entire album seems to be an intro to the gorgeous title track "Freudian". A seemingly long song, this ten minute closer has a two minute section in the middle of just silence, before Caesar comes back in with just him and an organ. Giving the listener a feel as though the concert is ending, this song proves to be the perfect close to Freudian.
Daniel Caesar shows he can compete as one of the best modern voices in R&B with this debut album. Meaningful lyrics, superb production quality, the wide vocal range, the crispness of each instrument perfectly placed to bring another aspect to tickle your ear drums with surprise, Freudian is a delicate, yet appealing record. I cannot recommend listening to this album enough, especially on an overcast day where the vibes fit perfectly with each track...
Favorite Songs: "Get You", "Best Part", "Neu Roses (Transgressor's Song)", "We Find Love"
Least Favorite Songs: "Loose" (Still a great song, but my least favorite on the album)
Production Quality:
Mix = 9/10 (surprisingly complex)
Innovation = 8.5/10
Songwriting Quality:
Arrangement = 10/10
Lyricism = 9/10 (typical R&B lyrics made right)
Instrumentation Quality:
Vocal Timbre = 9/10
Instrumental Timbre = 9/10
Group Chemistry = 8/10
Overall Likability:
My Personal Rating = 9/10
Overall Rating: 8.95/10
Any confusion on how the rating is weighted/calculated, please look at my "About" page.
Remember this is all my opinion! Let me know if you agree, disagree or have any comments!
Comments