Don Toliver makes us “Love Sick” by overfeeding us with nothing but hits.
STREAM
TOP 5
5. 4 Me
Disclaimer: “Girls Dem Sugar” by Beenie Man is one of my favorite songs of all time.
A little less than two years ago, Don Toliver dropped a single with Kali Uchis called “Drugs N Hella Melodies.” In the music video to the song, Don and Kali are booed up in a bubble bath; that’s the moment I realized they are in a romantic relationship. For fans of the two lovebirds, the good news is this: They decided to team up again for “4 Me.”
“4 Me” flips Beenie Man and Mya’s classic “Girls Dem Sugar” track. While Kali practically copies Mya’s part word for word, Don does hit us with original contributions that have him sultrily sounding like a one-woman man. All in all, just like its predecessor, “4 Me” feels like the perfect spicy record to get a grind session to.
4. Slow Motion (Ft. WizKid)
If you’re dancing with someone to “Slow Motion,” close your eyes and let the sweat dribble down your face. When you’re in that moment, there is no such thing as disgusting or not knowing where you are.
I’m starting to think that Don Toliver and Wizkid are a dynamic duo. I am a huge fan of their last collaboration, “Special.” Anywho, “Slow Motion” has sultry lyrics that I love and dreamy vibes that I enjoyed getting lost in. “Slow Motion” just feels like the perfect 2023 love song.
I want to make a ChatGPT baby to this song!
[the_ad id=”102857″]
3. Private Landing (Ft. Justin Bieber & Future)
“Private Landing” could’ve ended up on Metro Boomin’s last album.
The best beat and the flyest guest appearances are on “Private Landing.” In the track, Justin Bieber, Future, and Don Toliver each use sly styles of sing-rapping to talk about how they can woo chicks in ways that your average Joe simply can’t. Surprisingly, the person that steals the show here is Bieber. Overall, though, I think the track is too cool to pass up.
2. Go Down (Ft. TisaKorean)
There’s something about this song’s spirit that catches my attention.
“Go Down” will make you feel really good inside. In the song, in a vivacious way, Don pays homage to both his city and his more-than-willing car passenger. Between the slick beat switch, catchy hook, and Rated-R lyrics, “Go Down” might end up being the track from this album that you replay the most.
1. Do It Right
Don resurrects one of the greatest hooks of all time for “Do It Right.”
“Do It Right” meshes old school vibes with new school vibes, used lyrics with new lyrics (“Do It Right” samples The S.O.S. band’s “Take Your Time (Do It Right)” hit from several years ago), and hip-hop elements with house elements. Ultimately, I think this is one of Don’s catchiest, most universal, and purest tracks to date. I truly believe it takes a special artist to make something like this.
SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN
*1. No Pole (3.5/5)
*2. Embarrassed (Ft. Travis Scott) (4/5)
*3. Geronimo (4/5)
*4. Luckily I’m Having (Ft. Teezo Touchdown) (3/5)
5. LoveSickness (4.5/5)
2. Let Her Go (Ft. James Blake) (4.5/5)
3. Leave The Club (Ft. GloRilla & Lil Durk) (4/5)
4. 4 Me (Ft. Kali Uchis) (4/5)
5. Go Down (4.5/5)
6. Time Heals All (4.5/5)
7. Leather Coat (3.5/5)
8. Honeymoon (3.5/5)
9. Private Landing (Ft. Justin Bieber & Future) (4.5/5)
10. Slow Motion (Ft. Wizkid) (4/5)
11. Do it Right (5/5)
12. If I Had (Ft. Charlie Wilson) (3.5/5)
13. Company Pt. 3 (4/5)
14. Bus Stop (Ft. Brent Faiyaz) (4/5)
15. Cinderella (Ft. Toro Y Moi) (4/5)
16. Encouragement (3.5/5)
*Indicates the deluxe version of the album
RGM RATING
(B-)
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: No one makes music like Don Toliver. If I were to guess, whenever he’s in the studio, he is in his own world. In Love Sick, thankfully, Don never flees from his signature sound.
I highly recommend that you get lost in this album’s hazy/futuristic production, spellbinding vocal performances, unfiltered/intimate/braggadocios/romantic lyrics, well-placed guest features, and intricate setups. I can try my hardest to find 1000 ways to describe this project, but I won’t; instead, I’ll let you enjoy the soothing rollercoaster ride it takes you on.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
This Post Has One Comment
I personally feel like the problem with this album is that at some points Don is on beats that don’t suit him the best. His vocals are always going to sound good on any beat but he is best in that psychedelic trap lane. There are times where he goes into these pockets on songs like “Private Landing” and “Company pt. 3” and to me those are the highlights of the album. Overall I think that this is his worst album but it is still a pretty good listen and I would give it a 6 out of 10.