KAYTRANADA brings out the best in R&B’s best in “TIMELESS.”
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TOP 5
5. Stepped On
“Stepped On” is the type of track that reminds me KAYTRANADA is Pharrell Wiliams reincarnated.
I say Pharrell’s full name like there’s another person in the world with the name Pharrell… Anywho, I absolutely love “Stepped On.” First and foremost, I adore the Neptunes-like production, brimming with starry elements and slightly grungy vibes. Then, you’re treated to an outstanding vocal performance by whoever the hell that is. They flawlessly convey the impatience and frustration of being in a relationship where you feel like a whipping boy. To me, these are the gritty R&B records that were pushing boundaries back then.
4. Spit It Out (Ft. Rochelle Jordan)
Are you allowed to tell a girl ‘pause’?
Rochelle Jordan has the name of someone who sings for a living, right? Therefore, it shouldn’t surprise you that she absolutely shines in “Spit It Out.” In this song, driven by an exciting dance-hop beat, Jordan delivers flashy vocals that will almost feel like candy for your ears. What’s strange about the track is that I don’t think her lyrics match the tone of her singing. Rochelle’s lyrics revolve around getting her partner to come clean about all the things that are going wrong in their relationship. The song is actually a rather depressing one.
3. Hold On (Ft. Dawn Richard)
“Thank GOD” Dawn Richard is out of Dirty Money.
While it seems like Diddy played favorites based on who was willing to participate in his freak-offs, I think Dawn Richard was someone he genuinely believed had incredible talent. It might be why he stuck with her after Danity Kane broke up. Once you listen to “Hold On,” you’ll see why. In the track, Dawn dazzles, delivering a vocal performance with moments where it sounds totally intoxicating and others where it pumps exhilarating energy into your veins. I can envision Dawn doing the perfect dance routine to this track, too.
“Bad Boy Records” and “Dirty Money.” The real Diddy was in plain sight, y’all.
2. Feel A Way (Ft. Don Toliver)
Don Toliver has earned my respect! (I had some extra respect stashed away for a rainy day)
Don Toliver and KAYTRANADA succeed in stepping outside of their comfort zones for “Feel A Way.” Don delivers a performance akin to Jessica Rabbit from Who Framed Roger Rabbit, while KAYTRANADA provides a sly beat that I actually couldn’t tell was made by him. I can honestly say I was mesmerized by what I heard.
1. Witchy (Ft. Childish Gambino)
Anytime you get a chance to hear some new s**t by Childish Gambino, it’s a good day.
I remember getting pissed off in the past that Childish Gambino abandoned his rap persona in favor of singing, but nowadays, I don’t want to hear that n***a rap for anything. Especially when he puts up fascinating performances like the one in “Witchy.” Over this magical beat (it just sounds like some s**t that a n***a would pull s**t out of his hat to), Gambino channels his inner Michael Jackson, singing like he’s straining on a toilet for a good chunk of the time (which I mean in a good way) while also mixing in these chill vocals that I love and these high-pitched vocals that impress me. Damn, I wish my woman could bring out greatness in me like his did (She did get me to mow the lawn the other day, though).
SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN
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RGM RATING
(B-) (83%)
Remember the good old days when people used to dance? While 70% of the reasons people don’t anymore are because they think they’re too cool for school, the other 30% is because musicians aren’t giving us anything to dance to. That said, I think KAYTRANADA does with TIMELESS. This project is filled with upbeat, sparkly instrumentals that will make you bring out your most daring moves. Complementing the instrumentals are engaging, wide-ranging vocal performances by singers who come across as totally hungry to me. As a matter of fact, the hungrier the artist, the better the track sounded. All in all, I enjoyed the summer spirit this album gave off.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
