Irv Da PHENOM talks about the ups-and-downs of being in a committed relationship in “BIG LOVER.”
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TOP 5 SONGS
5. Me On Me
Shawty did the Spider-Man meme on Irv.
Interestingly, the most upbeat and high-energy track on this album is where Irv talks about meeting his match. Throughout “Me on Me,” he expresses his surprise at how much his woman is focused on her money, her carefree attitude toward having fun, and how she’s no longer giving him the things he once took for granted. I love the smooth, Cali-inspired R&B production and how we hear his emotions fluctuate as he comes to terms with being matched.
4. Soul Ties
I don’t even want the responsibilities that come with having someone’s soul tied down.
In this track, Irv Da PHENOM expresses to his partner that what they share goes beyond lust; it’s a deep spiritual connection that can’t easily be replicated. What I love about the track, driven by an engulfing R&B beat that conjures images of tides and rocky ships, is how Irv delivers a spellbinding vocal performance that would leave any girl’s libido clinging to the handlebars.
3. Makin Love
This is the kind of smooth music that you should make love to.
I personally believe that making love and having sex are two different things. Making love involves taking your time and appreciating the little things while having sex is more about both people trying to satisfy their desires. In “Making Love,” Irv Da PHENOM and Kevin Church Johnson deliver two strong, smooth performances, highlighted by lyrics about embracing your partner and finding someone your body seems to crave. I love the song’s old-school R&B vibes, powerful vocals, and touching lyrics.
2. 4 Real 4 Real
Irv Da PHENOM and WESTSIDE BOOGIE each scored 50 on this track.
In “4 Real 4 Real,” Irv Da PHENOM and WESTSIDE BOOGIE express their appreciation for the loyal, supportive, and undeniably sexy women in their lives. The track resonates with anyone who has experienced the unwavering support of a true partner.
This track has so much to offer. The invigorating production effortlessly blends smooth R&B vibes with a touch of club energy, creating a captivating backdrop. Irv’s sly vocals and catchy hook draw you in, while WESTSIDE BOOGIE’s honest lyrics and clever punchlines add depth and authenticity. It’s a well-crafted song that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
1. Can’t Let You Go
I’m so glad Irv Da PHENOM brought back one of the best R&B tracks ever.
Case’s “Missin’ You” might be one of the greatest R&B tracks of all time, and Irv Da PHENOM does it justice with “Can’t Let You Go.” In this track, he delivers his strongest vocal performance yet, using it to express his efforts to reconnect with his woman, who seems on the verge of checking out of their relationship. Everything from the track’s intoxicating production to Irv’s raw emotions to the memorable melodies should make this a fan favorite.
SONG-BY-SONG RATING
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RGM RATING
(B) (82%)
At my core, I am an R&B head. I had slow jams mixtapes on deck when I was younger. To me, the issue is that we don’t have many artists who make grown-man R&B music these days. Someone who does is Irv Da PHENOM. In BIG LOVER, Irv puts up a vintage R&B performance.
In BIG LOVER, Irv Da PHENOM dives deep into the ups and downs that come with being in a romantic relationship, delivering a distinct emotion to match each topic. For instance, in “Me on Me,” you can hear the urgency in his voice as he describes being caught off guard by his lover, while in “Makin Love,” he perfectly captures the essence of true love-making. Throughout the album, Irv’s vocal range is incredibly impressive, his melodies are both infectious and dynamic, and the production is top-notch, with a strong West Coast vibe. Simply put, they don’t make albums like BIG LOVER anymore.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
