GIVEON- BELOVED (Album Review)

GIVEON dropped his sophomore album on July 11th.

STREAM

TOP 5

5. GOOD BAD UGLY

“Good Bad Ugly” dives deep into relationship struggles. The conflict between Giveon and his partner—and the way she responds to him—makes him question their commitment. Still, he’s in it for the long haul, through the good, the bad, and the ugly. He’s not ready to walk away just because things are hard right now. It’s a bittersweet melody, and Giveon tells his story with stunning vulnerability.

4. KEEPER

“Keeper” is another tragic but classic Giveon breakup track. This one centers on an on-again, off-again relationship that’s currently off. He reflects on the last time they were together—she was crying, and he owns his part in that. Now, he’s alone, though he doesn’t want to be. He knows he can’t change who he is, but he believes he could be good for her if given the chance. He doesn’t want to be the one that comes and goes—he wants to be the one she keeps.

3. RATHER BE

“Rather Be” is a candid reflection on love and loss. Giveon makes it clear—he doesn’t want to be with anyone but his ex. He’s not even interested in trying, because he’s afraid of closing the door on even the smallest chance of getting back what he lost. And on the flip side, he’s also scared of risking heartbreak with someone new. It’s raw, restrained, and achingly real.

2. I CAN TELL

“I Can Tell” is sexy—plain and simple. Everything about it is smooth, sensual, and magnetic. Giveon is pining after someone who’s with someone else, but he knows her heart isn’t in it. He’s convinced he could love her better, treat her better, and give her the kind of chemistry and connection she’s missing.

1. TWENTIES

This song is everywhere, and rightfully so. “Twenties” feels like a multigenerational anthem—and I’m here for it. My friends, my kids, my parents, my coworkers—everyone I know connects with it instantly. It’s about pouring your love, time, and energy into someone who didn’t deserve it, and realizing too late that you gave away the best years of your life. That kind of heartbreak is universal, and the relatability is exactly what makes this song such a standout.

SONG BY SONG RATING

MUD (4/5)

RATHER BE (4/5)*

TWENTIES (4.5/5)*

STRANGERS (4/5)

NUMB (4/5)

I CAN TELL (4.5/5)*

DIAMONDS FOR YOUR PAIN (4/5)

KEEPER (4/5)*

SIX:THIRTY (4/5)

BACKUP PLAN (4/5)

BLEEDING (3.5/5)

DON’T LEAVE (3.5/5)

AVALANCHE (4/5)

GOOD BAD UGLY (4/5)*

RGM RATING

(80%)

I had high hopes for Giveon’s sophomore album, and I’m happy to say I was right to. Beloved absolutely does not disappoint. This 14-track masterpiece blends R&B, soul, and pop in a way that’s easy on the ears and rich in emotion. It’s the kind of album you can sink into completely.

This time around, Giveon leans even more into themes of love, flirtation, heartbreak, and self-reflection. He takes us on a journey through his mind and emotions, telling stories that feel deeply personal but somehow still universal. Each track offers a different shade of vulnerability, making the project feel cohesive but never repetitive.

By the end of the album, I was completely zoned in—full of emotion, wrapped up in the honesty of it all. I actually went back and listened to the entire thing a second time. It’s that good. While Giveon is clearly out to hurt my feelings (again), the artistry makes every ache worth it. Beloved has no skips, and it’s absolutely a must-listen.