Lil Skies – The Evolution of the Rose (Album Review)

From “Life of a Dark Rose” to “The Evolution of the Rose.”

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TOP 5

5. The Loners

Where anxiety, loneliness, and burnout meet.

“The Loners” carries an upbeat vibe that instantly feels like it’s going to contrast with the song’s deeper lyrical themes. In this track, Lil Skies taps into feelings of isolation, emotional pain, and personal growth through adversity. He reflects on trust issues, heartbreak, and a soul that feels “fried,” yet he refuses to let those experiences hold him down.

Instead of wishing things were different, Skies embraces the hardships that shaped him. They’ve become his fuel. What’s especially compelling is how he consistently weaves a sense of quiet determination into his music—no matter how vulnerable or wounded he sounds, there’s always a spark of resilience pushing through.

4. Falling Backwards

It’s all perspective; Lil Skies falls and climbs in the same direction.

“Falling Backwards” is the second single from the album, released earlier this year—and it’s been a standout ever since. The track leans slightly upbeat, blending acoustic guitar with clever wordplay and a pop-rock-inspired vibe. It’s melodic and catchy, but also carries emotional depth.

Lyrically, “Falling Backwards” reflects on personal struggles and emotional exhaustion, yet the hopeful tone of the melody turns that pain into something uplifting. It’s one of Lil Skies’ more vulnerable tracks, offering a raw look at his internal battles while still hinting at growth and perseverance.

3. 2Much 2Fast (Ft. Landon Cube)

Can fame and fortune be a curse at times?

“2Much 2Fast” immediately had me nodding my head with its alt-rock-inspired energy. The track dives into the emotional toll of rapid fame and success—achieving too much, too fast. It reflects on how that kind of meteoric rise often comes with pressure, doubt, and the unsettling feeling of having too many eyes waiting for you to fall.

What makes this song stand out is its vulnerability. Both Lil Skies and Landon Cube bring a raw emotional edge to their verses, laying bare the darker side of success. Their vocals and artistic chemistry blend seamlessly, creating a personal and reflective track that hits hard on both a sonic and lyrical level.

2. Wildfire (feat. Ravenna Golden)

Beautiful yet deadly like a “Wildfire.”

“Wildfire” instantly pulls you in with its ethereal, infectious energy—layered vocals, catchy instrumentals, and a vibe you can’t ignore. The track plays beautifully with the metaphor of a relationship as a wildfire—intense, consuming, and dangerously irresistible.

Lil Skies captures the push-pull of love that feels both beautiful and destructive. His delivery carries passion, chaos, and allure, making the emotions hit hard as if you’re living the relationship yourself. The emo-rap and alt-pop fusion gives the song a moody, melodic edge that’s easy to vibe with, yet heavy enough to leave a mark.

“Wildfire” is a slow burn that explodes in all the right ways.

1. Ganja

Sometimes life’s all about the times we get it kick back with our loved ones.

From the moment I hit play, “Ganja” had me hooked. Between the laid-back beat and Lil Skies’ effortless flow, it’s impossible not to vibe with this track. It’s a chill anthem that captures the carefree energy of getting high with friends—a fun, feel-good banger through and through.

What makes “Ganja” stand out is its lighthearted, uplifting nature. It serves as a perfect contrast to the more introspective moments on the album, offering a comforting, euphoric escape that feels just right.

SONG-BY-SONG RATING

1. Sick and Tired (4/5)

2. Burn (feat. Landon Cube) (4/5)

3. Ganja (5/5)

4. 2Much 2Fast (feat. Landon Cube) (4.5/5)

5. My Anxiety (4.5/5)

6. The Loners (4.5/5)

7. Falling Backwards (4.5/5)

8. Window Down (4/5)

9. Bright Side (4/5)

10. Xs And Os (4.5/5)

11. Chaos (4/5)

12. Wildfire (feat. Ravenna Golden) (4.5/5)

13. Renegade (4/5)

14. Benjis (4/5)

RGM RATING

(86%)

Lil Skies has always carved his own lane by blending genres while keeping melodic rap at the heart of his sound. His music thrives on introspective storytelling, with Skies often wearing his heart on his sleeve as he reflects on love, life, and his evolving career—all delivered with a smooth, authentic flow.

His sixth studio album, The Evolution of the Rose, feels like the perfect title to capture the growth of both the person and artist since his breakout debut, Life of a Dark Rose. The contrast between those titles alone says so much—it’s like a before-and-after snapshot of his journey.

Released on June 27th, The Evolution of the Rose is a hybrid of hip-hop, alt-rock, emo rap, and pop rap, pushing boundaries and showcasing just how bold, talented, and creatively fearless Lil Skies has become.