24kGoldn – Icarus II (Album Review)

24kGoldn takes flight yet again with “Icarus II.”

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TOP 3

3. Next Life

What would you do differently if you could do it all again?

“Next Life” opens with gentle whistles and soft, drifting instrumentals that pair seamlessly with 24kGoldn’s tender vocals. From the start, the track paints a melancholic portrait of a love that never quite found its footing. As the story unfolds, he takes accountability for the mistakes that pulled the relationship apart—most of which he admits were on him.

What makes the song hit even harder is the vulnerability in his performance; you can hear that the relationship is over, yet the love lingering in his voice hasn’t gone anywhere. In the chorus, 24kGoldn vows to get it right “in the next life,” promising the devotion and care he failed to deliver this time around.

Whether you connect to his regret or the heartbreak of the partner he’s singing to, the emotional weight of “Next Life” is powerfully relatable.

2. Bullet Holes

We’re all on a search for freedom.

“Bullet Holes” stands out as one of the album’s most introspective cuts, with 24kGoldn diving into a struggle many of us eventually face. He reflects on the pursuit of freedom, justice, and the hope for something new—an escape into a life that feels different, even if we’re unsure when or how it might come.

That longing sits at the center of the song, and the chorus brings it to life with a powerful, almost urgent energy. The way it swells gives the track a dramatic emotional edge, amplifying the sense of yearning and restlessness. For me, that rush in the hook elevates the entire record, turning it into one of the project’s most stirring and memorable moments.

1. Mess

24kGoldn perfectly captures the toxic “Mess” of his past relationship

We all know the feeling of a relationship turning us inside out, and that’s exactly the space 24kGoldn taps into with this track. He walks us through the emotional chaos of a toxic love—the tears, the heartbreak, and ultimately the moment of reclaiming power.

His smooth vocals add a sensual, almost R&B-leaning warmth to every line, giving the storytelling extra depth. The chorus stands out as the emotional centerpiece: intense, raw, and beautifully delivered. What hits hardest is the way he captures the healing process—fixing the damage, rediscovering his confidence, and emerging as a stronger, more independent version of himself.

SONG-BY-SONG RATING

1. Mess (4.5/5)

2. Bullet Holes (4.5/5)

3. God Is Watching (4/5)

4. June (4.5/5)

5. Next Life (4.5/5)

6. A Girl’s Dream (3.5/5)

7. Saving Grace (3.5/5)

RGM RATING

(82.9%)

Icarus II is a short yet powerful body of work, arriving as the follow-up to his EP Icarus, released on July 25, 2025.

What I love most is the vibe he continues to cultivate. Every track carries a romantic, sensual, almost old-school warmth, even when the subject matter isn’t tied to longing or love. It’s a project that feels intentionally crafted: smooth, expressive, and sonically elevated, proving once again that 24kGoldn knows exactly how to pull listeners into his world.