Brent Faiyaz delivers a magical performance in “Icon.”
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TOP 5 SONGS
5. vanilla sky.
Lowkey, anytime an R&B artist opens a track by asking questions, you know it’s about to be fire. Brent Faiyaz does exactly that on “vanilla sky.”, reflecting on the meaning of happiness—whether it’s love, success, solitude, or destiny—while seeking a safe space to explore that truth with honesty. His words are poetic, his vocals inquisitive, and the production feels like a stripped-down fly on the wall, quietly witnessing a conversation that could change everything between two lovers.
4. butterflies.
Back in the day, getting butterflies when you saw someone you liked felt annoying as hell. I used to think, why does my stomach have to twist itself into knots just because I’m catching feelings? As an adult, though, that same sensation feels almost beautiful.
On “butterflies.,” Brent straddles that exact line. On one hand, he leans into the rush and warmth that come with falling in love. On the other hand, he wrestles with nerves, repeatedly asking if she feels the same intensity he does. The result is a vulnerable vocal performance that lingers long after the song ends, floating over a dreamy instrumental that feels soft, sincere, and pure at its core.
3. have to.
If you told me “have to.” was created in 1985, I’d believe you. On this track, Brent Faiyaz tweaks his vocals to channel a modern-day Ralph Tresvant as he sings about wanting his girl just as much as Trump wants Greenland, even suggesting that he would ship himself to her if they stay apart too long. He does not specify whether he is covering next-day delivery fees, though.
What makes the song even more addictive is how it bends structure. It does not follow a traditional formula. Instead, the bridge, pre-chorus, and hook cycle back-to-back until the melody latches onto your brain like it signed a lease there.
2. four seasons.
“four seasons.” opens with a setup that feels reminiscent of Brent’s earlier work. The production creeps in subtly, almost like something you would hear in Fantasia, before blossoming into what feels like a ’90s R&B masterpiece with Timbaland-style fingerprints all over it.
Brent taps into his brazen side briefly, but then checks himself, shifting gears to express how much better he wants to be for his lover so they can truly move forward together. More than anything, what stands out is how organic and unforced the track feels, like it is breathing on its own rather than trying to impress.
1. other side.
Michael, is that you? Seriously, Brent delivers his best Michael Jackson impression on this track, and he absolutely nails it. From the airy, MJ-inspired ad-libs to the way he glides over the upbeat, vintage-leaning production, he taps into that classic pop finesse with precision.
Still, this record is not just about channeling nostalgia. At its core, it is about reassurance. Brent centers the woman in his life, making her feel protected, loved, and genuinely valued. The chorus lands clean, the energy sparkles, and the overall flair is turned all the way up.
SONG BY SONG RATING
1. white noise. (N/A)
2. wrong faces. (4/5)
3. have to. (4.5/5)
4. butterflies. (4/5)
5. other side. (5/5)
6. strangers. (4/5)
7. world is yours. (4/5)
8. four seasons. (5/5)
9. pure fantasy. (4/5)
10. vanilla sky. (5/5)
RGM RATING
(88%)
I’m not going to lie, this is the Brent Faiyaz I’ve always wanted to hear. While many fans gravitate toward his colder, bachelor-era persona, his talent is far too rich to be boxed into toxic narratives. Icon is filled with nothing but beautiful music.
Throughout the project, he reaches impressive vocal heights, delivering performances that feel chillingly gentle and nurturing, yet vulnerable, organic, and diverse. He leans into classic, soul-stirring, almost magical production that gives the album a timeless glow.
Lyrically, he is as open as he has ever been, speaking on love with honesty and maturity, and with far less vulgarity. He explores how resilient love can be when handled the right way. The album flows seamlessly, sounds meticulously crafted, and taps into a side of Brent that suggests he could truly be one of the best artists in the world.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
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