Malcolm Todd is on the up and up again. His latest album Do That Again, released June 5, blesses his listeners’ ears with the calm melodies of a boy surrounded by sirens and well-dressed women. Throughout each song, he successfully blends bass riffs, comedic lyrics, and universal feelings of loneliness, which is palpable in “Lonely Song”.
Similar to his sister Audrey Hobert, what makes Todd stand out most to listeners is his relatability. His songs are simple, emphasizing the overlooked moments in a relationship, crush, and life in general.
This is evident in my favorite song off the album, “Good Bye,” where Todd struggles with the restrictions that come with the end of a relationship. The track is supported by a comforting, steady guitar loop that is reminiscent of Bill Withers “Lean on Me.” He honestly sings about the delusions that fail to become reality and evaluates a relationship, comically crying parts of the refrain.
The album opens with the one-minute ballad “Jean Skirt.” The lyrics are minimal yet impactful: “I had my tank top / you had your jean skirt / and now they’re on the floor.” The song evokes visuals of a spicy, old-western-style stand-off as each verse is separated by a musical interlude.
Outside of “Jean Skirt,” Todd lets his freak flag fly high, singing about exploring desires despite astrological differences in “Obsessica” and the undeniable self destruction that comes with rekindling a flame in “X’s and O’s.”
Todd’s signature alternative R&B sound is stronger than ever. Songs like “Free.99” and “Ain’t That the Truth” feature his familiar guitar strums and funky instrumentation. “Malcolm In The Middle” and “Gun To My Head” are his most catchy, challenging the listener to not dance. While his voice is familiar, the album successfully balances the deeper message behind the lyrics and their instrumentally addictive counterparts.
He released two singles prior to the drop of the album: “Breathe” and “I Saw Your Face.” Both are standouts, each bringing something different to the table. “Breathe” has a seductive, intense beat that complements Malcolm’s smooth vocals. “I Saw Your Face” is a heartbreaker, touching on the familiar feeling of catching a glimpse of the face that broke your heart. Todd begins the song by admitting, “Life is not a movie / I’m not a movie star.” It is honest and forces listeners to remember the one that got away.
The album concludes with the title track, “Do That Again,” which perfectly solidifies his position in the bedroom pop music genre. It is ethereal with a mesmerizing beat. The song ends with the singer’s vocals fading naturally and a soft-spoken “thank you.” This creative charm touches on Todd’s originality throughout each song. Every detail is intentional and makes the recorded songs feel live and authentic. Whether it is riffing names in “Obsessica” or the addition of profanity in “Difficult Love,” it is hard to believe that these details are planned when they are so raw and witty.
It is safe to say that Todd’s sophomore album is going to transcend the TikTok for you page and be more than a summer trend. To think that Todd, just shy of 23, has become so well established, creating hit-after-hit, is exciting. Being in a time when musicians and artists are motivated by fame, authenticity is rare and it seems audiences have struck gold with Malcolm Todd. Do That Again is available on all platforms. Go stream it, you will not be disappointed.
