With a dynamic tagline of his music being considered as “vulnerability over 808’s.” The February aquarian’s storytelling shines at its finest over the roots built within the preciously awaited sophomore LP, “Don’t Get Too Cozy”. Creating a journey filled with desire, braggadocios honesty & enticing reflection.
This is a ride, inside Phabo’s mind.
Starting with the “Intro”, you begin to feel the sense of growth & grace. With Phabo’s striking attention to detail it introduces the ambience of organic emotion. Bringing a touch of rawness that shows commitment to his artistry and composition.
But after the touching nostalgic renaissance of pillow talk and beginning love with “LINE”, “Swing My Way” transpires you into understanding Phabo and his sense of self. It’s almost as if his intention dates to his 2019 debut album “Soulquarius” to serve the purpose to influence the listener but DGTC is the origin story of how his style all began.
With the pairing of “Geneva” + “Casamigos” bringing such a fun glimpse of his playful banter and swift knowledge. Along with his respected bilingual abilities, this dynamic helps bring in a summer strung experience especially following its June release. But honestly once you really sit with this album through each listen you understand that this is an anthology. As you get amongst the last single before the full release, “Stay” Ft. Arin Ray you understand how through these seamless transitions and clear cadence vocals, this is Phabo’s translation on how a star becomes understanding of his own path.
But here’s where it all shifts…
“XTC” transitions the second half into a time warp of R&B often misunderstood. From Phabo’s timeless sound for the strategic back-to-back expressive and empathetic “Scorpio Moon” & “Before I Let Her Go”, along with his raspy tone help transpires the pure reflection of intimacy and authentic storytelling. With The trifecta that is “The Wind”, “Out of Touch” & “Luv Songs (Unruly”), it always builds such a cinematic timestamp to me. Troy Taylor’s productions shines through this album along with fellow collaborators, Louie Lastic (Shout Out Ghetto Kids Music Group) & Max Hunter.
The approach taken on “Black Man”, an interlude wrapped in lush lyricism and stacked harmony swiftly takes your ear as you hear the quote “Your doubt won’t outweigh this joy.” The aquarian has once again hit it on the money, with the following tracks “Express Yourself” & “NYL” featuring the incredible Ambre you begin to hear this chapter beginning to wrap up, but you start to ask yourself,
“What’s the message behind all this?” Is a man never jaded in his ways of affection but still solely aware of himself? Or is this the story of man falling into appreciation for his Shawty and understanding the dynamic of himself? To me, it’s all about how you take it all in. The confidence behind this album is soothing, it hits every pool of emotions but also, it’s like time doesn’t exist in the moment when you focus on each song.
Which leads me into my favorite part of the album: THE CONCLUSION.
“Long Overdue” stems from Phabo’s “Before I Let Her Go” EP,
a masterpiece of eruptive R&B featuring such a cinematic drop of sensual flair that leads into the smoothness of “Proud 2 Be”. Which always brings me back to that ’08 Floridian sound.
But how could I not highlight one of my favorite outros of all time…
“Your Loss” ft. LA’s very own Kalan.Frfr serves as one of the most enthralling songs on this album. Leaving you understanding that although the album is done, the story is never finished. Leaving you wanting more. If you don’t get it, “It’s just your loss.”
I couldn’t possibly not type this without highlighting each song, as they all shine in their own way. Phabo created a new dynamic once again with his approach to R&B. “Vulnerability over 808’s”, (That’s word to Yan Snead) that keeps you on your game, making sure you feel that sense of self while falling for someone else.
But remember, you can never get too cozy.
MY FAVE TRACKS:
("BASICALLY THE WHOLE DAMN ALBUM, BUT IF I HAD TO CHOOSE...")
"SWING MY WAY" - "STAY" - "XTC" - "OUT OF TOUCH"
"LUV SONGS (UNRULY)" - "LONG OVERDUE" - "YOUR LOSS"
Great writing Je 💫 you hit it on the money my man 🔥