Malcom Todd - ‘Sweet Boy’ | Album Review
June 3 | Written By Lauren Ketterl
Indie and R&B singer, Malcolm Todd released the entirety of his album “Sweet Boy” on April 5th following the releases of the EPs “Sweet Boy Pt. 1” and “Sweet Boy Pt. 2,” along with six single releases stemming all the way back to April 2023. It’s safe it say every song on this album is a must hear.
The Los Angeles, California based artist gained social media fame after putting out clips of his music on TikTok and claiming they were songs by artist Steve Lacy. This attracted the attention of Lacy’s fans to Todd’s music due to the similar musical style between the two artists. A notable song from this album is ‘Ladygirl’ which has a similar rhythm to Lacy’s hit song ‘Bad Habit.
His latest drop draws inspiration from notable indie artists Dominic Fike and previously mentioned Steve Lacy, as well as alternative-hip hop artist Tyler, the Creator. This 16-song album takes listeners though an emotional rollercoaster of admiration and heartbreak, while displaying Todd’s multi-genre creations.
The first song titled ‘Earrings’ is the only song that isn’t a single or on either EP. This song talks about leaving a pair of earrings in someone’s bed but the two no longer talk so their afraid to get them back. The lyrics sing “Her love is in your head; you lost your earrings in her bed. You couldn’t tell her that you lost them ‘cause you’re scared and you’re not talking.” This shows how an object can cause a person to linger on your mind and put you in your feels.
The first EP apart of this album includes the songs ‘On my Shoulder,’ ‘Thailand,’ ‘Ladygirl,’ the single ‘4ME 4ME,’ and ‘Rodrick Rules.’ ‘On My Shoulder’ is about a relationship ending but missing what was there. It’s about still having feelings for that person but having to move on to make them happy. Up next is a more R&B song with ‘Thailand.’ Like ‘On My Shoulder,’ this song reminisces on a previous relationship where there are still feelings. “We do not speak, and I still love you, I hope you agree,” shows those leftover feels from the relationship and a plea of hope that there is still love there.
‘Ladygirl’ goes back to the indie vibe and ties back to the Steve Lacy influence with its similar rhythm to Lacy’s hit song ‘Bad Habit.’ This song talks about being in a relationship where there’s not much left and its sort of dragging on. ‘4ME 4ME’ is a more romantic song with a R&B vibe. It voices someone’s desire to be with a person and have their attention with the lyrics “Give my everything to you,” and “What’s mine is yours.” The last song from the first EP is titled ‘Rodrick Rules,’ which is another breakup song about moving on but realizing the other person is missing out. “I lost you, but maybe now I won,” shows a winning mindset where the other person lost you.
The second EP, “Sweet Boy Pt. 2” starts with the song ‘Accutane’ which is a brutal breakup song. The lyrics include “I loved you oh, so bad. You can have a lot but now you can’t have Mac,” and “Welcome to the end, and good luck on the beginning, baby,” followed by “You can be my friend, just don’t hit. I’ve been busy lately.” The words speak for themself. Following this brutal breakup song is another one with ‘Sore Throat’ which starts with the line “Maybe you can’t be the one,” and “This is not for saving, it’s your time to go.” Both these songs are examples of good song writing and sour endings.
The next track from the second EP is ‘Rockstar Boyfriend’ which is the shortest song on the album and talks about if a relationship will be able to work when he’s on the road. The only song with a feature is ‘New Friends’ featuring Eem Triplin. This song is about meeting new people after a breakup since you no longer have that person as a companion. The final song also featured on the second EP is titled ‘Pillow’ is a softer song and discusses the aftermath of a breakup and missing someone. “Should I start with hello? Should I let you let go? Just one more song, goodbye. Kiss your pillow goodbye,” shows a feeling of holding onto that love.
All 7 singles on this album deserve to be heard, but the ones that stick out the most are ‘Hot in NY’ and ‘Roommates.’ Both songs are very well written and have catchy beats that do a fantastic job at drawing in listeners, as well as all the other singles on this album.
It’s safe to say this album is a great represent of Malcolm Todd’s versatile genre lyrical styles and proves why listeners should stick around for more music from the artist.