★★★★☆
Steve Lacy has proven themselves to be a modern classic within the R&B and Indie-pop genres since his last release,‘Gemini Rights’, in 2022, becoming timeless to the many phases of online cycles. The third album from the artist ‘Oh yeah?’ continues to prove Lacy's legacy, and diehard fans, correct in their support. The ten tracks paint a picture of heartbreak, pining and confliction, solidified with renowned R&B and soul features.
Opening with an unexpected sound, the title single ‘oh yeah?’ is less R&B, and more 2010s twee. With a mixture of youthful beats, millennial synths and light acoustic guitar, the lead single feels unexpected, and surprisingly light on lyrics, unlike Lacy's typical approach.
This change is quickly subsided with the beginning of the second track, and the introduction of a second powerhouse R&B artist, Sza. In ‘is it cool?’ the quintessential Steve Lacy sound returns. Heavier on the slow beat, with hipper pacing, bringing the song around to a slightly pop turn. The song quite literally asks “Is it cool? / Can you trust me?” to this hypothetical partner of Sza's and Lacy’s. Questioning if it's ok for them to be casual or borderline cheat, because that is who they are.
‘the feeling’ reintroduces itself within the album, after being previously released in early June. The song adds an additional funky sound to the album, thanks to its sampling of ‘Police Woman’ by Henry Mancini. An extra layer of texture is added with the inclusion of angelic, and almost psychedelic chimes. Lacy's voice couples harmoniously alongside the softness of the song, both in spoken word and when singing. This mixture in approach adds to the longing brought by the meaning of the song. Pleading to understand his position towards this figure of love amidst their tumultuous relationship, whilst trying not to strain them, confessing “Kept it to myself ‘cause I ain’t wanna be a burden / This ain’t gonna heal, if we don’t make a deal”.
Lacy's keen ear for translating emotional depth into music is exercised completely in ‘pure colour’ with neo-soul singer Erykah Badu. The slower tempo of the song works with the deep reverb within the vocals, emphasising this deep loneliness and emptiness behind the song. Detailing the difficulty of losing yourself in someone else and turning to unhealthy coping and reasoning as a result, this song is light on lyrics but heavy on the heart.
The album is marked halfway with ‘show you me’, a faster acoustic based song, once again focusing on the reverb of vocals - a common thread throughout the album. This more stripped back instrumental contrasts most of the songs thus far on the album, instead focusing on the story to be told. The playfulness of the lyrics hides a deep questioning of one's love life, and most especially the sexuality of Lacy's potential partner. With lyrics such as “Smoke the little weed, it could be our risk to take / Anyway, I think about you each and every day”. It seems implied that Lacy's comfort in their sexuality and love are not reflected in this love interest, therefore causing turbulence and frustration as is later exclaimed in the last verse of the song “You don’t have to rush / But I could die today / What are you on tonight? / Are you even gay?”.
The sixth song on the album ‘doom’ brings a harsher punk sound to the album. With heavier and raspier guitar, louder drums and more profanity in the lyrics, the song feels very 2000s Kerrang. With the spirit of a rebellious teenager, Lacy discusses the promiscuity of today's generation and its haphazardness towards love. Yet, this carefree nature is alleviated with ‘nothing’, a moody, pensive, one-sided love song declaring their infatuation and obsession. Most especially as the song trails off with the lulls of lacy proclaiming “(Mine) Mine / Mine / Mine/ You’re Mine”.
Continuing this possessive tone ‘lovesexdrugbomb’, featuring Cecile Believe, depicts the cyclical nature of an on-again-off-again relationship, and Lacy's constant need for them despite both sides experiencing relationships between the breaks. Becoming all-consumed and loving the chaos, as declared with “Love to run it back ‘cause it’s a classic”. With a stronger pop sound, it is fair to say that Believe's synth-pop influence is clear. A mixture of layered vocals, the aforementioned synths and catchy cadences make this a standout track.
A sound unlike any other Steve Lacy song, ‘nice shoes / in your world’ is the longest song on the album split into two parts, with a length worthwhile. Initially, the song feels like 90s techno-alt club music, similar to Underworld's ‘Born Slippy’, then glides into the smooth persona of Steve Lacy. Illustrating the ups and downs of Lacy's emotions in an instant, from facing the consequences of your decisions at a young age, it transitions quickly into a reality hit about the album's source of inspiration and emotions.
Closing with ‘bebe’, a song about being entranced by someone, and yet another bend in genre. The song finishes the melting pot that is ‘Oh yeah?’ with an Indie-rock vibe, accentuated by the abundance of guitar riffs and reverb weaved in the vocals.
Ultimately, ‘Oh yeah?’ is an experimental album dabbling in several new sounds, impossible to pin down. Yet, Lacy has definitely pulled it off. Dealing with complex and nuanced issues in relationships and modern society, the music forces you to feel these sways.
Kelsey Catherine Walker
Image: ‘Oh yeah?’ Official album cover
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