A few days ago I shared the title track to American alternative pop singer songwriter’s debut album Dead To Me and was charmed by its bright instrumentals and macabre themes. Now it’s time to check out the whole album. Here’s my track by track review.
By Graeme Smith
Feature photo by MIIIXEW
Dead To Me opens with its title track, setting a funky and caustic tone for the start of the collection. Noah wrote the track as an “eff you” but it’s perhaps the chillest and upbeat one you’re ever likely to hear.
Calm Down comes next. Among Noah’s influences is Beck and you certainly you get that through this one. There’s a groovy alt-folk feel to the instrumentals while Noah’s vocals stay smooth and pop friendly. In contrast to the opener, the message of Calm Down is directed as Noah himself rather than anyone else, but the message is definitely universal. It’s an early highlight.
Painful is a slow jam with RnB undertones, soulful vocals and a lyrical message that reflects how ambiguous love can be. Wherever U Go is another track that we’ve previously shared on the blog and it fits nicely here, reflecting the themes that have been established so far – namely relationships and mental health – through a dreamy bedroom pop arrangement.
A short interlude leads into Oh No, a take no prisoners track that feels like a companion to the title track. Noah’s delivery becomes rap-like in the verse and there’s a bright, poppy arrangement that injects a healthy dose of funky energy into the mix. It’s unexpected but a delight – another highlight.
Ricochet (Hey Man!) takes thing in an acoustic direction, mixing it up with a hip hop beat and a summery vibe. Noah’s vocals soar nicely in the verse. The stripped back intro of Lowercase letters leads into a nicely laidback groove with brass highlights before a second interlude, Tony Hawk, sets up the album’s finale.
BABYTALK brings a gentle drum and bass arrangement and charismatic, quick fire vocal delivery. It’s another unexpected turn but the groove hits hard. It’s another highlight. Perfect has a contrastingly classic feel to it. Keys and brass mingle with modern hip hop percussion and bass creating something that feels timeless.
Sunday scaries closes the album, a track Noah penned with his producer Tyler Ripley during lockdown. Its looping melody captures the languidness of endless, repetitive days perfectly while also feeling fresh and novel. Noah pushes his sound with it and the experimentation pays off.
Could Noah Richardson be the best under the radar pop artist out there right now? Based on the evidence of Dead To Me there’s certainly a case to be made. He takes so many genres in his stride in this collection, while also bringing something uniquely him to the mix. This album is simply a must listen. You can check it out below.
