Amongst the realms of contemporary R&B, one of the names that finds itself creeping into many a conversation is the one of David Brown, otherwise known as Lucky Daye. Hailing from New Orleans, the crooner quickly found himself embracing his musical inclinations, despite spending the first eight years of his life in a strict Christian church that refrained its members from secular music and entertainment. As David Brown honed in on his vocal abilities, he stepped into the shoes of a now six-time Grammy nominated Lucky Daye. The sophomore album has arrived, 'CANDY DRIP' is here.
'CANDY DRIP' is an R&B album through and through, blending both the stylistic qualities of the classics with the lo-fi feel of the Soundcloud era. Across the project, Daye tackles a romance that weaves through the highs and the lows, tugging the singer-songwriter backwards and forwards. At its most potent, is sensual groove ‘Guess’ that captures Daye’s sultry vocals over a sample of Usher’s ‘You Don’t Have To Call.’ It’s never an easy task to do such an emblematic sample justice, yet Daye’s re-defining attempt reaps its own rewards whilst aligning itself with the smoothness and flare of 00’s R&B.
Alternatively, tracks like ‘NWA’ incorporate elements of Trap, and in turn see a braggadocios Daye merge forces with Lil Durk. Approaching the mid-point of its tracklist, the production depicts Daye’s realisation of the toxicity that riddles his relationship, contrasting acoustic guitars with a moody bass on stand-out single ‘Over.’ It’s on given tracks where Daye’s song-writing and vocal abilities are most striking, desperately seeking for an answer: ‘Is it wrong, is it right?’
Following to pick up the pieces is ‘Compassionate,’ a mellow summer jam that paves the way for a bright finale. Throughout the project, Daye presents a versatility in his approach, whether that’s through spoken word, rap verses or pitch-bending hooks that paint a multi-dimensional artistry. It’s on closing track ‘Ego’ where Sunny Daye finds solace in the unknown, surrounded by warm, laid back instrumentation and angelic choirs finishing his last sentences "I’m working on my ego…"
'CANDY DRIP' is an easy-going body of work, and although at times this plays against the deeper themes which may require more of a punch, it’s a delight to listen to.
7/10
Words: Ana Lamond
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