ALBUM REVIEW: Sweet Boy - Malcolm Todd

Sweet Boy - Malcolm Todd

“Mac is in his feelings and he can't get out of it,” Malcolm Todd confesses in the opening track “Earrings” of his new Sweet Boy mixtape. The stage is set for the lovesick themes present throughout Sweet Boy: missing an ex, troubled relationships, and young love being all-consuming, intense, and confusing.

The 16-song mixtape was released on April 5th, 2024. It had been anticipated that Todd would likely merge EP’s Sweet Boy Pt. 1 & Sweet Boy Pt. 2 into one cohesive album, but he also included iconic singles like “Art House,” “Hot in NY,” “Roommates,” and “Mr. Incorrect” into this project. This unexpected merge makes things much easier for listeners who can now find every song he has released in the past year in one place. Sweet Boy is a charming mixtape with enchanting guitar melodies and catchy chorus’. Todd transcends genres as he blends alternative R&B with indie and jazz-pop.

Malcolm Todd’s original hype came from viral TikTok videos of his music that he promoted as new Steve Lacy songs. There is no doubt Todd is inspired by Steve Lacy’s guitar loops and funk-infused beats. With the help of his friend Charlie Ziman, Todd navigates writing and production and maintains a unique sound while recognizing his inspirations.

This past year has been incredibly successful for Malcolm Todd, who started with a decent TikTok following, and is now playing sold-out shows across the U.S. There is a certain exclusivity felt when you discover an artist early in their career, and Todd feels like an exciting new secret. However, Todd is beginning to get the recognition he deserves; his single “Roommates” sits at almost 30 million streams on Spotify after only a few months. 

The songs on Sweet Boy aren’t particularly cohesive—likely why it’s titled as a mixtape. However, they all encompass a raw, nostalgic vibe, that transports listeners into a vibrant world. The album starts to dwindle towards the middle but picks back up with the playful “Accutane.” He compares the infamous acne medication’s side effects: “not having sex” and “drinking too much” to the actions of an ex who he hopes is doing well. 

What truly separates Malcolm Todd as an artist is his infectious energy. With each listen, you can feel the fun he is having in the studio and you will want to dance along. Songs like “Art House,” “Thailand," and “Mr. Incorrect” all have catchy sounds that distract you from the emotionally vulnerable lyrics. “Art House” is my favorite single and is one of his more lyrically sincere songs. In “Art House,” Todd navigates the aftermath of a breakup over distorted guitar, a groovy beat, and a high-powered drumline. 

Overall, Sweet Boy makes me eager to see what is next for Malcolm Todd as he continues to tell stories about young love with a contagious spirit for each listener. 

-DJ JUGNA AKA Julia Johnston
 

RIYL: Steve Lacy, Hotel Ugly, Dominick Fike 

Recommended Tracks: “Earrings,” “Ladygirl,” and “Art House” 

FCC: Explicit Tracks: 4, 7, & 11