Album Review: 1-800-Fantasy by BLK ODYSSY
The New Jersey-born, Austin, Texas-based soul singer/songwriter goes in a different direction with his third album, experimenting with alternative and rock sounds.
The musical project led by Sam Houston, BLK ODYSSY has undergone a remarkable transformation since its inception. Originally from Plainfield, New Jersey, Houston began his career crafting heartfelt Americana under his given name. However, a shift in musical direction led him to embrace rap and R&B influences, culminating in the formation of BLK ODYSSY. Based in Austin, Texas, Houston and his collaborators introduced BLK ODYSSY to the world with their 2021 single “Big Bad Wolf/Sober.” This release was followed by additional singles, all of which were later incorporated into their debut album, BLK VINTAGE, launched in August 2021. The record drew inspiration from a deeply personal tragedy: the police killing of Houston’s older brother. This traumatic event ignited an activist spirit within the artist, influencing the thematic content of several tracks.
In 2022, BLK ODYSSY expanded their musical horizons, joining forces with funk pioneer George Clinton and rapper Benny the Butcher for the single “Benny’s Got a Gun.” This collaboration, along with other previously unreleased material, found a home on BLK VINTAGE: The Reprise, an extended version of their debut offering. The group’s musical evolution continued with the release of their sophomore full-length album, Diamonds & Freaks, the following year. This work garnered critical acclaim, securing a spot on a notable list of the year’s best albums.
Throughout their discography, BLK ODYSSY has demonstrated a willingness to explore diverse musical territories, blending elements of soul, rap, and R&B into a distinctive sound. From Houston’s early days as a solo artist to the group’s current incarnation, their music reflects a journey of personal growth, social consciousness, and artistic experimentation. However, you might want to look elsewhere for those expecting those same sounds on the third length-effort, 1-800-Fantasy.
1-800-Fantasy presents a narrative centered on a teenage boy’s obsession with an elusive woman, expressed through engaging hotline conversations. As the story unfolds, his longing intensifies, leading to impatience and madness, ultimately resulting in a stark realization of his isolation. This 13-track album marks a bold shift for BLK ODYSSY, merging alternative and indie pop-rock with elements of funk, R&B, and hip-hop. The bright melodies contrast sharply with dark lyrics, highlighting BLK ODYSSY’s talent for vivid storytelling displayed in his previous efforts.
BLK ODYSSY aims to evolve his sound beyond the “hidden gem” label and seeks to explore new musical territories. His commitment to this evolution is evident in tracks like “Want You.” Again, fans expecting a repeat of BLK VINTAGE or Diamonds & Freaks may be disappointed; nearly half of the songs do not break new ground despite the overarching narrative. However, there are some redeeming qualities on this third effort. “Changes” features melodic percussion alongside BLK ODYSSY’s soulful vocals over a calming rock-infused beat, reflecting on love and loss. The music video reveals him finally connecting with his high school crush, but it takes an unsettling turn as he realizes he has only imagined being with her while watching from outside her window.
One standout track is “Stank Rose,” characterized by smooth instrumentation and rich timbre reminiscent of his earlier work. Veteran MC Joey Bada$$ adds depth with his guest verse. Other notable songs like the sync-ready “Gemini,” the rock-influenced “Bleached,” and the album’s upbeat pop-rock second single, “XXX,” is surprisingly catchy, featuring a solid verse from Wiz Khalifa The album concludes strongly with “Chasing Fantasies” and “Last Resort,” the latter incorporating elements from a Papa Roach song of the same name. While the album does not match the greatness of his first two LPs, some of the songs are well-placed and the album is well-produced.
Above Average (★★★☆☆)
Favorite Track(s): “Stank Rose,” “Chasing Fantasies,” “Last Resort”