Album Review: Larger Than Life by Brent Faiyaz
Album Review: Larger Than Life by Brent Faiyaz
Brent Faiyaz surprise-dropped his latest effort a year after the underwhelming WASTELAND.
In Brent Faiyaz’s latest surprise-released project, Larger Than Life, we find a musician finally shedding the artificial trappings that weighed down his previous work, WASTELAND. The new album offers a stripped-down setting, allowing the spotlight to firmly focus on Faiyaz’s strengths—primarily his emotionally resonant vocals. Some songs reveal the performer exploring various moods, benefiting from an uncomplicated backdrop that allows his vocal skills to shine.
Previously, WASTELAND displayed a performer aiming for dizzying heights but missing the mark. Faiyaz had lost sight of the vocal qualities that garnered him acclaim. He chose, instead, to distract his listeners with an elaborate, self-important storyline carried over nineteen tracks carried by big-name features, including Drake and Tyler, The Creator. The story navigated a morally questionable protagonist, parenthood evasions, and peppered in forced incidents of melodrama like a car accident, making the album a weighty and unnecessarily complicated endeavor.
The self-seriousness of WASTELAND seemed poised to continue in Larger Than Life initially. The album’s examination, plus a trailer filled with atmospheric visuals, suggested another exercise in ambitious but misplaced storytelling. Instead, Faiyaz pulls back, delivering an album-like mixtape dominated by simple yet impactful love songs. Although these songs don’t necessarily break new ground, they have a quality of ease, allowing Faiyaz’s vocals to take center stage. This has enabled him to discover new emotional depths, as evidenced in tracks packed with tender moments of vulnerability.
Yet, it would be inaccurate to call Larger Than Life solely focused on romance. Faiyaz isn’t afraid to dive into the murkier aspects of affection, as evidenced by the track “WY@.” This song is a candid portrayal of the hardships faced when striving to extricate oneself from a relationship that’s become toxic. It brings in a dose of reality, reminding us that love isn’t always as pristine as we might hope.
However, what sets the tone for the entire project is “Tim’s Intro,” a track that introduces the album and includes contributions from the iconic producer Timbaland. Here, Faiyaz boldly declares his extravagant lifestyle to a prospective romantic interest. The track sets expectations for what follows, both thematically and musically.
Musically, this album is a sonic hat-tip to yesteryears, drawing significantly from the late ‘90s and early 2000s. It seamlessly incorporates past hits like Nicole Wray’s 1998 single “Boy You Should Listen” in “Moment of Your Life,” which features Coco Jones (who stole the show), and Rome’s 1997 hit in the track “Belong to You.” The musical choices give the album a retro feel without making it seem antiquated. It forms a stylistic connection to an era that substantially impacted Faiyaz’s career.
The project also steps forward, shedding the overly polished production that characterized his earlier work. The beats now have a tangible heft, and one can even hear shades of Timbaland in their buoyant energy. Including tracks like “Upset” and “Forever Yours” highlight Faiyaz’s vocals, amplified by dynamic electronic embellishments, while “Best Time” is an enjoyable nod to Kelis’ “Caught Out There” but wasted on the Missy Elliott and Beyoncé-sampled “Crazy Feelings” on “Last One Left.”
But for all its improvements, Larger Than Life remains an album that’s content with surface-level lyricism. Faiyaz seldom ventures beyond basic romantic or lustful themes. While the album indicates his readiness to share more profound thoughts, as suggested in the track “Belong to You,” these moments are fleeting and never fully explored. This lack of thematic depth is further highlighted by the inclusion of skits, which add little to no value. Like WASTELAND, these interludes seem shoehorned and don’t effectively contribute to the narrative or atmosphere.
So, where does this leave Brent Faiyaz? Larger Than Life shows us an artist in a comfort zone, and while the album is not without its flaws (outside of Coco Jones and A$AP Rocky, the features leave much to be desired), it provides a more fruitful direction for Faiyaz. The album’s focus on the elemental aspects of R&B and vocals creates a stronger connection between the artist and his followers. This newfound focus and clarity should inform Faiyaz’s future projects, especially as he looks to evolve as a musician and a storyteller.
Above Average (★★★☆☆)
Favorite(s): “Best Life,” “Wherever I Go,” “WY@”