Notes

A Review on Brent Faiyaz Merchandise
Faiyaz, an obscure singer and songwriter has earned a reputation as a shameless performer. His embrace of R&B trappings (a smooth, stainless falsetto) and the cult following that attends his shows have earned him a reputation for being unselfish. He mixes these elements with a Parisian style and a love of Pyer Moss, a luxury brand that specializes in high fashion.

TikTok was abuzz with "Dead Man Walking," the Maryland R&B-singer's graceful, seductive ode of his sexuality. It became viral, and MTV picked it up quickly.

Faiyaz found his voice with "Dead Man Walking," but it also taught Faiyaz how to make too ambitious music. Instead of allowing the songs to stand by themselves, he now tries to stuff them into an enormous album that relies solely on conceit and gimmickry.

This ethos is clearly reflected in "Villian's theme", the opening track. The skits revolve around this shady name, which bleeds through all the tracks on Wasteland. It appears to establish the album’s narrative of toxic relationships. This is what makes WASTELAND songs more brutal and heartbreaking.

This can lead to the album being disorienting. "Price of Fame" has a track that oscillates between pitched-down vocals and fast beat changes. Another, "Ghetto Gatsby," slurred through an incongruous Alicia Keys rap to let Faiyaz belt his stainless falsetto.

This is not a problem, but it doesn’t seem to fit the rest of the album. Some sketches are quite mordantly funny, but they're usually sloppy.

The most effective songs, like "All Mine," drift through gauzy harmonys. Meanwhile, passive-aggressive pleas for help on "Wasting Time", "Gravity," and "Gravity," featuring Drake, are so straightforward that they barely register. Brent Faiyaz Puzzle , "All I Want," has the same sorta pleading sound, but it is too far removed from the storyline to be truly moving.

Faiyaz with No ID are on top of their chemistry and this is where the record has its best moments. The majestic "Villian’s Thme" is a masterpiece in how to create an entire song from scratch. The tense, dramatic "Loose Change", and the menacing violin strumming that "All Mine" have a similar effect.

The rest of this album is a collection that could use some trimming. Some of these interludes and gimmicks don't work. The sketchy Alicia Keys raps on "Ghetto Gatsby", and the wistful, melodic "All I Want" are too long. Faiyaz's talents are showcased on this album.
Here's my website: https://www.brentfaiyazmerch.com