Ever since his smash 2016 debut “Free 6lack,” the Atlanta singer/songwriter of the same name has maintained a quiet stardom. Ingrained in his music was always a deep mistrust and moodiness, whether it be in romantic relationships, the music industry or navigating the trials of life in his hometown.
Seven years later, 6lack is a different man, but in many ways, the same artist; his new album “Since I Had a Lover” tackles more mature themes with a positive outlook, while maintaining the brooding sound of his already beloved work.
While 6lack’s work has been defined by dark, synthy production in the vein of the Toronto R&B scene (notably The Weeknd and PartyNextDoor) and Bryson Tiller’s “Trapsoul,” there aren’t many doing it to the same acclaim and commercial success anymore. The single “Fatal Attraction” is vintage 6lack with its subtle Atlanta twist on the sound; his mellow delivery and ultimately sweet musings on what a healthy relationship looks like have all the makings of a hit and are a reminder of why he blew up in the first place.
Thankfully, not all of “Since I Had a Lover” is a rehash of his past successes, though. Throughout many of its 19 tracks, the production leans markedly more acoustic and soft; for example, the title track’s summery guitar drives on and on, matching the content mood he effuses. Having taken care of himself and found the right relationship during his hiatus, much of the album sees 6lack admitting to past mistakes (“Preach”) and looking forward to the future (“Wunna Dem”) through raspy, lowkey earworms.
These songs are packed with direct relationship advice and anecdotes on how he’s come to be the man he is today – a staggeringly different one from the man who wrote hits like “Ex Calling,” for example. Now we find him enamored with one woman, paying near worship to her at times, yet constantly at odds with old traumas (“My ego been calling my phone, I hope it don’t eat me up”). It makes for a therapeutic listen, knowing how far we’ve come alongside 6lack and grown over the years. He reminds us to continue bettering ourselves for the sake of loved ones, emphasizing the conscious effort it takes to change (“You gotta want it on your own, I can't convince you. I stopped making excuses and speaking on things I don't know”). It’s a level of vulnerability that few men in his lane are so willing to show but is so important for people to see and relate to.
6lack even leans into a common descriptor of his work on the closer “NRH” as emotional music for lonely nights in the car. He speaks fairly of past lovers and wonders where they’ve been but ultimately contains those thoughts and keeps driving forward. He’ll always have a melodramatic spin to his music, and that’s his greatest appeal, but his struggles on “Since I Had a Lover” are far more down to earth and internalized.
While 6lack might only drop every few years and he doesn’t stray far from his musical comfort zone, that’s hardly a detriment anymore. Each album is a thematic progression and provides dark, emotional musings for when his fans need it most. To hear him sounding so grown up and in a better place on “Since I Had a Lover” is a welcome sight regardless of the music itself.
