Some Days
Arista, 2021
8/10
An Israeli musician, producer and multi-instrumentalist, Dennis Lloyd has been making a significant global impression lately, and this first album brings a very worldly approach to his highly meticulous version of pop.
“Changes” starts the listen with much atmosphere as soulful singing flows amid soundbites and a buzzing version of modern pop ideas, and “Alien” follows with swift acoustic guitar and playful percussion as soaring vocals and plenty of warm beats will get you headed straight for the dance floor.
Entering the middle, the graceful piano and expressive singing of “Hold On” make this one of the album’s best, while the bright brass and dreamy “Dogs” resides closer to reggae territory with its laid back climate. “The Way”, another exceptional track and the first single, then showcases intricate texturing as Lloyd sorts through the ups and downs of overnight stardom.
Landing near the end, “Meditation” offers a busy and lyrically very straight forward peek at Lloyd’s song craft alongside playful brass, precise electronica and spirited guitar work, and “Leave It All Behind” exits the listen calm, sublime and intimate, where Lloyd’s heartfelt pipes are very much appreciated.
A profoundly personal effort, making Some Days was a therapeutic experience for Lloyd, who was trying to fix what was broken internally. Like much art that stems from personal strife, it’s a literate, emotive and creative venture, and one that will certainly please his enormous fanbase, while making plenty of new ones, too.
Travels well with: Hiatus- Distancer; Wassailer- I, The Bastard