Gulie Carrington, South Florida
Following the release of two standout EPs, Keep Cool Records and RCA’s own Lucky Daye breaks through to audiences with the release of long-awaited debut album ‘Painted’. The opening Track "Roll Some Mo," which was previously released on his 2018 I EP, solidified itself as a staple among soul fans alike, as well as a constant feature on R&B playlists across streaming platforms. It completely sets the tone for Daye's silky yet powerful melodies, which can be found in abundance on this record.
In an era where R&B isn't exactly the ‘wave’, it is so refreshing to hear a big track like "Call" that is not only inspired, but unabashedly soul without seeming artificial or put-on; Daye showcases his view on emotional fidelity and bares his soul on like “Love You Too Much” and “Misunderstood”. Lucky Daye’s commitment to a traditional jazz-blues aesthetic while highlighting features of modern-day relationship issues makes this release a tangible, sought-after prize.
An artist who wears his heart on his sleeve, Daye gives the listener total transparency his dissemination of feelings on tracks like “Floods”:
“Should've made you feel more important
Now I'm up all night drinkin' poison
'Til my thoughts are all distorted (distorted)
The only way I know to ignore it
Tryna hide all the pain, just to go back to what it was for us
'Nother bottle, I'ma pour it out
Flood, flood away”
It is worth mentioning that Painted feels just right in its length: "Extra" is solid "stay up" funk and "Karma" revels in its intense sensuality and succeeds on the merit of its dubious yet enchanting chord progression and limitless romantic arrangements. "Late Night" is a funky in-the-club piece, with intentions to guide you along Daye’s clear soul-pop direction. Powerful, multi-faceted productions seem to nourish the Southern-soloist, born David Debrandon Brown – it is both where he harnesses his true potential and his star power beams. The multi-talented heartthrob Daye provides detailed anecdotes that tell of his inspirations, which operate like tools that make his perspective on romantic love and passion exceedingly raw and real. Painted showcases his funk, jazz and soul influences, his vocal training/ability and a commitment to genre that puts the project miles ahead and cements Daye as a force in the world of modern Rhythm and Blues.
Coming face to face with Daye’s own self-reflection, there’s a sense of comfort and familiarity that becomes apparent as the album progresses. I am confident that the notion of Lucky Daye’s mark of “on the rise” status by his peers, including vocalist and producer Raphael Saadiq, holds weight; Daye has plenty more stories of love and life to tell.
9/10