JOSEPH DEBELL: OPINION EDITOR
Photo Courtesy of Aidan Vaughn
ALBUM SCORE: 3.5/5 Stars
Stars courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Hailing from the Inland Empire in California, Aidan Vaughn bids a short yet fulfilling set of songs in his latest work, “Sincerely, Alexander.”
Vaughn is a singer, songwriter, rapper and producer who showed shades of Tyler the Creator, Saba and Mac Miller on his previous project, “No Name.”
While “No Name” displayed Vaughn’s skill in drawing upon his inspirations without being derivative, “Sincerely, Alexander” adopts a new sound while avoiding beginner mistakes in R&B.
Some artists struggle at the beginning of their discography because of bloated records. However, Vaughn’s second set of torch songs doesn’t overstay its welcome as this record clocks in at 17 minutes and nine tracks.
This record’s themes battle toxicity and heartbeat, something Vaughn hinted at in a knowingly dramatic note released on June 18, 2023, hinting at the record’s concept.
“A ridiculous game that consumes the mind and distorts reality. I fell under its spell while chasing you, mesmerized by your playful allure. But you, a master of manipulation, revel in your power, dancing on the edge of my fingertips. When I finally left, you attempted to return and chase me with renewed desire. It felt like a continuous cycle of desire and deception, leaving me yearning for more. I wonder when this will end. Only time will tell,” wrote Vaughn on his website.
Even though “No Name” was impressive, it was clear that something was missing — that something was aesthetic — something Vaughn would polish on “Sincerely Alexander.”
Some of this record’s aesthetic highlights come from Vaughn’s production and vocal phrasing.
Whether it be the string-kissed opener, “Regards,” or tasteful interludes, for Vaughn’s first attempt at an R&B sound, he sticks the landing.
The second track, “Missing From Your Memory,” builds upon the energy of the opener and creates an atmosphere before peaking when the drums come in. However, even after the second track, the album feels like it’s only warming up.
Tracks such as “Drunk Test” and “BnB” are lovely moments on this record but are overshadowed by some of the more fully realized songwriting.
For example, “The Same As Before.” The high-stepping attitude combined with Vaughn’s confident vocals provides a punchy change of pace. This song’s attitude and bounce allow it to stand beside other nighttime driving tunes by sought-after R&B artists like Giveon or Drake.
The bonus track, “I’m Gone,” is arguably one of the best moments on the record. Vaughn floods the mix with arpeggiating synths, complementing them with his most vocally passionate singing to date. The track is a treat and proves Vaughn has more than a knack for this singer-songwriter sound.
Favorite track: “The Same As Before”
Underrated track: “I’m Gone”
Least favorite track: “Switching Sides”
debell22@bonaventure.edu
