Daniel Caesar’s third studio album, “NEVER ENOUGH,” released on April 7th, marks a significant milestone in the Grammy-winning artist’s career. It’s a profoundly personal and human project, inviting listeners into the depths of Caesar’s psyche as he navigates themes of love, loss, fame, and personal evolution. For fans who have eagerly awaited new music for four years, “NEVER ENOUGH” is a satisfying and introspective journey worth taking.
Approaching “NEVER ENOUGH” as someone with a casual appreciation for hits like “Get You” and “Best Part,” I embarked on a full album listening experience. This approach, free from preconceived notions, proved to be the ideal way to absorb Caesar’s latest work. The album’s sonic landscape – characterized by airy synths, ethereal vocals, gentle keys, and evocative strings – creates a perfect atmosphere for introspection and resonates beautifully with the transition into spring.
The album opener, “Ocho Rios,” immediately sets the tone. It’s a classic Daniel Caesar track, unfolding with a slow build and narrating a tale of love and inevitable heartbreak. Caesar showcases his vocal versatility, moving between his signature falsetto in the first verse and a deeper, synthetic baritone in the second. Staying true to his neo-soul roots, Caesar’s lyrics are concise yet impactful, allowing the raw emotion in his voice to carry the song’s weight. Harmonizing vocal layers, reminiscent of a choir, create a rich tapestry of sound, culminating in an instrumental crescendo crafted by Toronto’s own BADBADNOTGOOD, seamlessly leading into the next track, “Valentina.”
“NEVER ENOUGH” truly shines in its production, which amplifies the album’s intimate and introspective nature. Tracks like “Toronto 2014 (with Mustafa),” “Cool,” and “Buyer’s Remorse (feat. Omar Apollo)” feature deliberately restrained instrumentals. This sonic spaciousness foregrounds Caesar’s vocals as he explores complex emotions like regret, nostalgia, and longing. The dreamy harmonies in “Pain Is Inevitable” and “Vince Van Gogh” envelop the listener, as Caesar’s subtly distorted voice grapples with existential anxieties, touching upon themes of lost innocence and the universal desire for remembrance. In “Do You Like Me?”, Caesar delves into the uncertainties of young love over a swaying, punchy beat, punctuated by distorted minor chords that mirror his love-struck confusion. “Always” and “Superpowers” adopt more conventional R&B ballad structures, providing familiar and accessible settings for Caesar’s lyrical explorations.
At its core, “NEVER ENOUGH” feels like an album centered around new beginnings, a notion supported by the context of its creation. In 2022, Caesar made a significant career move, signing with Republic Records, the powerhouse label behind artists like Drake and Taylor Swift. This marked his departure from independent artistry, a status previously integral to his public image. Furthermore, the album follows the aftermath of the controversy surrounding his 2019 remarks, which significantly impacted the reception of his sophomore album, “CASE STUDY 01.” In the intervening years, Caesar intentionally retreated from the public eye, using the pandemic-induced isolation to focus on collaborations and feature appearances.
This period of isolation also empowered Caesar to step into the role of producer for the first time. This increased involvement profoundly shaped “NEVER ENOUGH,” lending it an even greater sense of intimacy. Caesar is credited as a producer on all but four tracks. In an interview with Variety, he discussed how producing influenced his creative process: “I would [record instruments] first, because that came easiest, and I didn’t have to think so much. Then, I had to think really deeply about the lyrics.” Acknowledging his nascent production skills, Caesar described it as “itching to [produce], and it was just the right time. I’m still stepping into it.”
These new beginnings are lyrically echoed throughout the album in diverse ways. “Disillusioned (with serpentwithfeet)” juxtaposes Caesar’s anxieties about the future with his hopeful anticipation of a new relationship. The chorus poignantly captures this duality: “and I, I’m scared of gettin’ older, it weighs upon my shoulders,” followed by the hopeful suggestion, “and you, you’re scared of it too. / So we, maybe should get together.” “Pain Is Inevitable” offers a philosophical anchor with the repeated lines, “Pain is inevitable. / Misery’s a choice.” This mantra suggests that while life’s challenges are unavoidable, dwelling in suffering is a conscious decision. This hopeful refrain, recurring amidst verses of despair, hints at a personal philosophy Caesar has embraced to navigate his struggles. The album concludes with “Unstoppable,” a track brimming with self-affirmation. Lines like “Who Jah bless, no man can curse” and “And who’s gon stop me? I’m unstoppable, yes,” portray a resilient Caesar, undeterred by external or internal obstacles.
This glimpse into Daniel Caesar’s renewed artistic spirit makes “NEVER ENOUGH” a rewarding experience for long-time fans and an engaging entry point for new listeners. The album acts as a sonic portrait of our most vulnerable emotions, evoking both heartache and solace within its tracks. It invites listeners to immerse themselves in the minimalist beauty of Caesar’s production and marvel at the angelic quality of his distinctive voice. While “NEVER ENOUGH” may not be a radical departure in sound or lyrical themes, Caesar’s masterful command of his artistry results in a work that feels simultaneously familiar and refreshingly captivating. Ultimately, Caesar’s latest album is a triumph, leaving listeners eagerly anticipating the next chapter in his musical journey. In a season of renewal, “NEVER ENOUGH” emerges as a revitalizing force, not only within contemporary R&B but in the broader musical landscape.
Rating: ★★★★★
