With haunting, reflective storytelling, Malcolm Todd’s self-titled album expresses an unfiltered look at insecurities and goals.

The album opens with a heavy, emotional tone that immediately sets the mood for the rest of the project. The first track, “Harry Styles,” introduces listeners to a more vulnerable side of him, using slow instrumentals and melodies to create a somber feeling. His vocals feel raw and reflective, making the song stand out as a strong introduction.

Lyrically, the album focuses on pressure and expectations that are felt by everyday people. Songs like “Walk to Class” and “Make Me a Better Man” show themes of feeling forgotten, while songs like “Doll” center around the idea of feeling used as a toy.

The theme of trying but still falling short adds to the emotional weight of the album. Instead of showing success as something simple or guaranteed, he emphasizes the frustration of putting in effort and not always seeing the results he wants.

Songs like “Florence” and “Lying” build on this theme by expressing how he feels when things do not go the way he wanted, so he puts on a poker face or lets out all of his bottled-up emotions at once to himself.

With new release singles dropping and a promised album on its way in June, Todd’s self-titled album will stand out as the blueprint for the rest of his catalog of music coming soon.