Troye Sivan's 'Something to Give Each Other': A Journey of Self-Discovery, Love, and Liberation
Written by: Keyali Mikaela
Troye Sivan's music has always had a unique ability to capture the essence of his personal growth, queer identity, and experiences in a way that resonates with a diverse audience. With his third studio album, "Something to Give Each Other," Sivan embarks on a sonic and lyrical journey that takes listeners through the complexities of love, sexuality, and self-discovery. In this review, we will delve into the album's tracks, themes, musical evolution, and the impact of this artistic statement on the ever-evolving pop landscape.
Track by Track Exploration
1. Rush: The Dawn of a New Era
The album opens with a bang, quite literally, as "Rush'' sets the tone for what's to come. With a high-octane dance floor anthem that's amassed over 200 million streams, Sivan announces his return to the music scene with an electrifying rush of energy. The song's upbeat tempo and euphoric atmosphere made it an instant contender for "Song of the Summer." Sivan's willingness to embrace a new musical direction and explore the uncharted territories of his identity becomes evident right from the first track.
2. Got Me Started: A Dance-Pop Odyssey
"Got Me Started" continues the infectious energy established by "Rush." It rides a sample from the electronic duo Bag Raiders and transforms it into a shout-it-out earworm. The song pulsates with life and captures the exhilarating spirit of love and lust. With this track, Sivan showcases his ability to craft compelling pop songs that resonate with the complexities of human desire and connection.
3. Silly: A Seductive Dance Track
"Silly" is a seductive, pulsating dance track that finds Sivan willingly looking for love in all the wrong places. The lyrics, "All the bodies on the floor collide, everybody's out here looking right," are delivered with a delicate falsetto-turned-whisper. The track showcases Sivan's ability to combine infectious melodies with introspective lyrics, creating a blend of sensuality and vulnerability.
4. Honey: A Hands-in-the-Air Chorus
"Honey" could easily be subtitled "Horny," as Sivan's "body working in overdrive" pursues a partner at night. The song features a hands-in-the-air chorus and a blissed-out beat, making it a potential soundtrack for a debaucherous night out. Sivan's audacious embrace of sexual desire and liberation is on full display in this track, challenging societal norms and pushing the boundaries of pop music.
5. One of Your Girls: Subverting Expectations
The breezy acoustic bop "One of Your Girls" subverts expectations as Sivan strings a spoken-word pre-chorus into a delightful come-on. In the music video, Sivan literally embodies the lyrics, adding a playful twist to the song. The track showcases Sivan's storytelling ability, where he navigates the complexities of attraction and desire, even in unconventional circumstances.
6. How to Stay With You: A Melodic Finale
The jazzy album closer, "How to Stay With You," rides a funk-lite beat and features a saxophone solo that adds a refreshingly modern yet retro touch. This track beautifully concludes the album with a melodic and introspective note. Sivan's vocals are emotive, delivering a sense of longing and nostalgia. It's a testament to the album's multifaceted nature, combining moments of celebration with introspection.
Themes of Self-Discovery and Love
"Something to Give Each Other" is Troye Sivan's most adventurous album, both musically and thematically. It's an exploration of self-discovery, love, and the complexities of human connection. The album masterfully weaves together elements of desire, vulnerability, and liberation. Sivan's willingness to embrace his own queerness and his journey of reinvention are central themes, challenging societal norms and promoting self-acceptance.
One of the album's most captivating aspects is its lyrical depth. Sivan manages to be earnest and self-aware without descending into bitterness or self-loathing. It's a testament to his collaboration with Leland, a queer pop royalty in his own right, who has played a pivotal role in crafting an album that balances intimacy and moments of blissful ignorance.
The album presents a cohesive narrative of love's highs and lows, emphasizing that they are hopelessly intertwined. It's a reminder that love is something that can cause both pain and joy, and that the best inspiration often comes from having experienced love in all its forms.
Musical Evolution
Sivan's musical evolution is evident in "Something to Give Each Other." While his earlier work leaned toward dreamy pop and emotional ballads, this album explores a wider range of musical styles. It incorporates elements of synth-pop, house music, and Nineties-esque club cuts. The tracks demonstrate Sivan's versatility as he experiments with new instrumentation and ornamentation.
The album's sonic palette is warmer and gauzier than his previous releases, showcasing his growth as an artist. Sivan's vocal delivery has also evolved, conveying a sense of confidence and credibility. This is an artist who has fully come into his own, and the album reflects a sense of mastery in his craft.
Impact and Significance
"Something to Give Each Other" arrives at a pivotal moment in Sivan's career. It's an album that not only captures his personal growth and self-acceptance but also contributes to the broader cultural landscape. Sivan's unapologetic embrace of his sexuality and willingness to challenge societal norms is an act of courage and an inspiration to many.
The album is not just about the artist's journey but also about the broader message of self-acceptance and the celebration of love in all its forms. It's a strikingly vital pop album charged with love, lust, sweat, and regret. Sivan's ability to convey these emotions and experiences in a relatable and engaging manner sets him apart as an artist who transcends boundaries.
As the music industry and society as a whole continue to evolve, Troye Sivan's "Something to Give Each Other" stands as a testament to the power of music to break barriers and foster understanding. It's an artistic statement that reaffirms the importance of self-expression and embracing one's true self.
Troye Sivan's "Something to Give Each Other" is a significant milestone in his career, marking his evolution as an artist and his willingness to embrace his identity. The album is a vibrant and captivating exploration of love, desire, and self-acceptance, set against an evolving musical backdrop. Sivan's ability to tell stories that resonate with a diverse audience and his willingness to push the boundaries of pop music make this album a standout in the contemporary music landscape. It serves as both a personal journey of self-discovery and a broader message of acceptance, celebrating love in all its forms. "Something to Give Each Other" is not just an album; it's a cultural statement that transcends boundaries and fosters understanding, reaffirming the transformative power of music.
