Giveon - When It’s All Said And Done [EP Review]
Photography by Obidi Nzeribe and styling by Corey Stokes
Rising R&B star Giveon keeps things short but sweet on his second EP, ‘When It’s All Said And Done’. While the project is a quick listen, the Long Beach artist’s arresting, emotive baritone vocals make these smooth tunes stick.
2020 has been a big year for Giveon. Before he’d even released his first EP, ‘TAKE TIME’ back in March, the 25-year old singer-songwriter had already lent his vocals to Drake for his single ‘Chicago Freestyle’. Not bad for a young artist who, prior to the timely collab, only had a sprinkling of singles to his name.
But Giveon isn’t just lucky, he’s gifted with a unique voice that makes him stand out from the crowd (though interestingly, when he first appeared on Drake’s track, quite a few listeners mistook him for Sampha). Giveon IS similar to Sampha in that he shares some idiosyncrasies; both their voices are effortlessly agile and soulful, with an otherworldly soothing quality. They also both have a penchant for down-tempo music, letting their powerful voices flow over low-key, sparse instrumentals. However, they are definitely distinct, as Giveon boasts a richly textured baritone that, in his words, he was only able to fully embrace after he formally discovered Frank Sinatra during high-school.
‘When It’s All Said And Done’ is a break-up album… Well, it’s an edging towards a break-up album. In four lush, soothing tracks, Giveon sways back and forth, urging himself to get over his addiction to an ex, but unable to fully let go. The title track is the first: a short introduction that neatly sets the scene for the record. We hear a smoothly sung voicemail message from Giveon to his girlfriend. Soulfully, he expresses his realisation that he gives more than he gets, and it’s time to move on. There’s a smooth blend into a snippet of chat between Giveon and his friend. Asked whether it’s over between him and his girl, Giveon half-heartedly assures him it’s over, saying, “I’m gonna be good when it’s all said and done.” Of course, he convinces no one, not even himself.
The chilled-out R&B project chronicles the rest of the story from there as Giveon shoulders the sticky push and pull feelings of trying and failing to fully get over someone. With his lyrics, Giveon sorts through the confusing mish-mash of post-breakup emotions, while his beautiful vocals effortlessly convey the potent emotions - a hot and cold mess of lust, uncertainty, disappointment and more - that arise from his conflicting desires. Giveon is open about the shame he feels for betraying himself by going back to someone who doesn’t treat him right, and doesn’t shy away from the flawed logic behind his misguided behaviour. From the ego-boost motives he describes in ‘Still Your Best’ to the simple can’t-help-myself sentiments of sensual, Snoh Aalegra assisted, ‘Last Time’ and romantic ‘Stuck On You’, Giveon isn’t afraid of showing his weaknesses. It’s this deeply personal yet universally relatable lyricism that makes the EP feel authentic and evocative.
Hear it for yourself – Listen to Giveon’s ‘When It’s All Said And Done’ below: