RUSSELL! - Dearly Loved
Weekly Music
RUSSELL!
has just dropped his highly anticipated album, “Dearly Loved,” and it’s nothing short of a masterpiece from beginning to end. His singing has a unique and infectious quality that immediately grabs your attention. The beat selection and overall production are exceptional, perfectly complementing RUSSELL!’s impressive songwriting to create a memorable project with a powerful, relatable message. The album kicks off with "SUPERSTAR (THE OUTRO)," one of the best opening tracks I’ve heard in recent months. This song, particularly impactful for fellow creatives, might not resonate with everyone at first, but those who truly understand its depth will feel profoundly moved. The piano melody alone sets a somber yet compelling tone, almost like it’s urging listeners to pay close attention to the important message being conveyed.
The outstanding production here sets the stage for the entire album, showcasing the high level of quality that continues throughout. “Dearly Loved” features 11 tracks, including some familiar ones like “JUST LIKE CANDY,” “LADY,” “am I enough?,” and “HARTTBREAK.” Each new single offers something unique for listeners. Personally, I found myself resonating most with “DIAMOND RING,” “RITA’S FREESTYLE,” and “I’d be Nothing Without You.” “DIAMOND RING” has been on repeat for me since the album’s release. There’s something iconic about the production that consistently gets me hyped. Despite the lyrics dealing with relationship struggles, the vibe and atmosphere of the track remain fun and engaging. RUSSELL!’s flow and delivery on this song are superb, making it a standout hit on the album.
“RITA’S FREESTYLE” adds a fantastic touch with its creative audio effects, which spice up the project. The use of a cassette tape sound effect at the beginning, transitioning into a radio station intro, is a brilliant idea executed with precision. The seamless transition from the radio station voice to the actual song is phenomenal, showcasing the level of detail and creativity that elevates an artist to the next level. The early 2000s aesthetic that RUSSELL! embraces throughout this project, from some of the production elements to the cover art, is both nostalgic and well-executed. The album cover, featuring a girl lying in bed with CDs scattered around, is a straightforward yet effective visual that enhances the overall listening experience. One of the most underrated tracks on the album is “I’d be Nothing Without You.” This song blends electronic rock and blues, a classic sound that I hope makes a comeback.
RUSSELL!’s performance on this track is exceptional, showcasing his vocal range and cadence, which are some of his most defining traits. This song pulls out one of his best performances to date and is a defining moment on the project. With “Dearly Loved,” RUSSELL! has delivered a flawless album that features high-end production, fun and relatable lyrics, and unique touches like the radio broadcast intro on “RITA’S FREESTYLE” and the energetic production on “I’d be Nothing Without You.” The album’s blend of fun and sad topics, combined with its exceptional quality, makes it a standout project. I’m incredibly excited to see where RUSSELL! goes from here and hopes to see more music or major collaborations in the latter half of this year.“ Dearly Loved” is a testament to RUSSELL!’s growth as an artist. It’s an album that not only entertains but also connects deeply with listeners, making it a must-listen for fans and newcomers alike.
Written by Maxim Bayarsky
