Malcolm Todd’s self-titled album was released on April 4, 2025. The album includes a total of 14 songs, one of which features the artist Omar Apollo. The announcement of this album followed the release of his debut mixtape, “Sweet Boy,” which came out in 2024.
On Dec. 4, 2024, Todd introduced his new single, “Chest Pain (I Love),” which was also part of the new album. He engaged his fans by occasionally sharing sneak peeks of the album until he released his second single, “Bleed”, which features Omar Apollo. On February 26, Todd officially announced the album.
The album represents a blend of indie pop and alternative R&B styles. Recently, Todd also revealed tour dates for “Wholesome Rockstar” in 26 different cities, expressing his excitement about the opportunity to perform the entire album for his fans.
The album “Malcolm Todd” is full of emotions and explores themes such as love, longing, self-reflection and heartbreak. It includes raw and vulnerable lyrics that allow listeners to connect with every aspect of the “Wholesome Rockstar’s” life.
Analysis
The new album has gained lots of love so far. In the song “Make Me A Better Man,” Todd tells a story about falling in love with a gay girl singing, “The way you talk to her, I swear It’s like you wish I wasn’t there/But is there somethin’ that you’d like to share” and “I’m lookin’ in her eyes while you’re lookin’ at her waist”. He reflects on getting rejected, which many can relate to.
Other songs on the album, like “Concrete” and “Chest Pain (I Love)”, showcase more gut-wrenching sides of love besides rejection.
“Concrete” introduces us to a love-hate relationship where Todd is unable to escape and feels trapped. Todd can’t let go even though staying is hurting him. He’s stuck between wanting to leave a situation and the desire to be with his partner. It’s clear in the production and lyrics of “Concrete” that this push-and-pull relationship mirrors how some people get stuck in cycles of attachment.
Sophomore Eshaal Syed loves the songs, stating, “My favorite song of Malcolm Todd’s album is either ‘Concrete’ or ‘Lying’. The choruses of both of these songs are really catchy, and the rhythm is fun to listen to. Malcolm Todd’s R&B vocals on these songs are so smooth and go great with the bassline. The production is also amazing.”
In “Chest Pain (I Love)”, a song that has gone viral on TikTok, Todd explores the bittersweet experience of when you lose someone, but the feelings are still lingering. The lyrics “With my symptoms, symptoms of sorrow and dread/They all said it would fade but again and again/I love, I love,” tell listeners how a loss had caused Todd to dwell on the people who told him his love wouldn’t last.
However, the track titled “Harry Styles” has garnered mixed reactions on social media. Some listeners find the opening line, “Dance, monkey, dance,” particularly intriguing. Despite all that, the song has a powerful message.
“Harry Styles” reflects the pressure on Todd to create the next big song. The lyrics “My arms are getting tired from holding back myself/But if I’m not a Harry Styles, they’re gonna put me on the shelf” imply that Todd thinks of Harry Styles as the standard. As a rising male pop artist, people are pushed and expected to be like Harry Styles.
In Review
Overall, “Malcolm Todd” is an incredibly well-crafted album. Each track adds something new, keeping the listener engaged, whether it’s about heartbreak or a fresh sound we haven’t heard. The lyrics and delivery of them make you feel like the song was made about you.
What makes the album so personal and powerful is Todd’s vulnerability. It’s very clear that Todd put a lot of effort and thought into this project. “Malcolm Todd” is the kind of album that will stick with you–emotionally and musically: it is an undeniable brilliance.
