Alexander 23’s latest single “ill (feat. Kenny Beats)” is his first release following the success of his debut album “Aftershock,” which was released earlier this year. This single feels like a more developed sound for the artist.
The track begins by featuring a more produced sound which is all thanks to the work of Kenny Beats— Alexander 23’s songs tend to begin more stripped back and then the chorus features a beat drop but “ill” begins with a strong beat from the get-go. “ill” discusses that aching feeling following a breakup where that person is on your mind, the lyric “There's a part of me I hate, that hopes that maybe you still want me” encapsulates this concept perfectly. Featuring lyrics like that the track is honest, relatable and very real. This is something that fans of the singer have come to expect, relatability and sincerity, but this makes his no less touching.
The song is incredibly introspective and contemplative with lyrics like, “Am I just a shitty human or are humans all just shitty?” The fun and prominent bass line and groovy guitar juxtapose but complement these comments on the human psyche that Alexander 23 proposes.
The track also strikes a good balance of real lyrics and also poking fun at the things he’s describing in the verse: “I still think about you in the shower[...] Not too long ago I'd open up my eyes and you'd be standin' there (Right there)/ I still think about you in the shower (In the shower)/ Used to help me wash my back (Back)/ Now I sit and let the water hit me, wondering who's feelin' your hands” The verse is a fun play on the connotations of thinking of someone in the shower and contracting it with tender thoughts.
However, the highlight of the track is the guitar solo following the second chorus. Electric guitarist James Valentine created the most phenomenal electric guitar solo, which is the climax of the song. Following the deep introspection, tender lyrics and fun play on words this guitar riff is the perfect ending to this single.
“ill” is a great transition single following Alexander 23’s debut album, the collaboration with Kenny Beats breathes new life into his discography with a more rounded-out sound for the artist. I look forward to seeing what this new era of his music entails.
Published via Returner Magazine
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