Upon its quiet release in 2017,
Fin was likened by Syd to a transitional effort rather than hyped -- as it would have been warranted -- as the long-awaited solo debut from the background studio wiz of
Odd Future and the lead voice of the Grammy-nominated
Internet. While it was more than merely a batch of songs offered between
Internet albums,
Fin is eclipsed by
Broken Hearts Club, a follow-up of greater artistic and personal significance. Contrary to the title, the material covers many emotions and stages in a relationship, one serious enough for Syd to make known her ambition by using "wife" as a verb. Apprehension, anticipation, delight, longing, and devastation account for only some of it. Each emotion is acutely felt, whether the track is an idyllic slow jam or a post-breakup ballad about her dream-girl turned ex. A lot of that has to do with Syd's vocals and the way she puts her higher register to use, especially on the rapt "Getting Late" and shattered "BMHWDY." The first Syd LP dabbled in late-'90s high-tech R&B modes, and so does this set. The singer/songwriter even gets some help from fellow producer
Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, one of the key players who emerged during that era, making it more evident that Syd still loves her
Brandy and
Monica records. Likewise, there are more
Timbaland/
Missy Elliott-style stutters and syncopation evoking the same period. Syd elsewhere moves both forward and backward a decade on "Fast Car," a blood rusher that isn't a cover of
the-Dream's like-titled song (2007) but sounds like an homage to it, itself a nod to
Prince's "Little Red Corvette" (1982). Other songs take Syd's inspirations a little farther out. "CYBAH" ("Could You Break a Heart"), a guarded statement, is stretched bubblegum funk with a compatible assist from
Lucky Daye. The dazed "BMHWDY" ("Break My Heart, Why Don't You") flickers like a candle flame that can't be snuffed out, and the airy "Sweet" tickles and caresses with some of the finest subtle gospel-fied backing harmonies outside a
Ty Dolla $ign project. The lack of uninhibited gloating and easy-going funk grooves disqualify
Broken Hearts Club from being considered Syd's most characteristic and definitive work. It could become the one that is most cherished -- a skip-less companion for listeners going through or getting over their first real love. ~ Andy Kellman