“Everything,” about this artist’s new third studio album displays his talent and versatility that the music world needs to become more aware of ASAP.
Since Jaden Smith’s SYRE LP was released in 2017, I haven’t been as impressed with the projects that followed, such as The Sunset Tapes and ERYS. While they weren’t bad, they didn’t live up to SYRE’s range and intensity.
With new singles “Cabin Fever,” and especially “Rainbow Bap,” whose beginning lyrics even state “Syre has risen,” I was hopeful that Cool Tape Vol. 3 would be Smith’s next great project.
The visuals for the leading tracks, as well as the album artwork and multiple references to The Beatles, bring the LP a 60’s-70’s hippy era theme, which creates perfect vibes for the feel-good summertime we desperately need right now.
The 17 tracks are more light and vulnerable than ever before, mostly discussing love, likely all about one girl and one relationship. Smith took to Twitter to state that this project is a prequel to SYRE, so it obviously ties into that story too. The first track is titled “Circa 2015,” giving a time frame to when the story takes place too, adding more substance and realism.
While Smith does switch up his flow during tracks, most of the LP will be heard best only if you are in a certain mood, wanting or reminiscing about love. The artist does mix genres more on this album, with a lot fewer songs being heavily rap-based.
Regardless, Smith did a great job of making the album tell a story, with lyrics full of detail and wordplay. Along with the immense songwriting skill being demonstrated, CTV3 includes tons of unique production and sound, more grandiose than any of Smith’s previous works.
On track two, Smith reunites with old collaborator and friend Justin Bieber for the first time since the legendary “Never Say Never,” debuted in 2011. The new tune “Falling For You,” is about losing yourself and your sanity in love.
“I think I’m falling for you / If you don’t call me, I’ll jump off the roof / Kiss my sane mind goodbye, I’m bonkers now / I’m crazy for your love, I do the most.”
Smith teams up with one more musician, on “Endless Summer,” Alternative Rock and R&B artist Raury.
The second to last track on the LP is titled “The Birth of Syre,” which I feel would have been a perfect ending instead of the almost theatrical musical production “Boys and Girls,” where the vibes are pretty different.
This project vastly contrasts in sound compared to The Cool Cafe and CTV2 mixtapes, which does make sense considering they came out in 2012 and 2014. However, I am curious as to why he decided to fill the blank space between the two eras now. Nonetheless, I am far from disappointed.
While there are ups and downs going through each project from 2012 to the present, you can without a doubt see and hear Smith’s growth throughout his music career, as well as the wide range of talent he possesses.
Whether you have heard his music or not, you are sure to find something you like somewhere in Smith’s discography. While it’s hard to say if CTV3 is better than SYRE just yet, it definitely comes close with its amazing production and great collective of tracks.
Jaden Smith will always be an Icon living.
I would give this LP 4 out of 5 Swoops
