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Bryson Tiller “Anniversary” Review

Over three years since the release of his 2017 sophomore album, True To Self, Bryson Tiller came through with back-to-back music releases throughout the month of September. The Louisville singer dropped singles, “Inhale,” and “Always Forever,” followed by a TRAPSOUL deluxe, which included three new songs and a feature from The Weeknd.

The surprise drops built up fans’ excitement for Tiller’s grand finale, an announcement that he would be releasing his long-awaited third album, Anniversary, on October 2nd, marking the five-year anniversary of TRAPSOUL. The album’s cover photo fittingly mirrors the TRAPSOUL cover, with Tiller symbolically facing the opposite direction this time around and the color shifting from a deep red to deep blue. Tiller’s intended message with this album is crystal-clear: just like he oh-so-fittingly foretold on “Don’t” all those years ago, he’s back and he’s better, but not without some emotional turmoil.

Anniversary contains many of the elements necessary to fill the Cuffing Season album role, packed with Tiller’s signature 808s and assiduous yearnings for a woman whom he feels is slipping away from him. Finally free from the legal troubles he faced with his former management as well as a perhaps overwhelming sense of defeat following True To Self, Tiller seems to have been able to approach the making of Anniversary with a more clear mind, and intention.

On Anniversary, Tiller returns to his roots— so much so that many tracks on the album could even fit in seamlessly with their TRAPSOUL predecessors. While Anniversary might not necessarily be able to exceed the prestige of TRAPSOUL, due to simple circumstance and time, it is a solid body of work that shows promise for what is to come. Tiller’s most-celebrated body of work has incidentally also become the singer’s Everest: the daunting barrier planted firmly between him and attaining the “next level” as an artist.

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Songs like “Always Forever,” “Sorrows,” and “Years Go By,” are surefire hits, and the album as a whole features Tiller’s characteristic admissions of love and heartbreak over soothing instrumentals, ensuring a gratifying listening experience.

On “Years Go By,” Tiller wastes no time addressing the elephant in the room— his hiatus from music. Tiller delves into the significance of the years that have gone by since TRAPSOUL, throughout which he grappled with his lack of confidence, struggling to shake the idea that his worth as an artist was derived solely from the public’s approval. He reveals that his desperation to fulfill the expectations of others came to the detriment of his music, digging him deeper and deeper into a pit of self-doubt. Tiller, however, has emerged from the darkness. No longer feeling his success is determined by praise and accolades, he’s shifted his focus to putting out work that feels authentic to who he is. With this, Tiller declares that his hit-music-making alter ego, God Tiller, has officially returned.

While “Years Go By” packs a punch straight out the gate, the remainder of the tracklist is much more of a slow burn. On “Things Change,” Tiller recounts his remorse regarding a girl he did dirty, wishing he had acted differently and wondering where they would be if he had. “Inhale” and “Sorrows” tell of similar melancholy, one-sided love stories. The sentiments he explores on the album are, for the most part, pretty familiar— nostalgia is often an irresistible temptation for both listeners and artists alike, after all.

Tiller links up with Drake on “Outta Time,” in which the two unravel their failing respective romantic relationships in a quintessential embodiment of the artists’ shared and beloved good-guy shticks. Seeing as Drizzy was one of the first people to back Tiller even before the release of TRAPSOUL, excitement for a collab between the two has long been building. Finally delivering, the pair’s highly-anticipated song was amiable but notably lacked a hook, causing the track to narrowly miss out on being able to claim the album’s pinnacle, and lowering the song’s overall sing-along friendliness.

The album’s second-to-last track, “Keep Doing What You’re Doing,” opens up with a voicemail message from Tiller’ grandmother, who passed away in April of this year, and to whom Tiller dedicated the album. In a captivatingly vulnerable display, Tiller laid everything bare as he expressed to his grandmother his gratitude for her unconditional support, promising to hold it down in her absence. It was a perfect demonstration of the much-needed potent emotional candor that complements Tiller’s alluring, relaxed beats, and contrasts his typical demureness perfectly.

In short, fans who wanted TRAPSOUL-era Tiller back, got exactly that. However, it should be noted that unlike when Tiller made his debut back in 2015, today his sound is no longer the novelty it once was. While Tiller took a step back from the music scene in 2017, in favor of some well-deserved R&R, other soulful R&B singers like Brent Faiyaz and Summer Walker swooped in, picking up where he left off. A lot can change in five years, as Tiller clearly knows— still, it would be interesting for him to consider partaking in some creative rejuvenation and incorporating, or exploring, more experimental elements in his upcoming music.

Tiller has hinted at plans to release even more music this winter, making it possible that Anniversary is simply the warm-up for another potential album soon to come our way. Seeing as Anniversary was certainly a step up from True To Self, we have high hopes that any music Tiller does decide to grace us with will continue propelling the Louisville crooner’s sound, style, and legacy forward.

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Kanye West’s Heartfelt Plea to Bianca Censori Hits the Airwaves as the Couple Reunites in Spain

Kanye West has just released a new song named after his wife, Bianca Censori, and it’s getting a lot of attention. The track is a part of his upcoming album, WW3, and it dives into the complex feelings surrounding their relationship, especially after some public struggles they’ve faced. In the song, Kanye shares his deep feelings of regret after their recent fallout, giving listeners a personal look into his life. The lyrics are a direct appeal to Bianca, as he asks for her forgiveness, saying things like, “Bianca, I just want you to come back.” He acknowledges how his famous rants on social media may have contributed to their challenges.

The song reveals a lot of emotional turmoil, including instances where Bianca has tried to help him and even experienced a panic attack because of his online behavior. Many listeners have resonated with the song, feeling empathy for both Kanye and Bianca as they deal with the aftermath of their breakup. When the song came out, there was a lot of speculation about whether they were really apart or if it was just a reflection of their past troubles. The mystery grew when Kanye’s lyrics hinted at a temporary separation. However, they were recently spotted together enjoying dinner at an Indian restaurant in Spain, suggesting they may have reconciled.

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This public outing shows that they are working through their issues despite their rocky times. Their dinner together sends a strong message that their relationship is still going strong despite the challenges and public attention. Kanye’s ability to mix his personal struggles with his music continues to Captivate audiences, and this new song is no different. With WW3 on the way, many are eager to see how his emotional journey unfolds, both in his life and through his music.

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BTS Members Reunite As Jungkook Shares Emotional Message

The youngest member of BTS, Jungkook, shared a loving and sentimental message that warmed the hearts of millions worldwide. Jungkook, who is currently serving his mandatory military service in South Korea, took time to communicate with his fans, known as ARMY, not only expressing his love and appreciation for them but also outlining how he is feeling during this time of service. His message came amid a monumental moment, the reunion of BTS members, a rare but precious thing since most of the group is currently in the military.

The meeting of BTS members in the middle of their military service, however briefly, is very meaningful and symbolic for the group and their fanbase. Mandatory military service in South Korea obliges all able-bodied men to serve their country, and BTS has continued to fulfill its duties as a global icon. Even as they take a break together as a group, the connection between the seven members is stronger than ever. This reunion proved that sentiment, and it was a beautiful reminder of their togetherness for fans.

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The emotional letter from Jungkook also provided a rare insight into what went through the mind of a “BTS” member while he was away from the stage. His signature for his business ways is still somehow calm, as we all know. Yet Jungkook, making this an opportunity, speaks directly to the ARMY. He mentioned how he always thinks about his fans and that their unchanging support has helped him during the hard times of his military service.

His message was a bridge linking the stage lights, roaring crowds, and musical performances of the past to the quiet discipline and structure of military life. In a heartwarming letter, Jungkook assured fans that he takes them along with him, even during periods of silence and absence. For fans of BTS, Jungkook’s letter was a testament of connection and loyalty. Being one of the most loved members, Jungkook has had a special bond with the fandom.

His journey has always been entangled with the love and encouragement of ARMY. His message reinforced that this connection is reciprocal and genuine. The context of the BTS reunion only helped amplify the emotional impact of his letter. Seeing the members back together, even in military uniform, was a powerful image. It was a visual affirmation of their brotherhood and dedication to their fans and their country. For a group that has broken records, crossed cultural barriers, and become ambassadors of global youth, this moment was a return to their roots.

Jungkook’s message was also very much about gratitude. He was humble and thankful, recognizing the sacrifices that fans make during their wait for the return, fans who are understandably anxious. He vowed to return stronger and better, a motif that followed BTS’s road. The fans supported them as they found their way in the music industry, took tours, and performed on big stages. It was about developing, improving, and trying to be the best they could be for the message they spread.

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His letter was so emotional and personal that it reminded everyone that BTS is beyond a music group. In times of stillness, their impact resounds through society, shaping lives in the most significant sense. While members still serve in the military, fans worldwide stick to these moments that assure them the connection is alive, thriving, and still biding its time until the day they all meet again in front of an audience. Jungkook’s message was a lovely confirmation of that promise.

Saying something so warm and sincere reminded ARMY what they already knew, that BTS is never far away from our hearts even if physically apart. In times like this, when the world feels somewhat chaotic and uncertain, messages like Jungkook’s remind us of the eternal strength of love and loyalty. As the countdown to their eventual full reunion begins, fans can take solace in the fact that BTS is thinking about them as much as they are missed. And when that day comes, when the seven members stand together again in public, it’s going to be a homecoming.