Ryan Beatty, a California native, is quickly making a name for himself in the antipop music community. Known for his association with the boy group, BROCKHAMPTON, Beatty’s personal music career has often been overlooked. Frequently singing the chorus of the group’s catchy tunes, it can seem like Beatty is nothing more than a good voice. However, with the recent release of his second album, Dreaming of David, I thought Beatty’s new music might deserve a critical listen.
Beatty’s first album, Boy in Jeans, was one of my favorites of last summer. Focused around themes of coming out, unrequited love, and uncertainty about the future, this album felt like a breath of fresh air. No other artist I’d heard had tackled these subjects so successfully, and with such musical eloquence. For this reason, I was nervous about what Dreaming of David might sound like. It’s rare for an artist to release two good albums in succession, and I wasn’t ready to hear a flop from an artist I admire.
As a whole, Dreaming of David reminded me of Beatty’s first album. The vocals on both albums sound effortless and airy. The feelings created by both albums are similar: wistful, somber, and honest. Similar to Boy in Jeans, Dreaming of David touches on gay themes, but does so in a much more vibrant and detailed manner. In his song, “Flowers At The Door,” Beatty uses descriptive language to describe sex without being profane. Beatty’s handling of gay topics is very successful, and it’s reassuring to hear great music written about boys by a boy. He even touches on religion (as suggested by the title) in his track “Genesis,” handling the topic gently and conveying his opinions in an eloquent song.
However, on Dreaming of David, Beatty steps outside of his usual realm as well. With songs like “Dark Circles,” Beatty deftly explores new R&B sounds. Synth undertones and pulsing drum beats dominate this song, creating a track unlike anything I’ve heard from Beatty. Pitch-shifted vocals are typically not my favorite stylistic choice, but Beatty manages to pull it off. Another one of his singles, “Casino,” is undoubtedly my favorite from the album. The lyrics are vulnerable and honest, and Beatty’s voice clearly conveys the emotion he brought into the song.
With that being said, as a whole, Beatty’s sophomore album didn’t resonate with me as much as his first. At times it felt a bit slow and repetitive. I might be a bit biased because of how much I loved his debut album, but I just wasn’t as satisfied with it in comparison. Yet, overall, Dreaming of David is a great stand-alone album and is definitely worth checking out. This album showcases Ryan Beatty’s talent in both familiar and new ways, perfect for new fans and seasoned listeners alike.
Interested in Ryan Beatty’s work? You can check out his music here.
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