Malcolm Todd has officially entered his “Sweet Boy” era. On March 8th, 2024, Malcolm Todd released Sweet Boy Pt.2, his second EP since he signed with Columbia Records. In his recent interview on the Zach Sang Show, he discussed how Sweet Boy Pt.1 and Sweet Boy Pt.2 are two EPs that are meant to be a cohesive album. The two EPs are extremely catchy and well thought out.
On My Shoulder
The emergence of Sweet Boy starts with the song “On My Shoulder.” The song talks about a long-distance relationship that is ending. “You don’t wanna say it but it’s our time to go. You don’t wanna see me but you can have it all.” The 4:4 time, mixed with the heart-thumping beat, makes this song a perfect way to start an album. It is extremely gravitating.
Thailand
“Thailand” is very similar to Todd’s other track called, “Art House.” Both use many R&B hymns and talk about a relationship ending. Todd has stated that he named this song “Thailand” just because he thought of a place he has never been to but wants to travel to in the near-future.
Roommates
“Roommates” is Malcolm Todd’s most iconic song to date. With over 25 million streams on Spotify, “Roommates” has accumulated its popularity over the use of TikTok audios and edits. The song discusses a relationship coming to an end. The rhythm and beats emphasize the overwhelming loss of identity.
LadyGirl
“Ladygirl” is a two-part love song that is unlike any other track on this album. Both parts are extremely upbeat and add to the playfulness of this album. Todd has joked around about how he calls his girlfriend “Ladygirl.”
Sweet Boy
The title track of the album is easily one of Malcolm Todd’s best songs to date. Released on May 17, 2023, the song has gained over 7 million streams on Spotify. It is my favorite Malcolm Todd song. It is, again, another breakup song. “I want you to go. I wrote it in bold. Yeah I got a plan. And you can’t be involved.”
Rodrick Rules
Todd has discussed how this song sounds like something that Rodrick Heffley (a character from The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series) would play this song with his band “Löded Diper”. The song has a guitar solo towards the end and was a very fun way to conclude Sweet Boy Pt. 1.
4Me 4ME
“4Me 4Me” is one of Malcolm Todd’s only love songs. This song became the first single released from the Sweet Boy EPs. I think the song discusses his relationship with a college girl. Todd’s new girlfriend is in college in New York. Todd sings about how his love interest is smart and reads. The song further delves into Todd falling in love with this girl. This song has been on endless repeat for me, and I tell everyone to this song to get into his discography.
Art House
“Art House” is recognized as the birth of the “Sweet Boy Era.” It was among the first set of singles released for this era. Released on April 17, 2023, “Art House” is another perfectly refined breakup song. It describes the feeling of letting someone go. The song recognizes the difficulty of missing someone and knowing that the person is causing you helplessness. The song resembles the ups and downs of a breakup, which you can hear through the hints of R&B throughout.
New Friends (Ft. Eem Triplin)
This song was Malcolm Todd’s first track which included a featured artist. “New Friends” represents the start and end of a relationship. This was the first track released off Sweet Boy Pt. 2. It somewhat tells the story of a lover boy, Malcolm Todd, who ends things with a partner and moves on.
Sore Throat
“Sore Throat” was a song teased on TikTok for multiple weeks. It was an exciting yet unexpected song on the album. “Sore Throat” is somewhat of a simple breakup song. “This is not for saving, it’s your time to go. It’s my time to be alone.”
Hot In NY
“Hot In NY” is a love song talking about playing games with each other. Both end up hurt and both cannot express their feelings. The song was released on August 25, 2023, and is among all of the other singles of the album.
Accutane
“Accutane” is the start of Sweet Boy Pt. 2. “Welcome to the end and good luck on the beginning” are the lyrics that Todd sings which represent the end of “Sweet Boy Era.” This song includes my favorite line ever in a Malcolm Todd song which states “I hope you’re not having sex. I hope you’re not drinking too much because your Accutane.” As a girly on Accutane yourself, I enjoyed this track heavily.
Pillow
“Pillow” is a good goodbye song to the “Sweet Boy Era”. The song is the last track on Sweet Boy Pt. 2. It represents a goodbye to someone you love. Unlike other Malcolm Todd songs, this one is extremely calming and slow. It is a beautiful way to end the era.
Mr. Incorrect
“Mr. Incorrect,” came out on October 20, 2023. The song discusses a continuous argument in a past relationship. Overall, the song is incredibly catchy, repeating “I’m on, I’m on, I’m on; I thought I was right, but you’re never wrong.”
Rockstar Boyfriend
“Rockstar Boyfriend” was an unexpected addition to the “Sweet Boy Universe”. It’s an additional song, that I believe is dedicated to his girlfriend. It talks about going on tour and staying in touch/making the relationship work. The song further discusses his love for his girlfriend.
Sweet Boy Tour
“Sweet Boy Tour” is Malcolm Todd’s first tour. Announced on February 20, 2024, the tour consists of 21 shows all around the United States. Todd has only had four shows, which included locations in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and London.
I decided to attend one of the shows on tour. The D.C. show lands on April 26, 2024. I am so excited to see Malcolm Todd and will be writing an additional piece for “Her Campus” to discuss the tour in greater detail.