Over the past few years, Giveon Evans, known as GIVEON, has become one of the most notable figures in the modern R&B music scene. Known for his deep vocals, relatable lyrics, and diverse production styles, Giveon is regarded as one of the pioneers of modern R&B, constantly pushing the boundaries of what the genre can encompass. After breakout hits like “Heartbreak Anniversary” and his feature on Drake’s “Chicago Freestyle,” he has only grown in popularity, creating a sound that is unique, recognizable, and loved by fans all around the world.
With the release of BELOVED: Act II on May 15, Giveon expands on themes that were previously seen in his last studio album, BELOVED, while also experimenting with new ideas. Instead of feeling like just a few extra tracks, Act II feels like a true continuation of BELOVED, building upon the messages of heartbreak and personal growth that were explored in the original album. Throughout these five new tracks, Giveon blends upbeat melodies and orchestral instrumentals while maintaining his soulful vocals. While relationships and failed love remain central themes, even to this deluxe edition, Act II also explores the topic of self-reflection, which comes with the progression of life.
Act II consists of four new songs, along with a remix of a song that was already on BELOVED. “JEZEBEL,” “SAVE SOME FOR ME” featuring Kehlani, “FOOL ME ONCE” featuring Leon Thomas, “REPLICA” featuring Sasha Keable, and “KEEPER,” a song from BELOVED, with the addition of a Teddy Swims feature and a completely different instrumental. One track that immediately stood out to me was “‘JEZEBEL,” as it contrasts sharply with Giveon’s original, more melancholic sound on the track. Instead, it is much more energetic and upbeat, showing a different side of his artistry. Even with this modern sound, Giveon doesn’t sacrifice his lyricism, conveying the message of his conflict in romance. The song is very catchy without feeling overly commercial, setting a precedent for what was to come on this deluxe.
Lyrically, Act II details Giveon’s journey through a messy, toxic, but unforgettable romance. First off, “JEZEBEL” outlines how Giveon got into a relationship with a woman, knowing that she openly shares her love with other men. The title references the Hebrew Bible’s symbolism of Jezebel, a princess who was deceptive and used seduction to get her way. This journey continues with “SAVE SOME FOR ME,” where the relationship breaks, but neither person can fully let go. They resist the necessity of moving on from each other, resulting in the circumstances detailed in the next track. In “FOOL ME ONCE,” it is outlined that the narrator can easily see through the woman’s lies, but chooses not to point them out and allows the deception to continue due to his dependency and unwillingness to let go. Finally, “REPLICA” shows the end of this relationship, with both individuals going to date new people. However, they never find fulfillment in their new relationships, only feeling an incomplete replica of their past. In a way, these four tracks serve as an introduction to the story of BELOVED, a journey of accountability, processing the breakup, and searching for closure.
A major highlight of this deluxe comes from the plethora of collaborations. Features from artists like Kehlani, Teddy Swims, Leon Thomas, and Sasha Keable add a twist to Giveon’s usual style while still fitting the atmosphere and message of the album. Kehlani brings strong chemistry to “SAVE SOME FOR ME,” contributing emotional verse detailing the stages of the relationship from the female’s perspective. Leon Thomas, despite not having his own verse, contributes a bridge and blends his vocals naturally with Giveon’s style, fitting perfectly into the deluxe. Teddy Swims and Sasha Keable are extremely notable on Act II, as their soulful vocals are a perfect addition to the album, highlighting the yearning passion behind a relationship and the hardships of moving on. What makes these features effective is the fact that none of them feels unnecessary. Every feature plays a part in building the album’s central message, contrasting other artists who add features to garner attention.
Overall, BELOVED: Act II is a strong continuation of Giveon’s growth as a songwriter and a singer. None of the tracks on the deluxe feel out of place or unneeded, and it perfectly segues into the theme of the original album, providing fans with context and closure. With each track on the deluxe already surpassing a million and a half streams each, it is safe to say that his fanbase thoroughly enjoyed Giveon’s new drop. By balancing his traditional soulful R&B style with more modern influences, Giveon continues to prove that he is one of the most unique and esteemed artists in the industry.