I Can See Earth From Here (LP) - Young V. (R&B) - This week, we’re welcoming Young V. to our blog and his latest 13-track LP “I Can See Earth From Here”. Split into three acts, the LP shifts from brooding to bravado to vulnerable, showing off multiple sides of an artist with a consistent, modern R&B sound. But before we dive in, let’s get to know our artist.
Hailing from Michigan City, Young V. (Vincent Young) serves as producer, writer and performer of his records, touting the vibes of Usher and modern trap as his influences. With a distinct sound and infectious energy, Young V. stepped into the industry with single “Bad Girl”, a club feeling love song.
Moving to the LP, “Intro” kicks the album off with some vibey R&B, the open and spacious instrumental marries the lyrical content of a space traveler wandering the cosmos with no destination in mind. Mystical and mysterious, it’s a great number to set the mood of the journey to come.
“Took Off” bodes sweeping strings and a Halloween feeling key line while “Not Our Kind” introduces a lilting guitar to the continuing ominous vibe of the LP. The track takes a diversion from the galactic storytelling for a very Earthbound tale of race relations. “Back on Go” centers on a driving 808 as Young V. extols his virtues as a hustler and artist.
The album takes a turn with “Big ol Bag”, leaving the ethereal vibes behind for something far more upbeat, the first party jam of the record, while “Dollar & A Dream” leans on that ‘sped up Motown’ backing vibe used in early Kanye tracks. It’s another sunny track focused on ambition and chasing the dream. “This Just in” is a groovy mid tempo dripping with self confidence and a ‘moving on up’ message, while “Back in The Building” feels like that track’s sequel.
“Grand Opening” brings us into the LP’s third act, using a church choir to center the track, bringing back the otherworldly vibes from the album’s earlier third. “Who I leave Behind” veers directly into brooding, with the first touch of true vulnerability on the album. If the album so far focused on self virtues and ambition, this track is the moment Young V. drops the bravado and shows his soul.
“Don’t Believe you” has Young V. put his armor back on as he sharpens his lyrical pen against his ops, while “Out of their League” welcomes back the choir as our artist stands on the mountain top he’s reached, reflecting on the journey he took to get there. Finally, the LP closes with “Get Away”, the most upbeat track of the album, giving us our first love song. It’s a great note to end on, and certainly the most radio friendly of the collection, and probably our favorite cut.
Overall the album gives a thematic journey, from wandering to self actualization to happiness in love, all the while maintaining a consistent sound with impeccable production value.
Track List:
Intro
Took Off
Not Our Kind
Back on Go
Big ol Bag
Dollar & A Dream
This Just in
Back in The Building
Grand Opening
Who I leave Behind
Don’t Believe you
Out of their League
Get Away