American singer and songwriter David Anthony Burke, or stage name d4vd, released his debut studio album on April 25. “WITHERED” offers 14 tracks with indie pop and alternative R&B influences, introducing themes of chasing young love and heartbreak.
As someone who has followed d4vd since his early days on TikTok in late 2021, I came into “WITHERED” expecting something haunting and intimate, and while it definitely has its moments, I could not help but feel the album was playing it a bit safe. It felt as though the soft beats and repetitive themes overshadowed part of d4vd’s emotional intent, akin to a quiet sadness.
“Atomic Land,” the first track of this album, sets the tone with soft guitars and a heartfelt desire for love. Through lyrics like “We could go to the beach / And dip our toes in the sand,” d4vd suggests a longing for a peaceful, cinematic moment shared with someone special. He is trying to connect with the listener by sharing a real and relatable feeling of wanting to be close to someone.
After listening to “Say It Back” and “Somewhere in the Middle,” their themes of lament and regret started to blend together. d4vd is often known for his raw and slow-paced lyricism, yet these songs explored similar feelings almost identically, losing their depth. That being said, these tracks were not bad and even had a comforting feel because of d4vd’s confident and slightly melancholic vocal delivery.
“Crashing,” featuring Kali Uchis, was one of my favorite songs on the album. Lyrics such as “’Cause the enemy may try to conquer and divide / Well, I’ll stay by your side every day and every night” flawlessly captured Uchis’ dreamy and mellow voice, complementing d4vd’s gloomy tone. The contrast between them amplified the loss and yearning that some of the album lacks.
Then there is “What Are You Waiting For,” which caught me off guard. Similar to “Feel It,” my favorite track, d4vd uses an experimental but upbeat and catchy melody, which made me genuinely smile. It completely contrasts with the rest of the album’s melancholia, as d4vd depicts a person impatiently waiting for the other to make the first move. The final song, “Afterlife,” portrays the different stages of love, such as being in a relationship and falling out of love. Ultimately, d4vd returns to a more hushed and mumbled singing to close the album with bittersweet optimism, exemplified in lyrics “And when I die (You’re holding the knife) / I’ll love you from the afterlife.”
Overall, I would rate “WITHERED” a solid nine out of 10. The only minor issue I had with the album was how some of the tracks blurred together, making it hard to stay fully engaged with d4vd’s storytelling and personal messages. Otherwise, I enjoyed the album’s raw and dreamy production, especially in songs like “Atomic Land” and “Crashing.” Whether you have been following d4vd since his TikTok days or enjoy listening to sad songs, this album offers a reflective and emotional experience perfect for late-night overthinking.
