Icon (Director's Cut)

the take

I'm not a huge Brent Faiyaz fan, but it's not because I despise his music. Actually, I've enjoyed quite a few projects of his in the past. That said, I was surprised to see that he dropped a new project in the big 2026. I was ready to embrace my inner toxic self a piece of younger me still holds on. But holy shit, did Brent do a complete 180 on the subject matter. On here, we hear Brent Faiyaz going through the ups and downs of love, but through a mature perspective on emotions this time around. And while the songwriting does end up being surface level at certain points in the album, it's great to see him go down the more mature path on this project. Brent Faiyaz comes off as more emotionally vulnerable than I've ever heard him be. I actually find myself coming back to this more often as of late due to its relatability factor to me. Add in a more polished R&B sound while paying homage to 90's R&B and you have a quality album that clearly shows the emotional rollercoaster Brent goes through throughout this album. "Icon" flows like one long track, as each song falls within the same range of quality they have. That said, there aren't really too many standouts, but "four seasons." is one I immediately put on repeat after first listen, as well as "other side." and the Director's Cut bonus track "full moon. (fall in tokyo)". Brent Faiyaz releasing a mature body of work wasn't on my bingo card for this year, but seeing as though it fits the current stage of life I'm in as of late, I'm glad I gave this a listen. I sincerely hope he stays down this path in the future... or at the very least, incorporate this even a bit in the future.