KAYTRANADA’s ‘Timeless’ – An Adventure Worth Savouring

Though summer might feel elusive for many lately, KAYTRANADA is back to turn up the heat with Timeless, his first solo LP in five years. Staying true to his signature style, the Canadian producer seamlessly fuses electronic, hip-hop, and R&B elements, collaborating with some of the biggest names in music. This album not only showcases his evolution but also highlights his mastery in the music industry over the past decade. 

After teaming up with Aminé last year for their collaborative album ‘KAYTRAMINÉ,’ he reminded everyone that he’s still the front-runner for funky party tracks. Now, with the release of ‘Timeless,’ his impeccable timing once again showcases his knack for delivering music that sets the perfect mood. Each track blends elements of his previous work with fresh sounds and rhythms, sure to excite all listeners who have eagerly awaited this release.

With a fresh set of features throughout the album, KAYTRANADA effortlessly demonstrates his ability to tailor his music to the unique style of each artist. From the melodic beat of ‘Lover/Friend,’ which perfectly complements the smooth, sultry vocals of Rochelle Jordan, to the high-energy and unapologetic sounds of Channel Tres in ‘Drip Sweat,’ ‘Timeless’ perfectly captures the essence of his musical vision. 

Among the album’s heavy hitters, ‘Feel a Way,’ featuring Don Toliver, is sure to be a standout that grabs everyone’s attention. The Texas rapper’s distinctive flow and catchy hooks, paired with KAYTRANADA’s expert production, elegantly explore the feelings of emotion.

If you’re in need of music that can uplift your spirits and make you feel unstoppable, ‘Witchy,’ with Childish Gambino, is the ultimate solution. From the moment he enters, his raw passion is perfectly complemented by the intense beat in the background.

Other notable tracks emerge with ‘Seemingly’ and ‘Please Babe,’ offering a rare glimpse into a solo venture by KAYTRANADA. While they might not be the most standout tracks on the album, they offer a treat for long-time listeners to savour.

‘Timeless’ undoubtedly holds the promise of becoming one of the standout albums of the year. However, it does harbour a few minor setbacks that could hinder its journey to achieving this status.

This is especially noticeable on Disc 2, where the beat sticks to a consistent rhythm with little variation. Consequently, listeners may start to feel a sense of repetitiveness, especially as they near the end of the album. Adding some fresh sounds at this point could greatly enhance the listening experience, giving it the dynamic edge it needs to truly live up to its name. 

Another aspect that could be improved is the track positioning, as the album experiences drastic tempo shifts at certain points. This occasionally disrupts the flow and cohesion, making it challenging for listeners to fully immerse themselves in the music. This is particularly evident during Disc 1, where the more subtle solo tracks are placed in the middle of big features.

Overall, Timeless has the potential to be KAYTRANADA’s strongest album to date. It delivers everything fans have been craving, with some added surprises. While some may argue that BUBBA or 99.9% are superior for nostalgic reasons, give this album time to fully settle, and opinions are likely to shift in its favour.

8/10