by Daniel Caesar
Released August 25, 2017 via Golden Child Recordings
Reviewed August 18, 2022
Top tracks (based on community voting)
Get You (73%), Best Part (60%), Freudian (33%)
Daniel Caesar is a real soulful dude. The Toronto R&B singer’s debut album, Freudian, is a gorgeous and tender record. Merging soul, gospel, funk, and contemporary R&B, Daniel Caesar proves himself as a talented singer, capable of beautiful melodies. Even better is when Caesar gets to harmonize with the other talented singers featured on this project, such as Kali Uchis, H.E.R, Syd, and Charlotte Day Wilson. What is really impressive about this album is how cohesive it is; most of the transitions are unnoticeable, and it feels like you’re listening to an intimate performance—rather than a record. Leading up to this release, Caesar released a trio singles in “Get You,” “We Find Love,” and “Blessed.” These songs are the highlights off the album, taking advantage of Caesar’s strengths while providing the most memorable choruses. However, they also seem to overshadow the rest of the songs. Ultimately, this record really doesn’t give me anything I haven’t heard before; Caesar wears his influences on his sleeve and doesn’t quite set himself apart from his predecessors. This is apparent on songs like “Neu Roses” which (while one of my favs) sounds like a D’Angelo rip-off—and “Freudian,” where Caesar’s homage to Frank Ocean’s “Futura Free” feels out of place. All and all, Freudian is still a good album and marked a promising start to the young singer’s career. – Daniel (7.5/10)
Pax: 8.5/10 | Jacques: 8/10 | Cam: 7.5/10 | Daniel: 7.5/10 | DeVán: 7.5/10
Dominick: 7.5/10 | Hadley: 7.5/10 | Ben (Synth): 6/10 | Jared: 6/10
Community Reviews:
I think it’s my favorite alternative R&B album, can’t get enough of it. Will always sing along with every track even if I’m not in the mood. – u/ltgoodfellow6 (10/10)
This album is the definition of smooth all the way down. Daniel Caesar captures the love-struck vibe nearly flawlessly on Freudian. Exceptional arrangements that evolve within the tracks, plus Daniel’s poetic lyrics and soothing vocal arrangements make Freudian a pleasure to listen to front to back. One of the best R&B albums of the 2010s, no question. – @jakeandrew.music (9.8/10)
A top three R&B album of the 2010s. Some days, I would argue that it’s even better than channel ORANGE. – @alex.hutchinson.rare (9/10)
