Drive Slow

Mac Ayres' album "Drive Slow," with its nine songs and just over 30 minutes in length, has provided me with one of the most peaceful experiences I can recall. It epitomizes relaxation through soothing piano melodies and calming instrumentation, hitting home in the best possible way with its perfect lo-fi charm. Every bit of it, every song, and every line, was sublime, making me feel as though I could sink deeper into my bed, completely surrounded by calm. In R&B, I look for two main things: the artist's voice and how the song makes me feel. I love R&B/Soul music with buttery smooth vocals and feel-good production. This project is no exception, offering 31 minutes of pure beauty and relaxation. My review includes a breakdown of each song, starting with the 44-second "Intro," which sets the album's tone perfectly with relaxing piano and a voicemail from his grandmother, preparing you for the rest of the album. "Calvin’s Joint" maintains the piano-heavy structure, picking up the pace with studio drums, bass, and backing vocals, portraying the struggles of getting over a breakup with a rainy day melancholy. "The Devil’s In The Details," the only track not produced by Mac, flows well with the album, featuring standout backing vocals and tight harmonies. "Slow Down" showcases Mac's vocal prowess, blending his relaxing falsetto with synth-heavy production for a quintessential R&B vibe. "Should We Take The Van?" brings a funky syncopation from the keys and drums, featuring Maryland rapper Innanet James in a surprisingly effective collaboration. "Show Me" is my favorite track, channeling major Bobby Caldwell vibes and neo-soul influences from Erykah Badu and D’Angelo, particularly in the live version. "Lonely," produced by Jack Dine, stands out with its fantastic bass and electric piano, making it my second favorite on the record. "Easy" exudes D’Angelo vibes with its rushed snare and amazing production, making it no surprise that it’s his most streamed song. The album closes with "Change Ya Mind," a beautiful sonic interpretation of a rainy day that never fails to move me emotionally, especially at night. Overall, "Drive Slow" is beautiful in every way, simple yet packed with great vocals and instrumentation. If you’ve never listened to a Mac Ayres song before, do yourself a favor and listen to this.

MAC ARYES - DRIVE SLOW

RATING - 8.3/10

FAVORITE TRACKS - Slow Down, Easy

GENRE - Rnb, Neo-Soul