Stream: GIVĒON – “Beloved”
GIVĒON releases sophomore album “Beloved”
GIVĒON has officially returned with his stunning sophomore album, BELOVED, marking a major moment in modern R&B. Released today via Epic Records, this 14-track masterpiece is rich with heartbreak, hope, and hard-won growth. The album is produced by powerhouse talents like Sevn Thomas (executive producer), Jahaan Sweet, and Maneesh, creating sprawling soundscapes that elevate GIVĒON’s signature storytelling.
A Bold Return: Why BELOVED Matters in 2025
It’s been over three years since GIVĒON released Give or Take (2022), and fans have been eager for new music. The wait pays off in BELOVED, which encapsulates his journey through love, loss, and self-discovery. This album is perfect for listeners who crave emotional depth and refined musicianship. If you want music that speaks to long-term healing, personal evolution, and artistry, this is a must-listen.
Orchestral R&B: A Rich Sonic Landscape
Rolling Stone awarded BELOVED its coveted 4-star rating, pointing out its lush orchestration and soulful energy. The review praised GIVĒON’s nods to Al Green, Philly soul, and cinematic soundtracks from the era of Blaxploitation films. That orchestral R&B sound gives each track a timeless quality—warm strings, crisp percussion, and layered harmonies that resonate.
This record contrasts modern trap beats with live instrumentation. Drums feel alive, cymbals shimmer, basslines pulse, and strings sweep through bridges and choruses. This isn’t background music. It’s a cinematic soundtrack to personal transformation.
Standout Tracks and Themes
“Twenties” – A Heartfelt Flagbearer
“Twenties” leads the album with raw vulnerability. GIVĒON reflects on investing one’s youth in love, only to watch it fade. The song earned him his fourth Billboard Hot 100 entry and praise from The New York Times and Uproxx. His performance at Prada’s pre-Met Gala festivities earlier this year cemented the track as a standout. Its slow build and emotional honesty make it relatable to anyone who’s sacrificed for love in their twenties.
“Rather Be” – Magnetic Groove
With a deep, rumbling bassline, “Rather Be” earned early acclaim—landing on Esquire’s Best Songs of 2025 and becoming a Rolling Stone Song You Need to Know. The song balances rhythmic intensity with emotional depth, and its catchy melody makes it an instant favorite. It’s a sonic highlight of the project, seamlessly blending groove and introspection.
Executive Vision: Sevn Thomas and Collaborators
Sevn Thomas, known for his work across hip-hop and R&B, serves as executive producer. His guidance ensures BELOVED feels cohesive, polished, and bold. With Jahaan Sweet and Maneesh joining the production roster, the album achieves a unified sonic identity—modern yet timeless, epic yet intimate.
Each contributor brings fresh perspectives, enhancing tight drum programming, cinematic strings, and hushed, echoing vocals. The result is a space where GIVĒON’s voice can flourish without overpowering the music.
Themes Explored: Regret, Longing, Love Found & Lost
Across fourteen tracks, BELOVED delves into numerous emotional landscapes:
- Regret: Examines decisions that shaped past relationships.
- Longing: Captures the ache for love and closure.
- Love lost and found: Moves between heartbreak and hope.
- Self-realization: Reveals personal evolution, learning from pain to emerge stronger.
His lyrics are clear, concise, and heavy with meaning. This isn’t just R&B—it’s a diary set to music.
Vocal Delivery: GIVĒON’s Signature Style
GIVĒON’s voice has been described as “mellifluous”—smooth, rich, and emotive. He uses space and breath, letting words linger and resonate. His baritone carries a warm vulnerability; every line feels personal. Whether singing softly in intimate moments or releasing powerful choruses, his presence anchors the album. This vocal mastery makes BELOVED a deeply human experience.
Why BELOVED Feels Unique
While rooted in modern production, BELOVED also pays homage to classic soul. Orchestral strings, live instrumentation, and cinematic production ensure the album has replay value today and decades from now. GIVĒON recounts universal themes—growth, change, self-discovery—in ways that transcend trends.
For new listeners, BELOVED is a touchpoint for contemporary R&B. For longtime fans, it shows true evolution. Evergreen content here means deep emotion, high craft, and timeless lessons.
Listening Tips: How to Dive In 🎧
- Start with the singles
Begin your journey with “Twenties” and “Rather Be”. These tracks set the tone emotionally and musically. - Follow the album sequence
Let the storytelling unfold naturally, from heartbreak to healing to acceptance. - Focus on the details
Listen for subtle elements: string melodies, background percussion, vocal ad-libs. - Catch the lyrics
Pay attention to emotionally charged lines. Let them stand alone—each could be a poem. - Loop your favorites
The production and writing reward repeated listens—different nuances emerge each time.
Comparison: Give or Take vs BELOVED
Give or Take (2022) introduced GIVĒON to a wider audience, blending introspective lyricism with modern R&B. It was intimate, moody, and reflective.
BELOVED takes this foundation and expands it. It introduces richer soundscapes, bolder sonic choices, and more narrative depth. This album isn’t a retreat—it’s a progression. Think of Give or Take as opening a diary, and BELOVED as scripting a full memoir.
Who Will Love This Album?
- Fans of emotional R&B: Those who connect deeply with lyrics.
- Listeners of orchestral soul: If you appreciate strings, live instruments, vintage sonic touches.
- People growing through change: The album is therapeutic—like a soundtrack to self-healing.
- New R&B audiences: A modern take with nods to past legends.
Broader Context: Modern R&B’s Evolution
BELOVED fits into a larger trend: modern artists merging vintage soul with contemporary production. Think Daniel Caesar, H.E.R., Snoh Aalegra. GIVĒON stands out for his vocal dexterity and emotional transparency. He’s pursuing a niche that’s deeply human and deeply musical. On BELOVED, he claims ownership of the space.
With BELOVED, GIVĒON doesn’t just return—he matures. The album is cinematic, soulful, and heartfelt. It’s a testament to emotional resilience, delivered through impeccable musicianship and vocal nuance.
This record deserves full attention. It isn’t background noise—it’s a companion offering insight and reflection. It’s the perfect pick for late-night listening, introspective moments, or simply seeking musical beauty.