Syd 7/17/26

Syd - Beard (Album)

This is Syd’s third studio album, and the alternative R&B artist certainly did not disappoint, with more experimental production than has been seen in her previous two studio albums. The opening track is titled “Walls.” It is about craving a reconnection with somebody who has become emotionally distant, and that is due to pain from the past. Syd recognizes that the other person has built walls or barriers around themselves, and Syd asks for a chance to prove that she has changed and will not repeat the same mistakes. The song overall explores patience and forgiveness, and the track uses a smooth atmospheric R&B sound typical of Syd, but the soft percussion is definitely something that has been explored on this album and is something new. There is a warm bass, and the harmonizations that are brief make a dreamy atmosphere.

The next track, “Callin,” is about wanting a deep connection with someone and not being able to ignore the feelings of that desire. Syd portrays someone who isn’t quite interested in distractions or being in the spotlight, but instead, Syd wants the comfort of being close with one specific person. Overall, the song captures the excitement of wanting someone’s attention and the urgency of it all, while demonstrating a vulnerable side of attraction. Overall, the song's beat is an R&B groove with smooth bass and subtle percussion. It is more fast-paced and has a repetitive drum sound, but the melodies create a smoky and intimate atmosphere. The song features Blu June. I will say the song does have a pop feel that would be good to play on the radio.

The next song, “Jasmin 17,” is about appreciating someone who makes love feel effortless, even when Syd understands that she herself has flaws and specific struggles. She admits that her inconsistency can be difficult at times, but she is amazed by how this person continues to be there for her and understand her. The song focuses on admiration and the feeling of finding someone who is present in your life and is comforting and healing. The beat is very interesting. There is a groovy feel to it and an R&B feel with a rhythmic drum pattern, almost sounding like an afrobeat rhythm, which is all perfected with a smooth bass, and it gives a flirtatious energy that is very warm. Again, a very fast-paced song and upbeat for sure. This is a song I definitely enjoyed and one of the defining songs on this album.

“My Love” is about having intense and protective love for someone and wanting to make the person feel valued and safe. Syd talks about devotion so strong that she would be willing to do anything to demonstrate how much this person truly means to her, while recognizing that love is something that is stimulated from care rather than control. The track uses a smooth R&B sound with gentle guitar textures that create an elegant and romantic atmosphere throughout the song.

“Always Be Mine” is about wanting to stay by someone’s side despite your own personal struggles and imperfections. Syd talks about dealing with her inner battles and certain moments of self-doubt while asking for reassurance that the person she loves won’t abandon her when things get difficult. The song explores vulnerability and the idea of having someone who accepts you even at your lowest moments. The track has smooth alternative R&B with a trap-soul influence, featuring a laid-back drum groove and melodic textures that keep the focus on Syd and the great feature of Jordan Ward’s emotional vocals.

“Closet” is about the excitement of being comfortable enough and close with someone in a relationship where you want the person to stay around you so much that even leaving their clothes behind feels like a symbol of commitment and connection to this person. The song captures the feeling of someone being in your personal space and understanding that, for once, you don’t want the distance or independence you usually would have. The track has a smooth, intimate R&B production with soft grooves, dreamy melodies, and gentle rhythms that create a warm and affectionate late-night feeling. There are some fantastic harmonies on this song, as there are on many of the songs on this album, but truly, the harmonies that Syd uses paired up with the feature from Cube make the song one of my favorites on the album.

“Bad Guys” explores the idea that some people are not simply good or bad, but are defined by their experiences and how other people see them as a human being. Syd reflects on trying to prove her love to someone who may not fully trust her while questioning whether their expectations are realistic. The song focuses on the complexity of relationships, showing that everyone has specific flaws but still wants to be understood and craves love. The track uses a smooth alternative R&B sound with mellow guitar lines, subtle percussion, and production that creates a reflective and emotional atmosphere.

“GMFU” is about the confusion and frustration that happens after a relationship falls apart. Syd reflects on a connection where both people shared great moments with each other and supported each other, but eventually became too complicated to keep on going. The song captures feelings of heartbreak, disbelief, and making an effort to understand how someone who you had such a deep connection with can somehow become so distant. The song features Big Sean, and the track blends modern R&B with a darker atmosphere, using synths that are quite moody, heavy bass, and a hip-hop-inspired rhythm to invoke a tense and emotional feel.

“Do Better” is about understanding your own mistakes and the desire to change before you lose someone who loves you. Syd reflects on a repeating pattern that is unhealthy, hurting someone very patient with her, and realizing that love alone is not enough without effort and growth. This song is a confession of regret and wanting to be better. The track features emotional R&B production with a smooth groove, layered vocals that are shown throughout the album and are great, soft percussion, and melodies that create a reflective and vulnerable mood.

“Any Time” is about being stuck in a relationship that you know is not healthy for you but feeling unable to walk away because the connection there is so strong. Syd and James Fauntleroy trade different perspectives on a love that keeps pulling them back in, even when they recognize the problems between them. The song explores temptation, emotional attachment, and the struggle between knowing something is not right but still wanting it anyway. The track uses dreamy R&B production with subtle synths, smooth piano touches, soft drums, and a warm bassline that creates a hazy, intimate atmosphere.

“Water” is about being a calming and supportive presence for someone who is overwhelmed or lost. Syd compares love to water, describing herself as someone who can bring peace and stability to another person. The song focuses on patience and caring for someone while accepting their imperfections and struggles. The track has a smooth, sensual R&B sound with flowing melodies, relaxed percussion, and a bass that creates a calm ocean-like atmosphere, fitting into the role of the song being titled “Water.”

“2 Many Days” is the last track on this album and is a very fitting way to end this album. It’s about reflecting on her success and the sacrifices that come with wanting a better life. Syd looks back on past mistakes and the hard work she has done that has helped her get where she is today, while also admitting that success brings pressure and the desire to slow down is very present. The song balances confidence and gratitude with a more personal story from Syd, showing a true struggle of trying to provide for others while not becoming distant from the people who matter. The track is slowed down and has a nice drum and bass as the main instruments present, and there is subtle percussion with a snap rhythm that makes this song bold and gives it a deep-in-thought energy.

Overall, this album explores many different themes of love and the complexities that come with loving someone, even when the other person does not show the same amount of love, and struggling to deal with bad love and understanding what that truly is. The album has many different instruments, and the production is very complex. If I am a Syd fan and I enjoyed her past two studio albums, I would definitely take a listen to this new album. It is different and honestly better than her previous two. I do believe this album is her best out of her three, and although some topics are repetitive, her ability to use her vocals and the production work makes each song on this album unique. The only criticism I will say is the repetition of themes, but again, each song has its own complexity of lyrics and production, which gives each song on this album a definition and a place on this record.

Final Verdict: Essential

Personal Favorites: “Callin,” “Jasmin 17,” “Closet,” and “GMFU” .