In today’s album spotlight, I’ll be looking into Dragg’s latest offering, “Mixed Feelings,” released via Pretty Decent Music. This record is a deep dive into the artist’s personal story through the highs and lows of romance and heartbreak. As you immerse yourself in the tracks on this new release Friday, you’ll find that the raw emotion embedded in the songwriting is nothing short of amazing.
One of the joys of music journalism is the thrill of uncovering new sounds and talents previously off my radar. And it’s safe to say that Dragg, (Lawrence Sean Sibanda), has firmly captured my attention with this release. His ability to articulate the complexities of the heart through his music is so strong, it is almost a rare find in today’s music.
Opening the album, Dragg’s “2am In Montecasino” hit me with a kind of ethereal embrace, setting the stage with a backdrop that feels nice. The introduction is marked by a subtle acoustic rhythm that brings on the impending beat, which comes in at the 20-second mark with a cool little inviting groove. Now, this groove carves a path through the track which is done very well with the rhythm.
The vocal delivery is executed with precision, particularly in the rap sections where the final syllables are adorned with a harmonic vocal layer that adds depth to the song. There is also this cool like spoken word segments performed by a female voice, which are ingeniously integrated to resemble a conversation over the phone. Again, I have to say this helps pull you into that atmosphere that this song is setting.
This song is like stepping into a time machine that takes you straight back to the golden era of R&B. The vocals are silky smooth, and that melody that hooked me right in. It’s the kind of tune that resonates with anyone who’s got a soft spot for classic R&B vibes.
As the chorus wraps up, there’s this slick transition that’s all about the groove. It’s like a nod to the legends, Zapp and Roger, with that unmistakable funk that just gets your head nodding. Whether it’s a direct homage or just a happy coincidence, it’s a sweet spot for anyone who digs that old-school funk sound. Which I very much do!
I’ve got to say, it’s tracks like these that make me want to tell everyone not to skimp on a decent pair of headphones. There’s this killer use of stereo panning in the synth sections that just glides from one ear to the other. It’s slick, it’s cool, and it totally elevates the whole vibe.
It’s these kinds of details I really enjoy. They might seem small, but they make all the difference. They pull you deeper into the track’s world, and man, does it make an impact. It’s a quick track, sure, but it’s got staying power.
The song is like a snapshot of those spontaneous nights out—no plans, just living in the moment. It’s about those encounters that are all about the now, where tomorrow is a world away. The song captures that feeling when you’re not looking for anything serious, just the company of someone who gets it. When you’re not trying to be someone’s everything, just their ‘right now.’ The song really nails that vibe of casual connections, where it’s cool to just be and let the night take you where it will.
“Last Forever” starts off with a laid-back vibe, the keys twinkling like stars in a night sky; then, it smoothly transitions into a solid beat that really makes the track stand out. But what’s super cool is this echoey clacking sound that plays off the beat, adding a unique layer to the rhythm.
There’s an elegance woven throughout the song, thanks to a classy keyboard effect in the background. It’s like the track is wearing a suit and tie, but it’s not afraid to let its hair down with some creative synth work. This brings in a wave of nostalgia, a throwback to the golden days of R&B from Motown, all while keeping it fresh.
And that echo effect? It’s like a call and response with the past, a modern twist on a classic sound that’s both familiar and new. It’s the kind of track that feels timeless, like it could last forever, you could say. “Last Forever” really nails the blend of sophistication and groove. It’s like the track’s got a foot in two worlds—the smooth, refined tones of the keys and arrangement on one side, and the raw, infectious energy of classic funk on the other. They come together in a way that’s just seamless.
The vocals are where the R&B soul shines through, smooth as silk but with a twist. Those synthesized pitch effects that pop up now and then add a modern flair without losing that soulful touch. And when the beat hits those pulsating thumps, it’s like the song takes a breath, giving you a moment to just feel that rhythm before it dives back in.
Korusbird steps up to the mic in the second half, and the shift is strong. Her voice is felt here. The interplay between her and Dragg is electric, their voices intertwining in a dance that’s as natural as it is mesmerizing. The songwriting deserves a shoutout too. It’s sharp, it’s smart, and it’s got heart.
Lines like “you’ll never crash if I let you drive” feel both clever and deep. They speak of trust, of giving control, of a partnership where both voices have the space to soar. This does not feel like a duet, but it’s a conversation, a dialogue that’s as much about the words as it is about the unspoken understanding between them.
This song is about the heartbeat of a moment. It’s not about fleeting passion or transient encounters; it’s about savoring the present, stretching it out until it becomes an eternity. It’s about a love that defies the rush of time, where the rush takes a backseat to connection.
The track balances delicately between desire and patience. It’s like a slow dance—the kind where you hold your partner close, feeling their breath against your skin, and the world fades away. There’s no need for big gestures or any kind of declarations, it’s the quiet intimacy that speaks volumes.
They’re not going anywhere. Instead, they slow down, savoring each second. It’s a plea to each other to make this moment last forever, to etch it into memory so deeply that it becomes a part of their very essence. Which brings me back to this point I made earlier; this is some outstanding songwriting.
When “Give It To You” starts, it’s Tania DeBarros’ voice that grabs my attention first. She’s got this way of riffing that’s both quick and smooth, and it sets the stage for everything else in the song. The backdrop is adorned with graceful plucking strings that add a layer of elegance to the track. It’s complemented by synth work that infuses the song with an atmospheric charm, which felt really cool to me.
This track for me was like stepping into a familiar room filled with new furniture. Tania’s voice is the centerpiece. She’s got this ethereal quality that floats above the track, adding layers of depth. Similarly, Dragg’s verses are the framework, solid and sure, giving structure to the song while her voice acts as the ornamentation, the details that catch the light.
The harmonies at the end are like the final piece of a puzzle, clicking into place to reveal the full picture. It’s a synergy of voices that feels like a conversation, one that’s been going on for years but still has new things to say. The way Tania’s vocals return to conclude the song, coupled with those harmonies, is like a nod to the greats—Maya, Aaliyah—whose influence is felt in the track’s DNA. It’s a beautiful circle of influence that continues to resonate strongly with me. The singing is like a bridge to the past, yet it stands firmly in the present.
The song is about the themes of deep affection, commitment, and the intimate moments shared between two people. It’s about the anticipation and excitement of reuniting with a loved one after even a short time apart, and the desire to express love both physically and emotionally. It’s a celebration of a mature, secure love that is not just about the thrill of the moment but also about the enduring connection that lasts a lifetime. It’s a love that is confident and self-assured, one that has found its rhythm and knows its worth.
To me, this album is a standout not just for its soulful depth but for its understanding of what makes music connect with people. Each song, even those hovering just below the three-minute mark, is a complete story, delivering a satisfying amount that never feels rushed or incomplete.
In a time when the industry is flooded with albums packed with tracks that stretch on seemingly without end, this album is a refreshing departure. It’s a clear demonstration that the impact of a song isn’t measured in minutes, but in the connection it forges with us. The vocal work on tracks like “Without Me” is a prime example—every note is laden with emotion, each line delivered with a passion that’s tangible. “Without Me” also features Amandi Music, who hails from my own hometown of Boston, MA. He’s previously collaborated with Dragg on tracks like “Holla At You,” and it’s fantastic to see him featured again.
Many times, I found myself just saying ‘wow’ with a smile under my breath. This is some amazing talent here. Then there’s the track “Blue Dreams, “a song that stands out not just for its content but for its approach. Though it’s essentially spoken word, calling it just that would be an understatement. The guitar used here is a traditional Spanish nylon-string guitar. This type of guitar, often used in flamenco music, is known for its bright, percussive sound due in part to its smaller body size compared to a classical guitar. Because of this, the song sounds as mysterious as it is subtle. That alone makes it a banger in its own right.
The album exemplifies the principle of quality over quantity. It’s a collection where each track has been crafted with care, not just thrown together to fill a quota. It’s a reminder that in the right hands, music can be transformative, a gateway to emotions and experiences that are as strong as they are ephemeral.
This record doesn’t just tick the boxes of what makes a great hip hop and a great R&B record—it transcends them. It’s a reminder of why fans of this style fell in love with music in the first place: not for the length of the tracks or their number, but for the stories they tell and the feelings they evoke. And yeah, there are no mixed feelings about Mixed Feelings, this is a fantastic album.