The Return of Ady Suleiman: Chasing Album Review
The music industry today comes with a laundry list of independent artists who display true grit and an unwavering work ethic - RAYE, Charlotte Day Wilson, Girlfriend and RUBII to name a few. Now, it’s Ady Suleiman’s turn. After a six year long hiatus, the Nottingham raised, London based singer-songwriter is back with aplomb.
His sophomore album Chasing follows on from his 2018 LP Memories and the 2019 Thoughts & Moments Vol. 1 Mixtape - two projects that built the solid foundation for his position in the R&B realm. It’s an intercontinental affair, written, recorded and mastered across London and Zanzibar - where he took the opportunity to connect with his familial roots. Chasing is an introspective, personal, labour of love that features an authentic blend of R&B, neo-soul and reggae, topped off with a sprinkling of jazz. Once an artist signed to Sony Music, this project serves as a reinvention of his musicality - a new chapter in the book, if you will. Speaking on the project, Ady explains: “Chasing is a collection of songs I wrote in my late 20s. I found myself searching for clarity and navigating uncertainty - in my mental health, relationships, identity and the world around me.”
The project opens with titular track Chasing. It features soft production, with drum beats and guitar riffs reminiscent of an acoustic cover, allowing for Ady’s equally feathery voice to take centre stage. The message is poignant - “don’t go wasting all your loving on somebody who don’t care” - making it equal parts sombre and beautiful.
Miracle is like the sunshine breaking through dusky clouds after a heavy bout of rain. A beautifully simple beat, accompanied by the familiar guitar strums that are commonplace in his songs. Ady has previously discussed his struggles with mental health that were present during his time away from making music, and he expertly paints a picture of his battle. He croons: "stepping out in the sunshine, with a heart full of rain// everyone’s on a good time, I wish that I never came.” The latter part does a complete 180, evoking feelings of joy, gratitude and freedom: “it feels good to be back in the game again.” Evidence that his perspective has shifted.
Themes of accountability, love and regret are weaved intricately throughout the 11 songs, the latter most prevalent in seventh track Never Meant To Hurt You. It’s a candid number, including vocals from Birmingham’s own, rapper Kofi Stone, one of two features on the album. Ady spills his true feelings over three minutes and 39 seconds, wishing for the chance to rewind time and rekindle what he once had. It sounds like the real yearners’ anthem to me.
Ady’s album is tied up in the neatest little bow with final track Family Tune. It’s a sweet, jaunty number, where he takes a moment to express how proud he is of his family and thanks them for accompanying him on his journey. The composition of the instrumental doesn’t stray from the stripped back elements that are found in the other songs on the album - it has an air of luminosity to it which hits the ear just right. In the chorus he sings: “yeah I’ve got you for the highs, and you seen me when I’m low // take a shoulder when you cry, be there if you fall through.” Can someone pass the tissues?
As a whole, Chasing is a sunshine-bright project that’s melodic and full-bodied, whilst also being deeply comforting. Ady bares his soul with the listener, in a way that avoids being sappy and melodramatic. His decision to take a breather didn’t hinder his musical ability, it’s given his voice time to develop a rich, mature tinge and if anything it’s made his final product even stronger. He’s without a doubt reinserted himself into the R&B conversation with practiced ease. It’s an album akin to a therapy session that should be played over and over, and I’m certain it’ll propel him to the heights he deserves.
Standout tracks: What If, Cry and Never Meant To Hurt You
