Teddy Swims
amassed a big enough following through his YouTube covers of
Michael Jackson
,
Shania Twain
, and
Amy Winehouse
to earn himself a major label deal. After signing with
Warner Bros.
in early 2020, the Georgia-based singer kicked off a prolific string of one-off singles and EPs that tested the range of his powerhouse voice. After three years, he finally landed a charting hit with 2023's torchy "Lose Control," the lead single from his debut album,
I've Tried Everything But Therapy, Pt. 1
.
Swims
' music lives somewhere between vintage soul, classic rock, and contemporary pop balladry with a bit of a country kick. Surrounding his breakout single are nine more tastefully arranged songs aided by a committee of producers and hitmakers like
Ammo
Julian Bunetta
John Ryan
. Emotional opener "Some Things I'll Never Know" is a dusky piano ballad that feels like a custom-built showpiece, but deeper cuts like "The Door" and "Flame" are a little more interesting, each with its own moody, late-night vibe and pleasingly organic feel.
' voice sounds comfortable and lived in and the songs generally serve this effect without going too far over the top into abject showiness. He's come a long way since fronting local Atlanta rock and soul bands and his experience shows on this debut. ~ Timothy Monger