The vocalist and composer unveils a curated selection of tracks delving into affection—and the lingering fixation once it dissipates.
BEN DORADO and DANIEL DERRO, COURTESY EPIC RECORDS, A DIVISION OF SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
“Through my artistry, I’m captivated by the overarching theme,” expresses Giveon Evans. “That’s the key to enduring music, especially if it presents a narrative that resonates deeply with individuals.”
Within the pop landscape, perhaps no topic has undergone as much lyrical exploration and idealistic depiction as romance, a perennial subject that has instigated countless hit progressions and a multitude of venturesome vocalists and writers. However, for Evans, recognized on stage as Givēon, the impetus for his latest album, Beloved, stemmed from retrospect—examining past romantic failures, and his contributions to their decline. This collection of songs delves into affection forfeited and wisdom accrued. “I truly enjoy dissecting the subtleties of affection and relational dynamics broadly,” remarks the 30-year-old R&B artist, who also holds a strong affinity for romantic comedies, citing 2005’s Hitch and 2005’s How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days as his favorites.
“SUCCESS is being able to stay AUTHENTIC to YOURSELF in the MIDST of all of THIS.”
To realize the profound emotional quality he sought on Beloved, Evans gleaned inspiration from recordings within his family’s vinyl archive, featuring soul icons such as Teddy Pendergrass, Luther Vandross, and the O’Jays. “They weren’t focused on intricate riffs, runs, or showy elements; instead, it was pure, untamed feeling,” Evans elaborates, noting that his own refined, evocative vocal style directly echoes the genre’s illustrious era of the 1960s and 1970s. “I aimed to prioritize emotion above technical skill.” In the track “Twenties,” Evans reflects woefully on years expended in an incompatible bond, whereas in “Strangers,” he questions, “How we go from ‘I love you’ to ‘How you been?’” The full compilation of Beloved, which demanded three years to assemble, following his 2022 album, Give or Take, showcases a more polished, lived-in, and vulnerable Giveōn. “Success hinges on the ability to remain genuine to oneself amidst all of this; I’m presenting my unfiltered feelings for critical assessment.”
For this publication, Evans has assembled a selection of tracks centered on affection—and the lingering obsession in its absence. The assortment includes Teddy Pendergrass’s languid, sorrowful composition, “Love T.K.O.,” and Deniece Williams’s smooth and soothing 1976 hit, “Free,” an empowering expression of individual independence. “My mother would play that during her cheerful moments,” Evans recalls regarding the latter song. “I relate it to an inviting, upbeat atmosphere; the essence of that music is lovely.”
Tune into Givēon’s curated tracks exclusively on Apple Music.
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