On most nights, I’ll probably be returning from yet another 1 a.m. Brody study session, my headphones in, listening to whatever fits the vibe. Recently, I’ve been listening to Daniel Caesar, because he released a new album, Son of Spergy, on Oct. 24. Caesar’s been quiet for so long that just seeing his name on a new album feels unreal.
But I’ve heard this album is different. I’ve scrolled through Reddit threads: that this one’s rawer, stripped down, less polished than his previous work. But I can’t help but feel that’s the point. Everything here feels a little unpolished: college, friendships, me trying to figure out what a hydroboration reaction is, and I think that’s why I’m clinging to this release so hard. Caesar turns his insecurities beautiful, like he’s scoring the spiral. In his trademark bittersweet voice, he transfigures his deepest flaws and heartbreaks into heartfelt testimony to the mistakes we all make.
So if Freudian is confession, and CASE STUDY 01 is apology, then Son of Spergy will be a form of sacred acceptance: the kind that finds you, between your half-finished essays and undercooked dining hall chicken.
Thansi Garikipati is a freshman studying Biophysics from Edmond, Okla.
