Dende - A Happy Man | Track-by-Track Listen
Wow. I feel as though I’m a little late to the party. Or maybe that this listening session is overdue. I’ve been following Dende on Twitter for some time now. I couldn’t even tell you how are why that following started but my timeline is sure to remind me that there is music I still need to dig into. It’s been almost seven months since my last track-by-track listen and I think this album will earn its spot as I slowly return to this series. Outside of a few snippets here and there, I can’t say that I’ve fully thrown myself into Dende’s discography. There isn’t much of a precursor to this listen. As with other writings before it, I will be listening to this album with fresh ears while I lay down my thoughts as they come to me. So without any more hesitation, let’s hit play:
A Happy Man - Okay. I was loving the guitar and then the drums kicked in. It’s a short track but his words are setting the tone and expectation for the rest of the album.
Close2U - That transition was flawless. I know it’s only track two but I am surprised by the amount of singing. Is this an R&B album? I guess I didn’t have any thoughts about what this album would be. This could almost play as a live album. I’m envisioning a Tiny Desk Concert; it would be a perfect fit. The sentiment here is refreshing. It’s not quite crooning and it’s not quite apologetic but there’s a feeling there.
Phone Number - Okay, I definitely remember the promo for this song along with the features from Chris Patrick and Bairi. I distinctly remember the cover art for the single as well. Sonically, this album is very cohesively: a soundtrack to a sunset drive. Both verses from Bairi and Chris Patrick are amazing. I love that throwback melody towards at the end. Bairi is a fantastic singer (with a single to be released soon, as well).
A Happy Man’s Demons - “What’s a sad day to a happy man?” Hmm. This album has poetic elements in it that gives it a special kind of life. This voice is too familiar, it cuts deep. I was wondering when this album was going to get dark and this feels like the answer. Short lived.
I Cried - This feels like the reprieve from the previous track. This is an important track. I’ll have to come back to it to dig in a little deeper. Love a transition. It feels like FL Studio’s Gross Beat. It didn’t give me the relief I was expecting. Is the album going to get deeper? It makes me anxious and ready to hear the next song.
Broke - Another feature I follow, Jon Swaii. I love how this album features these other artists that I’ve been following. Of course I don’t know any of these artists personally but it still feels like a full-circle moment. Jon Swaii is the fourth feature so far and not a single one has disappointed. This just makes me glad that payday is around the corner.
WAIT! - This feels equal parts hopeful and exhausted. This might be my favorite track so far. I’ll definitely be coign back to this one.
Say Sum - Alright. I’m noticing a theme. There’s a lot of romantic undertones but the singing and the smooth flows blurs the lines of genres. They continue to keep the production interesting with transitions and breakdowns. Which reminds me, I need to go over the credits for this album.
DrkSkin - I always find it interesting when a featured artist features more than once on an album. And that’s an album on any level. It’s Chris Patrick so I’m sure the performance delivers. This feels a lot slower. This feels like a jazz club. Can we get this man a Tiny Desk Concert? A concert livestream from the house? Wait.. I think I heard this through a snippet of the music video. Yeah. I think it was the hook. I replayed that snippet several times. Can’t help but nod my head to this. The kick. The bassline. Oh yeah. This is definitely my new favorite. It doesn’t overstay its welcome and it’s not too short. A must add to the playlist.
I Smile - The most energetic production, probably. This album takes you through the peaks and the valleys. It gives my ears a story and I appreciate that. It feels like a satisfying journey. But damn, that wind down at the end of the album makes me feel like the balloon popped and the party is over. And maybe it is but I’ll be there for the next one.
Well… I hate that I waited this long to sit with this album. Better late than never, I suppose. I really enjoyed the fact that this album wasn’t what I was expecting. It’s introspective without feeling preachy or self-loathing. It shows you the downside but it also offers some hope.
Be sure to follow Dende on Twitter and Instagram.
You can stream A Happy Man on Apple Music.