The paradox of fame and the cycle of youth
In short: Malcolm Todd’s second album explores a specific tension: how personal growth clashes with the repetitive cycles of romance. By blending classic pop with modern R&B, Todd maps out the transition from bedroom-pop intimacy to the complicated reality of navigating genuine connection in a world of curated fame.
Released on June 5, 2026, 'Do That Again' serves as a sonic exploration of relationship issues and the 'fragility of men.' Recorded over six months across New York’s Electric Lady Studios and Los Angeles’ Chaplin Studios, the album reflects Todd’s personal evolution following his 2025 debut. The title itself is a dual homage, inspired by both a private journal entry and the concise phrasing of Marvin Gaye's 1976 hit 'I Want You.'
The production leans into genre-fluidity, bouncing between guitar pop, R&B, and indie rock. Tracks like 'Jean Skirt' utilize heavy guitars and indie-pop riffs, while 'Obsessica' employs music boxes and raspy vocals to convey infatuation. However, the album is also marked by a sense of self-resentment. In 'Gun to My Head,' Todd explicitly addresses the cost of his career, singing about giving up love to pursue fame—a sentiment he clarified in interviews as a struggle to distinguish genuine connections from those made possible by his public profile.
Critical reception highlights this duality: some praised the 'honest' and 'raw' vulnerability of tracks like 'I Saw Your Face,' while others criticized the use of clichés or 'lowbrow' humor. The record reached number five on the Billboard 200, selling 67,000 units despite receiving varied critiques. It marked Todd’s first top-10 entry on that chart, peaking at number two on several other categories including Top Rock & Alternative Albums.
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