How a viral TikTok snippet propelled an indie artist to the Billboard 200
In short: In late 2024, a snippet of a song called 'Chest Pain (I Love)' began circulating on social media. What started as a digital trend soon transformed into a chart-topping debut album, marking the arrival of American singer-songwriter Malcolm Todd on the global music stage.
The ascent of Malcolm Todd’s self-<0xC2>ened debut album, released on April 4, 2025, via Columbia Records, is a study in modern virality. The momentum began months earlier, on December 4, 2024, with the release of the single 'Chest Pain (I Love)'. After a teaser week, the track exploded on TikTok, particularly across Southeast Asia, and later gained renewed traction through its use in a viral video for the game R.E.P.O.
Musically, the album is a blend of alternative R&B and indie pop, characterized by electronic synthesizers, drum beats, and funky guitar riffs. Produced primarily by Todd alongside Jonah Cochran and Charlie Ziman, the project showcases a range of influences. Tracks like 'Make Me a Better Man' lean into blues, featuring a guitar solo that Rolling Stone compared to the work of Mk.gee. In contrast, the ballad 'Florence' introduces rock elements, while the closing track, 'I'll Come Back for You', strips the instrumentation back entirely.
Critical reception was largely positive, with the album reaching number 49 on the Billboard 200. Critics noted Todd's self-awareness and refusal to take himself too seriously, with AllMusic's Marcy Donelson drawing comparisons to Steve Lacy and Dominic Fike. The album's success was bolstered by a deluxe expansion, 'Malcolm Todd (still)', released on August 8, 2025. This era also saw collaborations with artists like Omar Apollo on the single 'Bleed', a track featuring cameos by Jack Harlow, Harry Daniels, and Keith William Richards in its music video.
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