Neeko Crowe - Every Race Is A Solo One | Track-by-Track Listen
This is the first Track-by-Track Listen of it’s kind coming from me. Today, I am listening to a project from an artist that I have not previously listened to before (aside from skimming the first few songs before typing this article). Off of these skimming snippets, I decided that I wanted to sit down with Neeko Crowe’s project in its entirety and give my first thoughts as I go through it. I came across this project via one of my followers on Twitter who happened to share it to my TL. It appears it was released on December 11, 2020 and the tweet that led me here was posted by Neeko himself but six hours prior to publishing. This is why it’s important for artists to continue to promote their work whether it’s been six days, six weeks, or six months. Your work will be new to someone. So with no other information to go off of, let’s get right to it.
Leaves in the Wind (feat. Melanie Faye) - Interesting dialogue at the beginning. I’ve never heard of Melanie Faye but I might have to look into that after hearing these vocals. I knew from the snippets that Neeko Crowe had something to say and he effortlessly weaves this between these knocking drums. The lyrics will have to be analyzed later. The guitar solo at the end is beautiful. I’d love to see more of this in the project. A good way to start it off.
Issues 4 Sale - I love the instrumentation. The lyrics are sad as Hell but they draw you in. “I got fucked up trying to cope something….Guess I think too much.” Though these words are sad, there is a lot of strength, too. A lot of reflection. I love to see an artist being this vulnerable. I honestly think a lot of people will relate to this track in one way or another. I can’t tell if these guitars are original or if they’re chopped and I feel it either way.
Mental - One of the songs that I skimmed originally. A lot of energy. The bass and hi hats are very prominent so far in this project. I don’t like to make comparisons but this gives me the same feeling I get when I listen to Baby Keep and he was one of the best new artists I started listening to in 2020. The vocal production is very interesting. In some parts, it sounds as though Neeko is speaking over your shoulder. Makes the track that much more chilling.
Stock Boy - Another beautiful production. Is there a drop? It’s getting more chopped…Okay. Not what I was expecting. A softer Neeko here. Thumbs up for versatility. The title being Every Race Is A Solo One makes more and more sense as this body of work progresses. It truly feels like he’s trying to reflect and process all of these different emotions. And maybe we are all running our own solo race, figuring things out for ourselves with every step we take. Another skit. “Find peace.”
Kill! - This is bouncy and not what I was expecting from the song title. This has been my favorite song so far. “Don’t give too much to what ain’t real.” I’m also realizing this is his first body of work with over 8000 monthly listeners. He’s definitely earned a follow from me. I’ll definitely be keeping up with him on his music journey. Twitter said I followed too many up and coming artists so I can’t give him that follow for a few days.
23 & Me - I will say that the writing doesn’t stop at the verses but also translates rather well into his hooks. His singing voice isn’t too bad, either. It has a lot of character. A voice that could tell you a couple things. “Breaking down the old ways. That my mother gave. That my father laid.” Interesting outro.
Lost in the Deep End - Again, not something I was expecting. It creates a more balanced listening experience. It shows the depth and the substance of what Neeko Crowe has to offer. Alright, the guitars on here have to be original. I need to find the song credits. Is Neeko responsible for the production as well? That would be another level of holy shit.
Walk on Water - I’m ready to hear the juxtaposition of two tracks going from “the deep end” to “walking on water”. Surely intentional. The project is taking a much slower turn towards the end. I think these are the cuts that would create your cult following; the songs that would your listeners would continue to praise even as you progressed as an artist. I love the distortion here, too. I’m interested in his influences. The type of production and songwriting suggests that he has a very eclectic ear. Oh yeah, this last minute is crazy. This makes me feel like I’m back at an HBCU. I applaud this.
Hosanna - This production is a lot more uplifting. I appreciate the song sequence with this project. This is also the brightest we heard Neeko. I wonder how this will carry into his next album. This is a good way to tie everything up. Another nod to the vocal production. Overall, I am very pleased I gave this a listen.
You can follow Neeko Crowe on Twitter and Instagram.
Stream Every Race Is A Solo One on Apple Music.