Review
Treading the space between classic and contemporary, BELOVED feels like a soul-soaked confession that’s been polished to cinematic lushness. From the string-and-horn drenched opener to moments of raw reflection in tracks like “Mud,” Giveon leans into the lessons of love and time with quiet authority. His baritone—velvety, aching, grounded—does the heavy lifting, carrying weight whether he’s lamenting a love past (“Twenties”) or negotiating the ghosting of affection (“Strangers”).
Where the album truly shines is in its restraint. There are no over-the-top moves, just elegant moments of tension and release—see the slow-burning vulnerability of “Rather Be” or the fragile loyalty in “Keeper.” It’s a mature, self-aware R&B album that doesn’t need flash to be affecting. - Amira
Artist Bio
GIVēon, born Giveon Dezmann Evans in 1995 in Long Beach, California, is an R&B singer-songwriter known for his deep baritone and emotionally resonant tracks. He started releasing music in 2018, but rose to prominence after being featured on Drake’s “Chicago Freestyle” in 2020 and later collaborating with Justin Bieber and Daniel Caesar on the chart-topping single “Peaches.” GIVĒON is recognized for his smooth blend of contemporary R&B with nods to jazz and soul influences, and his debut EP, Take Time, earned a Grammy nomination. Notable for hits like “Heartbreak Anniversary,” he’s also signed to Epic Records and continues to draw fans with his distinct sound. Listeners who enjoy artists like Daniel Caesar, Brent Faiyaz, or Frank Ocean may find his work especially appealing.
