As an alienated parent, fighting for custody, this is a scenario, artist Boyd United knows full well.
A nasty divorce in 2015 left him longing for his estranged son and now he is fighting for his custody. United's attorney is expected to cost $45,000. To help through such a difficult situation, he has decided to use music as a way to express his emotions and gather the strength to fight this battle.
Having seamlessly transitioned into a competent solo artist, the Atlanta based virtuoso continues his musical quest, with the intimacy of his newly released album, ‘Broken’, offering a spiritual outlook on life.
Fusing elements of Hip-Hop, R&B and Country, Boyd United applies the skills he possessed as frontman of a contemporary Christian band, and projects these into a deeply personal project, whose introspection evokes a powerful listen.
The title track, ‘Broken’, immediately opens the album with a sombre ambience, as the reflective tone of the piano melody lays the foundation for United’s passionate vocal harmonies.
Attributing his personal growth to his devoted relationship with God, the Atlanta musician remarks, “the old me has passed away”, as the melancholia diminishes and presents United in a more definitive mindset, allowing him to conquer heartbreak through his affinity with “The Father”.
Similar themes are explored across the liberating acoustic track ‘No More’, where United sings about “letting go of my selfishness”.
As the woven melodies float across the tranquil guitar strumming, United’s emotions quickly become enhanced, with the lyrics “you took me with all my flaws” showcasing the acceptance of God, and how being in touch with his religious and spiritual mind has helped forge a new beginning.
This sense of belonging is a prevalent theme throughout the playlist, as United proceeds to find comfort in the presence of God on the acoustic track, ‘Your Time’.
With the sound of the ukulele complimenting United’s husky vocals, he defiantly protests “quit trying to do it on your own,” reinforcing this sense of protection he feels having found himself at one with religion.
As sang on the melodious ‘Long Way From Home,’ United showcases a more nonchalant side to his personality, where his ode to “my rock, my refuge, my salvation” is infectious in its motivational qualities.
But despite his pride and strong connection with the Lord, United remains aware of the incessant mental challenges which lie ahead of him, and proceeds to address these conflicts on the eerie slow-burner, ‘Confessions.’
Though the grimy guitar loop and lagging tempo help magnify the gloom of the track, the intense atmosphere rather dwindles as the chorus addresses the devil’s hostility with the lyric, “said ooo – shut your mouth”.
While this lyric may be too cheesy for some, the significance of its overarching theme can’t be disputed, as the conflicts addressed throughout the track will undoubtedly resonate with many listeners.
Boyd United's NEW album is out November 1, 2022.
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