I Forgive You is the second studio album by British singer-songwriter Cynthia Erivo, released on 6 June 2025, through Verve and Republic Records. It marks a more personal and introspective chapter in Erivo's solo career, reflecting her desire to embrace vulnerability and authenticity.
Developed over two years in collaboration with songwriter and producer Will Wells, the album blends diverse genres such as pop, R&B, Brit pop, folk, and gospel into a cohesive, emotionally rich work. Recorded during breaks from filming Wicked, Erivo described it as a collection of stories about forgiveness—both of others and herself—and journeys through love, heartbreak, and renewal.
Critically, I Forgive You has been praised for its thoughtful production, emotional honesty, and sophisticated exploration of themes rarely foregrounded for Black women in music, including sensuality and identity. Reviews highlight Erivo's restrained vocal delivery and the album's blend of genres, ranging from contemporary R&B to unexpected elements like yodelling. Though noted for its ambitious length, the album's nuanced songwriting and raw expression have earned it acclaim as a significant artistic statement.
Background
Prior to this, Erivo shifted her focus inward to reinvigorate her solo music career, resulting in I Forgive You, released on June 6 through Verve and Republic Records. Reflecting on her 2021 debut Ch. 1 Vs. 1, she felt it lacked cohesion and didn't fully showcase her vocal abilities.[1] Recorded during breaks from filming Wicked, Erivo described the album to the Associated Press as "a collection of stories and songs that are both personal for things that are happening now, things that have happened in the past, and I think some of which I have had to forgive people for." She added, "And honestly, some of which I've had to forgive myself for."[2]
The album was developed over a period of more than two years, with Erivo collaborating with songwriter and producer Will Wells.[3] Erivo is credited as a co-writer on every track. The second single, "Worst of Me", described as an orchestralballad addressing themes of heartbreak and loss, was released on 11 April 2025, following the lead single "Replay".[3][4][5] At a listening event in London, Erivo shared that I Forgive You reflects a desire to fully embrace and express all facets of herself, including her sensuality and sexuality—an aspect she noted is often overlooked, particularly for Black women. She cited artists like Toni Braxton and Prince as inspirations, referencing their bold exploration of such themes in music. During the event, she previewed several tracks from the album, including "Why", "More Than Twice", "Best for Me", "She Said", "I Choose Love", and "Brick by Brick".[6]
On I Forgive You, she is said to be letting go of all inhibitions, holding nothing back, and opening up more than ever before. According to a press release, the album "[traces] a personal, poetic and poignant journey through romance, heartbreak, love, forgiveness, rebirth and new beginnings".[5]
Composition
I Forgive You blends pop, R&B,[7]Brit pop, folk, gospel, and other genres into a cohesive, emotionally introspective work.[8][9][10] With tender production and personal lyrics, Erivo explores themes of forgiveness and humanity, aiming to present a more vulnerable, authentic self.[11] Softer and more intimate than her past work, it emphasizes forgiveness and vulnerability. The album's sensual grooves and breathy vocals reflect her return to soul influences like Marvin Gaye and Brandy.[12] Erivo described the album as more unified than her debut, aiming to present a complete and honest self. She experimented with vocal extremes and unconventional techniques, including whistling, yodelling, and percussive sounds made with her fingernails.[13]
Variety noted that while I Forgive You contains elements of contemporary R&B, its overall sound leans more toward a moody, Hozier-like aesthetic. The review also highlighted Erivo's restrained vocal delivery, diverging from expectations of theatrical belting.[7]Melodic Magazine praised the album's emotional honesty and thoughtful composition, describing it as a musically impressive work that explores love, pain, and resilience with refreshing sincerity.[15]Attitude described the album as a sonic reflection of Erivo's powerful presence and identity, praising its sophistication and emotional intensity, while noting its ambitious length as a minor drawback.[14]The Skinny praised I Forgive You as a bold blend of genres — from gospel and folk to pop and even yodelling — calling it a raw and expressive statement of intent that showcases Erivo's artistry beyond a vanity project.[8]
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