Malcolm Todd is the debut studio album by Malcolm Todd,released on April 4,2025 by Columbia Records. It follows his 2024 mixtape Sweet Boy and contains a guest feature from Omar Apollo. Three singles were released in support of the album:"Chest Pain (I Love)",which went viral on social media,"Bleed",and "Cheer Me On". A deluxe version of the album,Malcolm Todd (Still),is set to be released on August 8,2025,and was promoted with the single "Original".
Malcolm Todd released his debut mixtape Sweet Boy in April 2024. It was his third project overall,following the EPs Demos Before Prom and Shower Shoes. He gained exposure through the virality of the songs "Art House" and "Roomates" from the mixtape.[1]
Production and composition
Overview
The album is primarily an alternative R&B and indie pop album. The album is produced by Todd along with his bandmate Jonah Cochran and Charlie Ziman.[2] It contains funky guitar riffs,drum beats,and electronic synthesizers.[3]
Songs
The opening track,"Harry Styles",is a short,ironic song in which Todd compares himself to Harry Styles,saying "But if I’m not a Harry Styles / They’re gonna put me on the shelf." over passive instrumentation. He also reminisces his failed attempt to perform at the Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival in 2024. "Make Me a Better Man" is a blues-influenced track that contains crooning about sexuality and masculinity and a guitar solo that Rolling Stone likened to work of Mk.gee. "Bleed" is a smooth collaboration with Omar Apollo. "Concrete" is co-written by Todd's sister and Gracie Abrams collaborator Audrey Hobert.[4] On "Florence",a ballad,Todd adds a rock influence,and he strips back the instrumentals on "I'll Come Back for You",the closing track.[5][6][7][8]
Release and promotion
Malcolm Todd released the first single from the album,"Chest Pain (I Love)",on December 4,2024. It went viral on TikTok,especially in Southeast Asia,after he teased a snippet the week before its release.[2][9] On February 26,2025,he announced the album and released the single "Bleed",featuring Omar Apollo,two days later.[10] In the song's music video,Jack Harlow,Harry Daniels,and Keith William Richards make cameo appearances.[11][12] Todd also announced a North American tour,The Wholesome Rockstar Tour,from May to June.[13][14][1] He released the third and final single,"Cheer Me On",on March 28.[15] During March,"Chest Pain (I Love)" received more attention when it was used in a viral video from the video game R.E.P.O.[16]
On July 18,Todd announced a deluxe edition of the album called Malcolm Todd (Still),set to be released on August 8. He released the single "Original" for it on the same day.[17][18]
The album received generally positive reviews. Marcy Donelson of AllMusic gave the album 3.5 out of 5 stars,comparing Todd to Steve Lacy and Dominic Fike and noting how he does not take himself too seriously.[19] Larisha Paul of Rolling Stone rated it the same,noting his similarities to an alternative pop star that focuses on his self-awareness,flaws,and resilience.[5] In June,the magazine named it as one of "The Best Albums of 2025 So Far".[22] Adam Camarena,writing for The State Hornet,gave the album a 9/10,highlighting the cohesiveness of the album and Todd's growth and maturity,although he thought the album could be longer.[21] Mariana Contreras of The Ithacan rated it 5 out of 5 stars,praising his unconformity to mainstream music and experimental production.[20]
Commercial performance
The album debuted at number 103 on the Billboard 200,becoming his first album to chart there. The lead single "Chest Pain (I Love)",also peaked at number 68 on the Billboard Hot 100,becoming his first charting song overall as well.[23]
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