World We Created by Giveon

A beautiful escape.

Transcript

World We Created by Giveon

I sang the praises of 90s R&B for an entire episode of Love Lines—called it the best era of music. And I stand behind that. I stand behind it. The 90s remain unmatched in terms of both quality and quantity of soulful, lyrical, slow jams.

But there are a few artists from this generation who I feel are formidable throwbacks to that time. Artists who each have the distinctively smooth voice and the emotive stories and the contemplative aura often associated with rhythm and blues singers.

Just off the top of my head I think of Daniel Caesar, Snoh Aalegra, Jacob Banks, Lucky Daye, and Sabrina Claudio. Then there is Giveon. Who is one of the newest of the bunch.

I’ve sat here for several unrecorded minutes, trying to think of words to describe Giveon’s voice, and have failed. It makes me think of how I sound when I sing through my clenched teeth, except a million times better. Giveon’s voice is measured. Deep and velvety. That’s it! That’s the word… “velvety.”

Velvet is smooth but not like plastic or leather. Smooth but also rugged. A perfect balance between butter and asphalt. Yeah… Giveon sounds like velvet. To me least. He is tall, dark and handsome. With those big brooding eyes we’ve come to associate with passionate singers.

On World We Created, Giveon revels in one of those moments. You know the ones we cultivate with a lover where it seems there is nothing and no one else that matters. Where the cares of this world are forgotten. And we think, if we could just stay here, in this bubble of bliss, everything will be fine.

Haven’t you ever been somewhere, with someone, and wished you could stay there forever. And if you must leave you wish you could bottle that magic so it may be with you, always. Those moments never feel long enough, which makes them difficult to relinquish.

This is what Giveon acknowledges on World We Created. He rolls around on the sand of a metaphorical beach. Runs through an endless field of flowers. Bathes in ceaseless sunlight. He chases time. Lives in the dream even while knowing that it must end.

Giveon is an entertainer, after all. He cannot stay in one place for too long. But he reassures his lover with these lines before he goes:

Tell me why you always overthinkin'
Not like me to switch up like the seasons
No, I haven't had a change of feelings
You stay in the back of my mind

I always say I could never seriously date a professional athlete or entertainer because I’m not built for the lifestyle. The access it affords them to well…..everything seems overwhelming. It’s hard not to overthink and need some words of and actions of assurance when your partner is traveling from city to city with droves of admirers in waiting. The thought of the neuroses this could evoke is unappealing to me.

Give me an exceptional life, with a regular guy, and an extraordinary love.

I must say, however, that I am impressed with Giveon’s approach on World We Created. He understands it’s his job to help his partner feel secure in their relationship. While many others are prone to dismiss or invalidate such concerns, even if they are warranted—he is thoughtful and affirming and how could you not feel confident when someone is this gentle with your heart.

To be trusted one must show themselves trustworthy. You can’t move like a duck and then wonder why someone thinks you might be a duck.

Love is patient. Love is kind. I don’t know him in real life, but on World We Created, love is Giveon.