Jul 312 min read

Kaytranada’s TIMELESS: A timeless classic or a forgettable phase?

Kaytranada @ The Danforth Music Hall 2016 | via Flickr (Creative Commons Licence)

After returning to cloudy London from a sun-soaked week in Croatia, Kaytranada’s highly anticipated new album TIMELESS was the perfect remedy for my post-holiday blues. Released on June 7th, it followed his aptly named collaborative album Kaytraminé with Aminé in 2023. I loved that album for its addictive sweetness and fresh beats, which left me eagerly anticipating his next release.

Kaytranada truly shines in live performances. Having experienced his opening act for The Weeknd last summer and repeatedly watching his Boiler Room videos, I can easily picture him energising a vibrant, sweaty crowd whilst surrounded by his decks. No matter how often I listen to his albums through my JBL headphones in South London, I'll always long to hear it blasting through loudspeakers, experiencing Kaytranada's magic live and direct. This feeling is especially true for TIMELESS.

This is definitely not an album I felt satisfied to review after one playthrough. Like all of Kaytranada’s music, it calls for multiple listens to gauge its unique nuances and rhythms. TIMELESS maintains a consistent sound, branding itself as undeniably Kaytranada from the opening track ‘Pressure’. Featuring 21 solid tracks and impressive collaborations with artists like Don Toliver, Childish Gambino, and Thundercat, Kaytranada remains a standout producer in a music scene often dominated by TikTok trends. He masterfully blends disco, house, and hip-hop, creating a vibe that makes it difficult to sit still as it plays.

He incorporates enticing vocals and catchy lyrics over repetitive beats. Many of the songs on this album follow this pattern, which can make some tracks more forgettable and potentially underutilise the vocalists' talents. Despite needing a few more surprises, it is undeniable that each song harmonises well with the personality of its vocalist. In this regard, TIMELESS has a more laid-back vibe compared to albums like 99.9% and BUBBA, making it ideal for winding down rather than gearing up for a night out.

Because of the repetitive nature of some songs on this album, my favourites are those that veer off track a little. Currently, ‘Drip Sweat’ featuring Channel Tres stands out as one of the best on the album, even incorporating influences of jungle music. The album can be characterised by its clear, tinny sounds, which are distinctive in ‘Witchy’ featuring Childish Gambino, ‘Video’ with Ravyn Lenae, and many more. Another track I eagerly anticipated was ‘Snap My Finger’ featuring PinkPantheress. It definitely caters to her production style while offering a more ‘house’ vibe. Also, ‘Call You Up’ feat Lou Phelps is probably one of the most unique tracks on the album, with its constant and compelling beats.

Overall, TIMELESS is a very ambitious album that could perhaps benefit from having fewer songs, as they tend to blend into one another. It's hard to imagine anything topping his previous work, which is why my expectations remain high. Whether it will remain as one of Kaytranada’s timeless classics is still a question I am yet to answer. However, as I mentioned earlier, it begs to be repeated. I look forward to seeing which songs from TIMELESS begin to stand out over time and find their way into the soundtrack of my nights out and nights after.