Lucky Daye
Table For Two
Keep Cool/RCA
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Unassuming New Orleans native Lucky Daye kept to the shadows as long as he could. It got harder to stay incognito once his songwriting became a hot commodity for Mary J. Blige, Boyz II Men, Ella Mai, August Alsina, and others. His drive to create worlds through music led to his 2019 debut album Painted featuring the hit “Roll Some Mo.” That especially potent collection took listeners on a journey with its lyrical imagery and vivid soundscapes, earning quadruple GRAMMY nominations along the way.
Even before Painted, Daye debuted as a vocalist on “Little More Time,” a jaunty collaboration with fellow singer and writing partner Victoria Monét. Originally tucked away on an Insecure soundtrack (2018), what made it stand out was how well he paired with a woman’s voice. The energy of the song was florid, bordering on transcendent.
His latest offering Table For Two builds on that. The concept was inspired by Marvin Gaye’s 1969 duets compilation Marvin Gaye and His Girls. Much like Daye’s name took a superfluous “e” honoring his favorite male singer, this six-song EP linked him with his favorite female singers just in time for Valentine’s Day.
With this kind of set up, one might expect schmaltzy love ballads for slow dancing at school prom. It’s not that. The theme is love, but hey wait—each song’s a new complaint. With the exception of “Dream,” a quixotic Queen Naija duet from her Missunderstood project (2020), the heart-shaped box of candy he presents here is banged up on purpose.
He explained the left turn in an Okayplayer interview. “I’m not talking about love as far as being in love, I’m talking about the absence of it and the complications of it. A lot of people are alone for Valentine’s Day… [they] try to understand why.” Rather than idealize love connections, Daye examines what keeps them from happening.
Straightaway, “Ego Trip (Intro)” sets up Table For Two as the audio equivalent of speed dating. Daye, ever the gentleman, insists to GRAMMY-winning songstress Yebba that ladies go first. She happily obliges, then uses the opening verse of “How Much Can A Heart Take” to rake him over the coals: “This s**t is trash / But I'mma give it right on back / ‘Cause that’s what I’ve been gettin’ from you.” After a grand chorus, Daye returns her serve with his casual, affable delivery. The opposition is only feigned. His challenger clearly quite enjoys the sparring.
Table For Two thrives on this kind of playful pugilism. It’s romcom drama dressed up for your listening pleasure. It’s the ugly, charred endpieces of a savory roast, but everyone knows those are the best part. Compliments to primary Painted collaborator Dernst “D’Mile” Emile for cheffing this cut as well as the bristling and cautiously optimistic closer “Falling In Love,” co-starring relative newcomer Joyce Wrice.
The public had no clue a new EP was en route until its lead single came over without calling first. “On Read” was a welcome guest nonetheless, and London-based Motown signee Tiana Major9 shines on it. Burnished with blues guitar, the trap ballad laments how an unacknowledged text message can expose relationship insecurity. The sparse but effective track was co-produced by Stones Throw-alumnus Jeff “Gitty” Gitelman (H.E.R., SiR, Chloe x Halle).
A primary feature of Daye’s music is the dexterity with which it borrows elements from the past and modernizes them. A well-placed sample of Ann Peebles’ “I Can’t Stand The Rain” endears R&B and hip-hop devotees on the Mahalia-assisted “My Window.” Similarly, the samba-like “Access Denied” twirls on a circling Curtis Mayfield groove—piquant accents courtesy of Ari Lennox.
Amidst the choosy sampling, one is unlikely to catch Daye imitating Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Ron Isley, K-Ci Hailey in order to seem weightier. He doesn’t sound like it, but Lucky Daye sings heavy. He has generations of music education inside him. Somehow he knows he doesn’t need to try and out-sing his guests here. As bell hooks might say, he real cool.
That bright-toned, stipple-textured voice is understated, easily recognizable, and one of the best things to happen to R&B in awhile. Daye’s sophomore project is already complete and slated for release later this year. Independent of what he serves next though, Table For Two is a satisfying appetizer all on its own.
Notable Tracks: “Falling In Love” | “How Much Can A Heart Take” | “On Read”
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