In the ever-evolving landscape of R&B, few artists have managed to craft a sound as distinctly their own as Arthur Ashin, better known by his stage name Autre Ne Veut. After bursting onto the underground pop scene in 2010 with his self-titled debut album, Ashin’s heartfelt crooning and idiosyncratic production style earned him comparisons to Prince, had the iconic artist recorded alone in a gritty NYC apartment. Now, following a nearly decade-long hiatus, Autre Ne Veut returns with his fourth studio album, Love, Guess Who??, a bruised yet beautiful collection of songs that showcases Ashin’s growth as both a vocalist and songwriter.
From the opening notes, it’s clear that Love, Guess Who?? is a more introspective and restrained affair than Ashin’s previous works. The production is narrower in scope, favoring soft-edged contemporary R&B and minor piano chords over the more experimental flourishes of his earlier albums. This stripped-back approach allows Ashin’s vocals and lyrics to take center stage, and he delivers some of his most raw and vulnerable performances to date.
Melodies That Cut Deep
What Love, Guess Who?? may lack in sonic adventurousness, it more than makes up for in melodic strength and emotional depth. Ashin’s voice remains a singularly expressive instrument, capable of conveying both tender yearning and anguished catharsis with equal conviction. Songs like the standout “World War Pt 3” and “Ways I’m Like My Mother” showcase Ashin’s knack for crafting melodies that burrow deep into the listener’s subconscious, their simple yet effective hooks crying out for lighters-in-the-air moments at future live shows.
Lyrically, Love, Guess Who?? finds Ashin grappling with the complexities of love and relationships, offering hard-won insights on the difficulties of emotional vulnerability and the importance of empathy. While his words can veer into the prosaic at times, they are elevated by the sincerity of his delivery and the subtle details in his vocal phrasing. Ashin’s voice cracks and strains at just the right moments, imbuing even the simplest lines with a palpable sense of longing and regret.
Glimpses of Pop Perfection
Although Love, Guess Who?? is largely a subdued affair, there are moments when Ashin allows himself to indulge in unabashed pop sentimentality. Tracks like “World War Pt 3” and “Ways I’m Like My Mother” wouldn’t sound out of place on a classic Usher or Omarion album, their sweeping choruses and lush harmonies evoking the golden age of early 2000s R&B. It’s a testament to Ashin’s songwriting prowess that he can craft such earworm melodies without sacrificing the emotional authenticity that has always been his calling card.
“I don’t want to feel better without you.”
– Autre Ne Veut, “About to Lose”
Nowhere is this balance of pop accessibility and raw feeling more evident than on the album’s stunning closer, “About to Lose”. Over a bed of shimmering synths and mournful piano chords, Ashin delivers a gut-wrenching meditation on grief and loss, his voice soaring to a devastating crescendo as he’s joined by a gospel-inflected chorus. It’s a moment of transcendent beauty that ranks among Ashin’s finest work to date, a fitting capstone to an album that finds him pushing his artistry to new heights.
The Verdict
With Love, Guess Who??, Autre Ne Veut has crafted a powerful testament to the enduring appeal of soulful, emotionally honest R&B. While it may not break new ground sonically, the album more than compensates with its strong melodies, intimate vocals, and unflinching exploration of love’s many facets. It’s a welcome return from an artist who has always marched to the beat of his own drum, and a reminder of the timeless power of a great song, sung from the heart.
- Standout Tracks: “World War Pt 3”, “Ways I’m Like My Mother”, “About to Lose”
- Key Themes: Love, vulnerability, empathy, emotional growth
- Similar Artists: How to Dress Well, Blood Orange, Nao
In a musical landscape increasingly dominated by trends and algorithms, Love, Guess Who?? serves as a potent reminder of the enduring power of raw talent and honest expression. With this long-awaited return, Autre Ne Veut has solidified his position as one of the most compelling voices in contemporary R&B, an artist unafraid to bare his soul in pursuit of something timeless and true. For those who have followed his journey from the beginning, Love, Guess Who?? feels like both a homecoming and a revelation, a sign of even greater things to come from an artist just hitting his stride.
