It’s been two years since Daniel Caesar released Never Enough (2023), a record full of auto-tune and R&B. The anticipation for his new album, Son of Spergy, was high for me and other fans.
In July, Caesar announced the project with an Instagram video hinting at a gospel-inspired album honoring his father, Norwill Simmonds, and God. The record explores love, lust and faith through songs like “Touching God” and “Sins Of The Father,” making it a more personal and vulnerable album.
On this album, he also recognizes how much he shares with his father, gospel singer Norwill Simmonds, who appears on the fourth track. Simmonds’ history with ministry reflects on some of Caesar’s convictions in the album, noting how he feels distant from his faith and from his father. At the same time, he reflects on love and the possibility of becoming a father himself.
He opens the album with “Rain Down,” blending his voice with British songwriter Sampha until they merge into a divine choir. “Lord, let your blessings rain down,” Caesar repeats for basically the full three minutes of the song, making it feel like a spiritual opening for the artist.
But the music that follows feels directionless. Caesar circles back to his desire to become a father, but weak songwriting drains the impact. The first full track, “Have a Baby (With Me),” falls flat, offering a cold, lifeless take on R&B. Even lines like “It’s too late for our dreams / We can make a new dream / Have a baby with me” feel awkward, pulling focus from the album’s intended devotion to his father and his faith.
In terms of songwriting, a standout is “Who Knows,” a love song whose anxious and thoughtful lines form a strong melody that doesn’t need any extra polish to land. “Root of All Evil” comes close but falters, as Caesar has little to say about temptation beyond accepting it as part of himself.
Later in the record, “Touching God” stands out with lines like “I know you made me, but I hate myself,” showing Caesar wrestling with shame and faith. While the album has strong moments, some tracks lose focus from its spiritual intent. Still, I recommend it for the clear growth and maturity Caesar shows compared to his previous work.