Nostalgia is the fifth studio album by American rapper and singer Rod Wave. It was released through Alamo Records on September 15, 2023. The album contains guest appearances from Wet, 21 Savage, and Sadie Jean. This album was a hit with the top 5 tracks: Call Your Friends, HG4, Come See Me, Turks & Caicos(feat. 21 Savage), and Boyz Don’t Cry.
Before the release of his fourth album, 2022’s Beautiful Mind, Rod Wave sent a tweet promising his followers that this would be his last sad album. For a rapper/sing who’d established himself by wearing his heart on his sleeve, it was hard to believe that he would suddenly just put out party music.
As it turns out he’s got more to get off his chest in his fifth album, he still has the blues, not to mention one of the best voices in rap. “I been up for three nights trying to plan out my life,” he sings on the track “Call Your Friends,” a support of checking in on your loved ones.
Wave channels a country voice on “Fight the Feeling” serenading a woman trying to hide her heartache at the club, and embodies the rogue of the Fitzgerald classic on “Great Gatsby.”
“I threw the party of the century,” he sings ” and it was all for you.” Wave’s world is a cold one, but few artists can make pain sound this pretty.
He starts off the Album with the track called “Nostalgia” which serves as a great intro to the album, as he talks about his past life and how everything has changed since then: “These days, it ain’t the same, everything done changed.”
After a few more songs he has a track called ” Come See Me.” This track dives into the complexities of love, heartbreak and the emotional struggles that come with it. The lyrics convey a sense of confusion and longing for past love, as well as the singer’s attempts to cope with pain. He mentions his mother telling him to make the relationship work, while also referencing Usher’s song “Let It Burn,” which suggests letting go of a toxic love. This shows the inner conflict and indecision the singer is facing.
During the late stage of the album is where Wave’s tracks got more upbeat with the song “Turk’s & Caicos” feat. 21 Savage. Savage celebrates the power and allure of women all over the world. The lyrics describe excitement and admiration Wave feels towards a particular woman he meets. Wave expresses a desire to bring the party to him and enjoy the luxury of a top- floor presidential suite with a large group of people. He suggests grabbing something to eat and enjoy each other’s company.Overall this track celebrates the fun and excitement that come with being in the presence of confident attractive woman from different parts of the world. It encourages listeners to embrace the moment and enjoy the company of these women.
Overall this album was a great and genuine listen. The tracks really speak to you and really made you sit there and listen to what Wave was saying. Along with a few hyped songs that still spoke meaning. This album was full of Wave’s raw emotions an dhow he’s been feeling since his last album drop.This album was well worth the wait. I rate this album a 9/10 as I do think it’s one of the best albums to drop this year.
Listen on : Spotify, YouTube, Pandora, Apple music and Musi.
