Duckwrth’s “SuperGood” Is an Escape and a Promise
When Duckwrth recorded his latest album SuperGood in January of this year, he didn’t know how the world would react to it, but he did know that they needed it. That said, even he couldn’t have predicted social and political unrest that would follow.
After almost seven years of sitting with the idea of an album based on the affirmation “SuperGood”, Duckwrth felt called to create it at the beginning of the year. He had just garnered major label backing after the success of his 2019 release, THE FALLEN MAN, and felt ready to flip the script. THE FALLEN MAN explores the idea of having the inability to love, but with SuperGood, Duckwrth juxtaposes this idea, choosing to tell a love story about a young man building the courage to fall in love with a woman, and his life.
SuperGood is a sonic celebration of black history and black culture. Duckwrth uses elements of funk, R&B, pop, gospel, and hip-hop, to tell a story that oozes happiness and love. Even though our world is up in flames, Duckwrth believes there are healthy ways to escape – delving into SuperGood is one of them.
When Duckwrth spoke with Finessed, he told us that he was relieved to get this project out when he did. His original hope was that it would be the soundtrack for the year ahead, but instead, it’s the opposite. Still, he believes in its power. The album, and its sonics, rhythm, and energy, are affirmations for a better world and a better life. He told us that he made SuperGood with the intention of making people dance and smile. SuperGood is the sun, water, and beaches of South-Central LA, while 2020 is its violent, gang-ridden streets. Duckwrth, a native of South-Central LA, captured the light, and packaged it in a 16-track experience for fans to enjoy.
Although an album, SuperGood, is a story – with characters, plots, and incredible sequencing. The album starts off strong with “New Love Song”, an uplifting tune that ends with Duckwrth’s character gaining the confidence to make plans for a first date. The songs that follow blend seamlessly into each other and explore the feelings of insecurity and hope that come from a new romance. Our favourite song, “Did U Notice?” summarizes the worries the lead character feels, just before he meets his date. The lyrics are relatable and stupid catchy, but it’s the genre-defying production that is takes it to another level. The song also features the London-based, Australian artist, Julia Romana, who sings from the perspective of a woman, who shares the same worries about not being enough for her partner.
The interlude that follows, “Jean’s Smoke Break”, marks the start of the “first date”. And unlike the heartbreak music are used to hearing, SuperGood ends higher than it started. The narrative of the story is concluded with the chant-heavy, afrobeat inspired “Find A Way”, proving to the world that even in 2020, it’s possible to be happy, and make a “SuperGood” album.
Listen to SuperGood on Spotify. Duckwrth · Album · 2020 · 16 songs.
