When Teddy Swims debuted with I've Tried Everything But Therapy, he brought something fresh to modern soul: a tattooed, bearded Atlanta native blending gospel-rooted vocals with pop polish and a raw emotional edge. His follow-up, I've Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2), sticks close to that formula. Swims knows his strengths, and while he’s not straying far, there’s no denying the craft at work.
Swims—real name Jaten Dimsdale—first gained attention covering everything from Shania Twain to Marvin Gaye on YouTube. That genre-fluid sensibility carries over to his original music, where soul, R&B, and pop collide seamlessly. On this second album, he continues to mine themes of heartbreak, guilt, and resilience. The production, though, leans heavily into glossy, modern territory, sometimes at the expense of grit and intimacy.
The album opens with tracks that blur the line between balladry and anthems. "Not Your Man" builds from a torch-song core into a dancefloor stomper, its soaring strings and driving beat daring you to move. Similarly, "Guilty" wraps melancholic melodies in a buoyant rhythm, while "Hammer to the Heart" recalls his breakthrough hit "Lost Control" with its lush strings and reverb-drenched vocals.
Swims shines when he leans into neo-soul. "Funeral" feels like classic R&B with a modern edge, channeling Gnarls Barkley’s layered textures. "Your Kind of Crazy" strips things down to a soul waltz with a playful piano motif, with Swims’ multi-tracked vocals adding warmth and depth.
Collaborations bring new energy to the album. "Are You Even Real", featuring GIVĒON, is a slow-burning ballad where their voices intertwine beautifully. "Black & White" pairs Swims with Muni Long, their chemistry amplified by cinematic strings and chiming guitars. The playful "She Got It", featuring Coco Jones and GloRilla, injects a slinky New Jack Swing groove that breaks the album’s steady pacing.
Some tracks explore unexpected territory. "Northern Lights" flirts with bro-country tropes, its piano-driven balladry aiming for crossover appeal. "She Loves the Rain" starts folky, almost Jack Johnson-esque, before slipping into overproduction. These moments show Swims’ versatility but also highlight the album’s tendency to overpolish.
Even the album’s quieter moments feel designed for maximum impact. "If You Ever Change Your Mind" is a stunning acoustic piece with a chord progression that wouldn’t feel out of place in a Queen ballad. Meanwhile, "It Ain’t Easy"embraces its 80s aesthetic with Prince-like swagger, proving that not all gloss is bad gloss.
At 14 tracks, the album risks overstaying its welcome. The mid-tempo pacing and lush production can blur the songs together, making the record feel cohesive but a bit monotonous. A few more moments of rawness or spontaneity could have elevated Part 2 into bolder territory.
I've Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2) delivers exactly what its title suggests: a continuation of what worked before, with some added sheen. It’s soulful, heartfelt, and skillfully crafted, even if it plays things a little too safe. Swims’ voice remains the anchor, capable of wringing emotion from every note. One can’t help but wonder, though: what might happen if he stripped it all back and let the imperfections shine?
Genre: Soul / Pop
Release date: January 24th, 2025
Produced by: Julian Bunetta, Matt Zara, John Ryan
Label: Warner
Rating: 6/10
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