The Art of Doing It Again with Malcolm Todd’s New Album

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by Lauren Chenette

With Do That Again, Malcolm Todd continues to refine his sound that has made him one of the most compelling young voices in indie pop and alternative R&B. Rather than chasing a dramatic reinvention, his sophomore album feels like a natural progression, more focused, more emotionally direct, and noticeably more confident in its songwriting. Across 13 tracks, Todd explores heartbreak, longing, and the repetitive cycles of young relationships, all while maintaining the warm, melodic charm that has become his trademark.

The album begins with “Jean Skirt,” a brief but effective opener that sets the tone with nostalgic imagery and guitar-driven energy before leading into one of the record’s strongest stretches. “Obsessica” and “Free.99” showcase Todd’s gift for writing instantly memorable hooks, while still feeling intimate rather than overly polished. The previously released singles “Breathe” and “I Saw Your Face” remain highlights, balancing vulnerability with some of the album’s most refined production. Many listeners will likely find themselves returning to these tracks long after the album ends. 

Photo by Aidan Cullen

What stands out most about Do That Again is its consistency. Songs like “Difficult Love” and “Malcolm in the Middle” deepen the album’s themes of uncertainty and self-reflection, while tracks such as “Gun to My Head” and “X’s & O’s” introduce a slightly darker, more emotionally charged atmosphere. By the final stretch, particularly on “Lonely Song” and “Goodbye,” Todd leans fully into the album’s bittersweet mood without becoming overly sentimental. 

At just over half an hour, Do That Again is an easy album to revisit, and one that reveals more with each listen. It may not be Malcolm Todd’s most ambitious release, but it is arguably his most complete, a confident, emotionally resonant record that suggests his artistic growth is far from over.