On rare occasions do I ever find myself blessed with a “no-skip” album.
When it comes to new music, I’m usually very critical and very picky. To my delight, on a bright Friday morning on March 22, R&B singer and songwriter SiR released “HEAVY” — an album I can easily play all the way through.
Sir Darryl Farris, professionally known as SiR, is signed to Top Dawg Entertainment, an American independent record label specializing in hip-hop and R&B.
When I heard he was releasing new music, I was excited, but also a little wary it wouldn’t live up to his previous album “Chasing Summer,” which is still a topic of conversation in the R&B community.
“HEAVY” is SiR’s most personal album to date, which is probably why I found myself so drawn to it.
In an interview with NPR, SiR opens up about a depressive period he endured following his success on “Chasing Summer,” leading into the pandemic. Struggling with addiction, trials of marriage, and learning who he wanted to be in this world, SiR did what any artist does best in sorrow-filled circumstances: he created.
“These songs are so personal, but they’re going to be something that people can connect with because they’re so personal,” said SiR in his interview.
With tracks “I’m Not Perfect” and “Only Human,” SiR uncovers possible trials he faced in his marriage and brings up themes of infidelity.
In “Only Human,” SiR says, “Back in the world I call my own, I’m always gone, and she’s alone. We live next to pain and misery, but she believes we’re meant to be.” In spite of his well-known faults, he recognizes his partner’s willingness to work with him through it all, yet struggles to keep his side of his vows.
In the experimental track “No Evil,” SiR sings with a passion any admirer of art would appreciate. With a mix of screams and a beat that emphasizes every emotion, he captures the realization he is no evil being, but just a human who is struggling mentally.
His lyrics capture “With my supervision, I see so much of myself, my past, my pain, my pride and my ego. But I see no evil.”
With an optimistic ending in the song “Brighter,” SiR sings of the light he finally finds when coming out of depression.
He says the start is the hardest, but knows “We’re gonna make it through. It’s the darkest where the spark is, but there’s nothing more amazing than when light starts breaking through.”
SiR’s ability to open up and express vulnerability through his art is inspiring to anyone who may be going through similar trials.
He shines light on his darkest times and provides a glimmer of hope at the end, so that anyone who listens and connects can also see the possibility to one day feel okay again.
If you’re interested or can connect with SiR’s story and want to hear a “no-skip” album, “HEAVY” is available on all music streaming platforms.