Is sad boy September a thing? Because if it is, it’s a perfect time to get into Canadian RnB artist Daniel Caesar. The Oshawa-born artist grew to stardom through a series of RnB singles and albums, which radiated through the hearts of those needing a little tug on the heartstring.
In 2017, Caesar’s debut album Freudian blew up due to its long list of heartbreak bangers and love songs. Today, Caesar sits among RnB royalty with artists like Giveon and Brent Faiyaz. While Faiyaz continues to grow into the toxic-boy artist of choice, Caesar has grown in popularity for his wholesome lyrics and overall positive approach to love songs.
Prepare yourself for a brief autopsy on Daniel Caesar’s discography.
THE DISCOGRAPHY
It’s easy to categorize Caesar as an RnB artist. However, he maintains a certain vibe to all of his songs which revolve around heartbreak or love. What you’ll find below is a perfect mix of nine tracks which are perfect for you, regardless of what stage of love you’re going through. It doesn’t matter if you’re crushing on someone hard, in the talking stage, dating, engaged, married, or recently broken up with, Caesar has tracks for you.
WHEN IT’S TIME TO PUT THE WINDOWS DOWN AND VIBE
Finding the perfect late-night drive music was hard as, honestly, depending on your mood, all of the songs listed could fit in this category. However, there are a few that take the cake.
For those looking for a positive, upbeat track, give Peaches a listen. Caesar acts as a feature with Giveon as Justin Bieber takes centre stage. The track just screams summer vibes, as the hook and chorus are almost unforgettable. Pair that with a very pop radio station-approved beat, and you have a great late-night track for those good nights.
However, when those nights get to chill, or somewhat sad, put on Streetcar or Who Hurt You? Both of these songs tug at your heartstrings, although these two tracks are some of the easiest to digest. The lyrics warrant a natural singalong, although you don’t find yourself getting in your feels, or overthinking your current situation while listening.
WHEN IT’S TIME TO MISS THAT CERTAIN SOMEONE
The best way to get over someone is to face your emotions, understand them and act on them. Cyanide, Get You, and Best Part is three tracks to help you do that.
Cyanide has an extremely catchy chorus which you can probably memorize within the first few minutes. As well, Caesar plays with your heart through a load of lines which bring you back to good memories with that certain someone. In the opposite vein, Get You featuring Kali Uchis, is for those who are in love, and want to love harder.
The track has an extremely positive overtone throughout as the lyrics warrant happy smiles and an embrace with your partner. However, if you’re missing that special someone, Get You will make you miss them harder. Finally, Best Part falls in the same lovey-dovey category as Get You. Something about Caesar duetting with a female voice is extremely therapeutic and honestly has a bit of healing power.
WHEN IT’S TIME TO PUT THE WINE GLASS DOWN AND PICK THE BOTTLE UP
Now, these songs are meant to be saved for those tough moments when you’re just having a rough go. Maybe things aren’t working out the way you wanted them to, or the connection has been cut off completely. However, Japanese Denim, Please Do Not Lean, and Complexities will help you sit through these moments and hopefully come out victorious.
Japanese Denim is a massive metaphor in which Caesar compares his former partner to a pair of blue jeans. They’re timeless, will always fit him right, and he would never throw them away for any other pair. Obviously, once you start adding your own personal assumptions and experiences, the song hits hard.
Please Do Not Lean is an overall tough song as emotions run high throughout the whole four minutes. The chorus starts with, “Please do not lean on me, I’m unstable,” so you get the gist. Finally, Complexities plays with the mind games that surround getting into a new situation with a potential partner. Caesar enters the relationship opened minded and finds himself with complexities which cloud his judgement and overall opinion of this person.
FASHION SELECTION
Daniel Caesar isn’t known most prominently for his fashion influence, but rather his music and art surrounding it. However, Caesar adopted the streetwear or workwear style, which has become extremely popular in Toronto. He’s often seen in denim bottoms or slacks with some sort of athletic trainer or sneaker beneath him.
His style overall is casual and is usually topped off by minimal jewellery and a selection of baggy jumpers or overshirts. Unlike other artists, his style doesn’t take away from his music. Instead, it compliments it, adding another element of relaxation while still being suave.
ALBUM ARTISTRY
To pair with the artistry found within Caesar’s records, it only seems right that albums are wrapped in iconic visuals.
Caesar’s album Freudian was originally titled Human Sacrifice, which led Caesar and Keavan Yazdani to find the perfect location for a sacrificial image. The team ended up in Bulgari to shoot the visuals for We Find Love/Blessed. While scouring the surrounding natural ebbs and flows of Bulgarian hills, the pair stumbled upon a monument.
A quick google map search for the Founders of the Bulgarian Statue Monument will lead you to the same irregularly shaped building Caesar climbs up for Freudian. The whole cover plays on the idea that Caesar is either 20 metres or 2,000 metres above the ground. However, we’re sure that once he reaches the summit, he’ll be met by a steep drop.
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