Words by Emily Hollitt
It’s been three years since we were graced with a full-length album from Australian rapper, singer and songwriter Allday. But latest release, ‘The Necklace’ was well worth the wait. Produced with the help of longtime collaborator Simon Lam, it’s clear Allday has found his footing and then some as an artist. The record comes after the vicious album release cycle for ‘Drinking With My Smoking Friends’, which forced to burn the candle at both ends. After a month long stint in Italy working on an olive farm, the starlet was ready to reclaim his place in the spotlight as one of the nation’s finest.
“This is a super speed tour through love and gore; sex, death, love, drugs, masculinity, ambition, greed, depression and one misplaced necklace.”
Opens a deep voice in … Intro, their Australian accent ever so slightly seeping through the American accent. This introduction is gripping, drawing the listener in, while giving the record some charm and edge, eager to unpack the story.
“The stories depicted herein are true, however, names have been changed to protect the innocent, the guilty and to make them rhyme. Please turn off your cell phone and enjoy the show.”
Allday’s recognisable voice enters immediately in Toxic. The beat and instrumental is simple and stripped back, forcing the listener to focus on the story. A full choir enters for the chorus singing, “There’s nowhere left to hide. There’s no star in my mind. But I’m not scared now”; an unexpected change that works perfectly. Allday’s vocals are elevated in the second verse with some thoughtfully placed harmonies and ad-libs, adding new layers to the song while keeping it a minimalist, story-focused production. He raps through a stream of consciousness, unpacking his own behaviour in relationships; a super vulnerable, introspective and bold opening track. “Hi, it’s me calling again. Another rap song, voicemail girl… I’m not real. I’m just a representation of your distorted perception of women”. Closes a voice note, cleverly parodying this hip-hop trope. The beat is much darker with following track, the album’s lead single, Access.
“They say it never rains on memory lane, I guess that’s true. Both hands on the wheel, ten and a two, till I get to you. Scoop you up like an eagle claw. You ain’t nothing I seen before”.
He repeats in the chorus. The song stays consistent in it’s feel from start-to-finish; an easy-to-listen-to track.
Miss You Still opens with recognisable piano sample from Ben Lee’s Cigarettes Will Kill You. Featuring Cub Sport singing Lee’s original, iconic chorus, the song is the perfect blend of nostalgia and narrative. Following the story of a failed romance, Allday puts his own twist on the Ben Lee’s original story.
“Everyone told me the house was on fire. But I had to get burnt before I got wise. But if you came round the crib tonight. Even Superman has his Kryptonite”.
A chorus-heavy guitar opens Too Late. “If I’m being honest, she was hotter than the sun. Using them Bambi eyes to get just what she wants”. He opens, instantly hooking the listener into the story. “Met her on Saturday, we didn’t last the week”. His vocal delivery is wispy and dreamy in the pre-chorus, before he comes in strong with “Now she went and left for too late. It was only one or two dates. And she said I wasn’t too great. So why she calling me today?”, drawing the listener straight back in to the narrative. “How many rts for you to make a song called ‘tarmeka’ bc nobody has ever named a song after me” tweeted a fan called Tarmeka in back in 2016. It only took 8 years, but Allday came through, replying to her tweet right before dropping the single. The beat is smooth and slow, featuring vocal ad-lib samples giving the song an overall soulful feel. The beat is more reserved than previous tracks, again, forcing the listener to home in on his lyrics. The overall sound is reminiscent of early 2000s hip-hop, giving it a timeless sound. The bass and beat switch up to a jazzier feel for the song’s outro. Layered with intricate vocals and piano, the song goes in a completely unexpected, but welcome, direction.
EQ shifted guitar opens Aussie Accents, the most upbeat guitar on the record. He raps very on-the-beat, before moving to a half-time beat around the midway point of the song. Combining elements of rock, hyperpop and club classics, the song is an album standout. He returns to a more chill, laidback, approach to production with Rockstar Games. Dark synths and heavy bass underline the song. “I’ve been wasted, I’ve been wasted, I’ve been wasted all night long. They’ve been chasing, they’ve been chasing, but they’ll never catch me, no” he repeats in the chorus; the perfect hook to be yelled back to him by a crowd. Another guitar intro opens Bratz before his vocals come in strong with the bass and the beat. Produced like a classic rap song, the beat stays repetitive as he moves between the main hook and his verses, yet still moves at a great pace.
“Some say it’s looking like rain drip drop on my head again. Down this road that I walk… Some say it’s looking like rain drip drop on my head again. I’m just watching it fall.”
He repeats in the chorus of Drip Drop. The song is one of the most emotional on the album, outlining all the things he missed from working late, outlining if he’d really be happy if he got everything he wanted.
“But they say nothings better than the chase is. And when you catch your prey, you’ll probably hate the taste of it… But I still want to taste it”.
One For Me, featuring the soulful voice of KYE, is a made-for-radio hit in the best way. KYE’s smooth vocals contrast Allday’s verses beautifully; a collaboration made in. heaven. “One for me, cos I feel good in your company. You get me… I don’t want to waste it baby”. The song is an instant serotonin boost, a feel-good hit.
YNG Martyr features on One Track Minded, stylistically matching Allday’s flow and style, while still adding his own flare. The song is hooky, sticking in your head far after the first listen. The production is moody and bass heavy, giving the song edge. “Yeah, it’s a jungle in my head. For the money I’m one track minded” he repeats in the chorus. Vetta Borne’s soft and sweet voice enters immediately, accompanied by a simple piano melody, in Just A Moment. She ad-libs in the background of Allday’s verses, complimenting his vocals. The piano countermelody repeats throughout the song, adding an interesting layer to the overall production. “We don’t have to go in something deeper than the ocean. Give me just a moment”, she sings in each chorus. “You and I, just you and I” she repeats as the song closes with a string and piano outro, adding to the already beautiful production and overall feeling of the song.
“Cos hello’s always easy, but saying bye is hard. So, if you gotta go, then I’m saying bon voyage. I can feel your spirit, it’s shining over us. Though I wanna keep you, I know it’s bon voyage. Cos all roads are leading to somewhere. That’s how I know you are up there. The singing birds are singing just for fun”.
He sings in the chorus to Bon Voyage, giving a positive look at the process of grief. This song is a comfort blanket to anyone who’s ever loved and lost, depicting a healthy coping mechanism. “There’ll be tears coming from us on Christmas and your birthday. Big smiles on us, cos we had you in the first place”. Written after the death of his close friend Peezo, Allday transformed his grief into this song, contrasting the hardest parts of loss with the beauty of having the chance to know and love someone in the first place. “Alright, one more for the outro” he says to introduce album closer Encrusted. The track’s themes perfectly wrap up the ideas presented in ‘The Necklace’; acknowledging his struggles, while outlining the power in overcoming them. With this record under his belt, Allday stands tall, readying his audience for what’s next to come.
‘The Necklace’ showcases some of Allday’s best work yet. Combining hooks and earworms with genuine moments of reflection, the album is a joy to listen to from start to finish. Pertaining the perfect balance of introspection and great production, the record has something in it for everyone. He proves he’s not only found his sound, but who he is as a person, presenting his most honest album yet, while further solidifying the longevity of his already impressive career. So, do yourself a favour, pop on your headphones, and fall into 39 minutes of sonic bliss and personal growth.
With thanks to Dew Process + Universal Music Australia
