Heavy Heavy – Young Fathers ★★★½

Year	Album	Artist	Stars	Score	Genre
2023	Heavy Heavy	Young Fathers	★★★½	79	Hip-Hop	Neo Soul

On Young Fathers’ first album since their great 2018 record Cocoa Sugar, the Scottish indie group replaces their usual dissonant and tense hip-hop production with gospel, soul and world music elements that introduce so much warmth and life.

Even if some of the songs still take a darker, reflective tone lyrically, the music and performances on Heavy Heavy are packed with energy and joy — grand, triumphant chouses; heaven-sent falsettos; lively backing vocals and chatter; West African drums; Mediterranean strings; and clanging chains.

At only 32 minutes and 10 tracks, it’s easy to get lost in the celebration, to appreciate the simplicity of the overall package and to still feel the great emotional depth that exists throughout.