Album Review: 'Something To Give Each Other' by Troye Sivan

With the release of any artist’s third album, there comes the fated new expectations of their artistic growth and risk-taking ability. For Troye Sivan, every procedure was being implemented to ensure these standards were met. 

Something To Give Each Other navigates the conflicting aspects of sex and romance that have forever been staple themes of the verified pop prince’s catalogue. And yet, both its poignant approach and tender confessions granted to listeners make for his most versatile record.

Lead single, ‘Rush’, gets the album underway. We’ve all heard it. Arguable song of the summer, if you will. There cannot have been a better way to reaffirm one’s status as a frontrunner of hazy house beats than by positioning this track at number one. It’s hard to fathom how a chorus reminiscent of a football chant was produced to maintain a sound so homoerotic.

In retrospect, the album cycle’s first release does deviate significantly from its accompanying material. Sivan has spoken openly about the impactful break-up and subsequent period of singleness which served as stimuli for these songs. Emotional dips amongst his wild, eclectic tracklist are noticeable, as ‘Can’t Go Back, Baby’ and ‘Still Got It’ haunt the work with the sensitivity and denial experienced following an encounter with an ex. 

You’ll almost be comfortable with their minimalism of whispered vocals and simple lyrics when the sharpest lamentation emerges without warning. And yes, that is me indirectly addressing the line: “It breaks my heart to say I can't wait to live without you”.

I could not possibly finish without a word on the era’s visuals. All praise to choreographers, Sergio Reis and Mauro van de Kerkhof, for crafting lockstep sequences that somehow elevate the glory in singles, ‘Rush’ and ‘Got Me Started’. Furthermore, the breathy ode to an unrequited lover released simultaneously alongside the record, ‘One Of Your Girls’, sees Sivan dressed in full drag; if you are yet to be blessed in that regard, I highly suggest you address that. 

As implied by his chosen title, Troye Sivan certainly has something to give. Whether it be fuel for an unruly night out or the resonance of sorrowful lyrics that is taken away, I’d say each listener is covered.