[usr 3.5]

“Let Me Explain” gives breakthrough Louisville rapper/singer Bryson Tiller another potential hit.  It serves as the promo single for his upcoming LP. 

Bryson Tiller experienced a breakout year between 2015 and 2016.  The rapper/singer released his debut album, TRAPSOUL in 2015.  The effort, which debuted at no. 11, eventually reached the top-10 and was certified platinum.  After slowly achieving success, the Louisville, Kentucky star returns with “Let Me Explain,” a promo single from his upcoming album.

“Let Me Explain” initiates with an intro:  

 “It’s been a long time / I guess I just miss the old days / you remember…all them times.”

The intro sets the tone for the record, which is common, but never tiresome: I messed up, want you back, please LET ME EXPLAIN.  The record features slick production work, particularly the drum programming.  “Let Me Explain” exemplifies the urban contemporary sound exceptionally.

Vocally, throughout the course of the song, Tiller sounds clear, soulful, and lush.

Lyrically, “Let Me Explain” has its moments.  The hook is sort of lazy, yet at the same time, fits the lush, indulgent vibe of the track:

“Listen to me yeah / oh if you’d just let me explain / if you’d just let me explain…”

Other lyrics are clearly reminiscent of the relationship gone awry.

“You used to come keep me company / tell me you love me and just me / oh and it took a while to trust me / girl I had to work for it…”

Another highlight from the first verse continues to find Tiller expressing his grief:

“Girl, just let me make corrections, yeah, damn I’ve been stressing yeah / I’ve been really tripping babe / I learned my lesson, yeah, I still need you to listen, oh babe”

On the second verse, he expresses how unworthy he is:

“Don’t be afraid to tell me that it’s over / tell me that it’s over / no, I don’t deserve you, the shit I never told you / there’s too many things, I can’t look you in the face…”

Final Thoughts

All in all, Tiller has another potential hit on his hands.  No, it’s not another “Exchange,” but it’s definitely capable of lighting up the airwaves.  “Let Me Explain” is lushly produced and apologetic to the nth degree.  At least Tiller takes responsibility for his actions.

Bryson Tiller • ‘Let Me Explain’ [single] • RCA • Release: 10.28.16

Photo Credit: RCA