Hamid J, Cycle of a Relationship | Album Review 💿

Los Angeles-based, Iranian American, LGBTQ+ artist Hamid J shines on his 4-star, conceptual, debut album, Cycle of a Relationship.

What better topic for a debut album, or any album, than L-O-V-E? Los Angeles-based, Iranian American, LGBTQ+ artist 🎙 Hamid J brings love to the forefront of his debut album, 💿 Cycle of a Relationship.  You love to see it! My first listening experiences with this dashing, gifted fellow came by way of two steamy singles, 🎵 “Boulangerie” and 🎵 “Hold My Body”. Focusing on the project at hand, this superb debut album is a conceptual affair, inspired by his own experiences with love. Cycle depicts the beginning and the end of a relationship, as well as the aftermath.  Co-produced by 🎛 Matt Cady, this fine 80s-infused LP features some of the slickest musical backdrops you’ll hear all year.  As for Hamid J, he masterfully showcases a range of emotions associated with love and heartbreak through 12 sensational songs with truly remarkable vocal performances. 

“Never Felt” 

🤩 🎵 “Never Felt” sets the tone of Cycle of a Relationship. It features slick production work comprised of an awesome groove, decadent, rhythmic synths, and ample ear candy.  The breathy, playful vocals of Hamid J are exquisite – he exhibits plenty of personality. The sound is reminiscent of 1980s synthpop, suiting the artist perfectly. Additionally, there’s a lovely vocal arrangement and production, with layered vocals being a surefire highlight.  A few other positive observations.  The chorus is tuneful and incredibly catchy, while the bridge provides separation from the verses and chorus. You might say this opener is on fire 🔥.

🤩 🎵 “Do You Get This Feeling?” proves to be an equally compelling follow-up.  It gives Cycle of a Relationship another electrifying groove. Early on, and consistently throughout, the beats of Cycle of a Relationship are #GIVING.  Beyond the beats, the keyboard work is sick AF.  The warmth and lushness of the production is one of the biggest selling points of the set’s sophomore cut.  Like the opener, “Do You Get This Feeling?” gets you instantly nodding your head, tapping your feet, and dancing.  Hamid J’s vocals are again playful, rhythmic, and sassy. The harmonized, layered vocals and another catchy chorus add to the sheer musical excellence.

The dizzying opening synth of  🎵 “Just a Rider” instantly captures the ear. Once more, agile vocals of are a total vibe. “Just a Rider” is another joint that’ll instantly have you grooving hard to. Hamid J isn’t afraid to weave a variety of vocal parts and ideas, something that pays great dividends throughout Cycle.  He literally takes the listener on a trip with this record with its distinct sound.

“Sad Stuck” 

The exceptionalness of Cycle continues with 🤩 🎵 “Sad Stuck.” The pummeling, boxy drums are glorious at the onset. Once more, the listener is blessed with electrifying, rhythmic synths.  Hamid J raises eyebrows with a mic-drop moment: “All we do is fight and fuck / For a long time that was just enough / To get me through the lonely nights / Feeding myself all these lies.” Woo! Those lyrics perfectly capture feeling sad and stuck.  Other lyrical examples of the protagonist’s struggles include, “You text me back / And just like that / My world turns back to black,” and “When I’m with you, you take me for granted / Without you, I’m emotionally stranded / … I’m sad stuck on you.” Among the crème de la crème of Cycle, Hamid J’s breathy tenor sounds so beautiful.

“It feels like I’m suffocating / This is hard to describe / Nothing ever felt this way / … I need you to stay.” Though “Sad Stuck” has a hard act to follow, 🤩 🎵 “I Can’t Let You Go” is another gem.  It commences enigmatically and emotionally with a dark, wavy minor pad.  The record settles into a lilting, soulful feel (sounds like six-eight).  There’s a contrast because Hamid J delivers more overt vocally, fully digging into matters of the heart.  The listener can sense the authenticity and the legit feelings of the musician and the plight of love.  Besides the more powerful vocals, there are also whispered vocals further contributing to the aesthetic. Once more, the chorus sections highlight.

🎵 “Vengeance of a Broken Heart” yields another outstanding beat that’s absolute fire 🔥.  Beyond the beat, you’ve gotta love the lighthearted nature of the “la-la” vocals. Adding to ear candy are those marvelous piano chords 😍. Once more, there are magnificent pipes – breathy leads, harmonized backgrounds, and gorgeous and ripe falsetto. The overdubs and ad-libs are thoughtfully executed, exemplifying the creativity of Hamid J. Ultimately, “Vengeance of a Broken Heart” is another fine part of the concept/narrative.

“W / The Wrong B”

“Don’t be fuckin’ with the wrong bitch!” Oh, snap, Hamid J! The artist is angry on short but sweet 🤩 🎵 “W / The Wrong B,” a surprising joint anchored with a hip-hop beat.  Once more, Hamid gives us sassy vocals and shows how versatile his instrument is. Even though he’s unapologetic AF, he still sounds classy. Shout out those falsetto-laden ad-libs.  🎵 “Lose-Lose (I Know What I Gotta Do)” initiates rhythmically, with the synths carrying much of the groove. Later, in a timely fashion, we get the full-fledged beat, adding more punch. Set in a minor key, “Lose-Lose” is another song that suits the sentiment of the LP perfectly. Those vocals by Hamid, well, they continue to #SLAY.

🎵 “Emotional” offers more of the same (positively). There’s another lit groove and acrobatic, athletic synths compel the ears. “Emotional” makes you want to hit the dance floor with its dance/house cues. Follow-up 🤩 🎵 “Just Let Me Be” trumps it, earning the distinction as one of the best of the best.  Narratively, Hamid J wants his ex to bow out… he’s hit him up after the fact and it’s messing him up.  He makes it clear that he doesn’t wish his ex any bad will but wants him to leave him alone (“If you’re truly happy / Then why reach out to me / Just let me be”).  In an album filled with inescapable hooks, “Just Let Me Be” features one of the catchiest choruses of them all.

“Ain’t Thinkin’ Bout U” 

The penultimate joint, single, 🤩 🎵 “Ain’t Thinkin’ Bout U” is electrifying from the get-go. Hamid J is at his best with agile, rhythmic vocals. He continues to serve up no shortage of personality, particularly since he’s putting this boy behind him! The blend of pitched and un-pitched vocals stands out too. Also, what about the bass line, the beat, the pads, and synths… I could go on and on.

Ah – the end arrives! Brilliant synths commences 🎵 “Spirits Get 2 U.” Soon enough, it’s anchored by a hard-hitting, danceable beat. “Spirits Get 2 U” takes you back to the 80s once more, with more sophisticated production touches.  This assertive, fun, and spirited record is a fine way to put the cap on Cycle of a Relationship.

Final Thoughts 💭

All in all, Hamid J delivers the goods on Cycle of a Relationship.  He never misses a beat – rather he never misses a note! This conceptual album is enjoyable and well-rounded from start to finish.  It feels like Hamid J had every detail in mind when recording this project. His vocals are utterly sublime, the production is incredibly slick, and the songwriting is on-point, period.  Furthermore, there’s a nice blend of past and present here.  Sure, this album hearkens back to the music of 1980s, but also masterfully embraces the 2020s. Folks need to be talking about this handsome, talented musician and his fab debut album, Cycle of a Relationship.  4 RESOUNDING STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐!

🤩 Gems 💎: “Never Felt,” “Do You Get This Feeling?”, “Sad Stuck,” “I Can’t Let You Go,” “W / The Wrong B,” “Just Let Me Be” & “Ain’t Thinkin’ Bout U”

🎙 Hamid J • 💿 Cycle of a Relationship • 🏷 Hamid J • 🗓 9.15.22

[📷: Hamid J]