Malcolm Todd, I Saw Your Face | Song Review

Gen-Z alternative singer-songwriter Malcolm Todd captures heartbreak superbly on “I Saw Your Face,” a single that sounds brighter than it should.

Let that set in. 22-year-old alternative singer-songwriter Malcolm Todd (Malcolm Hobert) returns with another ear-catching song with “I Saw Your Face”. “I Saw Your Face” was written and produced by Todd, Jonah Cochran, Matthew Castellanos, and Blake Slatkin. A vibe from the get-go, the rhythmic, but chill and relaxed musical accompaniment plays a crucial role in the song’s success. The instrumental intro sets the tone. From there, Malcolm takes the reins.  He sings with ease, sounding carefree. Is he really carefree, though?  Nope, the plight of love is full throttle. “Life’s not a movie, I’m not a movie star / It’s still new to me, not knowing where you are.” Melodically, all sections of the song are tuneful. I love the prominence of the bass, holding it down on the low end, during the crème de la crème, the chorus:

“If I could wish for anything

It would all come back around

‘Cause if all you were, were next to me

I’d live without a frown.”

The heartbreak is real. Beyond the chorus, there is an extended refrain, which is rhythmic and far wordier. Even so, it’s alluring to the nth degree. “I saw your face while I was out / I turned around and looked away / I didn’t know what I would say / I’d fumble all over my words,” he sings reflectively. After another chorus, there is an instrumental section, before a shorter version of the refrain returns, in all of its rhythmic, tuneful glory. Todd concludes the song with a brief outro with the memorable lyrics, “Life’s not a movie, I’m not a movie star.” “I Saw Your Face” is another gem from Malcolm Todd.  Heartbreak sucks, but his strong performance makes this bad situation sound much more optimistic than it is.

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Malcolm Todd » “I Saw Your Face” » Columbia Records » 4.24.26 [📷: Columbia Records]

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