Oliver Malcolm, Switched Up | Track Review 🎵

Up and coming artist Oliver Malcolm shows immense potential on his short but sweet debut single, “Switched Up,” a mix of rap and R&B. 

Ah, nothing like fresh blood! 20-year old, Swedish born, up and coming artist and producer Oliver Malcolm (Oliver Bergvist) definitely qualifies as fresh blood.  While he’s been active on the production end of things, “Switched Up,” the brief song at hand, marks his debut single.  How does one categorize “Switched Up?” Well, it lies somewhere between rap and R&B, with most outlets characterizing it as alternative.  That’s accurate considering it’s quite the unique listen by all means.

So, what makes “Switched Up” the ‘alternative bop’ that it is? First, the production (Malcolm and Todd Pritch) is sick AF.  “Switched Up” has a hard-hitting beat, a compelling rhythmic guitar line, and a colorful synth – specifically the one that shows up on the chorus.  This is a marvelous backdrop – can’t overstate that.  Even so, Malcolm kicks some serious ass vocally.  Again, the style lies somewhere between rap and R&B, and Oliver is expressive to the nth degree.  One of the biggest selling points in regard to his performance on his debut single is the personality he exhibits – the man has some swagger. Take the first verse:

“Please don’t call my phone
It’s 3am in the morning
I got shit going on
You ain’t call me when I was lonely.”

No, it’s not incredibly poetic, but Oliver Malcolm keeps it 100 – the man “got shit going on!” The chorus that follows isn’t poetic either, but it’s definitely a vibe: “Now I switched up / Don’t trust no one / No more…” The second verse is more honesty, actually yielding more clever lyrical moments.  Also, there’s a unique sample during the bridge/interlude of sorts, which fits the alternativeness of “Switched Up.”

Final Thoughts 

Yeah, you might’ve come into this thing wondering who the hell Oliver Malcolm was, but you leave seeing a potential superstar.  “Switched Up” is only two-and-a-half minutes, but it’s a compelling two-and-a-half minutes by all means.  Malcolm can sing, write, and produce like a boss.  This 20-year is the future ladies and gentlemen.  Don’t sleep on him!

Oliver Malcolm • “Switched Up” – Single • Darkroom / Interscope • Release: 2.20.20

Photo Credits: Darkroom / Interscope