Summer Walker, Life on Earth (EP) | Album Review 💿

Summer Walker provides an incredibly chill vibe and pleasant listening experience on her EP, Life on Earth (EP), but could use more punch.

R&B has evolved throughout its existence, like many genres of music have.  Soul has been long gone as the ‘it’ thing in the genre, though there are still artists, like Black Pumas and CeeLo Green, who seek to preserve the style.  Also, even the more contemporary versions of R&B have changed, with a number of overt, big-voiced singers being supplanted with subtler, vibe-seeking ones.  Summer Walker fits into the latter, something that worked out incredibly well for her on her 2019 debut album, Over It.  Walker is in high demand for a reason – she’s quite talented.  That said, for those who enjoy more overt, powerhouse vocals, you might find yourself, well, underwhelmed at times.  Post-Over It, Walker drops a five-song, 16-minute EP in Life on Earth that embraces the ‘vibe-laden culture’ of today’s R&B, yet comes off a bit lite on truly distinct, memorable moments. 

“Let It Go”

Walker sets the tone with the chill ✓ “Let It Go.” Here, she showcases the sheer beauty of her voice.  She sings in that rich, sultry lower register, and comes off as if she never breaks a sweat. The guitar-fueled accompaniment is perfectly suited for her low-key but potent approach.  She sings about her man “doin’ too much and… just won’t let go” after messing things up between them.  It’s not a ‘game changing’ moment, but again, a vibe and definitely respectable.      

✓ “SWV” marks the first of two collaborations with NO1-NOAH.  Once more, the vibe is key.  NO-1 and Chas X give her a lush, smooth backdrop to ‘coo’ over.  Again, Summer is subtle, yet also hypnotic.  She resides more in her middle register compared to the opener.  With NO1 guesting, it provides welcome contrast, particularly bringing that masculine, sensual perspective.  He returns for the penultimate track, “White Tee,” where he actually sets the tone over production by Crack God and Walker. What I do like about this particular track is by virtue of appearing later, there’s increased anticipation for her appearance on the second verse.  NO-1 and Walker coexist well, with few moments where they sing in unison.

 “My Affection” 

“My Affection” appears as the third track on Life on Earth, finding Walker collaborating with PARTYNEXTDOOR.  Here, the production falls in the hands of London On Da Track, Aubrey Robinson, Kevin Richardson, and Roark Bailey. The sound, once more, is successful, even if the backdrop isn’t particularly innovative or rousing.  Melodically, “My Affection” is pleasant, finding Summer infusing the agile, rhythmic nature of hip-hop.  PND takes a similar approach, not markedly different from the sound he embraces on his own music.  Good, but nothing monumental ultimately.

Having already commented on “White Tee,” Summer Walker concludes Life on Earth with “Deeper.” Once more, that sexy guitar accompanies similar sexual, smooth vocals by Walker.  Basically, if you’ve followed her up to this point, you know how the script plays out on “Deeper.” Another success, yet, I wouldn’t say Walker takes R&B or her artistry to new dimensions.    

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, Life on Earth (EP) is a solid representation of who Summer Walker is artistically.  She’s no powerhouse but she definitely sports a gorgeous, versatile voice.  This EP is pleasant by all means.  What it’s not is particularly exciting, flashy, or memorable.  Walker’s lane is established, and while she flexes in that lane, without a bit more punch I fear it’s going to become a bit blasé and boring.  What I like best about Life on Earth is Summer and the vibe.  What I’m less excited about is the material, which could stand to be more cutting edge and distinct. But, this is just an EP, and again, it’s pleasant.  

✓ Gems: “Let it Go” & “SWV”  

Summer Walker • Life on Earth (EP) • LVRN/Interscope • Release: 7.10.20

Photo Credits: LVRN/Interscope