Trevor Daniel, Nicotine | Album Review 💿

Pop singer/songwriter Trevor Daniel definitely delivers a ‘vibe’ on his brief but entertaining debut album, Nicotine.

Remember – it’s not about quantity, but quality! On his debut album, Nicotine, pop singer/songwriter Trevor Daniel only gives us 10 tracks running 25 minutes.  Even so, the quality is > than quantity.  For a little background, Daniel first garnered attention thanks to his 2018 single, “Falling.” Notably, “Falling” received a Summer Walker remix in January 2020, months before Nicotine would arrive (March 27).  Anyways, after listening to Nicotine, I would describe this brief album as a surefire ‘vibe’ that quite entertaining and shows the immense potential of Daniel.

“Nicotine”

Nicotine initiates with a surefire bop, ✓ “Nicotine.” The brief “Nicotine” checks off all the boxes of a modern pop record.  First and foremost, Trevor Daniel sings quite beautifully and expressively.  He never forces things, yet his cool, relatively light vocals are quite potent.  Beyond a strong vocal, “Nicotine” is well-written, with a number of catchy lyrics, led by the explicit bridge gem (“And I’m back on my ‘fuck love’ shit”) as well as the infectious chorus (“R.I.P., gonna be the death of me / Way too addicting, kiss like nicotine”). Last but not least, “Nicotine” is sleek in regard to production, which includes a team of eight producers.  Worth it? You bet!

With the title track setting the tone, ✓ “Lovesick” keeps Nicotine going strong.  Once more, Daniel impresses with the cool nature of his vocals, singing the agile lyrics without breaking a sweat.  Even with his breezy, easygoing approach, his tone is quite colorful, and he remains highly effective conveying the plight of love.  “I’m lovesick, got an illness,” he sings on the chorus, continuing, “If we don’t make it work, positive it’s gonna kill me.” Don’t die Trevor – don’t die!

“Anymore” 

Some songwriters or music enthusiasts who enjoy standard songwriting forms may have a ‘bone to pick’ with ✓ “Anymore.”  Why? It’s heavy on chorus (and post-chorus) and short on verses.  In fact, there’s only one verse.  That said, in an age where experimentation with song structure is prominent, I consider the short “Anymore” to be incredibly sweet.  The sole verse is nice, but the ear is drawn to both the bluntness and relatable vibe that is the chorus:

“Oh, I ain’t gonna lie
I been havin’ problems givin’ a fuck anymore
It’s a real big issue, I can’t trust anyone.”

The man is spitting facts – who cares about conventional structures! Moving on, Trevor speaks even more facts on “Things We Do for Love.” As the title suggests, he details how your heart causes you to do nearly anything to secure love.  “Baby, your voice, I got addicted overnight / Had to pay the price,” he sings on the first verse. On the second verse, he’s more rhythmic assertive, less melodic, and offers specific details on the second: “Baby Bash and Fergie always on replay / I miss all the stupid shit that we would do, me and you.” In the context of Nicotine, it’s another enjoyable, worthwhile moment.

“All of That”

“All of That” continues the trend of shorter, but tasty songs that comprise Nicotine.  The biggest selling point remains those airy, cool, youthful vocals of Daniel, particularly his falsetto.  That said, the punchy, urban drum programming, as well as the backdrop as a whole, is pretty sick as well. No, “All of That” isn’t transcendent but, it’s certainly a vibe. “OMG” would’ve been a shoe-in for the playlist, OMG! 11 Totally Oh My God Songs, had it arrived earlier (always room for updates, though).  Sure, it’s a cliché phrase, particularly as Daniel characterizes this girl as a total babe, but, again, it’s easy on the ears, groovy, filled with swagger, and again, quite relatable.  “Shakira said hips don’t lie, watching your silhouette move in the light / Don’t got a type but I’m feeling the vibe” – c’mon – you know you’re feeling the vibe of “OMG” and Nicotine!

Like most of Nicotine, there’s plenty of pros regarding ✓ “Disaster.” It starts with Trevor Daniel – we’ve firmly established that.  Beyond his awesomeness, the sound of the record is distinct – more natural and stripped.  Relik and Omer Fedi definitely shine on the production end of things without the necessity of an excess number of instruments and tracks.  The writing is also appealing, particularly the chorus where Daniel asserts “One hand on your heart while the other is grippin’ your body.” As you might expect, the emergency of follow-up “911” is… *drum roll please*… HER.  Daniel sings about this emergency, backed by smooth guitars and a pretty sweet urban beat.

“Past Life”  

Penultimate record ✓ “Past Life” is well-written and reflective.  Trevor Daniel delivers an expressive and nuanced vocal performance.  He begins singing in his mid-lower register, ascending on the pre-chorus and hitting the goldmine on the chorus.

“Last night was the last night of my past life
Got me here like you can never figure me out
Last night was the last time, was the last time
I’ll never let you figure me out
Sitting here, talking to myself
Thinking how I used to use you
Only thing I’m used to
Last night was the last night of my past life, woah.”

The repetition of words on the chorus exhibit a sense of anxiety and emotional instability, while the reflectiveness is exhibited on the verses (“And if I could convince myself to feel it / You know I would feel it, I would”).  Ultimately, this satisfying record also features production work by FINNEAS and Sean Myer, with a marvelous backdrop comprised of guitars and keyboards, eventually expanding with a sleek, urban beat. “Past Life” is satisfying in every facet. 

Following up the crowning achievement is certainly tough. However, “Falling” is a fitting conclusion to Nicotine.  After resisting love, he’s willing to give it a try again, at least according to this sleek, urban-pop record.  Again, can’t compliment Daniel enough on the radiance of his instrument, particularly on the catchy, memorable chorus.

Final Thoughts 

So, how does the debut album by Trevor Daniel stack up? The biggest takeaway is – it’s a vibe! In a world with so much turbulence, sometimes, there’s nothing better than a vibe, and that’s what Trevor gives us on Nicotine. While the brief, 25-minute album isn’t a game changing project per se, it’s consistently entertaining, relatable, and well-rounded.  And though I’ve reiterated more times than I probably should, there’s something special about Daniel’s instrument – that smooth, easygoing sound – delish! 

✓ Gems: “Nicotine,” “Lovesick,” “Anymore,” “Disaster” & “Past Life”

Trevor Daniel • Nicotine • Alamo / Interscope • Release: 3.27.20

Photo Credits: Alamo / Interscope