Cynthia Erivo Proves She’s a Threat as a Singer-Songwriter, Too, With Subtle but Powerful ‘I Forgive You’: Album Review

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On the song “I Forgive You,” the artist known for defying gravity delivers an exceptional level of expectation-defying performance. This track is her outstanding second album as a singer-songwriter, marking her first release since “Wicked” helped her become a globally recognized name. For those who didn’t follow along when she debuted with her first solo work in 2021 (“Ch. 1 Vs. 1”), there may be some unexpected twists as she strays from any expected paths for potential crossover.

Due to Cynthia Erivo’s background as a Black actress portraying Aretha Franklin, some might assume she would create an R&B album. However, her debut record “I Forgive You” leans more towards a dark, moody sound reminiscent of Hozier rather than traditional R&B. This challenges the first stereotype.

Secondly, because Erivo is a musical theater actress, it’s expected that she would belt out songs. However, this album deviates from those expectations. If you were anticipating Elphaba-style war cries, you may be disappointed. The first single, “Replay,” may not have delivered the dramatic belting some fans of “Wicked” might expect. Instead, Erivo offers a more subdued song about anxiety that bears resemblance to “Tom’s Diner.” It’s like having a Ferrari but only driving it in third gear, leaving some listeners wondering if she won’t be showcasing her vocal range in the way they expected.

With confidence, you’ll notice that Cynthia Erivo frequently transitions into the fourth and fifth notes throughout her 20-track album “I Forgive You.” However, this isn’t about showcasing her skill with dramatic key changes; instead, she demonstrates remarkable vocal control across most of the album. While vocal restraint might not seem like a virtue on its own, Erivo manages to make it so by adding rich nuances to songs that shy away from being overly aggressive or flashy. Some of the most striking parts involve her harmonizing with herself, creating a hauntingly beautiful choral effect against minimal instrumentation, large ensembles, or even singing a cappella. At times, several Cynthias softly hum in the foreground while Erivo’s powerful voice emerges from the background. If this isn’t the intended purpose of multitracking, it certainly shows an ingenious use of manual labor and careful layering in the studio.

What’s particularly surprising, however, are the skills Erivo showcases as a lyricist, concept creator, and even song arranger. Working with primary collaborator Will Wells, the singer has divided the album into four thematic segments, each marked by clear boundaries that it’s beneficial to be aware of beforehand or at least while transitioning through. The initial six songs primarily function as a standalone breakup EP, with Erivo providing an insightful analysis of a relationship she has recently ended or is on the verge of doing so. It appears as though the entire album might delve into a raw and personal account of a romantic separation; however, the second part takes an unexpected turn into the R&B genre, revealing a different side of Erivo: This is the time for sensuality, and an ideal soundtrack for anyone’s immediate needs for such music… provided you remember to play it after the first six melancholic numbers.

Following this lengthy, sensual break, there’s another segment where we depart, as part three of the album becomes more ethereal and airy, incorporating lighter pop elements to portray a love that’s more spiritual. The closing stages abandon romantic themes entirely, instead focusing on broader life concerns. This finale concludes with “Grace,” a deeply emotional tribute to a young girl who Erivo formed a bond with, whose last major wish was to see a sneak peek of “Wicked.” (The actual girl’s voice beautifully concludes the album.)

This extensive album by Erivo showcases a maturity and skill that suggests she’s been composing and recording for years, despite only building on the success of her debut with this more elaborate and polished follow-up. While it may not become a massive hit, this four-part album is not intended to be a mainstream blockbuster. Instead, it occupies a unique space where pop and modern musical theater intersect. In fact, if Stephen Schwartz hadn’t written “Wicked: For Good,” Erivo and Wells might have been capable of creating the subsequent song. However, she’s not quite at Schwartz’s level yet, and these subdued relationship songs are not meant to be show-stoppers. But given her talent as displayed here, it wouldn’t surprise me if Erivo eventually co-writes a musical, and this could very well be a memorable opening night performance.

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2025-06-06 18:46