“Something to Give Each Other" - Troye Sivan Album Review

Troye Sivan’s third studio album delivers pop perfection in every track while maintaining his ability to express queer joy and heartbreak beautifully.

After five years of waiting, the 28-year-old Aussie-born feels more confident in himself and is ready to release this album now more than ever.

The lead single, “Rush,” has this steamy club feel along with an 80s groove that instantly makes you want to just let go and dance.

It sets up the rest of the album with the same feel.

“What’s The Time Where You Are” follows in theme with the dance party track but allows Sivan’s vocals and lyrics to come through more.

“What's the night like where you are, you are? / International straight shot to my heart / I'm right on top of this groove / But, God, I wish it was you,” Sivan sings in the chorus. He expresses the feelings of having a crush on someone with a great distance from each other but still thinking of them in those small moments.

Having “Still Got It” and “Can’t Go Back, Baby” back to back feels very intentional and important to Sivan’s storytelling in this album.

Dealing with a breakup from a long-term relationship, Sivan shares the feeling of seeing your ex and awkwardly feeling like an “old colleague” in “Still Got It.”

In “Can’t Go Back, Baby” he feels like he almost wants to go back into that loving relationship and that he has no hatred toward the person because he’s learned that his own love is more important to him.

“More than just my enemy / You were my lover too / And I hope you forgive yourself / Because I swear I do,” he sings with a quiet tone.

Sampling “Shooting Stars” by the Bag Raiders in “Got Me Started” is one of the most iconic parts of the album. The sample went viral in 2017 as a meme format, so using it in the second lead single could have been very disappointing if done wrong.

But with the help of producer Ian Kirkpatrick, Sivan delivers the sample with ease and allows it to set up for a top-notch breakdance in the music video.

The production level throughout the album is something new for Sivan and adds that extra element of what makes heavenly pop music. The end of “Honey” completely highlights this.

The album is on the shorter side with only 10 tracks but Sivan's albums have famously always been short so a hardcore fan shouldn’t expect anything more.

Sivan will always have that extra pressure from the high standards people often set for queer artists but he exceeds it with grace and confidence.

Overall, “Something to Give Each Other” has a warm, jazz-funk mood that brings the fun aspects of pop music back and everyone should be tuning in.

Rating: 8/10

Reviewer’s Favorite Tracks: “What’s The Time Where You Are” and “Honey”

Reviewer’s Least Favorite Track: “How To Stay With You”

Madison Rush is a second-year majoring in public relations. To contact her, email mkr5957@psu.edu.