Syd went from making music in a studio in her driveway to becoming one of R&B’s most influential artists. On her summer single “2 Many Days,” she looks back with the complicated perspective of someone who has finally had enough time to reckon with what all that ambition was supposed to lead to. That tension sits at the heart of Beard, Syd’s latest album and perhaps her most personal project yet.
It brings together a highlight reel of collaborators and producers, including Raphael Saadiq, Big Sean, Rodney Jerkins, James Fauntleroy, Van Hunt, Blu June, and Jordan Ward, to reflect on radical self-acceptance, healing after heartbreak, and the ongoing work that goes into creating a peaceful life.
Throughout the album, she traces the unlikely path from MySpace and homemade recordings to the success and scrutiny that came with building a career on her own terms. Her vocals still sound effortless, sliding over the melody in her familiar falsetto, but there’s something more reflective underneath each note. If Syd’s earlier work established her as an R&B innovator, Beard is interested in what happens after the breakthrough.
Introspection and Sonic Evolution
“Walls” is a strong opening track for the album. A synthesizer serves as the dominant instrumental voice, opening with a slow, wandering synth line alongside delicate chimes that give the song a dreamlike quality. There’s a spaciousness to the track that leaves plenty of room for her voice, making the song feel intimate and sentimental.
Lyrically, Syd sings about being away from a romantic love and taking time to heal. The lyrics remain somewhat vague, but that ambiguity works in the song’s favor. Rather than giving listeners a neatly packaged explanation, Syd leaves enough room for listeners to wonder what exactly she is unraveling from.
That introspection quickly gives way to something more playful on “Callin’” featuring Blu june. The second track rolls in confidently with a groovy bass guitar melody, a consistent hi-hat rhythm, and Blu june’s direct declaration. The record is undeniably catchy, but its appeal comes from more than the lyrics and vocals; the sultry production gives both artists a sturdy foundation to play against.
Navigating the Nuances of Love
The momentum continues with “Jasmin 17,” another upbeat track that puts Syd in full control. A clapping beat and layered backing vocals make for easy listening, while the vocal stacking feels rooted in classic R&B instrumentations. It’s a welcome choice, especially alongside Syd’s sweet-sounding but emotionally unavailable lyrics.
Across these first three songs, we’ve heard Syd sing about needing to heal, calling for physical love despite emotional detachment, and loving the way her partner moves. So far, Beard knows exactly what it wants to be: intimate, sensual, and unafraid to let the lyrics speak the truth. Then, the album hits a slight speed bump with the next track, “My Love,” which struggles to maintain the cohesion found elsewhere on the record.
Thankfully, “Always Be Mine” quickly restores some of the album’s momentum. Jordan Ward’s soulful alto provides a welcome contrast to Syd’s soprano, giving the song a natural vocal push and pull. The same can be said for “Closet,” which is slightly stronger thanks to Cube’s contribution. Placing these two songs back-to-back creates an easy transition, allowing the album to move forward without feeling disjointed.
A Queer Perspective in R&B
One of the reasons Beard stands out is Syd’s openness in exploring queer love without presenting it as a novelty or making it the album’s sole defining characteristic. Her voice joins a growing group of artists—including Kehlani, Frank Ocean, Destin Conrad, and KWN—who have drawn from their own experiences to tell stories of same-sex love and desire through R&B.
On Beard, that love is allowed to be tender, sensual, complicated, and, perhaps most importantly, ordinary. There is no need to make the relationship tragic for it to be meaningful. Beard instead makes room for the quieter triumph of simply allowing two women to love each other and exist fully within that love.
Take what you will and leave the rest. Beard has its skippable tracks and its sleeper hits, making it a project that will likely resonate most with longtime Syd fans, casual playlist listeners, and anyone who appreciates sharp instrumentation and meticulous production. It may not reinvent R&B, but it does offer another glimpse into an artist who has spent years evolving and is still figuring out what comes after becoming the artist she once dreamed of being.