A unique concept deserves a unique review.
Since the release of his debut studio album Painted, Lucky Daye has been relatively quiet as far as breakthrough R&B acts are concerned, only releasing Painted deluxe and the occasional feature on tracks like Kaytranada's "Look Easy".
Daye's quiet 2020 could be contributed to COVID-19, considering the significant impact it had on artists several times Daye's popularity. While rappers have seemed to make the move back to normal releases, larger R&B acts still seem timid to release full-length projects during lockdown.
This brings us to the following questions: Is Table For Two just another throwaway quarantine EP? Or is it a genuine conceptual project from Daye?
In an interview with Vogue, Daye said Table For Two was inspired by Marvin Gaye and his Marvin Gaye and His Girls, and Diana & Marvin albums. This fact, combined with the likely costly sample of Missy Elliot's "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)" on "My Window", points towards Table For Two being a genuine passion project from Daye.
Table For Two is like silk; it's a smooth listen, filled with strong production and vocal performances from Daye and company. As far as a traditional review goes, it's an enjoyable experience, four stars and no complaints.
Will you find yourself revisiting the project weeks from now? With major R&B acts like Brent Faiyaz, Bryson Tiller, H.E.R., and SZA all hinting towards dropping soon, probably not.
Like Chick-Fil-A is a can't-go-wrong fast food spot and all-white air forces are a can't-go-wrong shoe(emphasis on white), Table For Two is a can't-go-wrong project—Daye and company are too talented. But like Chick-Fil-A and G-Nikes, it's such a sure thing that it's not fun, or necessary, to review.
So instead of reviewing Table For Two, let's review the matchups inside the EP. The project's unique concept of two people essentially arguing at a dinner table on each track allows for a winner to be crowned based on Daye's hypothetical arguments versus those from his features.
Argument/Song One: "How Much Can A Heart Take" Daye vs. Yebba
This is a classic viral tweet being put on display by Daye and Yebba, as the two spend much of the track focusing on each other's energy and how the other person's energy is draining. It's the modern-day chicken or the egg paradox.
Who's energy drained who first?
Yebba takes the offensive right out the gate, accusing Daye of giving other women more attention and constantly changing moods. In true debate fashion, Daye's rebuttal attacks the weaker of Yebba's two points by claiming that she is the one with mood issues. He also introduces a financial aspect, singing "you take my money, and I don't get a thing back," and tries to manipulate her into staying, with lines like "who do you better ways?"
If this were a real argument, I'd side with Yebba in her decision to leave, but if Daye's verse was a real plea, Yebba most likely would have stayed in the toxic relationship. With that in mind, it's a clear win for Daye. He masterfully avoided the damning argument of him cheating, attacked her weakest point, and introduced a case of his own. Then, to top it all off, he sprinkled in some manipulation to seal the deal.
Point: Lucky Daye
Argument/Song Two: "On Read" Daye vs Tiana Major9
Lucky Daye gets his point off first on the project's lead single "On Read". As the song's title suggests, this argument is centered around the irresponsiveness of another person—in this case, the person is Tiana Major9.
"On Read", like many singles, is the most basic song on the project, as the only layer of Daye's verse and most of the hook is being left on read. It's a basic song accompanied by a basic Daye verse and argument, but Major9 takes it up another level.
She spends most of her verse hammering in the point that Daye is beneath her—a point introudced by Daye's begging in his verse—and she has the best line on the song, flipping Daye's name by saying, "Baby, I'm so headstrong, it's your lucky day if I answer."
Daye went for the reverse psychology Hail Mary by putting himself down in hopes that Major9 would deny it, but instead she agreed and added on, making her the easy winner.
Point: Tiana Major9
Argument/Song Three: "My Window" Daye vs. Mahalia
"My Window" is the musical embodiment of one of life's most rare occurrences.
The mutual breakup where neither side in particular is to blame, yet the relationship is very much done, rarely every happens. With no one to fault, the couple usually gets back together until one side finally gives up, or they miserably stay together, confused as to why the relationship isn't working.
Daye and Mahalia touch each of the points. On the hook, they sing, "It's a shame tryna force somethin' that would not be good," and "it's a shame and it's strange 'cause everything seems worth it." Mahalia makes sure the second option doesn't happen when she sings, "We deserve better kinds of treatment, baby, don't you want that kind of love?" And Daye hints at being the link that would break the relationship should it continue by saying how he'll "do his thing".
Both artists deserve credit for breathing life into this breakup fairytale.
Point: Daye and Mahalia
Argument/Song Four: "Access Denied" Daye vs. Ari Lennox
Remember how I gave both Daye and Mahalia credit for breaking up on the last song instead of being miserable together, well spoiler alert, neither Daye or Ari Lennox gets a point for "Access Denied".
The two ironically perform a song about a closed off, unloving relationship as a duet. This is likely done on purpose(chef's kiss), and if this was a traditional review, I'd rave about this decision for making the project as good as it is, but this isn't a traditional review.
This article is supposed to highlight the arguments being presented and childishly pick a winner.
No one is the winner in the case of "Access Denied". The song is like the rare moments on Rick & Morty when Beth and Jerry express their love. It's love, but they shouldn't be together.
Instead of arguing on "Access Denied", Daye and Lennox both claim the other person doesn't know how to love then simply leaves each other alone.
Point: Malcolm & Marie
Argument/Song Five: "Dream" Daye vs. Queen Naija
Think of the most perfect couple you know. Now ask yourself, do you believe they're that happy?
Daye and Queen Naija are that couple on the aptly titled "Dream". From the mesmerizing production to Daye and Naija's verses and vocals, everything about the track screams fantasy.
Queen Naija admitted that was the song's intention in a description with Apple Music, saying "It’s just kind of like a fantasy thing where you want to keep dreaming about someone, so you don’t want to wake up."
While I have awarded unhealthy relationship practices throughout this review, I'm never one to kill a dream.
Point: Daye and Queen Naija
Argument/Song Six: "Falling In Love" Daye vs. Joyce Wrice
Of all the conceptual "dates" put on display throughout Table For Two, "Falling In Love" is the one people are most likely to root for.
Daye starts off the song scared to fall in love, singing "Now baby don't go playin' with my lovin', don't make me regret fallin' in love." If Tiana Major9 was the feature on this song, she'd likely tell Daye he's nothing serious, but Joyce Wrice has a different outlook towards Daye and their relationship.
Wrice uses her verse to assure Daye that they're falling in love together, saying "All we gotta do is try, see both ways it's a sacrifice, it ain't only about you, I need to remind you." It's a great response to Daye's insecurity and makes Daye and Wrice the one fictional couple worth rooting for if you were to overhear any of the Table For Two situations.
Point: Joyce Wrice
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