Album Preview: Theophilus London "Timez Are Weird These Days"

We get an early listen of the eclectic artist's anticipated debut.

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Image via Complex Original
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Theophilus London has been grinding it out for years with his very particular brand of rap-based, vintage-inspired, electro-pop. That's a lot of genres and dashes, but it's hard to describe it any other way. The Brooklyn native's sound is a mash-up of styles and influences and it's never been more apparent than on his Warner Bros. debut Timez Are Weird These Days . The 11-track opus arrives in stores on July 19, but Complex got an early listen. Keep reading for our take on the LP before you check it out yourself.

In fact, pre-order the album while you're at it.

Written by Ernest Baker (@newbornrodeo)

Last Name London

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“Last Name London”

Complex says: The Timez Are Weird These Days single serves as the perfect introduction to Theophilus London. From the jump, we're under the impression that he's still pulling from a wide range of influences to develop his sound. The beat has a deep bass thump that juxtaposes nicely against the airy, Brit pop-inspired background vocals, but London's rap delivery and references to topics like his Cole Haan endorsement and Internet-age Skype sex make the track uniquely him.

Love Is Real

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“Love Is Real”

Complex says: Damn, this guy is good at making us feel like we're at a UK nightclub in 1989. Here he delves into the lifestyle of a club-hopping femme fatale over a pulsating bassline with short eight-bar verses. The highlight is the track's chorus: straight-up pop catchiness.

Wine & Chocolates

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“Wine & Chocolates”

Complex says: We hate to make the Kid Cudi comparison every time an artist pulls out the sing-songy flow, but it's hard to ignore the similarities here. The light synth stabs and feel-good vibe behind Theophilus' declaration to "live it up a little bit" makes this one sound like the background music for a romantic comedy dating montage.

All Around The World

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“All Around The World”

Complex says: Theophilus says he's "making music like it's 1964" and this record shows it. There's a hint of Beach Boys-style psychedelia that makes the globe-trotting anthem sound like it'll go over well at festivals, but this isn't really day-to-day headphone music for us.

She's Great (Interlude)

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“She's Great (Interlude)”

Complex says: It's a five-second skit. A girl says, "I've been there." Theophilus says, "It was great." That's all.

Why Even Try

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“Why Even Try” f/ Sara Quin

Complex says: This is the first song we heard from the album back in January, and it's been getting spins around the office ever since. Theophilus and Sara from Tegan and Sara go back-and-forth about a girl who tries too hard to be a bad girl even though she's "never been like that." The story is great, but the production is the real winner here. When those drums drop a few seconds in, try not to fuck with it. Try.

Stop It

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“Stop It”

Complex says: Track seven sounds like a disco record, but finds London reverting back to a more direct rap approach for his verses. The subject matter is familiar: I dress well, I travel a lot, and your girlfriend wants me. His usual knack for strong choruses is missing here though, making "Stop It" ultimately forgettable. Then again no one would complain if this came on shuffle at a party.

Girls Girls $

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“Girls Girls $"

Complex says: "She got drunk, showed her pussy on World Star." That line alone makes this LP standout worth three minutes of your time. These moments of digital age self-awareness over funky dance grooves showcase Theophilus London at his finest.

One Last Time

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“One Last Time”

Complex says: This sounds like the hip-hop generation's take on Talking Heads' "This Must Be The Place" with a side of Face Value-era Phil Collins. If anyone can pull that off, it's Theophilus. The chorus on this record has that really big, optimistic sound that you hear on Lite FM stations in the elevator. Which is awesome. One of our favorites for sure.

Lighthouse

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“Lighthouse”

Complex says: Theophilus picks up the pace as the album nears completion. He rocks out in a way reminiscent of mid-'90s English bands like Blur and Oasis. Nothing too abrasive. The record is really conceptual, with London talking about a girl whose "head is filled with fantasies" and a lighthouse that will "shine and shine" until it finds them, so make of it what you will. It's the breezy alternative feel that makes "Lighthouse" an enjoyable listen.

I Stand Alone

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“I Stand Alone”

Complex says: Timez Are Weird These Days finishes with Theophilus London's statement about individuality and the rest of his career. He shares personal mantras: "The clothes don't make the man. The man makes the clothes." Then the rest of the record is replete with metaphors like, "I'm headed for the dock on the shore." By the time the last chords fade out, it feels like we've experienced something from an artist who's come a long way, and effectively made his mark, but has a lot more to prove. It'll be exciting to see where he goes from here.

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