Ryan Beatty’s “Dreaming of David” album is a whimsical journey that touches those clutching for spiritual sanity and the need for admiration. 

Ryan Beatty makes  a combination of R&B, alternative, and pop music, seen through his previous album, “God in Jeans,” and his new sophomore album “Dreaming of David.” He acquired fame through producing, songwriting, and being a vocalist on various BROCKHAMPTON albums, “Igor,” by Tyler, The Creator, and Kevin Abstract’s album, “Arizona Baby.” He eventually became a solo artist and gained a following. 

The three singles off his latest album were “Dark Circles,” “Patchwork,” and “Casino.” “Dark Circles” is a mixture of eccentric beats centered around a melancholic love story of staying up at night thinking about an ex-boyfriend. “Patchwork” is a song that captures the feeling of falling into a black hole of confusion, torn between public criticism and a relationship. “Casino” plays into the theme of romantic longing; Ryan’s thinking about a lover who’s always on his mind, with the lyrics “come around like the moon, sun, most of the time you’re on my mind” and “the elderly were playing a version of your song.” In this song he craves to be adored: “love me to death or don’t give me anything.” 

A top hit released on the album is “Evergreen.” This song, with a mix of abstract acoustics and lyrics that combine to make an authentic production, addresses the terrifying thoughts of the unknown and leaving familiarity: “I don’t know where you are, I don’t know if it’s bad. No answer. What comes after?”

Religious pondering is prevalent in this sophomore album with the songs “Genesis” and “Backseat.” The album “Dreaming of David” itself is a biblical reference that showcases spiritual agony. In “Genesis”, Ryan says he is atheist but goes on to say “Found God. But not the one you were looking for.” His struggles with religion prevail in “Backseat” as he sings that he just needs a friend and somebody-maybe a metaphorical God to rely on. This can be left to interpretation as he sings “I look to you for advice, what to do with my life,” begging a supreme power for hope.

His other tracks include “Hawkshaw ” and “Flowers at the Door,” which have upbeat tones but disheartening messages. “Hawkshaw ” conveys Beatty’s trust issues and relationship problems due to long distance. “Flowers at the Door” is a less innocent track, as indicated by lyrics like “rollin’ on the hardwood floor.” 

“Shimmer” has a reflective attitude about the sadness he has endured- “I never wanna feel like that. I never wanna feel”; these lyrics add meaning to the somber mood of the album. “Brother” and “Dreaming of David” have a depressing nature as well. These poetic, romantic songs convey the loving, yet saddening message throughout the album.

“Dreaming of David ” includes unexpected vocal samples, eccentric and experimental beats, and a whole new take of the R&B style, which creates a beautiful masterpiece.