Daniel Caesar – Never Enough (2xLP)

Daniel Caesar’s Never Enough is a lush, introspective album that sees the artist expanding his sonic palette while staying true to the emotionally rich core of his music. Across 15 tracks, Caesar weaves themes of vulnerability, regret, and longing through a soundscape that blends contemporary R&B with hints of folk, psychedelia, and ambient soul. His voice—soft, pleading, often falsetto—is the anchor in a collection that is as confessional as it is carefully produced. The album is also notable for its subtle use of Auto-Tune and minimalist instrumentation, which allows Caesar’s lyrics and melodies to take center stage.

What makes Never Enough stand out is its willingness to stretch beyond what’s expected. There are conventional love ballads here—"Always" and "Valentina" are clear highlights—but they sit comfortably alongside more experimental cuts like "Shot My Baby" and "Vince Van Gogh." Caesar isn’t chasing chart hits here; he’s crafting a mood, a late-night emotional current that flows from beginning to end. While the album doesn’t always hit with the immediacy of his earlier work, it rewards repeat listens with quiet emotional resonance and sonic detail.

Reviews

"Never Enough is Caesar’s boldest, most eclectic album to date—a strikingly intimate record full of texture and sonic risk." – Exclaim!

"This album succeeds in part because it doesn't try too hard. Caesar sounds comfortable being unpredictable." – The New York Times

"Though uneven, Never Enough is a fascinating portrait of an artist caught between atonement and artistic exploration." – HipHopDX

"Daniel Caesar delivers his most vulnerable work yet—restrained, soulful, and sonically ambitious." – Clash

"Never Enough is sleepy and erratically experimental, but Caesar still shines brightest when doing what he does best: writing slow, tender love songs." – Pitchfork