Big O- ‘ When it’s Not Said, But Done’ [Album Review]

UK-based US-born music producer Big O has been making his way up the ranks in recent years. From his numerous collaborations with acts like P-Rawb and Tranzformer, and his contributions to platforms like Chill Select, Big O continues to break the musical ceiling by consistently delivering high-quality music. His latest release, When It’s Not Said, But Done, is a 15-track project that focuses on his growth and development as a producer and a young man weaving through life as a creative. The title sees him as a student of the school of thought where actions are more powerful than words, and the best plan is the one that is properly executed.

Big O states that the project is his personal sonic journey, and he takes listeners through progressive states. Always pushing the musical ceiling, he kicks the doors off the hinges with “From the Ashes (Rebirth),” a solemn string-driven piece laced with fiery sound design showing the producer’s rejuvenation into his raw musical state. This moves into “M!dnyght Ryde,” a mid-tempo futuristic piece that blends R&B chords, airy horn passes with experimental neo soul textures, all underpinned by a smooth headnodding groove. On “What’s in This World,” BigO employs mellow soul chords that ooze raw emotional release with snapping drums and a prevalent bass-line to match. The track is reminiscent of early SoulAquarian productions and is just a sign of beautiful things to expect on the project. The next tracks take a slightly different turn in terms of production approach as Big O is not one to stick to a solitary lane. “Sounds of Broken Pieces” taps into the ’80s electro-pop/R&B sound of Atlantic Starr with a touch of Dilla and Soundwav. The drums are crunchy and the use of choppy stabs, clicks and blips laced with warm chords all come together like peas in a pod. “A Bit of Hope” lives up to its title with the producer crafting an uplifting piece comprising bright chords, cinematic strings with a unique touch reminiscent of what early Lupe could rap over.

Big O knows his onions and continues to unveil his layered style as the album progresses. On “New Found Joy,” he serves us a warm and nostalgic piece that is soul-stirring and uplifting, while on “Walking into Next Week” (Feat. Jeronimo G), he brings retro-soul sounds with modern Afrobeats drums to create a brilliant genre-bending piece that will get listeners rocking back and forth. The following cut, “A Better (Me)” (Feat. IB Delight), is another solid record that is crafted in the modern soul/jazz space. The mellow bass grooves play perfectly with the airy pads while the sax solo ramps up the emotional energy from start to finish. “Til my Time Comes” starts with a punchy 4 to the floor groove arrangement and is bolstered by a moody and dark texture that oozes urgency, while “A Peace of Mind” flips the script and taps into the classic DJ Premier groove with elements of West Coast bounce and neo soul. The track is a perfect mix of sounds that are pleasing to the ear, and it’s easily our favourite. The final track, “Bigrodamous’s Closing Theme,” is a befitting track that sends a bittersweet vibe to the soul. From the anthemic riffs to the soulful chords and moody strings, audiences are taken on the final ride till we all meet again. Other notable tracks include the blaxploitation-influenced “Still Standing” with its funky groove, rumbunctious drum arrangement and layered vocals and horns; the classic/gospel-infused “Free Spirit” which comprises haunting vocals, plucky bells with warm horns and pads. The dreamy “Relaxing My Emotions” is a cool afrocentric jam as well and is ripe with airy pads, plucky synths, and short horn passes that add an extra punch to the track, and we can’t deny the dusty snap of “In the History Books,” which is a solid head nodder of a track.

Overall When It’s Not Said, But Done, is about getting things done and showing results, and Big O has passed with flying colours.

Keep up with Big O  | Soundcloud : Facebook : Twitter/X : Instagram