Trinidad and Tobagoโs genre-bending artist iLUV makes a powerful entrance into the global music scene with his debut album The Magnificent Change, released on May 31, 2025. A vibrant sonic journey across reggae, dancehall, R&B, and Spanish influences, this 14-track album celebrates resilience, heritage, and veracity. What makes this record truly magnificent is the spirit behind the polished production and infectious beats. iLUV, also known as Dr. Matthew Parris, is a scientist and musician who brings his expertise in AI and medicine into his love for music and creates a cerebral and spiritual entity.
โAll I Needโ kicks off the album with a spark of joy, amidst shimmering percussion, Hammond organ tones, and an engaging reggae rhythm. His thick, mellifluous voice carries warmth and conviction, before a spirited rap bridge lights up the track with energy. Later, on โNo Really I Do,โ he slows it down into a soft, soulful groove, crooning, โTake my hand and walk with me into my dreams, into my soul.โ
But perhaps the emotional core of the album lies in the closer โSet Me Free,โ where soft guitar strums and the singerโs thick voice comes wailing above. Meanwhile, another layer of gravelly throaty voice sings in his lower ranges very lightly and relaxedly, almost in a vulnerable, transparent way and defeated way. He sings about Sina, a Persian artist whose pain and growth mirror iLUVโs own message of healing. The lyrics are rather intriguing, witty and poetic. The line, โwith no defences, I am defenceless,โ has especially struck me with its thought-provoking sharpness.
Crafted across studios in Jamaica, Nigeria, Brazil, Germany, and more, the album wears its global heart on its sleeve. The Magnificent Change is a statement of purpose, an open letter to the world that healing, love, and unity are necessary truths. Check it out on Spotify.
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Review by: Naomi Joan