Life can be absolutely surreal, but DORIS drifts through his own surreal domain of refreshing nostalgia and genuine, lighthearted entertainment on Everything Else .
In 2024, DORIS dropped his Ultimate Love Songs Collection which we included in our Favorite Albums of 2024 List, mentioning his unique vocal effects and compelling lyrics combined with addictive R&B instrumentals. Now, Frank Dorrey releases a new assortment of songs embracing those same whimsical feelings in his own way. In between the slow ballads, and lightning fast rain dances are the moments where DORIS makes you laugh in your seat and groove until you sweat. Beyond the horizon, there are plenty of fun sound effects and ear candies that make you chuckle, sing, and wonder.
This project really shows off the unique production of DORIS as he travels across a large spectrum on Everything Else . It feels so personal that it sounds hand stitched together using joy, care, and intention, instinctively making the listener move their body in ways you couldn’t predict. (Perfect album cover btw)
The unconventional pacing is unpredictable at times, but it’s also one of my favorite traits of Everything Else . The out-of-sequence narration doesn’t feel out of place, actually, the tracklist perpetually flows through memories of sunny weather, heartbreak, dance parties, date nights, and beyond.
My favorite moment on this album has to be “D Presents blackflash”. I have to highlight this track because I’ve always interpreted it as the ethos of Everything Else . This 7 minute medley encapsulates the essence of “BLACKMUSIC”, and is a beautiful, Black Boy Joy soundtrack to endless summers.
The 10-track run from “til tomorrow” through “bubblegum language” needs to be studied separately.
Everything Else sounds like a personal tour of the social media feed and SoundCloud likes of DORIS, with an uplifting rhythm that carries you forward with a spark where you step. It’s perfect for how I’ve been feeling recently.
Additional favorite tracks worth mentioning: “cushion”, “dangerous”, “fantasy”, “blink”, “Delirious <3”
