R&B artist and producer Stephen Lee Brunder, popularly known as Thundercat has been one of the well-respected yet underrated artists in the music industry over the past 15 years.
Growing up with his brothers, mother and father, music was a crucial part of his upbringing. His mother was a percussionist while his father was a drummer for well-known artists such as The Temptations, The Supremes and Gladys Knight. Thundercat would follow in his family’s footsteps, becoming a bassist for four time Grammy Award winner Erykah Badu in the 2000s. He would then go on to release his first studio album “The Golden Age of Apocalypse” in 2011 at 26 years old. Although he was known for his experimental sound, Thundercat was still more well known as a producer. Over the years he has worked with many successful artists such as Childish Gambino, SZA, The Internet, H.E.R., Mac Miller, Travis Scott, and Kendrick Lamar.
In April, Thundercat, now 41 years old, released his fifth studio album titled “Distracted.” The album featured more of his signature unique sound, providing a listening experience people won’t soon forget. Each song is an experience, emulating sounds from classic ‘70s and ’80s R&B. The album included notable features from artists such as Lil Yachty, A$AP Rocky, Tame Impala, and the late Mac Miller. While some may believe the features on songs like “I did this to Myself” from Lil Yachty and Flying Lotus disrupts the flow, it further enhances the unusual sound that Thundercat has become known for.
The album heavily leans into the complexity of romantic relationships with songs like “I Wish I Didn’t Waste Your Time” and arguably the best song on the album “What Is Left to Say” featuring The Lemon Twigs. These songs do an excellent job portraying the hardships that are commonly experienced at the end of relationships in a way that is relatable to his audience. While some songs may blend together, the overall experience of the 45 minute long album is definitely worthy of a listen.
Overall I would give this album a solid rating of 7.8 out of 10. It’s not the greatest thing you’ll ever listen to but it will definitely make you want to listen again.
