Teddy Swims – I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy

By Gavin Montgomery

Previously, Teddy Swims was an artist that had not hit my radar until recently. Rising to fame in June of 2019, Teddy began publishing videos of him covering songs by Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse, Shania Twain among others and successfully showcased his very raw and gifted vocal talents. Upon the release of his 2023 sophomore LP, “I’ve tried everything but therapy”, Teddy does the same among 10 tracks that demonstrate his flawless, grounded, and very raspy voice while also displaying his unique songwriting ability.

 

The title of the album being, “I’ve tried everything but therapy”, is nearly as close as you can get to a perfectly telling title of what the contents of the project are about – as each song delivers their own narrative seen through Teddies struggles with himself as well as past and current relationships. Beginning with the album’s opener, “Some things I’ll never know” Teddy brings us along the journey of falling for a person when you previously felt helpless, and then the emotions surrounding losing that love in your life. The songwriting displayed on this track is very detailed, as the scenarios Teddy places the listener in paints an accurate and gorgeous picture of what Teddy was feeling at the time over a very melancholic piano ballad. It’s a very touching piece.

 

Following, “Somethings I’ll never know,” comes the album’s largest hit – as well as the song that put me onto Teddy Swims and his music in Lose Control. If anything, Lose Control is a testament to the power Teddy can equip behind his voice, as he belts out the hook, it really is a track where one must marvel at his singing abilities. This song has been a staple in my rotation for many months now, and seemingly never gets old with repeated listens. Next comes the track, What More Can I Say which features an incredible and upbeat bassline that makes the track extraordinarily fun and groovy. Once again, Teddie vocal talents are at the forefront of the track, and the energy brought out by him allows this song to become an instant add to my playlist.

 

Similarly, the fourth track entitled The Door also employs a unique bass line with an amazing groove bestowed upon it additionally. The Door is also a testament to Teddy’s songwriting abilities as well, as he brings the listener along the feeling of being so in love with someone, yet having to show them “the door” because you know that it isn’t right for you. The track features fantastic uses of similes and metaphors to illustrate Teddies point, and the moodiness of the instrumental adds to the overall aesthetic of the song in a positive manner. Likewise, Goodbye’s been good to you features some great jazzy production and yet another strong chorus from Teddy.

 

After track five with Goodbye’s been good to you, the tone of the album switches up fairly drastically. Gone are the funky and upbeat feels of songs previously that entranced you alongside Teddies voice, and onwards are a collection of more heartfelt Piano ballads. Track six with Last Communion, might as well be the best example of Teddies vocal prowess, as the mix on the track makes it sound as if Teddies voice is actually surrounding you, and as if he sang the song in a church to capture the echoey effects present on the song. His vocal tracks are very layered, and blend together to create a fabulous product. You Still Get to Me places much more of an emphasis on Teddies songwriting abilities rather than his voice, although his talent is still omnipotent nevertheless. The track once again is a mellow piano ballad about “the one who got away”, and the emotions surrounding losing that important person in your life. The following track “Suitcase” accomplishes a similar feat, as Teddy sings very apologetically about all the demons and baggage he has to carry in his “suitcase” around with him seemingly everywhere he goes. It’s a very personal and touching track, as we get a very well written venture into Teddies mind and his insecurities – something I always appreciate when artists do. Rounding out the album are the tracks Flame and Evergreen, which both detail the feelings of finally finding the one in your life.

 

Overall, I’ve tried everything but therapy is a unique dive into Teddy Swims psyche, as you can tell that he placed intensive care within the songwriting and contents of each track, and as a result, there is little to no filler on this project. Each song showcases Teddies immense and very skilled singing capabilities, and is accompanied by downright fantastic production and mixing across the albums 31 minute runtime. I’ve tried everything but therapy is an overall great listen, and I imagine Teddy Swims will be here to stay for a very long time.

 

ALBUM SCORE: 8.0/10

FAVORITE SONG: Lose Control, What More Can I Say, The Door.