On April 4, 2025, new and rising indie-pop artist Malcolm Todd Hobert, widely known as Malcolm Todd, released his sophomore self-titled long play (LP) album.
This album is a big accomplishment for him, marking his consistency and persistence within the music industry. Todd has amassed more than eight million listeners on Spotify and the numbers are continuing to grow.
Todd first gathered an audience through TikTok, advertising himself through comparisons to other artists and with his songs becoming popular sounds on TikTok accompanying the short video format.
Initially starting his music career in high school, Todd released self produced music. In an interview with the Rice Thresher, he attributed his start to learning to play guitar during COVID-19. He also said his family exposed him to music at an early age.
His collection of extended plays (EPs) includes “Demos Before Prom,” “Shower Shoes,” “Sweet Boy Pt. 1” and “Sweet Boy Pt. 2.” All of his EPs were released consecutively, with his first LP, “Sweet Boy,” being released after, and almost exactly a year before the release of “Malcolm Todd.”
Todd has consistently been releasing music since 2022, with his most popular songs including “Chest Pain (I Love),” “Roommates” and “Sweet Boy.” He originally self-produced but later signed a record deal with Columbia Records for “Sweet Boy.”
Todd keeps a consistent style of smooth rock mixed with pop and rhythm and blues (R&B). He initially gained recognition by drawing similarities between him and R&B artist Steve Lacey.
The Rice Thresher also attributed his style to 2010’s bedroom pop and other R&B artists, including Omar Apollo, who served as inspiration for Todd early in his career.
In 2024, Todd got the chance to open for Apollo on his “God Said No World Tour.”
“As I was on tour, I’d think back to moments in high school when he was doing what I’m doing now and how excited I was about it. And now here I am, doing it too — damn, that’s crazy,” said Todd in his interview with the Rice Thresher.
Following the tour, Apollo and Todd continued to remain in collaboration with one another. Todd includes Apollo as the only guest appearance of the album on the track, “Bleed (feat. Omar Apollo).”
The song is definitely a standout, taking both their styles and blending them seamlessly. Apollo incorporates his crisp voice in a song about letting someone in, but being unsure.
“Malcolm Todd” was made in collaboration with writers and producers Charlie Ziman and Jonah Cochran, along with some other notable contributors. Todd released the album with Columbia Records.
Before the album’s release, Todd put out three singles: “Chest Pain (I Love),” “Bleed (feat. Omar Apollo)” and “Cheer Me On,” all of which gained popularity on TikTok. But, it was evident after the release of the album that the remaining 11 tracks caught audiences’ attention as well.
Todd opens the album with “Harry Styles.” A soft melody with guitar acoustics and quiet vocals paired with his powerful lyrics creates a juxtaposition that is complex, yet soothing for the first track.
It’s an intimate expression of criticism and struggles within the music industry, revealing his vulnerability to the listener. This beginning sets the tone for the album and helps Todd connect with his audience, proving his album will be honest and forward.
“Be the Better Man” and “Who’s the Fool” are also open interpretations of Todd’s everyday conflicts and commentary on his view of himself, naming someone else as part of the bigger picture.
In “Who’s the Fool”, ‘Christopher’ is someone he mentions multiple times. It’s unclear if this name is his own pressure on himself, pressure from another person, or societal pressures he faces day to day. Contrary to its meaning, the song has relaxing instrumentals that would make it an interesting song to see Todd perform live.
While the track “Doll” has some pop elements and guitar, its meaning might be a shade different. The song is about completely being someone else’s and is full of symbolism left and right. It ends with a voicemail or video audio of a young kid, possibly calling back to Todd’s youth and childhood.
“Lying” is a catchy tune that, while it might not seem so at first, is a track you may find yourself going back to. Full of keyboard, trumpets and drums, it has a groovy feel and consistent chorus, an unlikely crowd favorite.
A track that may remind some listeners of Todd’s earlier music is “Walk to Class.” The song is an emotional look into a relationship and uses soft lyrics to tell the story of a long distance couple. The track explores the difficulty and the realization of what you’re missing. With Todd’s telltale beats and smooth pop, this track is a sweet and sincere standout.
“Florence” starts out with a synthesizer rhythm and intro, which follows Todd’s voice throughout the song. There are an abundance of quirks and beeps that work in nicely, and while it is simple, this track stands out. Being heartfelt and unapologetic, similar to most of Todd’s music, “Florence” is a song for many of his fans.
Fresh out of its release, “Concrete” was already a fan favorite. Todd must have predicted this, publishing a music video directed by himself and his sister, Audrey Hobert.
The song starts with an intro recording, conveying a darker feel and almost an angry tone. It seems to be about wanting to be on the better side of a relationship and not wanting to let go, but feeling frustrated with oneself and one’s emotions.
The album includes two interludes, both being exactly one minute. “Good Job Malcolm” is a fun, celebratory pause with fanfare trumpets. It’s almost as if it’s a celebration of the album and what it means to Todd. The other interlude, “I Do” is a cute song about saying yes at the altar.
To close out the album, Todd starts soulfully in “I’ll Come Back For You.” But as the song slowly progresses, the beat and instrumentals also pick up, adding a hint of hope and sweetness. It’s a perfect finish and closer to the album, showing the bittersweetness of love, but also life and time.
