Multifaceted Detroit singer Quinn XCII's 2017 debut full-length, The Story of Us, offered an introduction to his eclectic styles and penchant for heartsick lyrics about relationship troubles. The strongest songs showcased his hybrid of electronic pop and contemplative hip-hop, and glossy production gave the entire album a radio-ready sound. Second album From Michigan With Love follows the formula with 12 new tracks of self-reflective rap-laced pop, heavy on heartbroken themes paired with uplifting beats. "Werewolf" is a perfect example of this, as Quinn raps about the torment of his recently broken relationship over a bounding, melodic backdrop with twinkling piano and jaunty horn parts that make the anguished song almost cute. The same is true of "Matches" which begins with an auto-tuned choir of harmonies about self-destructive behavior that soon melts into a friendly, major-key beat. It quickly becomes apparent that this smiling melancholy is kind of Quinn XCII's thing, and it works only some of the time. The goofy lyrics and tired acoustic guitar hook of "Tough" feel awkward, Quinn playing the part of the sensitive regular guy standing up to an insecure bully with snappy one-liners like "You watch 'Eat, Pray, Love' on repeat!" in a scenario that feels imaginary. The forlorn "U & Us" feels more sincere, with organic instrumentation emphasizing the song's sense of longing and loneliness. Trendy production places much of From Michigan With Love firmly in its era, and while some of the tunes come off as cloying, Quinn XCII's talent for wrapping vulnerable feelings in easily digestible pop manages to balance out with his moments of cheesiness.
© Fred Thomas /TiVo