IANN DIOR – ‘I’m Gone’: “on rum, coke, and breaking hearts”

Iann Dior is a solo artist from Texas whose musical style reflects influences of R&B, trap rap, and alternative rock. Today, marks the release of his latest album, I’m Gone.

“Paradise” starts I’m Gone off on a strong note with an attention-grabbing pre-chorus, delivers an emo-rap vibe, and talks about escapism and living your best life. Next on the album is “Pretty Girls”, a track led by an 80’s esque synthwave beat that dismisses a past love interest. It’s worth mentioning this song instantly had me hooked and became my personal favorite off the album.

The third song, “Sickness”, drifts into darker territory both lyrically and musically to discuss feeling alone, exhausted, and looking for escape. Shameless starts off with an interesting synth and serves as Iann Dior’s flex on the lifestyle he lives. Following that, the melodic trap rap track “Psycho” assumes a darker standpoint on fame and how harsh life as a celebrity can be.

The sixth track, “Sick and Tired”, is a solid collaboration featuring Machine Gun Kelly and Travis Barker with a killer hook. Instrumentally, this song stuck out to me the most for two reasons: it’s driven by its drum and guitar parts, and being the song off of I’m Gone with the most rock influence, was an unexpected– but nonetheless enjoyable– change up of sound.

“Runaway Kid” starts and ends with an interesting sample and made for a good transition into the album’s last two songs. “Good Day” continues a theme of escapism heard in previous tracks, only this time in a more positive connotation. Prospect features Lil Baby and is a flex start to finish, ending the album on a high note.

Overall, I’m Gone has songs listeners can take a liking to almost instantly. Personally, what I enjoyed most about it is how short and sweet it is. A strongly chorus-driven release can innately have a lot of replay value to it, but the fact it’s just over 20 minutes enhances that. Go stream I’m Gone!