Herb Tha 4th approaches music as a storyteller first and a genre stylist second. On Words And Sounds According 2 Me, he blends Folk Americana textures with R&B grooves and Lo-fi soul production to create a record that feels both intimate and musically expansive. The album showcases not only his smooth and soulful vocal tone but also his ability to move between moods and styles without losing the thread of personal storytelling that defines his work. Throughout the project, the production remains clean and well balanced, allowing the songwriting and layered arrangements to take centre stage.
The opening track, Cyber Tribe, immediately establishes the album’s willingness to blur genre boundaries. The song carries a subtle gospel influence through its backing vocals, which add depth and warmth to the overall sound. The groove is steady and engaging, and the instrumentation feels carefully arranged without ever sounding overproduced. Herb Tha 4th’s vocal delivery is confident and expressive, and the lyrics feel purposeful and sincere. As an introduction to the record, the track sets a strong tone for the musical variety that follows.
One of the album’s most memorable moments arrives with Honey Whiskey and Lemonade. The track begins with a smooth bass line that anchors the entire composition, creating a groove that is impossible to ignore. The funk elements here are unmistakable, and the song carries a vibe that recalls classic funk and soul influences reminiscent of early Prince recordings. The bass heavy arrangement works perfectly with the rhythmic pocket, making the song feel alive and dynamic. The lyrics are catchy and easily memorable, and the performance encourages the listener to lean into the groove. It stands as one of the clear high points of the album.
Instant Relief follows with a slick electric guitar riff that immediately establishes a funky atmosphere. The guitar tone is smooth but energetic, giving the track a rhythmic backbone that pairs well with Herb’s vocals. Lyrically, the song explores the emotional release that comes after leaving behind something that no longer serves you. Lines describing a character realising wasted time and finally saying goodbye effectively capture that sense of liberation. The repeated phrase “instant relief” is layered with backing vocals, creating a memorable hook that lingers long after the song ends.
With Leave This Party, the album shifts toward a more participatory energy. The track begins with hand claps that establish a simple and infectious rhythm, one that would translate easily in a live setting where audiences could clap along. The funk elements remain present, and the song carries a lively sense of momentum. The production stays tight and polished, allowing the groove to drive the track forward without unnecessary distraction.
Love That 4 U introduces a softer texture. The song begins with a folk influenced guitar lick that is deceptively simple. The arrangement allows the guitar to breathe, and while the part itself is not overly complicated, it sounds layered and expressive within the mix. Herb Tha 4th’s vocals are particularly impressive here. His delivery is controlled and emotive, demonstrating the natural talent that has earned praise for his voice. The track’s understated arrangement highlights the strength of his singing and songwriting.
LULU returns to a funk and R&B blend, again evoking the playful groove oriented spirit of classic funk records. The song uses repetitive lyrical phrases that make it immediately memorable. Layered vocals add additional texture, giving the chorus a sense of fullness that contrasts nicely with the groove driven instrumentation. It is a track that thrives on rhythm and repetition, inviting listeners to settle into its pulse.
A more personal tone appears on Mamas, which stands as one of the album’s most heartfelt moments. The lyrics express gratitude toward the artist’s mother, acknowledging her influence on his musical journey. A line such as “Because I do music because of you, you’re the reason that I do” captures the sincerity at the heart of the track. The guitar playing is gentle and expressive, complementing the emotional weight of the song without overpowering it.
She Was Eager offers a slower build compared to many of the preceding tracks. Rather than jumping immediately into a groove, the song gradually develops its arrangement. This slower pacing provides a moment of contrast within the album’s flow and allows the listener to focus on the evolving structure of the track.
The mood darkens slightly with St Delusion. The song uses more minor tonalities and less traditionally uplifting chord progressions, creating a shadowier atmosphere. The backing vocals again add depth, and the overall production maintains the clarity present throughout the record. Herb Tha 4th’s vocals remain strong and expressive, while the lyrics contribute to the introspective tone.
The album closes with Storyteller, a reflective and thoughtful piece that emphasises simplicity. The track is slower and more stripped back than much of the album, allowing the songwriting to take centre stage. There is a clear sense of passion in the performance, as if Herb Tha 4th is laying bare the essence of his creative process. The song demonstrates how powerful simplicity can be when handled carefully. Its melodic hook is surprisingly catchy, and the emotional sincerity makes it one of the most memorable moments on the record.
SCORE/Outstanding: Across Words And Sounds According 2 Me, Herb Tha 4th proves himself to be an artist comfortable blending influences while maintaining a strong personal identity. Funk grooves, folk textures, gospel inspired backing vocals and soulful melodies all find space within the album’s soundscape. The production remains consistently polished, and the songwriting reflects a genuine dedication to storytelling. The result is a record that feels cohesive despite its stylistic variety. For listeners drawn to music that balances groove with heartfelt expression, this album offers plenty to appreciate.
[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]
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