Malcolm Todd is in his feelings right now, and his latest album, “Do That Again,” isn’t afraid to show it.

Using his familiar mix of alternative and R&B sounds with lyrics that are unabashedly intimate, Todd’s third album tells it like it is, which is both its greatest strength and its greatest weakness. Although the new songs are sonically consistent with his established sound, the lyricism and musicality of “Do That Again” fall flatter than his previous works because they don’t take any big risks.

The opening song, “Jean Skirt,” is short and sweet but provides a great introduction to the album, ending with a bang and high energy that leaves the listener anticipating more. But the transition into the next song is harsh, as “Obsessica” begins with softer strumming and a slower tempo.

The song is characterized by smooth harmonies and twinkling instrumentals, reminiscent of Todd’s 2025 song “Who’s the Fool.” The lyrics discuss his obsession with an unnamed girl, who later turns into Stacy, Macy, Tracy, Rebecca, Felicia, Brandy and so on. He sings “I’m a Virgo, you’re a Taurus / Chart says no, let’s just ignore it.” The slightly humorous lyrics, mixed with the earnestness of Todd’s voice, work perfectly to coyly charm the listener.

Humor and sincerity overlap frequently across the album, in tracks such as “Malcolm In The Middle.” The track is one of a few standouts, as Todd experiments with an almost cartoonish sound that works perfectly with the title and subject matter.

The two lead singles of the album, “Breathe” and “I Saw Your Face,” remain some of its strongest songs. “Breathe” has all the ingredients of a Todd song that fans know and love: cheeky lyrics and a tune that easily gets stuck in anyone’s head.

Alternatively, “I Saw Your Face” shifts away from his playful persona into a more serious perspective, as Todd explains why he let go of his love and why he regrets it. The song uses a memorable guitar riff and softer vocals as Todd sings, “You hate me now, but I loved you first.” In both the sound and lyrics, Todd expertly illustrates the feelings of regret and heartbreak.

Continuing this theme in “Difficult Love,” Todd pleads with the aforementioned ex to “Break [his] heart again.” The song, although consistent with Todd’s confessional tone and theme, struggles to stand out — not just within the album but within his entire discography. It could easily be placed in his previous album and go unnoticed, as it sounds similar to songs like “Doll.”

“Ain’t That The Truth” struggles with a similar problem: Although it’s catchy, it’s boring compared to other pieces and showcases the downside of Todd’s straightforward lyricism. Its short runtime also ensures the track is lost within the abundance of better tunes on the album.

However, the following song, “Gun To My Head,” begins slowly but regains its power with hard-hitting lyrics and is a highlight of the album. The song perfectly balances an upbeat melody with slower moments using a mix of piano, guitar and layered gentle vocals. The song’s subject matter also creates a refreshing irony, showcasing exactly why Todd’s sound has become so recognizable.

In that same vein, “X’s & O’s” is sure to become popular because of its catchiness and consistency with other ballads in Todd’s discography. The lyrics are simple and repetitive, but it seems intentional as he exclaims “Sing!” during a portion of the chorus. The electric guitar particularly shines in this track and pairs well with Todd’s rougher vocals.

”Lonely Song” is one of the few on the album that takes a risk, as it samples the 1964 song “Mr. Lonely” by Bobby Vinton. The sample works as it only uses part of the tune and a few lyrics of Vinton’s piece. Todd reflects on his loneliness, distressed that “I’m getting old, I’m twenty-two,” but “I only know how to be twenty-one.” But all the risks don’t pay off, as aside from a few witty lines, Todd’s lyrics are heavy-handed, with rhymes that closely resemble Dr. Seuss.

The title track concludes the album’s thematically regretful tone. Todd repeatedly sings “Do that again,” overlapping with him saying “I’m sorry.” The song attempts to provide closure with a mix of slightly upbeat but slower instrumentals. It’s a well-executed ending to an album that reflects the ups and downs the singer has felt in this complicated relationship.

Although “Do That Again” remains on the safer side, Todd’s sincerity and vulnerability shine through any lyrical flatness or sonic repetition. The album may sound reminiscent of his past, but ultimately, maybe that’s the point.