Tony Aye! – LUX (Album Review)

Are the sounds of the 2000s–2010s pop old-fashioned? Tony Aye! declares otherwise.

Tony Aye! is a vibrant pop/soul artist from Baltimore with roots in Albuquerque. The artist has already been known for his blend of R&B, soul, funk, EDM, house, and reggaeton. Over the last several years, Tony has crafted a sound that is both dynamic and sincere in its storytelling.

Back in 2014, Tony transitioned to a pop/soul direction after stepping away from gospel. The debut record Call Me Tonyand the breakout single “Nobody But U” solidified his industry position, paving the way for his sophomore album, Retrograde, which developed recurring themes of authenticity, life, and love.

As you can see, Tony Aye! has been on this path for a while, and with his consistency, accolades naturally followed. He runs his own nonprofit organization, Tony Artistry Foundation Inc., which brings light to underground artists—and even received recognition from the Mayor of Baltimore and the Governor of Maryland. In 2023, Tony embarked on a 20-show East Coast tour following Retrograde, which landed three tracks on the Indie Chart.

After that tour, the artist took a two-year hiatus before releasing his third studio album, LUX.

LUX isn’t just Tony’s next career step; it celebrates his ten-year journey as a recording artist. In 2025, it won Best Album of the Spring Season and was nominated for Indie Artist Awards for Best Album and Best Pop Album.

With so much praise from critics, let’s revisit the album nearly a year after its release.

LUX isn’t merely a continuation of Tony’s discography—it reminds you why he’s one of the most dedicated musicians out there. From intimate, slow-paced interludes, Tony jumps into catchy, upbeat dance tracks like “LUX.” The self-titled track ideally sets the mood for the rest of the record, nodding to Kanye’s 808s & Heartbreak—still one of the best synth-pop/pop-rap albums to date. Through its rhythms, Tony shows how calculated he is with production, and the song’s pacing delivers one of the most genuine, exquisite tracks on the record.

The album continuously showcases Tony’s ability to create immersive, brooding bangers that feel hypnotic—almost sucking you in. “Crossroads” illustrates this perfectly, with grand, atmospheric sounds, lush textures, and punchy drums. Despite the track’s sincerity, Tony crafts one of the most head-nodding cuts on the record. The build-up to the chorus feels so rewarding when you finally reach it.

Even when Tony explores unreciprocated emotions, the sound remains light and airy. At times, tracks hug their form, showcasing the artist’s silky, expressive tone. His velvety, deep vocals refresh familiar sounds—like on “Last Call”—into something elegant and new. It’s clear Tony knows his craft: blending fusion, afrobeats, and pop to illuminate an uplifting tone.

When I mention familiar sounds, I’m referring to influences from artists like Chris Brown and Beyoncé in their sensual textures. Yet here, it never feels like an interpolation—more like an artist’s unique vision. These sultry sounds, mixed with signature synths on “Skyline,” sum up the record sharply.

What I strongly appreciate is not just the album’s effervescent production, but Tony’s rhythmic, calculated approach. Before the record even reaches its halfway point, you’re captivated by his exceptional singing—handling both short and long melodies with masterful control. An artist uses that to his advantage. I’m usually not the biggest fan when vocals are overshadowed by dominant melodies—but that’s not the case with LUX. Tony Aye! is a great singer, and he knows it.

I’m also fond of how dreamy and starry the record sounds. “Till Dawn” features a dreamlike bridge flowing into Tony’s free-flowing chorus. His metronomic accuracy really builds tension within the song—and resolves it just as neatly.

However, like every record, LUX has its weaknesses—not with Tony himself, but with some guest spots. Many appearances feel forced and disrupt Tony’s carefully crafted pacing. Guest verses sometimes land off-beat, signaling a lack of mastering or mixing.

Score/Good: Despite those critiques, LUX is truly a great record. It’s warm, slightly vulnerable, and extremely catchy. Its seductive notes deliver unfiltered, dynamic, and emotional sounds that highlight the artist’s lush approach.

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Website