What makes Heart on Ice by Rod Wave notable?

'Heart on Ice' became a breakthrough hit for Rod Wave, charting at number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song's candid exploration of emotional struggles struck a chord with listeners, leading to widespread critical acclaim and solidifying his presence in contemporary R&B and hip-hop scenes. When 'Heart on Ice' was released in May 2019, Rod Wave was gaining traction in the music industry following his debut album, 'Ghetto Gospel'. This release served as a significant moment in his career, showcasing his unique blend of soul and rap that resonated deeply with audiences, particularly after viral success on platforms like YouTube.

How many songs are on Heart on Ice?

Heart on Ice has 1 track, running approximately 2 minutes.

Heart on Ice

Rod Wave · 2019

2 min · 1 track · contemporary R&B

Rod Wave blends emotive melodies with raw hip-hop beats, creating a haunting soundscape of vulnerability and determination.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Heart on Ice — The title track encapsulates the album's core themes of emotional resilience and vulnerability, utilizing heartfelt lyrics and a gripping melody to convey personal struggles.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The song effectively blends emotive melodies with hip-hop elements, showcasing Rod Wave's unique style.

What we noticed

The track features a slow, steady tempo with layered vocal harmonies that emphasize emotional delivery.
Rod Wave alternates between singing and rapping, creating a dynamic contrast within the song's structure.
The production includes minimalist instrumentation, allowing the vocals to remain at the forefront of the mix.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This single marked a significant moment in Rod Wave's rise to wider recognition.
Themes: emotional resilience· viral success pressure· raw personal struggles
Career context: When 'Heart on Ice' was released in May 2019, Rod Wave was gaining traction in the music industry following his debut album, 'Ghetto Gospel'. This release served as a significant moment in his career, showcasing his unique blend of soul and rap that resonated deeply with audiences, particularly after viral success on platforms like YouTube.
Stylistic neighbors: Juice WRLD· Polo G· Lil Durk