Is SoulFly a good place to start with Rod Wave?

Yes, SoulFly is recommended as a starting point for new Rod Wave listeners. A blend of soulful melodies and raw emotion, exploring themes of struggle and resilience through contemporary R&B and hip-hop. SoulFly is Rod Wave's third studio album, released in 2021 during a period of rapid rise following his breakthrough with the 2020 album Pray 4 Love. This release solidified his presence in the contemporary R&B and hip-hop scene, showcasing his unique blend of heartfelt lyricism and melodic delivery.

SoulFly works well if you're into wave-like emotional fluctuations, short tracks for quick impact and personal struggles resonate deeply.

How many songs are on SoulFly?

SoulFly has 19 tracks, running approximately 57 minutes.

SoulFly

Rod Wave · 2021

57 min · 19 tracks · contemporary R&B

A blend of soulful melodies and raw emotion, exploring themes of struggle and resilience through contemporary R&B and hip-hop.

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Top tracks — play these first

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SoulFly Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Tombstone — This track encapsulates the album's exploration of mortality and legacy, featuring poignant lyrics that reflect on loss while maintaining a hopeful outlook.
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Street Runner — With its gripping narrative about perseverance amidst struggles, this track showcases Rod Wave’s ability to merge vulnerability with a powerful beat.
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Richter — This song highlights the contrast between success and personal turmoil, offering insight into Rod Wave’s internal battles and dreams.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album features strong emotional themes and vocal delivery, though its pacing and cohesion vary across the lengthy tracklist.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that sets a reflective tone, followed by a sequence of tracks that alternate between mid-tempo and slower ballads.
Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies, with Rod Wave's voice often accompanied by background ad-libs that enhance the emotional weight.
The last three tracks shift to more introspective themes, creating a sense of closure as they explore personal growth and resilience.

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: 5/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

wave-like emotional fluctuations
short tracks for quick impact
personal struggles resonate deeply
dynamic journey through emotions
for reflective moments

Maybe skip if you

prefer longer, cohesive albums
seek upbeat party tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album solidified Rod Wave's presence after his earlier success.
Themes: mortality reflection· personal turmoil· perseverance narrative
Career context: SoulFly is Rod Wave's third studio album, released in 2021 during a period of rapid rise following his breakthrough with the 2020 album Pray 4 Love. This release solidified his presence in the contemporary R&B and hip-hop scene, showcasing his unique blend of heartfelt lyricism and melodic delivery.
Stylistic neighbors: Juice WRLD· Polo G· Lil Durk