Bryson Tiller’s “Solace & The Vices”: A Double-Disc Return to Form

Introduction: The Return of a Genre-Changer

Today we’re talking about one of R&B’s most influential voices of the last decade: Bryson Tiller.

With his new double-disc album Solace & The Vices, Tiller attempts something ambitious — revisiting the sound that made him a household name while experimenting with new layers of artistry. But does he pull it off? Let’s talk about it.

A Quick Trip Down Memory Lane

When Bryson Tiller dropped TrapSoul, everything changed.
That project didn’t just put him on the map — it shifted the R&B landscape. Suddenly, everyone wanted that moody, melodic, half-rapped, half-sung sound. TrapSoul became the blueprint.

Every track hit. No skips. It’s a classic — and I don’t care what anyone says.

So naturally, fans (myself included) were starving for more. But when the sophomore album arrived, things didn’t hit the same. Let’s just say that project… didn’t live up to expectations. To be real, that second album was a miss. Forgettable production, scattered direction — it just wasn’t the Bryson we knew.

The Struggle: Balancing Rapping and Singing

One of Tiller’s greatest strengths — and biggest challenges — has always been blending his rapping and singing. Sometimes he nails it. Other times, it feels like he’s stuck between two styles that don’t always merge smoothly.

He’s talented enough to do both, but the cohesion hasn’t always been there. That’s why I was cautiously optimistic when Solace & The Vices was announced as a double-disc project. Two sides of Bryson Tiller — could this finally be the balance we’ve been waiting for?

Disc Two: “The Vices” Feels Like a Mixed Bag

Let’s start with Disc Two, because that’s the one Tiller released first — a bold move.

This side has 12 tracks, with nearly half featuring guest appearances. Six features on a 12-song set might sound good on paper, but in practice, it throws off the vibe.
We get collabs with Lil Tyler, Baby Drill, Plies, T-Pain, Rick Ross, Bun B, and Bossman D-Lo.

Here’s the thing — not all of them hit.
The Plies and T-Pain record? Fire. Great chemistry, nostalgic energy.
The Rick Ross joint? Solid.
But others — like the one with Bun B or Baby Drill — felt unnecessary.

Honestly, The Vices could’ve been a tight, focused EP. A few standout records surrounded by filler. It’s not bad, but it’s not Bryson’s best either.

Disc One: “Solace” Brings the Real Bryson Back

Then came Solace — and man, this is the Bryson Tiller I’ve been waiting for.

This disc is smoother, more reflective, and full of substance. You can tell he’s back in his zone, singing about real experiences, personal growth, and emotional weight.

He’s not the best singer technically, but that’s never been the point. What makes Bryson Tiller special is the feeling behind the words. He’s conversational. Relatable. Vulnerable.

On Solace, he opens up about finding peace, letting go of toxic relationships, and rediscovering himself. Tracks like “Crocodile Tears”, “Autumn Drive”, and “Genuine” show just how much he’s grown as an artist and man.

“Crocodile Tears,” in particular, is the one I keep spinning. It’s short — barely two minutes — but it hits every time. The raw emotion is undeniable.

Themes: Peace, Pain, and Progress

What stands out about Solace is the theme of healing.
Bryson sounds like a man reflecting on the toll of love and loss — someone who’s been through it and come out the other side wiser.

On the “Sick Interlude,” he’s brutally honest about the pain of seeing an ex move on.
Other tracks dive into the push-and-pull between chasing success and maintaining relationships — something a lot of us can relate to.

It’s moody. It’s real. It’s TrapSoul energy with grown-man perspective.

Final Thoughts: Bryson Finds His Groove Again

All in all, Solace & Vices feels like two sides of one artist.
If Tiller had combined the best songs from both discs, we might’ve had a 17-track modern-day classic. Still, Solace alone reminds us why Bryson changed R&B in the first place.

He’s back in his bag — honest, melodic, and focused.
And for fans like me, it’s refreshing to hear him deliver something that feels authentic again.

Bryson might not be dropping chart-toppers every time, but what he does give us is music that lasts.

If you’re going to check out this project, start with Solace. Then circle back and cherry-pick a few tracks from Vices. Trust me — that’s the best way to experience it.

Final Score: 7.5/10 (Disc One Saves the Day)

Bryson Tiller’s Solace & Vices proves he still has something to say.
It’s not perfect, but it’s personal — and that’s what makes it hit.

Join the Conversation

What do you think about Bryson’s double album?
Was Vices better than I’m giving it credit for?
Drop your thoughts in the comments — let’s argue about it.

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