Giveon is back to tug on our heartstrings with “Rather Be,” a soulful new single that reminds us why he’s one of R&B’s brightest young stars. Released in May as the second single of his year (following February’s “Twenties”), “Rather Be” finds the Long Beach native in peak emotional form. It’s an aching slow-jam ballad that leans into GIVĒON’s velvety baritone and old-school soul influences. Over lush, gentle production, he lays it all out: the song’s about desperately holding onto a past love instead of moving on to someone new. In the chorus, he croons, “I’d rather be a fool than believe in someone new… I’d rather be with you,” capturing that heart-wrenching feeling of being unable to let go. If you’ve ever missed an ex so much it hurts, Giveon has basically written your anthem.
Critics and fans alike are already praising “Rather Be” as a soul-stirring ode to heartbreak. The track’s throwback vibe – complete with sweeping melodies and sincere lyrics – has drawn comparisons to classic ’90s R&B ballads, yet it still feels fresh and distinctly Giveon. Notably, the song reunites the singer with an all-star production squad (the team behind it includes Sevn Thomas, Jahaan Sweet, and others who’ve crafted hits for Drake and Beyoncé), ensuring the music swells and sways perfectly behind Giveon’s rich voice. Upon release, “Rather Be” quickly resonated: its intimate performance-style music video racked up millions of views in days, and the single is climbing the charts, giving Giveon another well-deserved hit. Many listeners are commenting on how powerfully the 30-year-old conveys longing – his vocal delivery is as deep and textured as ever, making you feel every ounce of that loneliness and devotion in the lyrics.
On social media, Giveon hinted that “Rather Be” is just one chapter of a larger story. “Another piece of this beautiful story I have to tell…,” he wrote on Instagram when announcing the song, suggesting that it will be part of an upcoming project (exciting news for fans awaiting a full album follow-up to 2022’s Give or Take). In the meantime, “Rather Be” has certainly whet our appetites. It’s classic Giveon: emotive, relatable, and showcasing his uncanny ability to make heartbreak sound gorgeous. As he continues to share more of his story through music, this single proves that Giveon is in fine form – and if you’re a person who’d “rather be” listening to sincere R&B about real feelings, this track delivers in spades. Curl up, press play, and let the chills happen.
