Dorian’s “RECONNECTED” Is a Colourful Journey Through R&B, Soul and Dream Pop

Since making his debut in 2019, the New Jersey-born artist has built a sound that moves between soul, R&B, pop, and electronic music, with plenty of room for experimentation along the way.

Dorian has never seemed too interested in staying in one musical lane. His latest album, “RECONNECTED,” brings all of those sides together while still feeling like a very personal project. The 14-track album is built around the idea of reconnecting, but not just in the romantic sense. There is love and heartbreak here, but also a lot of looking inward, figuring things out, and trying to find your way back to yourself. That gives the album a nice emotional thread, even when the music itself keeps changing.

The title track, “RECONNECTED,” is a good example of what Dorian does well. The song is about wanting to find your way back to someone, but instead of turning that feeling into a slow, sad ballad, he gives it an energetic dance-pop setting. There are electronic beats, layered synths, and a smooth R&B feel underneath it all. Dorian’s vocals keep the song grounded, giving the production something warm to hold on to.

"The album doesn't stay in that mood for too long, and that is part of its appeal."

“LOVE LETTER” brings in a more romantic side, while “YOUR PEACE” feels softer and more intimate. Then there are moments where the energy picks up again, giving the record a more playful, late-night feel. It makes “RECONNECTED” feel like an album you can experience in different moods rather than something that only works when you are feeling a certain way. There is also something refreshing about how freely Dorian moves between sounds. Soul and R&B are clearly at the heart of his music, but he isn't afraid to bring in synth-pop, dream-pop textures, electronic production and dance influences. The changes don't feel like he is trying to tick off different genres. Instead, the production seems to follow whatever mood the song needs.

That is especially noticeable when the album moves into its more reflective moments. “LAST GOODBYE,” for example, adds a different meaning to the idea of reconnecting. Sometimes getting back to yourself also means accepting that a person or relationship is no longer meant to be part of your life. It gives the album a little more depth than simply being a collection of love songs. Dorian's songwriting is another important part of the record. His lyrics are direct enough to connect without feeling like they are trying too hard to make a big statement. There is a sincerity in the way he approaches love, longing and self-discovery, and his vocals carry that feeling without getting lost underneath the production.

The album also makes sense when you look at Dorian's journey so far. He has released five genre-bending projects since his debut, crossed two million streams globally and seen his single “Reign Love” pass half a million streams. He was also named Artist of the Year by the DMV-based independent artist platform EnJOY The Mic in 2022. “RECONNECTED” feels like the work of someone who has become more comfortable trusting his own instincts. What makes the album enjoyable is that it doesn't take itself too seriously musically. It can be soulful one minute, dreamy the next and then suddenly give you something you could easily imagine playing on a night out. There is colour and movement throughout the record, but the heart of it stays consistent.

“RECONNECTED” is a good listen for anyone who likes R&B and soul but doesn't want to stay there for the entire album. Put it on during a late-night drive, while getting ready to go out, or when you want something melodic playing in the background that still gives you something to listen to. More than anything, the album shows Dorian continuing to figure out what his sound can be without putting too many rules around it.