A Successful Beginning: Summer Walker’s ‘Over It’ (5 Year Anniversary)

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Today celebrates the 5th anniversary of Summer Walker’s debut album ‘Over It’. This triple-platinum-selling record placed her amongst some of the biggest pioneers in the new age of R&B. From fresh originals infused with a familiar sound to sensual acoustics, the Atlanta-born singer-songwriter taps into the very essence of the genre to articulate the hardships of modern love.

Executive Produced by London On Da Track and released by Interscope and LVRN, the critically acclaimed LP spent over 200 weeks on the Billboard 200. In addition, it debuted at No. 2 in the U.S. and No. 7 in the U.K. It succeeded the 2018 release of her hit song ‘Girls Need Love’, which aroused confidence in female listeners to be unreserved in discussions about their sexuality. Meanwhile, ‘Over It’ offers us a more vulnerable side of the artist. To help translate these vulnerabilities into song, she enlists the help of Usher, Bryson Tiller, and PartyNextDoor. They are just some of those featured on this 18-track album.

Signature Style

‘Off Of You’ is a track that undeniably encapsulates her signature stripped-back and emotionally uninhibited style. Favouring quality over complexity, the strums of an acoustic guitar hum behind heartfelt lyrics, stacked vocals, and harmonies. In the song she professes: “I ain’t got the time no more / I ain’t gotta cry no, ‘cause I’m off of you.”, to an unnamed lover who had mistreated her. Furthermore, she details how both were complacent about this mistreatment. In the song’s conclusion, she sings: “If you stay home and out the street […] you could get me to get back around you.”. The unembellished instrumental compels listeners to follow the narrative, losing themselves in the song’s subject matter. In summary, you just have to appreciate Summer’s unfiltered honesty.

Alternatively, proving just how ranged and eclectic her artistry is, Summer collaborates with Usher in a revitalised version of his 1997 hit song ‘You Make Me Wanna’. The pair blends classic R&B vocal runs with his throwback instrumental. Moreover, they’re reminiscing about that one relationship you just can’t get over. Inspired by the Texas singer’s chorus from the original track, Walker arguably provides one of the most addictive hooks on the album. “You make me wanna come through / Quarter after two / Just to put it down on you.”

In true lover-boy fashion, Usher swoops in on the second verse as Summer’s secret beau. He reminds her to ‘creep discreet’, and keep their love affair a secret. Even though many R&B fanatics argue that the genre has become oversaturated with nostalgia-grabs and overused samples from the 90s, the songstress re-energises samples like this while paying homage to the timeless classics that came before her.

Standout Songs

Fans of the LP may be inclined to play the hits like ‘Playing Games‘, ‘Stretch You Out’, and ‘Come Thru’. However, after listening to the album in full, tracks like ‘Potential’, ‘Tonight’, and ‘Body’ deserve appreciation. What these pieces lack in virality, they make up for in instrumentation and unrefined honesty. Although the upbeat singles may feel out-of-place amongst the more sedate tunes, Summer reminds you that you can’t have rhythm without the blues. They come in pairs!

‘Over It’ is more than just a collection of back-to-back R&B hits. It’s a rhythmic anthology that chronicles love and relationships. Hailed as a “masterpiece” and “[…]one of the top 10 albums of the last 25 years.”, it is obvious why the record has critical and universal acclaim. Whether you are looking for songs reminiscent of that old-school feeling or her iconic somber style, Summer Walker’s debut has something for all music lovers.

Summer Walker can be found on Instagram, TikTok, and X. Listen to ‘Over It’ and read more anniversary pieces here.

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