Review: “Keep Your Cake Eat the Rich” by MYQ F

Keep Your Cake Eat the Rich by MYQ F is a soulful, authentic expression of the life minorities live in America, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. 

The album is the first main release as a soloist for the artist, better known as Michael Farrow from the band Farrow. An artist with prior experience making music, his debut album was primed to be a success.  

Track Review

Michael Farrow’s new solo work is out, and you need to listen to it, especially if you like folk or soul.

I fully expected this album to be the American version of Hozier’s music, with strong anti-capitalist messages as the album’s title suggested.

While that wasn’t a completely wrong assumption, as Michael’s voice is just as soothing as Hozier’s, this album is filled with true American soul. The porch songs especially stand out as soulful Americana, and the sounds of 4th of July fireworks create a strong atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re really sitting on that porch as Michael improvs. 

As a lyrical buff, I was so impressed with the composition of this album. Each song tells its story with passion and emotion. The lyrics come in a great package with simple but fun guitar accompaniment, but the chords aren’t boring or too repetitive. 

Repetition is a tool Michael used well on this album, as many of the choruses repeat the same ideas with subtle twists that keep the listener on their toes. This is especially seen in “White
Man” and the title song, “Keep Your Cake Eat the Rich.”

Verdict

While this album deals with heavy topics like racism, cultural divide, heartbreak, and discrimination, Michael makes you want to listen to what he has to say. Whether that’s by creating an up-tempo and danceable song like “Keep Your Cake Eat the Rich” or using the charm of his voice to entrance you like in “Who Speaks for You,” his voice and music keep you wanting more. 

Michael uses this album to tell his truth and show his culture, and he accomplished that and more by sending out his words through enjoyable and beautiful music. 

I can’t recommend this album enough. It’s become a staple in my music rotation, and it was a joy to listen to for this review. 

You can find Michael through his solo work as MYQ F (or MYQ Farrow on Spotify) as well as through his band, Farrow.