The 'bum delirious: The review of Don Toliver's OCTANE

Don Toliver is what some may call an acquired taste but consider me convinced. I’ve been a pseudo-fan of Toliver since the Covid era, when he first started getting popular with the release of “No Idea” and various other songs from the “Heaven or Hell” album.  

Toliver has been slowly growing in fame since his  TikTok blastoff, releasing several albums since 2020. Some of his biggest hits include “NEW DROP,” “No Pole” and “After Party.” His most recent album, however, “OCTANE,” hits a little differently, with two songs taking flight to the top of listeners’ charts. 

Released on Jan. 30, this album is dedicated to Toliver’s long-time partner and fellow music artist, Kali Uchis. Having been together since 2021 and keeping their relationship largely out of the public eye, the pair welcomed a son in 2024 and appear to be enjoying love and life together.  

While Toliver may not be my most anticipated listen of the year, the album was still a treat. I enjoy his beats and interesting use of sampling, along with his unique vocals and lyricism that never fails to be catchy.  

The two songs the internet have been loving since the drop are “E85” and “Body.” These two songs, being the first two on the album, leave an amazing first impression on the ears. “E85” is characterized immediately by being a sort-of love song, with lyrics like “On the highway and I’m thinkin’ that I love her … On the highway and I’m thinkin’ there ain’t no rubber … On the highway with my significant lover” and “I just hope you down for me … ‘Cause this shit what it supposed to be,” both of which allude to the fact that he loves Uchis and hopes she loves him too.  

The song itself is well-done, featuring a sample from Malcom Todd’s “Chest Pain (I Love)” which adds an extra level of emotion and raw feeling to the song. Not only this, but the end of “E85” blends seamlessly into “Body,” which also features a clever sample from “Rock Your Body” by Justin Timberlake.  

Besides the clever use of sampling, “Body”  has an absolutely disgusting beat. I listened to it probably one too many times after I first heard it because I couldn’t get enough of the beat. Truly, both “E85” and “Body” have a good beat. It’s clear Toliver drew a lot of inspiration from driving and cars, which was evident to me upon the first listen of the album. The whole album would likely be dangerous to listen to while operating heavy machinery; it’s just too good to drive slowly while listening.  

A few others of my personal favorites of the album are “Tiramisu,” “ATM” and “Gemstone.” “Gemstone” is unique in that it samples what sounds like a brass band, something akin to what you might hear from a Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) band. 

“Gemstone” and “ATM” also have that same “hard-and-fast” feel to them,  pulling back into the cars and racing. In “Gemstone,” Toliver even references the famous movie franchise, saying, “Switchin’ the lane, the Lam’ delirious … Pull on your block, this Fast and Furious.” 

Overall, the album was good. A few skips, but several bangers. Listen to “E85” and “Body” if you haven’t, but give the full album a try too.