Review: Dylan Sinclair's "He's Not Me" Blends Nostalgia and Modern Flow

Toronto has given us the embattled but undeniable hitmaker Drake, the controversial Daniel Caesar, and perhaps its most underrated gem, Dylan Sinclair. The Guyanese-Filipino singer-songwriter radiates a laid-back confidence, never chasing trends but letting his silken vocals gild each track with raw honesty. His music floats between moody atmosphere and deceptively catchy grooves, and his latest single, “He’s Not Me,” is no exception, blending nostalgic warmth with a distinctly modern flow.

Channeling the spirit of Donnell Jones’ classic "Where I Wanna Be," the track opens with rattling congas before sliding into a relaxed bounce. Over lush guitars and stacked harmonies, Sinclair’s twenty-four-year-old voice melts as he croons: “Chasing bands is the plan not the love for a man that you like / Said your ex was a wreck you project that onto every guy.” The breezy delivery against the lyrical weight captures the contradictions of dating in the Love Island era: romance remains enticing, but the baggage and distractions of modern love keep people guarded, often choosing detachment over vulnerability.

“He’s Not Me” continues Sinclair’s impressive streak this year, following “Stay Home” and “What I Gotta Do.” Where those tracks leaned into hypnotic minimalism reminiscent of Pharrell’s best work, this latest release expands his palette with soulful warmth. With each drop, Sinclair proves himself not just consistent, but quietly building a legacy that promises to be every bit as enduring as his influences.