Photo by Cheryl FoxOn his Warner Records debut EP “LOVESHY,” Eli Derby reflects on relationships that didn’t always turn out the way he expected. He has a clear sense of what he wants in a partner, but looking back also means revisiting the moments that shaped those relationships, from things left unsaid to times when he could have handled them differently. Throughout the EP, Derby looks at those experiences with a sense of honesty, taking a closer look at both the people he loved and his own role in what happened.
“LOVESHY” brings together twelve R&B tracks influenced by soul, funk, and music from the 1990s and 2000s. The guitars and live instrumentation bring warmth to the EP, while his voice remains intimate, even when what he shares doesn’t always show him in the best light.
On “Who’s There For You,” for example, he notices a woman who is always available to others. Everyone turns to her when they need support, but no one seems to ask how she is doing or who takes care of her. Derby understands that exhaustion and offers to give her the same attention she constantly gives others. There is romantic interest, of course, but also the sense that he has genuinely been paying attention.
Then come “Fine As U” and “Pretty Girl Dangerous,” featuring Bri3, and things become much simpler. He is drawn to a woman’s presence and wants to get closer to her. He knows how to flirt and enjoys the excitement of meeting someone new when everything still feels easy, and no one is asking for explanations.
“Feels Like Home” shows what he hopes to find after that initial attraction. Derby wants a relationship in which he can relax and feel accepted. He is looking for someone around whom he does not have to hide parts of himself or remain constantly on guard. The song makes it clear that he knows how he wants to feel when he is in love. What is less clear is how that understanding has shaped the way he approaches his own relationships.
That difference becomes clear on “What Then.” His ex is about to marry another man, and Derby still believes he might be able to win her back. He speaks with the confidence of someone who believes their shared history still carries weight, although it soon becomes clear why she walked away. He cheated on her, lied to her, and avoided giving her the commitment she expected. Now he wants another chance, but the song does not let us forget that she had reasons to move on.
All these songs show different sides of the artist. At times, he is attentive; at others, impulsive. He can speak confidently about the love he wants and then, a few songs later, admit that he did exactly what it took to lose it.
By the end of “LOVESHY,” Derby seems to have a clearer sense of why some of his relationships did not work out, even as he continues to figure out what he wants from love. The EP stops at that point, leaving room for the idea that knowing what kind of love we want is only part of the process. The other part is learning how to recognise it, care for it, and let it grow when it comes along.
Find Eli Derby on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
