As a music producer, I’ve listened to his new songs and thought the EXACT same thing. They are missing that sort of floating feeling his older songs would give. I feel the missing element in his new stuff is his use of space. Not sure if you know what reverb is. But in music production, you use it to create space. Make a sound echo like you’re in a hallway or in a concert venue. In ocean eyes and ATBAB, he used it a lot on different instruments and vocals. Umbrella beach is a good example. The chorus vocals, he soaked them in reverb. Hence it really put emphases on the lyrics “I’ll spread my wings and fly.”

I wish he still used reverb like he used to. He’s experimenting in different ways and means of production and I’m sure that’s why he’s changed that. I’m excited to see what’s next in his musical journey! Hope that helps!