Syd and James Fauntleroy Hit the Sweet Spot on “Any Time”

If you’ve been craving some proper, soulful R&B, Syd has you covered. The singer, songwriter, and producer is back with Beard, and one of the absolute standouts on the project is “Any Time” featuring the incredible James Fauntleroy.

Co-produced by Syd alongside the legendary Raphael Saadiq, the track is a masterclass in mood. It’s smooth, unhurried, and built around a late-night groove that pulls you right into the emotional weight of a relationship you just can’t seem to shake.

The Vibe: R&B Chemistry at Its Best

Right from the opening notes, “Any Time” leans into warm, hypnotic piano chords and subtle synths. Syd’s vocals glide effortlessly over the production, capturing that exhausting yet magnetic cycle of walking away and coming right back:

“Every time I’m running from you, I lose, yeah / Any time I’m falling just for you, yeah…”

Then James Fauntleroy steps in, and the dynamic shifts into something truly special. Their voices mesh together so naturally, trading perspectives from opposite sides of a complicated connection. It feels less like a polished feature and more like two artists sitting in a room, completely locked into the same wavelength.

Behind the Album: Beard

“Any Time” sits comfortably as track ten on Beard, Syd’s latest full-length album out via Free Lunch/Warner Records. It’s a project that feels like a real evolution for the former The Internet co-founder, highlighting just how sharp her ear as a multi-instrumentalist and producer has become.

As for the title? Syd explained that it comes from embracing the peach fuzz on her upper lip—something society tried to make her feel insecure about, but that she ultimately decided to own completely.

Alongside Fauntleroy, the album features appearances from Big Sean, Jordan Ward, Blu June, and Cube, proving Syd’s ongoing knack for bringing the right people into her creative world.

A Peek at the Visuals

The music video for “Any Time,” directed by Kasey Elise Walker, matches the track’s warmth with a sweet, rom-com-inspired aesthetic. It features playful, genuine moments between Syd and her wife, Simone, giving the song a personal, cinematic touch that stays with you long after the track ends.

Stream It Now

Whether you’re dealing with a complicated romance or just updating your late-night rotation, “Any Time” is an instant replay.