album reviews
Reviews of albums old and new from iconic artists and up and coming musicians alike.
Suho - ‘Self-Portrait’ EP Review
Better known as EXO’s leader Suho, Kim Junmyeon first embarked on his solo journey back in 2017 with “Curtain” (though he had previously featured on Leeteuk’s “My Hero”). Composed as part of SM’s Station project, the restrained ballad - and collaboration with pianist Song Young Joo - was a solid if-not slightly restricting debut effort for an undeniably talented member of one of the world’s biggest outfits. It certainly had its charm; the heavily-forefronted vocals giving plenty of space for the singer to show off his talents, the intimate feeling of the breezy number and the unquestionable potential shown throughout, but ultimately it lacked that extra bit of gravitas that would have really allowed for the South-Korean to shine.
By Nathan Sartain6 years ago in Beat
'Songs From The West Coast'
In the Summer of 2000, in Nice, France, Elton John and lyricist Bernie Taupin convened at Elton's home there to address what they considered a debacle; Elton's most recent catalog LP The Big Picture. According to Elton, he'd been thinking and reading about the praise being heaped on the duo's Tumbleweed Connection, their Band-inspired third album and reappraised his career as getting away from the goal of producing sturdy songs and consistent cohesive albums. At this new millennium summit, Bernie and Elton agreed that future albums would need to be albums they would both be happy to be associated with, admitting they had spent too many years releasing albums of varying levels of quality.
By Sean Callaghan6 years ago in Beat
Tribe Mafia releases first LP "Teepee Gang"
In preparation for the now cancelled SXSW 2020 Festival, Tribe Mafia’s debut LP Teepee Gang features a wide array of sounds ranging from Hip-Hop, Rap, and even Dancehall. The group explores distinct melodies, sharp lyricism, and vibrant sounds to create a collective of songs that their fans can enjoy, especially during this trying time of the virus.
By Christine Carpio6 years ago in Beat
Sik-K - ‘Officially OG’ EP Review
To call 2019 Sik-K’s breakout year would, on the surface at least, do the South-Korean a huge disservice. After all, before FL1P the artist had already released three profitable albums in addition to numerous show-stopping singles and a strong collaborative EP with BOYCOLD. Yet, with the triumph of the 26-year-old’s fourth full-length effort - which went hand-in-hand with his successful world tour - it felt like he had “broke out” and propelled himself to the apex of the hip-hop industry in South-Korea, at least from an international perspective. He was no longer just the future who had bucketloads of potential, but the present who was starting to hone his undeniable talent and appeal.
By Nathan Sartain6 years ago in Beat
Bringin’ Da Noise: An intimate look back on *NSYNC’s landmark sophomore album “No Strings Attached”.
If future generations of Pop culture connoisseurs (and those fascinated by them) were suddenly left with the task of choosing the year 2000’s most pivotal musical moment, they’d most definitely have their hands full. The beginning of a whole new era plus the beginnings of what would go on to become the music business’ largest upheaval since it’s inception, the year 2000 was simply a marvel onto itself. It would also mark the year that the scope of the North American teen idol would come to take on a life of its own and that might’ve all been possible thanks to one album in particular.
By Kimberley Scribe6 years ago in Beat
3.15.20 Review
In 2014, I was 20 years old and had the greatest summer of my life. Part of the reason that summer was amazing was that I was introduced to actor, singer, rapper, writer, director, producer, and DJ, Donald Glover but some of you know him better as Childish Gambino. I was moving into a new house with my family and I was driving with one of my cousins or riding with my mom and stepdad in the car, we listened to the radio and I was listening to the song, "3005" and from there, I knew I was hooked. About a year and a half later, I would go on a Childish Gambino binge before I listened to his new album at the time, "Awaken, My Love!" and my, my, my, what a versatile gifted individual this man is.
By Don Anderson II6 years ago in Beat
Caitlyn Smith's "Supernova" is an album everyone needs to hear right now
No stranger to writing a hit or two, Minnesota native Caitlyn Smith today released her sophomore album, Supernova. A stunning compilation of heartbreaking, thought-provoking tracks, it is a record that will make you feel emotions you did not even know existed.
By Leah Sherlock6 years ago in Beat
5 albums that are underrated and "hidden". Top Story - March 2020.
There are millions upon millions of songs around the world, to the point that some get missed out. Its either because they never gained popularity in a national or internationally, or bands having a short performance span. Of course there are some are good, some are bad but the trick of it is to find them and to see if they appeal to your personal taste. That's what I usually look for. Sometimes I'll be using Spotify, Instagram, or YouTube and I'll either accidentally find the song, or somebody has it written down in the comments. Its like these hidden gems that some amount of people know. So I wanted to share my 5 favorite hidden albums/bands
By Joshua Herrera6 years ago in Beat
