album reviews

Reviews of albums old and new from iconic artists and up and coming musicians alike.

Chen - ‘April, and a Flower’ Review
Since their debut back in 2012, EXO has dominated the Korean music scene. Whether it be breaking records, collecting awards like they’re Christmas cards, or simply just becoming trailblazers for evolved sounds and sonic experiments that seemingly always deliver, the group has undeniably managed to find the recipe for success when it comes to music making. Dubbed the “Nation’s Pick” back in their native country, the group are arguably one of the most popular K-Pop has ever seen, and will no doubt go down in history as iconic.
By Nathan Sartain7 years ago in Beat
Billie Eilish: 'When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?' – Album Review
Billie Eilish – 17 years old. Her career skyrocketed with her debut mixtape Don't Smile At Me when she was just 15 years old. The mixtape showcased her sweet vocal delivery and solid song writing skills that often reflected her inner emotions and struggle with an everyday society that we all can relate to. She got her brother, Finneas (also happens to be an incredible artist), as her primary producer and he co-wrote (except for "When the Party's Over" and "My Strange Addiction," which were exclusively written by Finneas) every song in this debut album WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO. As the title suggests, the entire album is based on something that occurs while you are sleeping whether it's a nightmare or lucid dream.
By Luigi K.D.Cruz7 years ago in Beat
'Pacific Time'
Being up at three AM is pretty peaceful. I'm usually awake at this time everyday—reading, working out, producing, writing, etc. It's a productive time for me. Everything is quiet. My city never sleeps so it's only relatively quiet... that early morning/late night space puts you into your own world. A bubble. You can easily forget that there is a whole other side of the world that is just getting up for work, or just heading out into the night to hit up a party. Three AM in Brooklyn coincides with midnight Pacific time. Funny how that worked out. I was going to write about a totally different subject, but when I heard that this project was out at three AM, I instantly changed my mind. He actually dropped it at midnight, I wonder if it was midnight Pacific time... Phonte has 11 minutes for you, girl, and some odd seconds. That's all you're going to need too... not a moment on the EP is wasted. The first track out of the four was produced by Julia Lewis and TK Kayembe. The sweet guitar licks were provided by Justin Hawkins. The smooth piano riffs were played by Zo! and the sexy sax by Julia Lewis. Phonte himself provided additional keys to tighten up this on time track. "Can We" starts off his surprise EP with a waterbed wavy track that's sure to set the mood. As the keys fade in slowly you can feel your breath get shallow anticipating Phonte's smooth question reach your ear. "Can we?"
By Brooklyn Damien7 years ago in Beat
Billie Eilish's Debut Studio Album Drops
Billie Eilish's debut studio album When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? has just hit like a lightning strike in a dying storm. Her and her brother, Finneas O'Connell, weave their unique style with precision and ethereal charm in all 14 tracks.
By Emily Adams7 years ago in Beat
Sigrid: 'Sucker Punch' - Album Review
Sigrid, 22 years old, born and bred in Norway. Two years of very enthusiastic promotion by her label, she finally debuts with her album Sucker Punch a full-on pop album that makes you miss your friends, makes your eyes tear up, and put a smile on your face. Her very first Don’t Kill My Vibe EP was packed with classic pop tunes, but still had a little spice added by Sigrid. A few songs make the cut on this album: "Don’t Kill My Vibe" and "Dynamite." She later received massive attention globally with a synth-pop influenced single "Strangers," which attained her the first top 10 single in the UK. She also came in first place at the BBC Sound of 2018.
By Luigi K.D.Cruz7 years ago in Beat
'Supermarket'
Heading into the first track, "Bohemian Trapsody," I expected... trap. When the acoustic guitar made its way through my headphones I'm fully expecting a Gunna/Lil Baby type of track with 808s and double time hi hats. What I got was something that sounded closer to Jamiroquai. Funky singing over a wide open track. I found myself nodding all the way through the six plus minute song. The last few moments had that trap feel I expected earlier. Maybe surprise is a main theme.
By Brooklyn Damien7 years ago in Beat
Joey Bada$$ and the Amerikkkan Dream
Joey Bada$$ has always been an artist content with breaking forms and shattering expectations. His first official release, 1999, "resurrected boom bap" and utilized traditional hip-hop beats. His second release and first studio album, B4.Da.$$, was more modern and featured several tracks where the traditional song forms were broken—not to mention the interesting features and beats that were on the album.
By Azaria Brown7 years ago in Beat
Go-Go’s 'Talk Show': Something to Talk About
It’s been 35 years since all-female rock band the Go-Go’s released the group’s third studio effort, Talk Show. Therefore, in celebration of this milestone, I’ve decided to pluck it from obscurity, and revisit its virtues for posterity.
By Eric Allen7 years ago in Beat
Bang Yongguk - ‘Bangyongguk’ Album Review
When it comes to career trajectories, there are few more complex than Bang Yongguk’s. Starting out as part of the underground rap group Soul Connection, Yongguk debuted under the name “Jepp Blackman,” and went on to be recognised amongst peers for his sublime lyricism and scintillating rap technique.
By Nathan Sartain7 years ago in Beat
Album Review: 'When I Get Home' by Solange Knowles
Two and a half years after Solange Knowles’s spellbinding A Seat at the Table, we get her equally triumphant and mesmerizing follow-up album, When I Get Home. Given how different When I Get Home is from any of her previous efforts, one can’t help but completely admire and appreciate her originality, creativity, and everything she thinks of when she produces music. In her album, Solange takes us through a journey of self-discovery. Along the way, she throws in a lot of interludes, musical beats, and most importantly, her incredibly versatile voice.
By Hatem Chalak7 years ago in Beat
A Review of Delerium's Album 'Chimera'
Some call it dream pop. Some call it ambient music. I think it’s a mish mash of sounds. That’s what Delerium is to me. But it's their eclectic approach in making their records that appeals to me greatly.
By Rose Sours7 years ago in Beat
TXT: The First EP
Big Hit is doing very well for themselves. Up until now, they’ve been making ridiculous amounts of money and enjoying great media exposure from their mega-group BTS. Big Hit has other artists under their label, but they haven’t made another boy group since BTS back in 2013. Speculation of a new group to follow BTS has been around for some time, but only recently have things picked up. Within the past few months, they’ve introduced teasers for a new group. That group is TXT, and on March 4th, they finally debuted.
By Sam7 years ago in Beat