album reviews
Reviews of albums old and new from iconic artists and up and coming musicians alike.
Other things… Mac Miller’s ‘Circles’ and Posthumous Albums
At the time of Mac Miller’s untimely death, he was already deep into the recording of Circles; the now posthumously released album that acts as the follow-up to 2018’s Swimming. The two albums were intended to create a loosely drawn concept – Swimming in Circles – that reflects the deeply introspective nature of Miller’s lyrical content.
By Charlotte Stanbridge5 years ago in Beat
Nick Cave and Warren Ellis: Carnage Review
I type this in a room, alone. It’s the same room I’ve spent the majority of the last year in. This is okay. It’s a pleasant room. I have it just how I like it. It has plenty to keep me occupied within. It lets the light stream in on sunny days like today. This is my pandemic space. I often count my blessings that I have it. That I can maintain it. It’s here the days stretch out and sometimes they take me places, places within. Sometimes it closes in on me, it presses the sides of my cranium and I struggle to see through the dullest of aches…..
By Nico Versluys5 years ago in Beat
The Arrival of Giveon: Revival of Soul Music
This Herculean-looking artist has taken the soul/R&B landscape by storm. After experiencing the "Drake Effect" by featuring in “Chicago Freestyle”, Giveon looks like he is here to stay. If you like artist like Frank Ocean, H.E.R., and Daniel Caesar, then this artist if for you. By creating a sort of old school sound while harping on love, Giveon gives off a 90’s vibe. It feels like one of those voices that you hear on your parent’s old record player — but he’s in his 20’s. Consider this the revival of old school soul; neo-soul music.
By Josh Herring5 years ago in Beat
REASONABLE DOUBT
Classic-An outstanding example of a particular style, something of lasting worth or timeless quality. The album Reasonable Doubt almost supersedes the actual definition of Classic itself. Still in the stages of building his empire ROC-A-FELLA in 1996 Jay-Z, Dame Dash, and the rest of his team locked in to create one of the best hip hop albums in existence. At the time the 26 year old from Marcy Projects in Brooklyn, NY was looking to defy the odds.
By Sakoli Norman 5 years ago in Beat
Dirty Computer
At any hour of the day, when I go to start my car and push to turn on my radio, I will likely be met by one of the voices of the rising star that is Lizzo, the absolute powerhouse that is Beyoncé, or the business empire mogul that is Rihanna. Throughout my childhood, a lot of Saturdays in my home were spent cleaning along to the songs playing from the likes of Alicia Keys, Lauryn Hill, or Mary J. Blige because those women represented some of my mother’s all time favorites. If I were at my grandma’s home, I would likely be met at the doors by the tunes of Ella Fitzgerald, or Nina Simone, and most definitely I would hear Diana Ross and The Supremes at some point during my stay. Around my high school years, I spent a considerable amount of time with my aunt who was positively in love with the music of Aaliyah, India.Arie, and FKA Twigs. Often I think back to a moment when I was young, it was during what felt like a years long car ride with the shouting of far too many children. I can still hear my uncle yelling, “Can you please shut up, Whitney is singing!” If only but for the length of the song, he desperately wanted a moment to hear Whitney Houston and nothing else. It stuck out to me, he does not come across as the image of a man who would be truly taken with “I Will Always Love You”. But nevertheless, it was what he wanted to hear. So many of my memories will always connect back to the art I consume the most, music, and I know I’m not the only one.
By Emily Agopian5 years ago in Beat
SHINee - ‘Don’t Call Me’ Album Review
There’s no denying that SHINee are K-Pop royalty. After all, their ‘Princes of K-Pop’ moniker feels only natural given the chart-dominating, sonically rich history the group have. From electronically-infused anthems akin to “Everybody”, to ‘80s tinged retro floor-fillers (“1 of 1”) all the way to the permeating moombahton rhythms of an offering like “Who Waits For Love,” nothing has ever been out of the picture for SHINee when it comes to their discography. Uncompromisingly diverse, the chameleon-like charms of the foursome gives them an unpredictable, bold appeal, and their ever-changing, inclusive soundscapes serve as an ample a testament to their wholly adventurous nature.
By Nathan Sartain5 years ago in Beat
Delain Albums Ranked
Delain are a metal group I’m really fond off. I discovered them through Within Temptation’s Wikipedia page. Stephen King fans may recognize the band’s name as its name of a kingdom in his novel, The Eyes of a Dragon. They’ve been one of my favourite bands to see live and I thought it was cool that the lead singer, Charlotte had the same birthday as me.
By Chloe Gilholy5 years ago in Beat
Standing at the Crossroads of Hell
Robert Johnson sold his soul at a crossroads in Mississippi. About 70 years later, Tracy Chapman was asked to do the same after roaring success gained from the brilliance of that song (you know which one…..) and subsequent self titled debut. Tracy not only declined to sell hers, she wrote a record about why she wouldn’t, why she couldn’t. Souls, according to her, are to be treasured, nurtured and most of all protected.
By Nico Versluys5 years ago in Beat
