Josh Herring
Bio
Emerging writer and published poet | Owner of Modern Music Analysis music publication
Stories (41/0)
CTRL: SZA Has A Musical Epiphany
In an album of self-discovery, SZA preaches on the themes of body image and insecurity, femininity, and love. This album is heavy on questioning the societal norms that are placed upon women. The necessity to remain perfect at all times, being complacent or submissive in toxic relationships, and remaining sexually monogamous are all questioned in this come-to-earth album by SZA.
By Josh Herring2 years ago in Beat
Case Study 01 — Album Review
After being “cancelled” by mainstream consumers after a drunken IG live, many missed out on a classic R&B album. Even after demanding to be cancelled (and succeeding by most standards), Daniel Caesar went out and created an amazing album which didn’t receive the love it deserves — ultimately, due to the timing of its release. However, if you find the fallacy of “cancel culture” redundant, then you will find this album to be a true masterpiece. Otherwise, look the other way.
By Josh Herring2 years ago in Beat
Nothing Was The Same
As we wait for the overdue arrival of Certified Lover Boy from Drake, I will be highlighting some of the discography of the greatest artist of my lifetime, starting with Nothing Was the Same. Many consider this album to be the best of Drake’s discography, and they have a point. While it isn’t my persona l favorite, I can certainly understand the critical acclaim. This album is the height of both the singing and rapping Drake.
By Josh Herring2 years ago in Beat
How This Album Made Me Who I Am Today
4 years ago, Joey Bada$$ released a (personally) life-changing album. The timing of this album is pivotal for me, as it came out right as I was approaching my senior year of high school. In my opinion, this album is a certified classic and will continue to age beautifully as it inspires the youth. With some of the most difficult subject matters to talk about, Joey Bada$$ sends a very loud message in his sophomore album. From police brutality to reparations, the black plight in America comes to the forefront. What’s almost heart-breaking looking back at it, is that every single theme is still relevant in this point in time, and almost prophetic at times. Read on to see how this album, essentially, radicalized me.
By Josh Herring2 years ago in Beat
Fine Line - A Review
The former One Direction member - perhaps the most commercially successful thus far - creates an interesting album in Fine Line that I sort of feel like it has a throwback kind of element. Led by singles, "Watermelon Sugar" and "Lights Up", half of this album hit the radio airwaves hard and fast. The powerful, yet calming nature in which Styles' sings creates a deeply personal experience that feels like a Hallmark movie in the summer.
By Josh Herring2 years ago in Beat
Because The Internet: A Compilation of Genius
Donald Glover’s (formerly known as Childish Gambino with the release of his last album) artistic reach has extended beyond just music. This actor/producer/director/musician hybrid has created enticing work in every field he has worked in. For example, hit TV show Atlanta, which is recording its next two seasons as I write this. Because the Internet is (probably; definitely in my opinion) Glover’s best work musically as it has been critically acclaimed by many music critics.
By Josh Herring2 years ago in Beat
A Freudian Love Story
Daniel Caesar is the epitome of “baby-making” music. Every song is a reminder of the unrequited love we all ultimately seek in our plight for “the one”. In his debut album Freudian, Caesar created one of the best love albums I’ve ever heard and continue to be enamored by. Read further to see how this album turned out to be a classic in the modern soul/R&B genre.
By Josh Herring2 years ago in Beat
Tay-K: Running the Race
Didn’t Beat the Case, Do the Race Taymor McIntyre, a young rapper out of Texas, (unfortunately) lived the life that he raps about in his music. After a home invasion in 2016, young Tay-K went on the run — evading a capital murder charge. This is partially because of the courts intent on trying him as an adult. The way the justice system holds black children to a different standard is so obvious, but that’s a quarrel for a different time.
By Josh Herring2 years ago in Beat
Buy Your Ticket to Kissland: An Euphoric Ride
From here, you are entering Kissland, an album filled to the brim with excitement and amusement (like a theme park) combined with a sense of 80’s euphoria. In the debut studio album by The Weeknd, we travel through the psyche of drug riddled lover along with a paid dancer/prostitute as they acid trip their way through love and sex. Set to the dystopian tune of Blade Runner, the pop superstar keeps us on our toes the entire way. Keep your hands and feet inside at all times and enjoy the read!
By Josh Herring2 years ago in Beat
Welcome to CROOKLAND
Consider this an exclusive look at the newest album by up-and-coming artists Tireek and Lonely Leonard. In Modern Music Analysis first collaboration with an artist, we break down CROOKLAND — an album that tackles the heaviest and, unfortunately, common topics among black America.
By Josh Herring2 years ago in Beat
Cordae: The Lost Boy Is Found
In staunch opposition to his peers, Cordae skillfully showcases his lyricism and rapping repertoire in his debut album, The Lost Boy. He looks to be the kind of artist that will set himself apart in his generation much like J.Cole and Kendrick Lamar did. Despite having to leave his former label and name sake, YBN, it was absolutely the best choice, as Cordae is lightyears ahead in skill of anyone else affiliated with YBN. From here, we discover who Cordae is and why he is here to stay.
By Josh Herring2 years ago in Beat
Sonder Son: An Analysis
Brent Faiyaz, a multi-genre blending phenom, has dropped a classic in his first studio album. How many artist can you say that for? Faiyaz blends beautiful melody, harmonies, and vocals with simple (but addicting) beats and production that creates a minimalist’s dream. While singing about his origins, the artist creates an album with no skips — every song is close to a 10 and vital in creating the narrative of the album.
By Josh Herring2 years ago in Beat
