album reviews
Reviews of albums old and new from iconic artists and up and coming musicians alike.
'Big Generator' - A New Story Now
In 1985, following a successful tour, Yes returned to the studio to record their follow-up to 90125. The lineup still consisted of vocalist Jon Anderson, keyboardist Tony Kaye, guitarist Trevor Rabin, bassist Chris Squire, and drummer Alan White. Funny enough, this repeated the pattern of the first five Yes albums: two albums by the same lineup (the second of which has eight songs and begins with a "T"), then another with six songs and a different lineup, and then two more (one of them having nine songs) by a different lineup.
By Steven Shinder7 years ago in Beat
Taylor Swift—'Lover': Album Review
It's always good to see a transformation of artists, it's like you're growing together, and it certainly makes you relate to them more. Taylor Swift's career is nothing but legendary. It's undeniable that she has become one of the most influential singer-songwriters of our generation. Her early success in the country music scene has solidified her as this talented storyteller that a lot of country music fans fell in love with. However, later in her career, she has struggled to stay loyal to her country roots and began getting criticised for it. Her career hasn't been the healthiest either. She even had an issue over her record deal with Scooter Brown whose intention was to own her past catalogue in his pocket recently.
By Luigi K.D.Cruz7 years ago in Beat
'90125'—Yes Moving Through Some Changes
After Yes' break-up and the failed attempt at forming XYZ (eX-Yes-Zeppelin) with Jimmy Page in 1981, bassist Chris Squire and drummer Alan White were looking for a new project. Around this time, South African guitarist Trevor Rabin (formerly of Rabbit) recorded demos for a solo album. He was also considered for Asia, which ended up being a prog rock supergroup that included Yes alumni Geoff Downes and Steve Howe. (A recording of an early version of "Only Time Will Tell" with Rabin on lead vocals exists.)
By Steven Shinder7 years ago in Beat
Justine Skye’s 'Bare with Me' Review
Extremely talented R&B/soul singer and songwriter Justine Skye, who has worked with many artist from Musiq Soulchild to Diddy, has graced us with new music following the release of her 2018 album Ultraviolet. Since the album dropped, Skye has gone public with abuse allegations against her ex-boyfriend Sheck Wes and dropped a music video and single, “Build,” which serves as a reflection of her past situation. On August 30, 2019, Justine released her EP BARE WITH ME, proving her career and soothing vocals are nowhere near evanescent.
By Dakota Thomas7 years ago in Beat
'Drama' - A Step in Time to Move Together
After the the 1979 Paris sessions with Roy Thomas Baker (which were cancelled when drummer Alan White broke his ankle rollerskating), Yes were at a crossroads. Vocalist Jon Anderson and keyboardist Rick Wakeman were not interested in the direction of the band at the time, so they ended up departing. Wakeman leaving Yes was one thing, as the band had proven that they could excel with or without him. But the departure of Anderson was a bigger deal.
By Steven Shinder7 years ago in Beat
Yultron & Jay Park - ‘On Fire’ EP Review
Yultron and Jay Park are hardly strangers to each other. The former, an EDM artist and DJ, has worked with Park, a Korean hip-hop mogul, on the fan-favourite track “Forget About Tomorrow” back at the start of 2018, as well as on songs like “Bo$$” and “Thuggin 4 My Baby.” It was the clichéd match made in heave; a collaborative pairing that provided Park with an opportunity for his soulful, sleek vocals to be partnered with irresistible beats and huge, anthem-like production.
By Nathan Sartain7 years ago in Beat
Twilight Force - 'Dawn of the Dragonstar'
Hey to all those who take the time to read my reviews. It has been a long while since I had written one of these, hopefully this will mark a return to semi-regular reviews again. Either way, thanks for reading and let's get into this!
By Rip Mitchell7 years ago in Beat
'Tormato' - The Sum of Ten True Summers Long
After touring for Going for the One, the Yes lineup of Jon Anderson (vocals), Steve Howe (guitar), Chris Squire (bass), Rick Wakeman (keyboard), and Alan White (drums) set out to record their next album. It was meant to be named after the peak, Yes Tor. There are different accounts of who actually decided to throw a tomato at the cover art, but whatever the case, it resulted in the album title changing to Tormato. Released ten years after Yes' formation, the album actually has eight tracks like their first two albums, Yes and Time and a Word. So it does feel a bit like coming full circle, which is appropriate given that the album was followed by a tour "in the round" on a rotating stage that included a 25-minute medley of Yes songs. Tormato was somewhat more eclectic than Going for the One, and listeners over the years have had mixed opinions on the album, especially when it comes to the mixing of it. Still, people are able to find what they love about Tormato.
By Steven Shinder7 years ago in Beat
'Going for the One'—Songs Cast a Light on You
In 1976, after much touring for Relayer and working on solo albums, Yes took the time to record their next album, this time in Montreux, Switzerland. Though keyboardist Patrick Moraz was involved initially, he was let go from the band. Rick Wakeman was invited back as a session musician, eventually being persuaded to be a full member again. And so, the Tales from Topographic Oceans lineup of Jon Anderson (vocals), Steve Howe (guitar), Chris Squire (bass), Rick Wakeman (keyboard), and Alan White (drums) put out Going for the One. Released in July 1977, it was a bit more of an eclectic album, but the material presented made the album a good listen after nearly three years of no new studio albums from Yes.
By Steven Shinder7 years ago in Beat
'Relayer' - A True Fruition
Tales from Topographic Oceans was an album that was the pinnacle of Yes music in the eyes of some, and an example of over-indulgence in the eyes of others. After the tour, Rick Wakeman left the band, and Yes were in need of another keyboardist. They ended up with former Refugee member Patrick Moraz, who added his own unique flavor to the album that became Relayer. Released November 28, 1974, Relayer was the seventh album released by Yes within a span of a little more than five years, which is an impressive feat. Indeed, any band with that much output within so small of a span should feel proud to have an album like Relayer at the end of that span.
By Steven Shinder7 years ago in Beat
Viini - ‘Dimension’ EP Review
To call the route that Kwon Hyun-Bin has taken to get to where he is right now unconventional feels like an understatement. Originally beginning his career as a model back in 2015, the artist became well-known after appearing on Produce 101 Season 2, a show in which he placed 22nd. From there, he joined the six-member project group JBJ; and within seven months was a solo artist once again, due to the group’s disbandment.
By Nathan Sartain7 years ago in Beat
Offshore Explorer Stories
Offshore Explorer looks at culture and history through the mariner's eyes. We travel from port to port looking at the state of life today. How they got that way is part of the endless fascination of life. These articles are useful tools to understand the interpreter. My views are influenced by the experiences I have accrued over a lifetime. By understanding those points of inflection in my life the arm chair traveler can fully grasp the beauty and glory of the human endeavor. It is like walking with the artist in his canvas as he explains, shows, and experiences the subject and colors of that moment.
By Scott Dodgson7 years ago in Beat
