album reviews

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

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 Sartain8 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 Chalak8 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 Sours8 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 Sam8 years ago in Beat
Epik High—‘Sleepless in __________‘ Album Review
Amongst all the hip-hop trios in the world, you’ll struggle to find one more consistent than Epik High. Forming back in 2001, the threesome—Tablo, Mithra Jin, DJ Tukutz—has dominated both national and international markets over the last decade or so. Their successful brand of thought-provoking music remains just as resonant in 2019, and their unique methodology seemingly develops to greater heights with each passing year.
By Nathan Sartain8 years ago in Beat
Kehlani’s 'While We Wait'—A Magnificent Piece on Navigation of Modern Relationships
The Oakland contemporary R&B singer and songwriter released her third mixtape, While We Wait on February, 22 2019 after a two-year hiatus. Her latest offering is her fourth project overall after her debut mixtape, Cloud 9 (2014), Grammy-nominated mixtape You Should Be Here (2015) and debut LP SweetSexySavage (2017). While We Wait was written and recorded during her pregnancy. Therefore, the title alludes to the wait of her baby due in March or her upcoming sophomore album.
By Happy Sabeni8 years ago in Beat
The Last Shadow Puppets
If you do not know the genius lyrics of Alex Turner or Miles Kane's gifted brains, then my friend, I am truly sorry for you. While this may lean towards a fluff piece, (a delayed fluff piece at that), it is also a review of an under appreciated band.
By Kathryn Parker8 years ago in Beat
Yola—'Walk Through Fire:' Album Review
Yola's, a.k.a. Yolanda Quartey, roots can be traced back to London, UK, when she was sleeping and begging for food in the street; although, her passion for music never burned out. Her story is really enticing and really demonstrates why she’s meant to be a singer-songwriter. Years and years later, she debuts with LP Walk Through Fire, a traditional, soulful, and bluesy Americana that encapsulates her impressive powerhouse vocals and ability to tell her narrative. The album is not strictly traditional to country, yet it is definitely more “country” considering what’s out there nowadays. You should first read her story to fully enjoy the album. [Link Below]
By Luigi K.D.Cruz8 years ago in Beat
'Hope World:' Album Review
J-Hope is one of the most dynamic artists in the K-Pop industry. BTS’ lead dancer is essential to the group, but that hasn’t stopped him from releasing a solo track. The other two rappers of BTS, RM and Suga, have also released albums of their own. J-Hope is the last of the rappers to release his solo mixtape. However, the wait was well worth it. The album Hope World, has just turned one year old, and it’s still amazing. For a while, it made him the highest entry into the Billboard 200 by a solo K-Pop artist at number 63. All of the songs peaked on the K-Pop section of iTunes in the top 20, and currently the album is number in the US iTunes K-Pop chart. This is all for a mixtape that was available for free download on SoundCloud.
By Sam8 years ago in Beat
My Essential Albums: "BD Music Presents: Buddy Holly"
Let's just ignore the fact that I find the album cover to this particular record fairly offensive and move on to talking about the greatness of the music with a tiny prior warning.
By Annie Kapur8 years ago in Beat
My Essential Albums: 'Desire' by Bob Dylan
One of Bob Dylan's most respected albums and one of his most iconic outputs, this album has become one of the most revered amongst his discography. The album was recorded between July and October 1975, meaning that it is possibly one of the longest recording sessions we have covered so far. It was finally released in all its glory on the January 5, 1976.
By Annie Kapur8 years ago in Beat
'Victim of Love'
Victim of Love is an anomaly in the Elton John catalog, mostly because Elton did not write any of the songs or even play keyboard, It featured none of his band members, nor Bernie Taupin lyrics. It is the shortest album of Elton John's career at just 36 minutes, and is consistently ranked as one of the worst Elton John albums, as well as the third worst selling. It was produced by Pete Bellotte whose other credits include Janet Jackson and Tina Turner, among others. It was recorded in Musicland Studio in Munich and Musk Sound Studios in Hollywood—surprisingly by a decent set of studio musicians, all of whom have seen better professional moments.
By Sean Callaghan8 years ago in Beat