album reviews
Reviews of albums old and new from iconic artists and up and coming musicians alike.
'SOUTHSIDE' from Sam Hunt is Yet Another Game Changer
It's been almost six years since Sam Hunt released his debut album, Montevallo. A record that defined a new generation of Country music, and sky-rocketed him to worldwide stardom. The album was nominated for 'Country Album of the Year' at the 2016 Grammy Awards, and also earned Hunt a nomination for 'New Artist of the Year.'
Leah SherlockPublished 4 years ago in BeatSuho - ‘Self-Portrait’ EP Review
Better known as EXO’s leader Suho, Kim Junmyeon first embarked on his solo journey back in 2017 with “Curtain” (though he had previously featured on Leeteuk’s “My Hero”). Composed as part of SM’s Station project, the restrained ballad - and collaboration with pianist Song Young Joo - was a solid if-not slightly restricting debut effort for an undeniably talented member of one of the world’s biggest outfits. It certainly had its charm; the heavily-forefronted vocals giving plenty of space for the singer to show off his talents, the intimate feeling of the breezy number and the unquestionable potential shown throughout, but ultimately it lacked that extra bit of gravitas that would have really allowed for the South-Korean to shine.
Nathan SartainPublished 4 years ago in BeatSongs From The West Coast
In the Summer of 2000, in Nice, France, Elton John and lyricist Bernie Taupin convened at Elton's home there to address what they considered a debacle; Elton's most recent catalog LP The Big Picture. According to Elton, he'd been thinking and reading about the praise being heaped on the duo's Tumbleweed Connection, their Band-inspired third album and reappraised his career as getting away from the goal of producing sturdy songs and consistent cohesive albums. At this new millennium summit, Bernie and Elton agreed that future albums would need to be albums they would both be happy to be associated with, admitting they had spent too many years releasing albums of varying levels of quality.
Sean CallaghanPublished 4 years ago in BeatTribe Mafia releases first LP "Teepee Gang"
In preparation for the now cancelled SXSW 2020 Festival, Tribe Mafia’s debut LP Teepee Gang features a wide array of sounds ranging from Hip-Hop, Rap, and even Dancehall. The group explores distinct melodies, sharp lyricism, and vibrant sounds to create a collective of songs that their fans can enjoy, especially during this trying time of the virus.
Christine CarpioPublished 4 years ago in Beat2014 Was The Year I Discovered Life-Changing Music
I turned sixteen on Tuesday, February 11, 2014. I remember meeting up with a good friend of mine that night at Daniello's Pizzeria Cafe Restaurant at 95th and Columbus and grabbing pepperoni slices. When we both got comfortably situated in a booth, he gifted me with a pink Memorex mix CD. Once I got home, I put the CD into my black Insignia boombox and hit play.
Sik-K - ‘Officially OG’ EP Review
To call 2019 Sik-K’s breakout year would, on the surface at least, do the South-Korean a huge disservice. After all, before FL1P the artist had already released three profitable albums in addition to numerous show-stopping singles and a strong collaborative EP with BOYCOLD. Yet, with the triumph of the 26-year-old’s fourth full-length effort - which went hand-in-hand with his successful world tour - it felt like he had “broke out” and propelled himself to the apex of the hip-hop industry in South-Korea, at least from an international perspective. He was no longer just the future who had bucketloads of potential, but the present who was starting to hone his undeniable talent and appeal.
Nathan SartainPublished 4 years ago in BeatBringin’ Da Noise: An intimate look back on *NSYNC’s landmark sophomore album “No Strings Attached”.
If future generations of Pop culture connoisseurs (and those fascinated by them) were suddenly left with the task of choosing the year 2000’s most pivotal musical moment, they’d most definitely have their hands full. The beginning of a whole new era plus the beginnings of what would go on to become the music business’ largest upheaval since it’s inception, the year 2000 was simply a marvel onto itself. It would also mark the year that the scope of the North American teen idol would come to take on a life of its own and that might’ve all been possible thanks to one album in particular.
Kimberley ScribePublished 4 years ago in Beat3.15.20 Review
In 2014, I was 20 years old and had the greatest summer of my life. Part of the reason that summer was amazing was that I was introduced to actor, singer, rapper, writer, director, producer, and DJ, Donald Glover but some of you know him better as Childish Gambino. I was moving into a new house with my family and I was driving with one of my cousins or riding with my mom and stepdad in the car, we listened to the radio and I was listening to the song, "3005" and from there, I knew I was hooked. About a year and a half later, I would go on a Childish Gambino binge before I listened to his new album at the time, "Awaken, My Love!" and my, my, my, what a versatile gifted individual this man is.
Don Anderson IIPublished 4 years ago in BeatWhy Do I Love This Weird-Ass Album?
Now, I'm no music critic. At all. However, I do listen to a lot of music, and whenever I can, I am looking for new artists to dive in to. One of my favorite artists, "100 gecs", has been releasing remixes to songs off their 2019 project "1000 gecs", their most recent being to the track "Ringtone". This remix contains a hefty lineup, with Charli XCX, Rico Nasty, and...Kero Kero Bonito?
Caitlyn Smith's "Supernova" is an album everyone needs to hear right now
No stranger to writing a hit or two, Minnesota native Caitlyn Smith today released her sophomore album, Supernova. A stunning compilation of heartbreaking, thought-provoking tracks, it is a record that will make you feel emotions you did not even know existed.
Leah SherlockPublished 4 years ago in BeatLil Uzi Vert: Eternal Atake Review
Well, it was an another exciting weekend for music again. Philadelphia Native Rapper Lil Uzi Vert dropped his long awaited album, Eternal Atake this past Friday at midnight.
Bralen WilliamsPublished 4 years ago in BeatIs Anybody Out There? The Space Hip-Opera
(all translations cr: @dprdabin on twitter) I preface this review with I’ve never done a full length review, analysis, interpretation what have you like this, preferring to get to the point with one liners defining the song and how I feel about it. But DPR has never half assed anything so I won’t half ass this. It’s only fair. Is Anybody Out There takes us on a journey through space, navigating emotional lows and highs via Live’s soothing voice and Cream's always iconic arrangements. I’ve already lost track of how many times I’ve listened to the album since it dropped but every time I do I notice something new. The continuous discoveries only pushed me to listen more and listen closer. With that said: