album reviews
Reviews of albums old and new from iconic artists and up and coming musicians alike.
'Supermarket'
Heading into the first track, "Bohemian Trapsody," I expected... trap. When the acoustic guitar made its way through my headphones I'm fully expecting a Gunna/Lil Baby type of track with 808s and double time hi hats. What I got was something that sounded closer to Jamiroquai. Funky singing over a wide open track. I found myself nodding all the way through the six plus minute song. The last few moments had that trap feel I expected earlier. Maybe surprise is a main theme.
By Brooklyn Damien5 years ago in Beat
Joey Bada$$ and the Amerikkkan Dream
Joey Bada$$ has always been an artist content with breaking forms and shattering expectations. His first official release, 1999, "resurrected boom bap" and utilized traditional hip-hop beats. His second release and first studio album, B4.Da.$$, was more modern and featured several tracks where the traditional song forms were broken—not to mention the interesting features and beats that were on the album.
By Azaria Brown5 years ago in Beat
Go-Go’s 'Talk Show': Something to Talk About
It’s been 35 years since all-female rock band the Go-Go’s released the group’s third studio effort, Talk Show. Therefore, in celebration of this milestone, I’ve decided to pluck it from obscurity, and revisit its virtues for posterity.
By Eric Allen5 years ago in Beat
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 Sartain5 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 Chalak5 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 Sartain5 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 Sabeni5 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 Parker5 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.Cruz5 years ago in Beat