album reviews

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

God's Son
God's Son-- The God Is Here -- my Review By Brian Salkowski It's rare in hip hop for rappers to get emotional. It could be looked at as the rapper going "soft" and diminishes street credibility. What is even more rare is a rapper who takes them emotions and turn them into emotional blunting, if you will, creating a whole treasure chest of things you can bounce creativity off. Nasir Jones does exactly this on his album "God's Son" The music — mostly a dark, sparse boom-bap — follows Nas’ shrewd, crafty approach. The James Brown sample on “Get Down” is an old-school gesture, but it makes for the album’s best track, as Nas’ quick-tongued monotone elegantly folds together tales of street violence and his own rise to fame. Elsewhere he and a sampled Tupac trade soul-baring verses with nothing but an acoustic guitar backing them, and on the Eminem-produced “The Cross,” Nas indulges his Jesus complex over a thin piano loop.
By Brian 5 years ago in Beat
Aurora by Gisela João - Singer Releases Empowerment Album
Gisela João Released recently released Aurora the most empowered album of her career . Gisela is a renowned Portuguese fado singer. She discovered fado on the radio at a young age and started singing it for her family, first, then to friends and neighbors.
By Rui Alves5 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 Herring5 years ago in Beat
Nothing Was The Same. Top Story - July 2021.
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 Herring5 years ago in Beat
Album Review: Childhood’s End by Ulver
As a writer and musician, I keep looking for the golden fleece. Hence, today my wanderings through the musical labyrinth lead me to Childhood’s End by Ulver.
By Rui Alves5 years ago in Beat
Music Album Review: 'Lulu' by Lou Reed and Metallica
I believe the idea for Lulu came about after Reed and Metallica played at the 25th Anniversary of the "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame" in 2009 when Reed claimed that he and Metallica were made for each other.
By Rui Alves5 years ago in Beat
Rock Album Review: ¡Uno! by American Band Green Day
¡Uno! is the ninth studio album by Green Day and the first installment of a trilogy released from September to December 2012.
By Rui Alves5 years ago in Beat
First Time Listening to City High
If you are new or probably weren't around in the 2000s, I bet you are wondering who is this group City High. City High City High is well-known hip hop group in the 2000s. The hip hop was formed in 1999 by Wyclef Jean after two former high school sweethearts: Robbie Pardlo and Claduette Jean met and performed for him. Later, actor and songwriter Ryan Toby was invited to be apart of the trio. You might be familiar with Ryan Toby, if you have watched Sister Act 2, Ryan Toby played Wesley Glen "Ahmal" James (the guy who sang "Oh Happy Day")
By Gladys W. Muturi5 years ago in Beat
Sour by Olivia Rodrigo
Why is Sour by Olivia Rodrigo the best Pop album of the year and possible the greatest debut album every. I am going to go over each song and tell my thoughts about them and I will give a wrap up at the end.
By Jeremy White5 years ago in Beat
'Places'
I have had quite a few music reviews in the works for several years now and I’ve decided to release the flood gates. What better way to start than with probably the best named band that I know, Simple Minded Symphony!
By JR Stuck5 years ago in Beat
Angels With Dirty Faces
Although this album was released in 2002, it still contains retro vibes from the 90s. Angels with Dirty Faces is one of the band’s most signature albums. It shares the name with the classic 1938 noir film. Bristol rapper, Tricky also released an album in 1998 called Angels with Dirty Faces. In many ways, Angels With Dirty Faces is the perfect follow up to One Touch. I don’t know if this album choice was done on purpose, or if it’s just a coincidence, but it’s such a cool album.
By Chloe Gilholy5 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 Herring5 years ago in Beat