By Abrahim Harb
Showing posts with label A Best of Music Review Collection. Show all posts
Showing posts with label A Best of Music Review Collection. Show all posts
Album Review: brat by Charli XCX [5/5]
Album Review: Charli [3.5/5 stars]
By Abrahim Harb
"Charli" is Charli XCX's third full length studio release, but fifth album. The entire album can be summarized in 3 words: Sci-Fi, gothic, futurism. The album bounces between ballads (tracks like "Warm" or "White Mercedes") and Sci-Fi gothic futurism (tracks like "Shake It") bops. It uses an adventurous production style, but it's not unpleasant either. It merges pop music with Sci-Fi futurism vibe effortlessly with thick, but not heavy echoing vocals and metallic sounding instrumentals. The beat never swallows Charli or her various features vocals. Her music continues to love pop music but still she revolts against pop music. The juxtaposition of the 2 makes this album float, instead of sinking. There are many features, but they are all strategic and it doesn't overwhelm listeners.
The first track "Next Level Charli" is a prologue for the album (perhaps intentionally?) with its mix of this metallic beat and quick (and catchy) lyrics that sets the scene for the rest of the album. She wastes no time previewing what is to come. Her taste in collaborators is ripped right out of the top 40 of pop playlist. It keeps things fresh and contributes to the success of this album.
Album Review: Voicenotes [4.5/5]
Charlie Puth's second album, "Voicenotes" takes an introspective look into the paranoia of being a 20-something in LA, the land of plastic and ego stroking where you can't trust the person to your left or right. This album is a call back to the 80's and 90's R&B scene blended with contemporary pop. The album tells a complete story about lack of trust, shallow action, and fear of being traded for the next best thing - although I don't always believe the emotions are ones he's felt - the vocals are top notch and this is a great step in the right direction of shedding his squeaky-clean reputation. His personality comes out more and he is exploring this dilemma he has trying to find the balance of staying himself and maturing in LA.He starts off the album with "The Way I Am" which kicks off the events that happened in Hollywoodland. He distinguishes himself as someone who isn't into the Hollywood scene of doing things to be seen. Insecurities come out right away and he never tries to hide them. He is differentiating himself from the LA types from the get-go acting like he is trapped on the West Coast.
Album Review: Mad Love. [3.5/5 stars]
By Abrahim Harb
JoJo is back after more than a decade. After a lengthy legal battle with her former record label, Blackground Records, she is back. Her professional career was derailed by record label drama. She isn't the first or the last to have it happen. But the length of time JoJo wasn't producing music hasn't opened the door for her to disappear into obscurity. During this time where she was in limbo, JoJo released one-off singles and mixtapes. Nothing was going to stop this artist from doing what she loves and her fans never left her side. In an interview with Vulture, she said, "I still have people who want to hear me, which is a pretty unique position to be in after this journey." She has writing credit on every track. "Mad Love." is a continuation of what JoJo would have been as an artist had she not been derailed.
JoJo is back after more than a decade. After a lengthy legal battle with her former record label, Blackground Records, she is back. Her professional career was derailed by record label drama. She isn't the first or the last to have it happen. But the length of time JoJo wasn't producing music hasn't opened the door for her to disappear into obscurity. During this time where she was in limbo, JoJo released one-off singles and mixtapes. Nothing was going to stop this artist from doing what she loves and her fans never left her side. In an interview with Vulture, she said, "I still have people who want to hear me, which is a pretty unique position to be in after this journey." She has writing credit on every track. "Mad Love." is a continuation of what JoJo would have been as an artist had she not been derailed.From an evolution perspective, she was granted time to grow as an artist sonically and experiment, without releasing music that could flop. JoJo is leaping back on a train that she laid rails for years ago. However, this album does lack cohesion. JoJo has much to say, but the theme of no holding back runs rampant across the genre jumping tracks. She is also driven by self-empowerment and self-awareness in each track.
Album Review: ANTI [4.5/5 stars]
By Abrahim Harb
Rihanna doesn't care whether you like her music or not. She is not in the business of apologizing or being modest. Her eighth album, "ANTI" (deluxe version) doesn't lack in her assertive way of grabbing life, even though she is carefree human. There is a theme to this album: disappointment and coping with it. Rihanna is relishing in her fame. She can be caught making faces at the paparazzi; on a yacht; smoking a blunt with a cocktail in hand; rocking her latest fashion acquisition or any combination of the aforementioned. In the year up to the album release, Rihanna cranked out three superb singles, (Bitch Better Have My Money, FourFiveSeconds and American Oxygen) that ultimately did not make the cut for this album. This psychedelic rock/ soul sound has turned her into an album artist that can still crank out singles - leaving listeners without any choice but to give the album a listen without skipping tracks.
Rihanna doesn't care whether you like her music or not. She is not in the business of apologizing or being modest. Her eighth album, "ANTI" (deluxe version) doesn't lack in her assertive way of grabbing life, even though she is carefree human. There is a theme to this album: disappointment and coping with it. Rihanna is relishing in her fame. She can be caught making faces at the paparazzi; on a yacht; smoking a blunt with a cocktail in hand; rocking her latest fashion acquisition or any combination of the aforementioned. In the year up to the album release, Rihanna cranked out three superb singles, (Bitch Better Have My Money, FourFiveSeconds and American Oxygen) that ultimately did not make the cut for this album. This psychedelic rock/ soul sound has turned her into an album artist that can still crank out singles - leaving listeners without any choice but to give the album a listen without skipping tracks. Album Review: This is Acting [4/5 stars]
By Abrahim Harb
With her seventh studio album, "This is Acting," Sia captivates fans and continues to garner new fans. The concept of this album is simple: the singer-songwriter had a pile of songs that were written for other artists, but they did not want them for a variety of reasons. But don't think these are bad songs. They are just songs that Sia is emotionally detached from because she gets inside the mind and skin of the artist the track is for. Sia ends up grabbing more attention, as she strives for privacy. During the tour for her fifth studio album, she made it clear that fame was giving her anxiety, mentioning stage fright and a demand for privacy as the reason for her indefinite break from being an artist. Her focus shifted to cranking out songs for others well known artists such as Beyonce, Rihanna, Rita Ora, Katy Perry, Jessie J and Kelly Clarkson. With her sixth studio album "1,000 Forms of Fear" she conquered her fear and found a fix for some of the anxiety she had surround fame, making her one of the most celebrated artists of 2014-2015. This take on an album is very interesting; as a songwriter, one expects to have duds or songs that end up unused—Sia decided to embrace that by taking those songs, giving them her twist and releasing them on an album, ironically called "This is Acting." She is using her fear of fame to create art.
With her seventh studio album, "This is Acting," Sia captivates fans and continues to garner new fans. The concept of this album is simple: the singer-songwriter had a pile of songs that were written for other artists, but they did not want them for a variety of reasons. But don't think these are bad songs. They are just songs that Sia is emotionally detached from because she gets inside the mind and skin of the artist the track is for. Sia ends up grabbing more attention, as she strives for privacy. During the tour for her fifth studio album, she made it clear that fame was giving her anxiety, mentioning stage fright and a demand for privacy as the reason for her indefinite break from being an artist. Her focus shifted to cranking out songs for others well known artists such as Beyonce, Rihanna, Rita Ora, Katy Perry, Jessie J and Kelly Clarkson. With her sixth studio album "1,000 Forms of Fear" she conquered her fear and found a fix for some of the anxiety she had surround fame, making her one of the most celebrated artists of 2014-2015. This take on an album is very interesting; as a songwriter, one expects to have duds or songs that end up unused—Sia decided to embrace that by taking those songs, giving them her twist and releasing them on an album, ironically called "This is Acting." She is using her fear of fame to create art. Album Review: 25 [4.5/5 stars]
By Abrahim Harb
After garnering much attention with her album 21, at the ripe age of 23, Adele was thrust into the spotlight with her smoldering voice and sharp wit. On her album "25," it appears as if her softer approach to songwriting is a dud—but it is not—it's refreshing for someone of her age to remain eloquent in her lyrical content and vocal delivery. Adele uses this album to show off her gigantic vocals, without being bombastic and never permits the musical orchestration to overpower her vocals. The albums is packed with a array of tracks backed by a polished production. Her vulnerability always shines through as she confesses about life and/or love. Her tongue-in-cheek style wavers as she's made an effort to be not so angry.
After garnering much attention with her album 21, at the ripe age of 23, Adele was thrust into the spotlight with her smoldering voice and sharp wit. On her album "25," it appears as if her softer approach to songwriting is a dud—but it is not—it's refreshing for someone of her age to remain eloquent in her lyrical content and vocal delivery. Adele uses this album to show off her gigantic vocals, without being bombastic and never permits the musical orchestration to overpower her vocals. The albums is packed with a array of tracks backed by a polished production. Her vulnerability always shines through as she confesses about life and/or love. Her tongue-in-cheek style wavers as she's made an effort to be not so angry.
The album starts off with the overplayed track "Hello," which was released and immediately landed on the top of the charts. This elegant song is overplayed because it is relatable. Adele is a master of taping her emotions, but knowing what will trigger a response amongst listener's of her music. This piano led power ballad will instantly make you think of a loved one that was lost in the shuffle of the world.
Album Review: Revival [3/5 stars]
By Abrahim Harb
Selena Gomez steps out of Disney teen popstar into Selena, the grown ass woman with "Revival." This October 2015 release is Gomez's second studio album and doesn't disappoint, neither does it excite. This album allows her to gap the bridge between her Disney days and the new Selena. This compilation of tracks is impressive. (You can hate me for saying this, but...) The formula for this album seems eerily like Justin Bieber's Purpose, released three months after her album. The introspective, but vague album about heartbreak and all the emotions encompassing it. What differentiates the two albums is Gomez isn't oozing heartbreak in a sappy way each track. Each track shows off a new sound, but never strays too far away, remaining cohesively diverse. She is that self-aware that she felt the need for a revival...or perhaps that is a hokey marketing ploy. I hope it is not the later.
Selena Gomez steps out of Disney teen popstar into Selena, the grown ass woman with "Revival." This October 2015 release is Gomez's second studio album and doesn't disappoint, neither does it excite. This album allows her to gap the bridge between her Disney days and the new Selena. This compilation of tracks is impressive. (You can hate me for saying this, but...) The formula for this album seems eerily like Justin Bieber's Purpose, released three months after her album. The introspective, but vague album about heartbreak and all the emotions encompassing it. What differentiates the two albums is Gomez isn't oozing heartbreak in a sappy way each track. Each track shows off a new sound, but never strays too far away, remaining cohesively diverse. She is that self-aware that she felt the need for a revival...or perhaps that is a hokey marketing ploy. I hope it is not the later. Album Review: Badlands [5/5 stars]
By Abrahim Harb
Halsey entered the music scene as Ashley Nicolette Frangipane (her legal name) in 2014 and posted cover songs on YouTube. That same year, she recorded an original song called "Ghost and gained the attention of Astralwerks record label. With that came her first EP, "Room 93" released in October 2014 and then she spent the next year touring as an opening act. In March 2015, he became the most talked about up and coming performer to hail from South by Southwest (SXSW) and by June 2015, she made the announcement she had begun to write material for her debut studio album. Which brings us to August 2015 and the release of "Badlands," the standard version. According to an interview with Shelley Rome on iHeart Radio, the conceptual album focuses on the fictional dystopian society known as The Badlands. The city is surrounded by a desert wasteland, keeping the inhabitants of The Badlands captive. Album Review: ARTPOP [4.5/5 stars]
By Abrahim Harb
"The Fame," is about ambition, "The Fame Monster" is about her inner demons, Born This Way is about acceptance on a bigger level and "ARTPOP," Lady Gaga’s latest pop offering is a confession of a pop artist. Lately, she has been stripping away the layers, wearing less make-up and wigs, consistently toning it down, but by no means is she letting her fashion influence deteriorate. Upon first listen, the “art” part of "ARTPOP" could be seen as missing, other than a few name dropping lyrics—with an overdose of “POP”. But it’s not! The art is in her pop music, listeners have to dig for it. On a basic level, it resides within her presentation of a live performance. Gaga doesn’t drop an album without any thought. Despite the sonically appeasing tracks on "ARTPOP," the title track should function as an intro track or even a prelude to the album. It's a pop formula to have the track the album is titled after the first track on the album - but in this instance it's befitting - the message of this song will perfectly segway into “Aura” and the entire album. Instead, Gaga buried it eight tracks in.
Album Review: Bangerz [5/5 stars]
By Abrahim Harb
Miley Cyrus, now free of the Disney machine and her image as Hannah Montana, came out with her fourth studio album, "Bangerz" this weekend. This is the debut of the real Miley—the rap-loving, almost profane embracing, often self-mocking, cheeky Miley Cyrus. She can finally sing about what she wants to and work with whatever collaborators she wants to. At first I was annoyed by the songs, but after giving it another listen, they are clever and never lazy. She goes from a female rebel to a scorned female. The album consists of many repetitive themes, but each song stands on its own as she sings each song with zero doubt and an abundance of confidence. Many artists feel the need to publicly display their sexuality once they turn 20, but Miley is showing off her sexuality because Cyrus wants to and she has the personality to back up the hefty bangerz. Although it is filled with party bangerz, it also succeeds in functioning as an empowerment album as well.
Miley Cyrus, now free of the Disney machine and her image as Hannah Montana, came out with her fourth studio album, "Bangerz" this weekend. This is the debut of the real Miley—the rap-loving, almost profane embracing, often self-mocking, cheeky Miley Cyrus. She can finally sing about what she wants to and work with whatever collaborators she wants to. At first I was annoyed by the songs, but after giving it another listen, they are clever and never lazy. She goes from a female rebel to a scorned female. The album consists of many repetitive themes, but each song stands on its own as she sings each song with zero doubt and an abundance of confidence. Many artists feel the need to publicly display their sexuality once they turn 20, but Miley is showing off her sexuality because Cyrus wants to and she has the personality to back up the hefty bangerz. Although it is filled with party bangerz, it also succeeds in functioning as an empowerment album as well. Album Review: havoc and bright lights [3.5/5 stars]
By Abrahim Harb
Singer-songwriter Alanis Morrissette's eighth album, "havoc and bright lights" (intentionally stylized in lower case) features a softer, freed side, rarely pulling out her harder rock side. This album stays afloat as she keeps on consistently producing vocally appeasing soft rock songs or ethereal vocal and sonic arrangements. This is her first album in 4 years and is a re-introduction to Morrissette as she shows off the more spiritual and healed side of herself, leaving behind the the jagged little pills of her entanglements.
The first track, "Guardian" consists of a strong vocal and killer chorus, a breezy arrangement of soft rock guitar notes; successfully creating a vessel for an open dialogue about acceptance. A roughly three minute long rant, in musical form, that blasts misogyny is the albums second track, "Woman Down". Two songs later, she changes her ethereal demeanor yet again, in "Celebrity," a song attacking the fame seeking, twenty something's that yield for stardom.
The first track, "Guardian" consists of a strong vocal and killer chorus, a breezy arrangement of soft rock guitar notes; successfully creating a vessel for an open dialogue about acceptance. A roughly three minute long rant, in musical form, that blasts misogyny is the albums second track, "Woman Down". Two songs later, she changes her ethereal demeanor yet again, in "Celebrity," a song attacking the fame seeking, twenty something's that yield for stardom.
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