By Abrahim Harb
Showing posts with label Review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Review. 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: This Is What The Truth Feels Like [3/5 stars]
By Abrahim Harb
Gwen Stefani's third studio album marks her first return to a recording studio for something other than two tracks released in early 2014. Sadly, "This Is What The Truth Feels Like" is not profound or groundbreaking in any way. Stefani is making it clear that she didn't set out to write an album, but she needed to write to overcome her personal woes. Music isn't always about being groundbreaking; and for someone who will make sure that all of the 90's babies will never forget how to spell banana, you don't expect the worst or the best from her. It has been nearly a decade since she has released an album. Stefani is great at producing a mixed bag of tracks, but in a good way. She is great at producing pop tracks and is equally great at paying homage to the rock/ska music that allowed Stefani to secure her spot in music history. Each track has meaning to Stefani and it is speaking her truth, whether we accept it or not. Stefani has endured her fair share of betrayal in the past year, but she has also allowed herself to release it all via music and come out on the other end happier.
Gwen Stefani's third studio album marks her first return to a recording studio for something other than two tracks released in early 2014. Sadly, "This Is What The Truth Feels Like" is not profound or groundbreaking in any way. Stefani is making it clear that she didn't set out to write an album, but she needed to write to overcome her personal woes. Music isn't always about being groundbreaking; and for someone who will make sure that all of the 90's babies will never forget how to spell banana, you don't expect the worst or the best from her. It has been nearly a decade since she has released an album. Stefani is great at producing a mixed bag of tracks, but in a good way. She is great at producing pop tracks and is equally great at paying homage to the rock/ska music that allowed Stefani to secure her spot in music history. Each track has meaning to Stefani and it is speaking her truth, whether we accept it or not. Stefani has endured her fair share of betrayal in the past year, but she has also allowed herself to release it all via music and come out on the other end happier. Album Review: Nine Track Mind [2/5 stars]
By Abrahim Harb
You may not know who Charlie Puth is, but you have definitely recognize the vocals. The Wiz Kahlifa track, "See You Again," features the singer who released his album debut, "Nine Track Mind." The elegy that introduced the world to Puth appeared on the Furious 7 soundtrack and it certainly grabbed the attention of all America mourning the death of Paul Walker. But not solely for Kahlifa's efforts, everyone wanted to know who provided the crystal clear hook on the track. The is pop & old school R&B and so is Puth at his core. "Nine Track Mind" is filled with G-rated/ PG-rated material and for someone of his age (he was born in 1991), at least a few PG-13, if not R-rated tracks are essential. I am not by any means insinuating that he must do that, but all of the source material for the tracks border boring. Yet his tenor vocals always soar high above the songs. It's not pop perfection, but it is perfect. Puth without a doubt has talent. He can't be chastised for his first album, Puth is still figuring out how to use his falsetto voice and songwriting abilities.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: ANTI Album Art
Front & back cover image courtesy of Amazon.com.
All other artwork is courtesy of VanityFair.com.
Poetry translation is courtesy of Mic.com.
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: Blackstar [5/5 stars]
By Abrahim Harb
During his nearly 5 decades in the music industry, David Bowie never failed to impress. His style was ever-changing, along with his music. He was an innovator and will continue to influence people for all eternity. Sadly, two days after the release of his 25th album (and his birthday), on January 10, 2016, Bowie left earth for other ventures. His curtain call: "Blackstar." The album is riddled with lyrics written by a man who knew his death would cause the world to weep and Bowie wanted to go out with a bang. Unbeknownst to the public, Bowie had spent the last 18 months of his life (not so) silently suffering from cancer. His lyrical theme of violence and doom remain in his death march and so does Bowie's mystery. His introspective demeanor on this album pairs well with his usually style of whimsy. If you stop for a moment, even the album cover is whimsical and mysterious. The smaller stars spell out B-O-W-I-E. The album is art rock and experimental, with influences from many other styles, per the usual.
During his nearly 5 decades in the music industry, David Bowie never failed to impress. His style was ever-changing, along with his music. He was an innovator and will continue to influence people for all eternity. Sadly, two days after the release of his 25th album (and his birthday), on January 10, 2016, Bowie left earth for other ventures. His curtain call: "Blackstar." The album is riddled with lyrics written by a man who knew his death would cause the world to weep and Bowie wanted to go out with a bang. Unbeknownst to the public, Bowie had spent the last 18 months of his life (not so) silently suffering from cancer. His lyrical theme of violence and doom remain in his death march and so does Bowie's mystery. His introspective demeanor on this album pairs well with his usually style of whimsy. If you stop for a moment, even the album cover is whimsical and mysterious. The smaller stars spell out B-O-W-I-E. The album is art rock and experimental, with influences from many other styles, per the usual.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: Purpose [4/5 stars]
By Abrahim Harb
What happens when you were introduced to the world in 2008, released 3 albums, toured the world and had a part bio-pic, part concert film released about you in the span of 5 years—then you lost your way in the world and found your footing? Your name is Justin Bieber and you released your fourth studio album, "Purpose" that marks where you stand now, with two feet on the ground and much maturity. This album is sonically cohesive and the lyrical content marks this diary like confessional as his entrance into manhood. He is humble, truthful and asking for repentance from anyone in his life (or any lost relationships), including fans while seeking redemption for his reputation. Bieber also released a 42 minute film "Purpose: The Movement" that weaves together a series of track-by-track dance sequences inspired by pop, hip-hop, R&B and EDM music on the album.
What happens when you were introduced to the world in 2008, released 3 albums, toured the world and had a part bio-pic, part concert film released about you in the span of 5 years—then you lost your way in the world and found your footing? Your name is Justin Bieber and you released your fourth studio album, "Purpose" that marks where you stand now, with two feet on the ground and much maturity. This album is sonically cohesive and the lyrical content marks this diary like confessional as his entrance into manhood. He is humble, truthful and asking for repentance from anyone in his life (or any lost relationships), including fans while seeking redemption for his reputation. Bieber also released a 42 minute film "Purpose: The Movement" that weaves together a series of track-by-track dance sequences inspired by pop, hip-hop, R&B and EDM music on the album.Album Review: Confident [3/5 stars]
By Abrahim Harb
Demi Lovato's 5th album "Confident" is straightforward, catchy and very personal. The last 2 or so years of her life have been filled with some of the toughest times in her life. Lovato doesn't spend any time being cryptic with the track list and comes out on the other end with this swagger. She doesn't stumble or wobble. She is confident and nobody can stop her, even if the songs aren't the best choices. I'd be interested to see the list of tracks that didn't make the album.
The album gives listeners a bit of everything—Lovato is angry, inspired, hurt and mournful, but most of all confident. You'll feel inspired after jamming out and crying to the roughly hour long album. "Confident" is a catchy self-empowering track that could get anyone bobbing their head to. The music doesn't overbear Lovato's vocal performance. The finger snapping in the chorus gives the listener a chance to sing with her.
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: Calling All Lovers [3/5 stars]
"Calling All Lovers" by Tamar Braxton is a follow up to her last album, "Love and War". This 16 track album pulls from her personal diary as she goes through the highs and lows of love, sex, and relationships. It is R&B and doesn't try to be anything else and focuses on her vocals over all else. The growth between albums can be heard.
"Angels and Demons" calls all lovers to enjoy the album with this tropical reggae soul ballad. This is a perfect statement to start the album. "Catfish" dives straight into the story of with a 90's R&B influence. The track tells the story of a lover warning her lover of their "brand new" behavior - calling them out for being a catfish of sorts. Maybe this is foreshadowing? Does this album tell a linear story of a relationship? This is the type of side eye we expect from Braxton. She is able to put her stamp on a song that shows off her personality and vocals too.
"Angels and Demons" calls all lovers to enjoy the album with this tropical reggae soul ballad. This is a perfect statement to start the album. "Catfish" dives straight into the story of with a 90's R&B influence. The track tells the story of a lover warning her lover of their "brand new" behavior - calling them out for being a catfish of sorts. Maybe this is foreshadowing? Does this album tell a linear story of a relationship? This is the type of side eye we expect from Braxton. She is able to put her stamp on a song that shows off her personality and vocals too.
Album Review: Honeymoon [5/5 stars]
By Abrahim Harb
Lana Del Rey doesn't waste any time. Some artists use the cover art to make a statement and it isn't immediately understood. The album art for her third album, "Honeymoon" depicts an idle passenger, perhaps the femme fatale, in a parked convertible Hollywood tour mobile, locking eyes with something in front of her. A honeymoon is meant to be an escape from reality. A time to indulge in love, luxury and life away from the daily monotony. Love can't exist without loneliness. Lana Del Rey utilizes her honeymoon to sit back and soak in the longing she feels. She has this artful way of presenting her feelings through symbols of old Americana and still remains true to her cinematic sound that bears resemblance to classic Hollywood flicks. The greatest inspiration on this album is a noir film actress, Barbara Stanwyck. In the 1940s and 50s Barbara often played an ill manner femme fatale who uses cunning and sexuality to gain independence from an oppressive marriage.
Lana Del Rey doesn't waste any time. Some artists use the cover art to make a statement and it isn't immediately understood. The album art for her third album, "Honeymoon" depicts an idle passenger, perhaps the femme fatale, in a parked convertible Hollywood tour mobile, locking eyes with something in front of her. A honeymoon is meant to be an escape from reality. A time to indulge in love, luxury and life away from the daily monotony. Love can't exist without loneliness. Lana Del Rey utilizes her honeymoon to sit back and soak in the longing she feels. She has this artful way of presenting her feelings through symbols of old Americana and still remains true to her cinematic sound that bears resemblance to classic Hollywood flicks. The greatest inspiration on this album is a noir film actress, Barbara Stanwyck. In the 1940s and 50s Barbara often played an ill manner femme fatale who uses cunning and sexuality to gain independence from an oppressive marriage.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: Emotion [3.5/5 stars]
Carly Rae Jepsen's third studio album, "Emotion" (stylized as E•MO•TION) is perfection, the kind of pop that is heavily inspired by synth's of the 80's and alternative music. This album also answers the question we've all been waiting for: will Jepsen be a one hit wonder after "Call Me Maybe," her overplayed and over parodied 2012 debut single? The answer, no! Jepsen is always successful in the execution of her projects, it doesn't matter who is paying attention. Her sound has evolved ushering in a new sophisticated approach that nods back to her pop roots. This is perhaps one of the most underrated pop albums this year. NOTE: The album cover says: *noun (\i-mÅ-shen\): a natural instinctive state of mind deriving from one's circumstances, mood, or relationships with others. ex: "She was attempting to control her emotions"
Album Review: The Original High [5/5 stars]
By Abrahim Harb
After leaving his record label over “creative differences, “Adam Lambert has come out with his third studio album, "The Original High" under his new label Warner Bros. Records. Although the world would have relished in a cover album of 80’s hits, we would also understand his reasoning for not wanting to do it. Unless that is their niche, what artist would want to come out with a full-length cover album? Nonetheless, the masses would have found solace in the concept. Lambert’s first album, "For Your Entertainment "introduced us to the glam rocker he is, "Trespassing" marked the bridge between finding himself and revealing personal details about his life—and his latest release allows the world to be introduced to Lambert as he wants to be remembered as a pop-rock crooner. This album is his strongest release to date, unlike his other albums which bounced from style to style with no connecting threads.
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