Well, Ed Sheeran has released another remix to his hit, “Perfect.” This time the song received an orchestral makeover with guest vocalist, the legendary Andrea Bocelli. The song. The arrangement, done by Ed’s brother, Matthew, is beautiful, and Andrea’s voice is as powerful and moving as ever. Read more at https://blackboybulletin.wordpress.com/2017/12/17/review-perfect-symphony/
The track that is currently being marketed as the official follow-up to “Havana” is “Never Be The Same,” a mid-tempo pop-punk influenced track that is bubbling with a quiet rage that never quite bubbles over. Read more at https://blackboybulletin.wordpress.com/2017/12/11/camila-cabello-drops-never-be-the-same-real-friends/
The second track, “Real Friends” could be the surprise hit that only a handful of people are banking on. The song is reminiscent of Justin Bieber’s “Love Yourself,” a worldwide smash hit. With a chilled vocal delivery and universally relatable lyrics. “Real Friends” seems a bit more authentic than “Never Be The Same.” Read more at https://blackboybulletin.wordpress.com/2017/12/11/camila-cabello-drops-never-be-the-same-real-friends/
How does Miguel do it? How does he consistently top himself album after album? The R&B crooner’s latest album, War & Leisure, is his most intriguing and most excellent effort yet. Pulling influences from funk and soul, this album is a mixture of James Brown, Marvin Gaye, Prince, and Miguel. Read more at https://blackboybulletin.wordpress.com/2017/12/11/album-review-war-leisure-miguel/
"Perfect Duet," is truly the perfect duet. With softer and more natural production than the original track, this remix provides a female counterpart to Ed's gritty voice. Read more at blackboybulletin.wordpress.com/2017/12/01/review-perfect-duet/
Kesha’s Rainbow, her third studio album, is a triumphant return to the pop music scene after years of legal war with her producer and alleged rapist, Dr. Luke. Dr Luke’s presence looms over the album but Kesha’s pristine vocals and inimitable spirit and spunk conquer her demons to create a solid pop album. Read more at https://blackboybulletin.wordpress.com/2017/08/20/kesha-finds-her-rainbow/
“Look What You Made Me Do” is different and it is definitely a grower. The harsh synths during the hook are a joy to listen to and the cheeky voicemail/pseudo-bridge recalls Britney Spears and Kendrick Lamar. Lyrically the song is not Taylor’s best but it works as an introduction to the darkest shade of her musical personality we have seen yet. Read more at https://blackboybulletin.wordpress.com/2017/08/27/review-look-what-you-made-me-do/
Sam Smith finally returns with a gorgeous and lush new single. Between the fantastic vocal performance and arrangement and the clean production, “Too Good At Goodbyes” is a slam dunk. Read more at blackboybulletin.wordpress.com/2017/09/08/new-singles-review-kelly-clarkson-zayn-tove-lo-sam-smith-and-more/
A stark departure from the mainstream fluidity of “Sky Walker,” “Shockandawe” is built around a chunky guitar riff and distorted vocals. The sexy track sounds like an advanced version of some Wildheart tracks. Miguel’s vocal performance is strong and his lyrics are stronger. Read more at blackboybulletin.wordpress.com/2017/09/08/new-singles-review-kelly-clarkson-zayn-tove-lo-sam-smith-and-more/
With slick production and a strong cast, this single should have been a slam dunk, sadly, it falls flat. Rocky provides a strong hook and Cardi a fine verse, but G-Eazy almost seems like an afterthought on his own song. Read more at blackboybulletin.wordpress.com/2017/09/08/new-singles-review-kelly-clarkson-zayn-tove-lo-sam-smith-and-more/
A sappy and dopey love song asking your significant other to settle down with you is always welcome in my book, and “I’ll Name The Dogs” is just that. Read more at blackboybulletin.wordpress.com/2017/09/08/new-singles-review-kelly-clarkson-zayn-tove-lo-sam-smith-and-more/
Following up the slightly overrated and majorly underperforming Lady Wood, Vol. 1, “Disco Tits” is a delectable slice of sexual liberation with a side of disco funk. Read more at blackboybulletin.wordpress.com/2017/09/08/new-singles-review-kelly-clarkson-zayn-tove-lo-sam-smith-and-more/
A horrific mashup between country, EDM, and pop, “Let Me Go” is an atrocity that should have never occurred. Read more at blackboybulletin.wordpress.com/2017/09/08/new-singles-review-kelly-clarkson-zayn-tove-lo-sam-smith-and-more/
After changing record labels and finally getting the opportunity to record the album she’d always dreamed of, “Love So Soft” is soulful, sultry, bold, and grandiose. Read more at blackboybulletin.wordpress.com/2017/09/08/new-singles-review-kelly-clarkson-zayn-tove-lo-sam-smith-and-more/
Soaring ballads about undying love can get boring, but ZAYN and Sia breathe new life into the tired subject with their gorgeous, inimitable vocal performances. Read more at blackboybulletin.wordpress.com/2017/09/08/new-singles-review-kelly-clarkson-zayn-tove-lo-sam-smith-and-more/
The road to SZA’s (née Solána Imani Rowe) major label debut album was rocky and at times hopeless, but she triumphed in releasing a body of work that expertly captures her raw energy and brilliant mind in a capsule of 14 songs. Read more at blackboybulletin.wordpress.com/2017/09/08/sza-shares-her-story-of-ctrl/
At a slim ten tracks, JAY-Z trims the fat that plagues many hip-hop records these days to offer life lessons and advice from a man who has quite literally seen all the different avenues this twisted world has to offer. From the Marcy Housing Projects to TriBeCa penthouses and Miami mansions, JAY-Z manifests his experiences to create an audio handbook on the importance of financial independence and leaving a legacy. Read more at blackboybulletin.wordpress.com/2017/09/15/review-jay-zs-444/
One of the strongest rock bands of this century, The Killers deliver a gorgeous album full of stadium anthems and infectious hooks. Read more at blackboybulletin.wordpress.com/2017/09/30/fergie-falters-bts-breaks-out-and-jhene-takes-a-trip/
His first album since parting ways with Ryan Lewis and his first album since the supremely awful This Unruly Mess I’ve Made, Macklemore shines like a diamond in a rough on his new studio album. Read more at blackboybulletin.wordpress.com/2017/09/30/fergie-falters-bts-breaks-out-and-jhene-takes-a-trip/
An alternative R&B odyssey in the vein of Frank Ocean’s Blonde, Jhené Aiko brings the sexy, the experimental, and the emotion to this gorgeous album. Read more at blackboybulletin.wordpress.com/2017/09/30/fergie-falters-bts-breaks-out-and-jhene-takes-a-trip/