Feb 16, 2019
Absolute garbage. The concepts, lyricism, the experimental sounds, all around total and complete garbage. A pandering group filled with more opinions than intellect that mask their ignorance in experimentation and unusual incorporation of sounds and instrumentation. Their albums jumps around significantly, while variety is great, this seems purposeless and misdirected. Overall, I'm thoroughly unimpressed, and at times actively frustrated and annoyed.
Feb 16, 2019
AOTW 2/8/2019
Mediocre release week.
I despised Sweetener and thought it was thoroughly undeserving of the pop Grammy. However, this album serves as a stark contrast to the TERRIBLE Pharrell production. I've always hated Pharrell as a produce and writer, and her entire last album had him smeared across the entire project.
For this album I enjoyed the incorporation of trap sounds (which is surprising given how exhausted I typically am in today's music). Ariana's greatest strength is, as it ... read more
Mediocre release week.
I despised Sweetener and thought it was thoroughly undeserving of the pop Grammy. However, this album serves as a stark contrast to the TERRIBLE Pharrell production. I've always hated Pharrell as a produce and writer, and her entire last album had him smeared across the entire project.
For this album I enjoyed the incorporation of trap sounds (which is surprising given how exhausted I typically am in today's music). Ariana's greatest strength is, as it ... read more
Feb 7, 2019*
Another mediocre release week. I did thoroughly enjoy this album though. I find Daddi incredibly powerful and evocative song. I also greatly appreciate stupid fish. I get a deep connection with our evolutionary past where we all have ancestors that were fish.
AOTW 2/1/2019 => 78
This album has grown on me substantially. Her voice, especially when she stretches it, is so encapsulating!
Had to come back and adjust my rating, contending for AOTY (2/16/2019) => 82
AOTW 2/1/2019 => 78
This album has grown on me substantially. Her voice, especially when she stretches it, is so encapsulating!
Had to come back and adjust my rating, contending for AOTY (2/16/2019) => 82
Jan 31, 2019
This week, relative to last week, is pretty disappointing. Boogie's blend of West Cost rap and Chance-the-rapper sounding gospel vocals create a unique, diverse and pleasant sound across the album. His voice is hardly a standout in a saturated rap industry, but his individuality and diverse skill set create a wider blend of sounds than most rap albums released to-date.
I enjoy his ability to sing and rap pretty fluidly. This dynamic creates both catchy hooks and easy to follow rap flows. ... read more
I enjoy his ability to sing and rap pretty fluidly. This dynamic creates both catchy hooks and easy to follow rap flows. ... read more
Jan 28, 2019*
Stunning, exquisite, beautiful, genre defying. His smooth vocals and incorporation of piano and hip hop combine for incredibly catchy hooks and mind-bending conceptual songs that are equally intoxicating and emotionally evocative.
Only down side is the trap snares are bit excessive across the album, but that seems to be the sounds of modern music now-a-days.
AOTY => (01/28/2019) 91
Not aging quite as well as I had hoped, still in contention for AOTY, though Cherry Glazer put on a strong ... read more
Only down side is the trap snares are bit excessive across the album, but that seems to be the sounds of modern music now-a-days.
AOTY => (01/28/2019) 91
Not aging quite as well as I had hoped, still in contention for AOTY, though Cherry Glazer put on a strong ... read more
Jan 7, 2019*
Revisited this album a few times now. There are some tracks that are really strong, however its less cohesive than my first few times through. I think they have potential and some interesting production, however, this isn't an album that will make much of an impact across 2019. See my original review below and my ratings adjustment.
Wow, read the reviews before I listened to the album. Serious miss. First time through the album I could see really serious potential. While I acknowledge ... read more
Wow, read the reviews before I listened to the album. Serious miss. First time through the album I could see really serious potential. While I acknowledge ... read more
Jan 2, 2019
Cut and paste every generic line, beat and topic from all other rap albums. Except use exactly the same flow all the time and you'd get this album.
HOMECOMING - eh
RETURN - wait is this a different song? Flow is a tiny bit different I guess
Slow Down - Oh snap, this is definitely a new song, idk if that's a good thing... balance hurts my ears...
PHASE - Wait did this song happen, I didn't even notice
ONLY ONE - Content wise, its pretty generic, 'I sleep with girls and don't trust my girl' ... read more
HOMECOMING - eh
RETURN - wait is this a different song? Flow is a tiny bit different I guess
Slow Down - Oh snap, this is definitely a new song, idk if that's a good thing... balance hurts my ears...
PHASE - Wait did this song happen, I didn't even notice
ONLY ONE - Content wise, its pretty generic, 'I sleep with girls and don't trust my girl' ... read more
Dec 27, 2018
Dec 19, 2018
Been following Chris for about a decade now. There was a substantial growth in talent and musical product around 3-4 years ago, about the time he released Webster's Laboratory 2. Since that release he's produced a consistent, moderate, level of quality that hasn't strayed much from his staccato delivery, pop beat, and aggressive content matter.
This is pretty much a continuation of his Wednesday mixtape from last year. A summation of the releases on Wednesdays throughout the 2018 year. ... read more
This is pretty much a continuation of his Wednesday mixtape from last year. A summation of the releases on Wednesdays throughout the 2018 year. ... read more
Dec 10, 2018
This project is surprisingly well-rounded considering the uniformity of the singles that he released early. I mean, Token is still a young rapper that's barely ventured out of the fast cadence, in-your-face delivery, with overwhelmingly stereotypical beats, but his growth from his last project to this one is evident.
His general content reminds me of less metaphoric NF. His aggressive delivery reminds me of Eminem. He fits neatly in the white rapper category. However, I think from a talent ... read more
His general content reminds me of less metaphoric NF. His aggressive delivery reminds me of Eminem. He fits neatly in the white rapper category. However, I think from a talent ... read more
Dec 6, 2018
Thoroughly surprised by how much I enjoyed this EP. Wish the Earl Sweatshirt album sounded more like E. Coli. The features on this album each absolutely shine, often better than their respective albums (except Black Thought who is having a stellar year). I'm particularly impressed with the production and sampling across the album. Its smooth and has the aesthetic of relaxed, effortless beauty.
Second and third times through the album solidified this as one of the best produced albums this ... read more
Second and third times through the album solidified this as one of the best produced albums this ... read more
Dec 5, 2018
... nahh.... it ain't that great... an experiment you say? sometimes experiments don't work out that well... like this
Several of the samples are redundant and almost painful (ex. Red Water)
His vocals are muffled by most of the production
The balance being so off is hardly 'experimental' but more 'off sounding'
Still, an interesting production, after a few times through I could see how someone would enjoy it. Overall its pretty underwhelming.
Several of the samples are redundant and almost painful (ex. Red Water)
His vocals are muffled by most of the production
The balance being so off is hardly 'experimental' but more 'off sounding'
Still, an interesting production, after a few times through I could see how someone would enjoy it. Overall its pretty underwhelming.
Nov 29, 2018
FINALLY! A quality rap album that's not completely covered in trap drums! In contention for rap album of the year. Touches on a variety of valuable and interesting topics in Black Thought's historically unique and powerful way. Definitely worth a couple times through, so much valuable insight and word-play that you catch something new every time. I also enjoyed the fact that its a bit longer than vol 1, really showcasing how much material he can produce without sacrificing quality or ... read more
Nov 26, 2018
Been a big JID fan since his album last year. He's got a high quality delivery, does well on a variety of different beats and manages to touch on a variety of topics and stay pretty lighthearted. However, the change from the Never Story to DiCaprio 2 is not a progression in the right direction. While he maintains his stellar flow, his variety of beats and general humorous and enjoyable bars, his content is more generic, like the beats, and there doesn't appear to be much development except a ... read more
Nov 19, 2018
So... unbelievably.... boring....
Nov 14, 2018
Jon Bellion continues with his endearing and relate-able lyricism and topical songs. However, the slightly shorter nature to the album left me wanting more, the album felt incomplete on a conceptual level. Additionally, compared to THC, this songs seem more disconnected and less centralized. There are some really emotionally powerful songs. As evocative and moving as the album is, the continuous growth that JB has shown in his previous 3 albums stopped here, hope he returns to form next ... read more
Nov 13, 2018
Wow, this is incredible! Eclectic, genre pushing and it sounds extremely interesting. Its production is so smooth for how harsh so many of the incorporated sounds could be. An incredible piece of work.
Only my first time through but enjoying it thoroughly: 11/13/2018 => 79
Only my first time through but enjoying it thoroughly: 11/13/2018 => 79
Nov 12, 2018*
The last 6 months consisted of DEEP dives into historical and modern Jazz. A genre of which I've spent little time in my formative years, has become a staple of my listening palette. Front and center is this special album that turned it all around for me. The greatest Jazz album ever made, by a group of the most talented musicians, is absolutely stunning.
Nov 5, 2018
Reminds me of Big Boi's Boomiverse album with the classic Vince Staple production and sound painted over it.
First time through I was underwhelmed, felt like Vince wasn't pushing his usual boundaries. By rounds 3-5 I was really appreciating and now its definitely a 'staple' this year. But compared to his other releases and work, its certainly one of the worst. That said, the worst VS album is still better than 90% of the music out there.
PS It wasn't until the 4 time through the album that ... read more
First time through I was underwhelmed, felt like Vince wasn't pushing his usual boundaries. By rounds 3-5 I was really appreciating and now its definitely a 'staple' this year. But compared to his other releases and work, its certainly one of the worst. That said, the worst VS album is still better than 90% of the music out there.
PS It wasn't until the 4 time through the album that ... read more
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Recent Review Comments
On gabbygee's review of Audiobooks - Now! (in a minute)
"There are better debuts this year, like Parcels and Confidence Man, but still very good!"
On Daughters - You Won't Get What You Want
"Ya Kiran, I get the argument, but we can all agree... Bach is better..."
On Daughters - You Won't Get What You Want
"First, thanks Kiran, valid points.
Second, Aaron, Joji, that's the example you go with? And Bach is one of the greatest composers of all time, I'd pick it every time
Third, Macro, gtfo, Denzel's album is top 10 of year for me, spin it again if it hasn't hit you yet, its great"
On Daughters - You Won't Get What You Want
"Lastly, I enjoy pushing my preferences and trying new genres and artists that despite what I listened at ages 12-22 and as a result have come to appreciate a much wider variety of music. And when I don't agree I say why and try to acknowledge my biases (we all are biased, despite the fact no one ever admits it). So despite the fact I don't enjoy it, I know I tried, and I can revisit to see if I can appreciate it later and compare to my initial reactions."
On Daughters - You Won't Get What You Want
"So, even though my rating may be a result of a differential musical listening past, or a different palette as others that really appreciate it, I don't enjoy it. People who find a similar ear to my own could find my review helpful in choosing how they spend their limited valuable listening time. And, to be transparent, I acknowledge that my preference for the genre could influence my rating, that self-awareness should be valued, not degraded."
On Daughters - You Won't Get What You Want
"I appreciate the discussion here so let me provide some context: Lets take an example, someone follows me because they enjoy the music I also do and agree with my ratings. They see this as a highly rated album by the community, but I score it differently than everyone else, its would be helpful to my followers that they could justifiably not agree with the community or assume that they won't enjoy this the way others do."
On BuffaloStaple's review of Twenty One Pilots - Trench
"For real, idk how people are so 'blown away' already. First time through and its certainly not painful, but its not even close to the top albums this year."
On PreeMo's review of REASON - There You Have It
"Too much consistency between artists, it makes their respective lanes too crowded and doesn't let anyone stand out. Its too bad because I think Jay Rock suffers the most and he's the most talented of the pool."
On distraughtonaut's review of Caroline Rose - Loner
"Glad you came back! This is an excellent album"
On Z.Younk's review of Kilo Kish - Mothe
"What? Her voice is the most boring part of the music, the production is the interesting part."
On EdFruscley's review of Iron & Wine - Weed Garden
"Blasphemy! Both great, but lets not get carried away"
On Dnash Tha Rapper - Timeless
"Like any person the kid (you) is welcome to continue trying to improve, but the content isn't interesting and lacks anything unique, the lone bar you pulled out isn't that great of word play or an interesting viewpoint and if that's his strongest line.... that's a testament to how garbage all the rest of his lyrics are."
On Dnash Tha Rapper - Timeless
"My comment is not for him, though he's clearly created several accounts on the site to get his name up. My review is intended for other music listeners and critics. This album has an inflated score that does not reflect the quality of the music. I don't want my respected and dedicated music lovers and reviewers wasting their time on this album, its trash, there are far better albums out there."
On Breakingdawson's review of Dnash Tha Rapper - Timeless
"Dnash, you're trying too hard, switch careers, you've got no ear for quality sound. You're suffering from the Dunning-Kruger effect: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect"
On BuffaloStaple's review of Denzel Curry - TA13OO
"its interesting listening this next to Jarren Benton's new album, the similarities are a bit unsettling. Makes you realize how played out this sound is, I wish Denzel would have stepped out more, sonically, to make a more unique sound."
On douglas's review of Janelle Monáe - Dirty Computer
"but... a perfect album? fave tracks should be every single one if you're gunna stand by that rating."
On Confidence Man - Confident Music For Confident People
"Still listening to the album on repeat, I think its well deserved being the number 1 critically acclaimed album of the year (as of 5/14/18)"
On Dab Taste In Music's review of J. Cole - KOD
"Haha you're basically saying, "I know this album isn't very good, but I like J. Cole so I won't say it""
On NeimaDParis's review of Justin Timberlake - Man of the Woods
"OMFG I laughed so hard when I read this"
On BuffaloStaple's review of Sylvan Lacue - Apologies in Advance
"I get J. Cole vibes sometimes too, especially on the hooks"
