Whew, I've been out of the writing reviews game for so long that this is my first rating for 2025, damn lol. Might start writing frequently again as I do enjoy it! Now for the album. This is Jon's returning album after being on a family hiatus since 2018. Jon's been writing and producing here and there, dropped the labels, claimed back his masters and now he's essentially free to do whatever he wants. I've been unsure of the direction Jon has been heading in recently, ... read more
Holy heck, this is my first time getting into Clairo's music and I'm very impressed.
Clairo has got such a great knowledge of knowing how something should sound as well as creating an overarching aesthetic that she sticks to throughout the entirety of the project. When I was thinking of words to describe the album, I was stuck for words to say because the title of the album describes this project perfectly.
The album although released in summer, just gives me the vision of blossom ... read more
Common has been a legend in the Hip-Hop genre for a long time, yet every time he drops it's pure magnificence when it comes to the sound and feel. His longevity is undeniable, to be able to create albums like these after a long career is a pure testament to his skill as an MC.
This album is sultry, smooth and soulful. Hip-Hop in its purest form. Common floats over these beats like he did back in 2005 when he dropped 'Be', and he hasn't missed a step at all. I also love his ... read more
Sorry but this website review bombing Eminem might be more corny than anything Eminem could ever say, it's beyond played out.
Well, it's 2024 and Eminem is back with conceptual album 'The Death of Slim Shady' that explores the premise of wrestling with a previous era Slim Shady, whilst rapping on today's generational subjects. What I will say here is that conceptually the album really works when it works. However, there are some things holding the album back, which I ... read more
Don Toliver is back after only a year since his last release! In 2023, Don dropped 'Love Sick' which received a very mixed response from the Hip-Hop/R&B community. From my perspective it wasn't a terrible album, it definitely had some decent tracks but it was far from his best work.
Fast forward to 2024, Don drops the 'BANDIT' single which singlehandedly turned the reception from lukewarm to actually anticipating his next album release.
'HARDSTONE PSYCHO' begins triumphantly. High ... read more
After 8 years, the famous duo NxWorries (Anderson .Paak and Knxwledge) are back with their full album 'Why Lawd?' after drip feeding us with singles for the last 2 years, and the vibes are absolutely immaculate. Following on from 'Yes Lawd!', 'Why Lawd?' serves as the sibling album with more laidback R&B, funky grooves and a more Lo-Fi feel that oozes personality and feeling.
The album feels cohesive, there's an atmosphere created from the first track right down to the last track and ... read more
Now THIS is what I'm talking about Kaytranada!
Coming off his last release with Aminé that released in May last year in time for summer, 'KAYTRAMINÉ' was an album that promised to be a summer banger, but unfortunately was advertised differently to what it ended up being, and ultimately I was left disappointed with the quality. This was mainly due to Aminé's lacklustre performance, and some of the questionable production choices that didn't feel 'summery' so to speak. ... read more
I have been inactive for a while, and to be honest that's mainly because I've just been finding most releases to not be of my taste, or I've just plain and simply not enjoyed what has been released this year so far for the most part.
This is my first proper introduction to Mach-Hommy, and although I'm aware he's a part of Griselda, I've just never really thought to check out his solo catalogue other than the few singles he's released whilst working with KAYTRANADA. I will say though, I have ... read more
Been inactive for a little while, but thought I'd start off the new year on a positive and come back to give my thoughts on some albums again :) still got quite a backlog of albums to catch up on, but I'll do those in the next few weeks.
Kid Cudi is back with his 12th album release 'INSANO' which has been built up for the better part of a year, and seemed to be something Cudi was really proud of releasing. This makes sense, Cudi has had a massive shift in perspective these last couple of ... read more
What happened here? It's like Timbaland's production took a massive backseat. His beats were the absolute driving force of making a song catchy back in the early 00's, now it's just merely accompanying the vocals.
This just felt like most of what comes out on the charts, instead of making something special that separates them from others. Artists used to be against conforming to the charting sound, now it's mostly all we hear. It's really sad to see.
The melody is also really depressing for ... read more
This is an absolutely stunning, beautiful album.
I've heard songs by Hozier like 'Take Me To Church' obviously, but I've never thought to actually sit and listen to a whole project, so perhaps I've been missing out!
'Unreal Unearth' is such a lovely conceptually driven album. It maintains a cohesive sound all the way through, whilst also building a gripping atmosphere, which is not easy to do! It also didn't feel too much down one lane that it felt repetitive in any way either, which is a ... read more
This sounds like WITCH literally got into a time machine from the late 70's/early 80's to now, and just produced an album on the spot. They really haven't missed a beat, even after all these years. It's a real treat to hear music of this calibre again, vintage in sound with genuine instrumentation rather than a completely computer generated album. It sounds like the kind of music that I'd hear if I was going into a vinyl shop or some sort of vintage clothing shop somewhere.
The Rock genre in ... read more
I discovered grouptherapy. through Anthony Fantano's monthly highlights video, I clicked on it out of curiosity and I'm really glad I did. I've discovered some really good music across a variety of genres, which I otherwise wouldn't have come across. I find it so strange that we give all these streaming platforms our money, but we have to do a lot of work to dig and find artists, especially new and growing artists. I wish they'd recommend me more stuff like this that I'd actually want to listen ... read more
This is a bit soppy for my liking personally, but I think Post Malone is a great person and doesn't deserve all the hate he gets.
I'm not really a fan of this Pop sound, but it's definitely gonna be really enjoyable for some!
Okay so... I've been putting off reviewing this because I've really wanted to digest it all and take it in. Especially since this is the first we've properly heard Travis in 5 years, this was an experience and I didn't want to rush putting my thoughts out there. However, a week later here we are, and how has the album settled in my mind? First I just want to say, this may surprise you but this is actually my first REAL impression of Travis Scott, so I went into this with no underlying ... read more
BLK ODYSSY is very much new on my radar, and I actually came across him on Twitter (now X) one day randomly earlier this year with a single that had just been released called 'HONEYSUCKLE NECKBONE', fair to say from that moment on I was absolutely HOOKED. I absolutely love the Funk, Soul and R&B influences, and I was thinking to myself why aren't more people checking BLK ODYSSY out? Really confused me when I discovered he hadn't got as much of a following as I thought he would.
BLK ODYSSY ... read more
Both El Michels Affair and Black Thought are very well regarded and massively respected artists in their respective genres of Soul and Hip-Hop, so I knew both this group and Black Thought would make an excellent pairing in terms of creativity and making a Hip-Hop album that sounds somewhat live in quality, with genuine instrumentation and progression instead of the usual computer generated Hip-Hop production. Don't get me wrong it's great, but I love live instrumentation so much more, it feels ... read more
I actually discovered GRIP through Eminem wearing the T-Shirt when he appeared on-stage in Detroit with Ed Sheeran, mad how just wearing merch can bring major props to someone! I did my research and found out GRIP is actually signed to Shady Records, so I had to check this out. I'm definitely gonna check out GRIP's back catalogue after this too.
'STILL (5 & A FUCK YOU)' really surprised me and is a proper solid listen. The production is crisp and energetic, and I love GRIP's charisma and ... read more
How is this man so consistent? Just in the last few years he's done a trilogy for 'Kings Disease' with Hit-Boy, as well as a now 2 parter for 'Magic', all of which are great quality.
I've always loved Nas, he's in Raphael's (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles reference incoming) words a "GOAT of all time." - Que the Miles Morales memes saying "Why do people say GOAT of all time, the OAT stands for - of all time" responses lol. But jokes aside, Nas already cemented himself as ... read more
Great B side! Just hope this doesn't mean no new Tyler for like 2-3 years :(
Need more from him soon!
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Recent Review Comments
On MattsReviews's review of Clairo - Charm
"And a good man will listen to all of thm, including Common & Pete Rock's album"
On bonkefronk's review of KAYTRAMINÉ - KAYTRAMINÉ
"Agreed, Aminé is just kind of saying a whole lot of bragadocious nothing. Plus him bragging about being good at sex every track? I'm like ok and? The content and style just isn't there for me. I'm sad cause I wanted to love it as well!"
On Shaze1's review of KAYTRAMINÉ - KAYTRAMINÉ
"The thing is, I'm one of those people who really wanted to like it. It just sucks that my expectations weren't met in the ways I wanted. Mostly due to Aminé and his performance. I can understand why people would like it, but it fell flat mostly due to his performance unfortunately"
On saikojoji's review of Planet Giza - Ready When You Are
"Which is funny cause Saba has a feature! I get a flying lotus vibe from the production too"
On Atro's review of The Go! Team - Get Up Sequences Part Two
"If you like this, check out their album Thunder, Lightning, Strike which was arguably their most successful album! Their happy sound is infectious, reminds me a bit of Kero Kero Bonito too."
On Nas - King's Disease III
"@LesDiamonds . I would agree with you if my review was negative, but my entire review was singing the albums praises and my opinion is still the same of the album now. The Nas and Hit Boy are amazing at creating together and they always will be, I feel no pressure to get reviews out quickly. I will always be honest in the moment of my feelings towards something"
On CubeHead07's review of BROCKHAMPTON - TM
"I think it was moreso due to The Family being mainly just a Kevin Abstract album, they probably just had Kevin do 30 odd minutes to fulfill their contract, then have all the members for one last album on their own terms. Although one sounds better, I do agree we needed to hear all the members, even if at this point they're done and want to move on. Shame that they're not at their best though and don't have as much connection with each other as they used to."
On Nas - King's Disease III
"Completely agree @Kamelody . You don't get a lot like this nowadays, especially as often as Nas is doing it. He's a pure hard worker and a treasure to the Hip-Hop genre."
On MattsReviews's review of Joji - SMITHEREENS
"Great review @Matt I wish I could type for that long lol, I have to keep mine sort of compact cause I lose the will to live and start going on tangents.
Joji is great but can definitely do better! This album proves that he's capable of amazing stuff"
On ka1's review of NxWorries - Where I Go
"I don't see a need to compare really, if it's burning you that badly to pretend Silk Sonic are better, then fair enough. But personally I think both Bruno and Knxwledge are very talented producer/musicians that offer something different, whilst also staying authentic to the Soul/Hip-Hop sound. They make music for the sake of passion of music and don't seem to care about the competition. Both have live instrumentation and heart which is what music is about, either way... if Silk Sonic or NxWorries announced another album tomorrow, I'd be just as happy with either drop"
On CamLikesMusic's review of Cardi B, Kanye West & Lil Durk - Hot Shit
"Exactly my thoughts, Ye especially should be showing people up on their tracks but they left him til last cause it seems like a last minute verse. At least he wasnt mumbling and finished it this time 💀"
On Case's review of Beyoncé - BREAK MY SOUL
"Completely agree with the generic sound, it's like they've all heard a 90's House track and instead of adding their own modern spin on it, they're just recreating it. Modern radios will eat this up all summer though for sure. I really want better for these artists, it seems House is going to be made popular again by Drake and Beyoncé, but I'm hoping they do more with the sound instead of this."
On H1DD3N_1N_TH3_ST4T1C's review of Pusha T - It's Almost Dry
"Agree with everything you've said here, definitely one of the better Hip-Hop albums to release this year"
On SAULT - Air
"Thankyou very much @mendaxreviews glad you enjoyed reading it, I really enjoyed this album"
On Amber Mark - Three Dimensions Deep
"Thankyou Vasu! Was definitely my favourite listen of the year so far in terms of consistency as an album"
On The Weeknd - Dawn FM
"@DL Verdict - Thankyou! Yeah I definitely agree, he makes music for proper music listeners and that's something that's always impressed me about his artistry"
On Jhené Aiko - Wrap Me Up
"Thankyou Cry!"
On BaddieBaphomet's review of Lil Nas X - MONTERO
"Your reviews are too good, the way you put words together makes me wanna cry. I need this ability 🤣😭"
On nathan's review of Silk Sonic - Skate
"We can say something but they'll probably do it, they'll drop a classical album in 5 years lol."
On Greatr's review of Isaiah Rashad - Wat U Sed
"I agree, the second feature almost put me off the song but her energy gave the song replay value for me personally. She deserves more recognition!"
On Little Simz - I Love You, I Hate You
"The beat just gives me a grime/drill/trap vibe and I've just never been into that kind of style, I never said the song IS drill, just that I don't really like that kind of sound personally. Her delivery is strong, just the production vibe isn't my personal preference."
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