fantastically performed meshes of traditional pop and samba . . .

. . . surprisingly diverse in sound for its time, Elza Soares shows us why she is the great voice she is considered today

structureless, boundaryless, and yet carefully crafted, 'blue bell knoll' is one magical experience. . .

. . . as much as I despise comparison, it's impossible not to compare this album with 'heaven or las vegas'

this album lays all the groundwork perfectly for the masterpiece that would be the cocteau twin's next record
what I believe to be missing here is that perfect pop sensibility and appeal that is on 'HOLV', as it is often slightly difficult ... read more

joyful contemporary take on jazz

not much else to say truthfully, but an enjoyable listen nonetheless

incredibly produced dance album . . .

. . . for all that it does well on the production and musicality side, it feels rather front-faced for an album

whether its the laid back approach to vocals, or overall lack of real substance, this record's flaws are pretty clear

the short runtimes for each track may help streams and monetarily, but really put a limit on the musical development that these tracks are warranting badly

not a bad record, but one that really carries an expiration date ... read more

what sets us apart from every animal, is our ability to feel . . .

. . . injury reserve were a group that I always heard about, but had never thoroughly explored,
something about this album intrigued me, that I had to listen in full

this record really is one that is not meant to be understood, but rather experienced and interpreted in individual notes
obviously themes of loss, grievance, and everything that comes along with those feelings are portrayed rather well,
but there exists a ... read more

April Harper Grey has mastered pop. review over. . .

. . . but seriously what she has shown in terms of understanding what made pop intriguing from previous decades and the present, and to convert those sensibilities into her own manners is truly phenomenal

in terms of content here, this album speaks to many current emotions about love lyrically
whether it be insecurities when having said feelings over someone, or just being in that confusing space between romantical and platonic relations, ... read more

music that has yet to age. . .

. . . the idea behind Gorillaz is one of the most creative concepts ever explored, with the idea of a 'faceless' idol, in an industry where faces dominated, that being of a fully digital and animated crop of musicians

thanks to collaborators and the brilliance of Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett, the idea took form with the self titled album 'Gorillaz'

with such a high conceptual standard, it would be tough to match that level of ... read more

the first glimpse of the world inside of coltrane's mind. . .

. . . john coltrane was a man of few words, and would often refer to his playing as his way of communicating his thoughts, feelings, emotions, even more than through words

with this in mind, coltrane has quite the monologue to say during the runtime of 'blue train'

backed up with stellar musicians such as the legendary paul chambers, lee morgan, among more, this record stands as perhaps the most consistent hard bop ... read more

frank's 'channel orange' is one of the most turbulent, emotion riddled, yet oddly soothing r&b experiences of recent times. . .

. . . this album is one created from pain, from feeling lost, forgotten, as if stuck between walls that are closing in
the painting of frank's lost love from summers past is so vivid, that you can't help but feel the same hazy emotion of having held something so close that is now distant to you

its incredibly personal for such an ... read more

'soul food' is more than food for thought, but works as an immersive glimpse into life in the South from the perspective of the underrepresented, the discriminated, and the under advantaged. . .

. . . this record needs more praise for how lyrically stimulating and engaging it can get
there are moments that are painted so realistically, that it is not hard to find the image of the culture they represent

arguably the purist southern hip hop project that you could find, with ... read more

gorillaz return to form with a gorgeous melting pot of sound. . .

. . probably the most intriguing listen of the year so far, 'the mountain' is an absolute adventure

this might be one of the few examples of 'more is more' when speaking of artists and collaborators on an album,
as the artistic vision is never at risk with the amount of hands on this project

the addition of classic and contemporary Indian melodies, instruments and artists is nothing short of genius,

in ... read more

sunlight sees herbie hancock explore his groovier and funkier side in a diverse fashion. . .

. . . this album is pretty under the radar in my opinion, as it provides classic disco grooves while simultaneously having that experimental and strange herbie hancock touch

also to note is his use of vocoders and talk boxes, which feels influential in how it would be paired for the eventual progression of r&b music even today

although not one of his most daring releases, this record still ... read more

the soothing sounds of stumming guitars make this an exceptional listen. . .

. . . Emily Remler's playing is reminiscent to her inspirations, being that of figures like wes montgomery or george benson,
and that isnt to level down her playing, as she is extraordinary herself

each tune flows into the next very well, and her playing adapts well to the changing tempos and mood switches

quality easy listening jazz for any occasion

classic tribe song remixes that are just fun at most,

not much else to say, just tribe songs done in 90's club fashions, which misses the point for me

check the rhime sees atcq at their grooviest and most danceable highs, with an absolute masterclass in sampling from Ali

the remixes on this particular single are also very fun, as well as the track skypager, which turns out to be quite the prediction for life in the future

jazz (we've got) is exactly what tribe stood for, in taking what was of jazz's legacy and making something new and even more accessible and exciting out of it

for that reason alone this track is absolutely perfection, as well as the additional track buggin' out, which is amazing for the same exact reasons

luck of lucien features tribe at a creative storytelling high, while butter features them at a high conceptual songwriting level
both great tracks from the atcq discography

arguably his greatest batch of romantic melodies, 'segundo romance' gives you the lovesickness of a lifetime. . .

. . . luis miguel's performances from the 90's hold a special part in my soul
despite not being alive for any of them, his run that decade brings a nostalgia to me that i simply can't describe

this album lives in that realm of reminiscing over the past, while doubling in the romantical hopelessness of the present and future
just incredible compositions ... read more

fantastic and elegant showing from the debut of an absolute legend

herbie and his fellow musicians showcase chemistry within the jazz they are inventing in a stunning way
among my preferred early herbie hancock releases for sure

Herbie finds a creative outlet, but still had a ways to grow

performances are of course amazing, and its not a bad jazz album, but rather too monotonous