lemmanade

Camila Cabello dyed her hair blonde to signify the beginning of a new era in her music career. From the moment she released C,XOXO’s first single, I LUV IT, she’s received boatloads of criticism. However, when judged objectively, Camila’s fourth album is not an absolute disaster. It’s her version of Miami-influenced hyperpop. There are high points. For example, Chanel No. 5’s off-key piano and catchy hook create a fun pop moment. However, the less-than-stellar ... read more

On her sophomore album, Gracie Abrams has tweaked her typical whispered vocals and raw songwriting to fit more of a pop-star sound. She reminisces on past relationships to mellow guitar and production by Aaron Dessner. She wears her influences on her sleeve. From the carefully crafted bridges to the metaphorical speaking, her music clearly takes heavy influence from Taylor Swift. Taylor herself even features on the fifth track—a song that sounds like it could be one of her own throwaways. ... read more

Former Fifth Harmony member Normani’s long-awaited debut album is mellow, sensual, and surprisingly pleasant. Where it falters lyrically, there’s atmospheric R&B-inspired production to keep things together. Her light voice compliments the sound well, and the whole project plays like the perfect background music for a late-night drive. While the record does lose momentum past the halfway point, she keeps your attention with a flow reminiscent of an early SZA combined with the ... read more

Timeless is a fitting name for Meghan Trainor’s fifth LP—considering it sounds just like everything she’s made previously. It’s yet another attempt at an ultra-positive collection of self-love anthems that play more like a kid's album. There isn’t much to say. The first track was somewhat of a delightful surprise, and for a split second, I was thinking that maybe Meghan would try something new—whether it was production or subject matter. She didn't. ... read more