rbowdarsh

An eclectic K-Pop album from NMIXX. I was very excited for this album after the success of the Fe3O4 trilogy, especially Forward, and the infectiousness of SPINNIN' ON IT. Indeed, this is a very strong album, with great performances and experimentation from NMIXX, but at the same time, it feels somewhat tame given their prior work. The title track for example just feels so basic in comparison to SPINNIN' ON IT, and there are a few other songs here that are similarly forgettable. ... read more

A lush, dreamy Pop Rap/Alt R&B album from Rich Brian. I've heard a few of Rich Brian's songs before through 88rising, but this is the first time I've listened to a full album by him, and by god does it hit. The ethereal production provides a perfect backdrop to Brian's introspective lyricism. I mean, the storytelling in Timezones is especially compelling. While a few songs are kinda forgettable, the entire atmosphere is just really pleasant to listen to. Altogether, ... read more

A gentle, delicate Baroque Pop album from Taeko Onuki. I've been criticizing Onuki for her lack of ..., but this album was surprisingly enjoyable. I still have the usual complaints, but something about the atmosphere here is genuinely soothing and refreshing. While this probably won't be something I revisit, it was a fairly good listen.

Favorite Song: RENDEZ-VOUS

A strange Singer-Songwriter/Indie Folk album. For the debut of Sufjan Stevens, I'm not really sure what I expected, but it definitely wasn't this weird affair with alternately solid songwriting and rough, honestly bizarre songs (SuperSexyWoman was somewhat vomit-inducing). I do know that Sufjan Stevens goes through many stylistic shifts throughout his career, but I hope he consolidates soon.

Favorite Song: A Winner Needs a Wand