Admittedly, I've written off Yeat's earlier work in the past. Yeah, some of it isn't great, but Up 2 Më is a very solid debut album and I'm glad I've finally gotten around to it. While it's more than a little bloated, this project is loads of dumb fun. I don't have tons to say about this release because there's honestly not much to it. I enjoy the cloudy rage beats and the absurdly enjoyable lyricism. I suppose this album could have been slimmed down ... read more
STARFUCKER is as bombastic and sexy as it's title implies, and while it's a bit messy a times, it's a REALLY fun mess. Slayyyter has a great voice and an even greater ability to write catchy hooks. While I do think the production is great and all, she's without a doubt the star of the show; the X factor that truly makes this album a blast. This project has it's generic rough spots, but the sheer amount of danceable bangers on this release more than make up for it's ... read more
You know a deluxe is great when it truly expands upon the original album, and Desire, I Want To Turn Into You: Everasking Edition is that kind of deluxe. The additional tracks are pretty fantastic all around. I mean, I'd consider songs like Spring Is Coming With A Strawberry In The Mouth and Coma to be some of the best tracks in Caroline Polachek's entire discography.
Best Tracks: Spring Is Coming With A Strawberry In The Mouth, Butterfly Net, Coma
Weakest Track: Dang
U might be the most accessible underscores release yet. However, I think that's FAR from a bad thing. At this point in time, it actually might be my favorite album in her discography. The poppy and electronic beats on it are just so damn addictive, and April Grey's vocals are perfect for a fun and danceable breakup album like this. It's very different from the rest of her projects, and I could see some fans being a bit upset about the change in sound, but I think it fits April ... read more
HAVE U BN 2 HEAVEN @ NITE? is a fine enough EP. While there are a couple tracks on it that I like, Cudi has done more with a psychedelic pop rap sound in the past.
Best Tracks: REAL ONES NEVER DIE
Weakest Track: DROWN
Trying Times might be my favorite release from James Blake to date. It's such a comforting yet devastating album. Honestly, I was moved to tears at points. Chances are you're going through some trial in life, and this project is like a warm, loving hand on the shoulder. It's atmosphere is one of anxious intimacy, as James just spills his guts over some really inspired production. This album is definitely dark and brutally honest, but it's not hopeless. In my opinion, ... read more
The Art of Loving doesn't exactly do anything unheard of, but it is a really fun album. Throughout this entire project, Olivia's wonderful vocals take center stage. I like the dreamy and poppy beats, I like the catchy and lovesick lyricism, but I think Olivia's voice is easily the highlight of this album. It immediately puts you at ease as it's gentle yet powerful essence injects color into this project's veins. None of this is meant to take away from this album's ... read more
As always with my deluxe reviews, the above rating is just for the additional songs.
This is just an incredible deluxe! In fact, it may be one of my favorites of all time. The idea to re-record Melt My Eyez See Your Future with a live band was a stroke of genius from Denzel Curry. Many of these tracks and the energy that comes with them were elevated tenfold on this extended edition. Also, the bonus tracks are a sweet addition not to be forgotten.
Best Tracks: Walkin (Cold Blooded Soul ... read more
Hey I used to have that exact stuffed tiger when I was little! ANYWAYS... He's very hot and the song's good too.
While James Blake has released many great albums over his lengthy career, but I think Overgrown is one of his best. It's dark, it's chilling, and yet it's beautiful. This atmosphere isn't uncommon in James Blake's discography, but I think it's taken to the next level on this project. It's raw and grand in such a captivating way, and the synth-tinged production along with James Blake's incredible vocals went a long way in making that happen. The way art ... read more
Wallsocket is a phenomenal album and I can't believe it's taken me two years to get around to it. I've missed the hype train by miles, but at least I made it to the station eventually. This album is just so unique and strange in all the right ways. Bombastic synths and twangy guitars are smashed together in a delightfully noisy cacophony all throughout this album, and honestly, it's a joy to listen to. Though, beyond the sound of this project, the lyricism is pretty ... read more
Balens Cho (Hot Candles) is a pretty underappreciated album in Mach-Hommy's discography. Like many of his projects, It's got some hazy boom baps beats and on-theme sampling that serves as a nice cushion to Mach's smooth flows and poignant lyricism. However, I think this release's cohesion is what truly sets it apart from a lot of similar projects. This album is a really tight-knit group of songs, and the numerous interludes mocking the commercialization of Haiti and ... read more
Strictly 4 The Scythe is a pretty fun collaborate effort between Denzel Curry and his frequent collaborators. It's a cool cast that delivers some really energetic and memorable performances. Though, I'd still say Curry's verses are the highlights for me. This project is pretty much an extension of Denzel's last project in terms of sound and atmosphere, and while the Memphis sound is nothing too crazy this tape does a good job at having some fun with it. Now, I do think this ... read more
After the lead single, I sort of expected a little bit more experimentation, but that's on me for expecting anything out of left field from Harry Styles. Still, I think Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally. is an alright outing. It's certainly an improvement over Harry Styles' last album. It's just that the influences this release flaunts on it's sleeve have so much more depth in every aspect, and the farther you get into this project the more that becomes apparent. I ... read more
That! Feels Good! feels great to listen to! It's danceable, groovy, and so much fun. Jessie Ware brings back disco in really spectacular fashion every time she decides to roll out an album, and this project does not deviate from that norm. This release is pretty consistent in quality, and while I don't think it's quite as amazing as it's predecessor, it's far from lacking in it's banger department. Jessie's vocals are fantastic, and they fit perfectly with ... read more
Friends That Break Your Heart is an awesome album. It's a lovely dose of melancholy that's brought to life my simplistic production, poignant lyricism, and GORGEOUS vocals from James Blake. This album may have a few forgettable cuts, but the memorable ones stay with you. There were points where I had goosebumps running up my arms from the unsettling beauty of it all. It's not a complex project by any stretch of the imagination, but that's far from a bad thing in this ... read more
The Romantic is a soulless album that tries to coast off throwback sounds and Bruno Mars' technical ability as a vocalist. That's not to say there aren't any redeemable qualities about this project, but it's a pretty dull listen as a whole. It's clear Bruno Mars' time as one-half of Silk Sonic influenced this album, but it's a lot more sterilized and manufactured than anything he ever made with Anderson .Paak. It has about as much depth as a sink, and while ... read more
The tracks on The Platinum Pleasure Edition of What's Your Pleasure fully measure up to the poppy greatness of those on the original album. Sure this release tapers off in quality towards the end, but the vast majority of these new songs are incredible. Also, just as a side note, the above rating is only for the additional tracks.
Best Tracks: Please, Hot N Heavy
Weakest Track: Adore You (Endless Remix)
changes is so amazing that it almost overshadows how great the rest of this deluxe is. It keeps the heart and soul of the original album intact, as JVB continued to cover the highs and hardships of growing up and getting older. While I'm not as in love with the new tracks as I am with the originals, this is still a wonderful extension of HYPERYOUTH. As always, I'm only rating the new tracks in this review.
Best Tracks: bustamove, changes
Weakest Track: friends