This record has a sweet taste of magic, the kind in fairytales and high fantasy, with signature notes of AURORA's Scandinavian background. I felt like a battle-hardened Viking mage with a soft heart of gold throughout. As for tracks, the obvious highlights are the opener and closer. I had seen some clips of AURORA performing Black Water Lilies live and decided to check out her music, and the first time listening to Runaway, with no other outside influences, I thought the song was so pretty ... read more

The first time I've listened to a Kendrick record all in one go, and I must say I was not left disappointed. Somehow blending amateur and cinematic vibes (sometimes simultaneously), a riveting (and true) story, the album's uncanny penchant for just blending together perfectly, it all just works.

I had some small problems with vocal deliveries, and songs going for just a hair too long, but this album is well-remembered and will stay in the public consciousness for a lot of good ... read more

I dare you to find a miss. You can't. The whole thing is good.

It's listenable at worst. At its best (80% of it), it delivers one of the most immersive sonic experiences I've ever heard.

I want you to keep in mind that one guy (with some help from one other guy on 3 out of the 45 songs) wrote, composed, produced, played, and sung the whole thing.

The amount of mastery of the musical craft boasted to you here is unimaginable. For a collection of songs to be used in a free mod ... read more

When the news came that Joji would be signing with a subsidiary of UMG, I was ecstatic to know that his next project might finally get the funding, production, and staff to finally dethrone the likes of Nectar.

While 'Piss In The Wind' certainly has its absolute bangers, it only just edges out 'SMITHEREENS' in most aspects. Keep in mind that 'SMITHEREENS' also had a fair amount of bangers in its own right.

What I believe Joji was attempting to do with this ... read more

When compared to his previous record, SMITHEREENS was honestly a letdown for me. It lacked the intricacy, attention, passion, and length of what I expected from Joji. I think the album cover is a perfect symbol for the majority of this record's content; bland.

There are definitely some highlights that can be comfortably sat next to his biggest hits. 'Glimpse of Us' is probably the greatest ballad of our time, and is widely considered the best song he's ever written. ... read more

George "Joji" Kusonoki Miller's best record to date.

Starting strong with 'Ew', featuring an instrumental ensemble of soul-crushing piano arpeggios and fluttering strings, blending seamlessly into a comfortable, slow hip-hop feel, the producers really felt good about this track. All this is given the cherry on top, Joji's hauntingly bright vocals.

For the majority of the record, this pace is reliably, admirably kept. There are so many songs on this album that I ... read more

For a first studio album, I can't imagine a more memorable work than BALLADS 1. Joji's graceful development into a more professional sound makes this record seem light-years ahead of its predecessors.

Tapping into the raw emotion of heartbreak and unrequited love, with omnipresent lo-fi melancholia and dangerously high melodies sung with the chest, this LP truly shines in the world of alternative R&B.

The true highlight of this record is undeniably 'SLOW DANCING IN THE ... read more

While not the most memorable record he has let loose to tug the heartstrings of listeners, In Tongues delivers a host of original and unconventional elements, leading to a variety of moments that are sure to pique interest and make you wonder, "why did that work so well?".

I personally enjoy the independent, rough mixing present here. It makes each track feel more personal, giving them a soul of sorts. You can tell just by listening that only two people were present in production.

I ... read more

For a debut studio album, jschlatt absolutely knocks it out of the park. I genuinely believe this album will be remembered for decades to come. Every song featured here is beautifully arranged, well played, and surprisingly well sung, considering jschlatt's lack of musical background.

I am a little disappointed with the short length, being only a little over 20 minutes of music, but considering this album is the result of a running in-joke (where jschlatt combats the creators of covers ... read more