When Rina Sawayama released her genre-bending debut, people took notice, and she became a critical darling. So how does a critical darling follow up a critically acclaimed album like Sawayama? This is how.
Hold The Girl aims for a new balance. Whereas Sawayama had genre-busting, Hold The Girl opts for a more subtle approach. In the midst of the pop punk revival, this album is a pop rock affair for the small part, with some more straightforward pop songs like the title song and 'Holy', as well ... read more
If you asked some random normie on the street to name one song by Coldplay, chances are that they'll reply with a few lines from 'The Scientist', possibly quote the iconic piano riff from 'Clocks', or even the guitar riff from 'In My Place'. That's because each song comes from what would be described as a classic Coldplay-sounding album, one that is seen as one of their best, if not their masterpiece.
A Rush of Blood to the Head isn't exactly experimental compared to some of its successors, ... read more
Whoever wrote this must've been aware of the vitriol and hate that Aespa's been getting since debut, and it shows here. Whether it works as a clapback song or not is up to you, but it has more 'dissing imaginary haters' energy than 'keep on hating, we'll do us' energy.
Less than a year after the critically reviled CLB, Drake surprise drops a new album. No corny emoji cover, instead you get a bland and apathetic title. Surprisingly enough, Drake actually switches up his sound just in time for summer (at the time of writing this review, it's over 30 degrees in London). He swaps out the spacey trap/alt-R&B instrumentals in favour of a more electronic and house-based bent. This isn't the first time Drake has dipped his toes into chill house, he sampled a ... read more
I actually don't know how to describe this. Oh wait, I do. Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers kind of lyrically breaks new ground for Kendrick. Whereas he was telling stories and exploring the perspective of others, he starts exploring his character more than usual, leaving the listener questioning themselves and their ideals. The album itself may not exceed Damn, but the execution and curation warrants the high score I'm giving it. And because it's Kendrick as well, who knows when he'll drop a ... read more




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