veryburnttoast

This record is immaculately produced and features some stunning vocal performances (see "When He's Done"), if perhaps being a bit monotonous. There's not necessarily anything groundbreaking here, but in the crowded field of alternative R&B, this album is quite well-written and is sonically satisfying as a whole.

Best tracks: Addict // Alone in the Universe // Even If It Hurts // Twilight // When He's Done // Thief

Worst track: No Juegues

Upon first listen, I was ready to call this Katy Perry's worst album to date, but it grew on me a tad with further listens. It is perhaps her most boring, but it's slightly more consistently listenable than Prism or Witness, and there are a few standout tracks to be found here. I can somewhat appreciate that Katy stuck to a coherent theme here, even if nothing particularly interesting is done with it lyrically.

Best tracks: Cry About It Later // Daisies // Not the End of the World

Worst ... read more

For obvious reasons, this doesn't match Back to Black or even Frank. However, this is one of very few albums that has genuinely interesting demo versions of previously released tracks, and there are several songs songs here that are good enough to deserve a spot on a proper Amy Winehouse record.

Best tracks: Our Day Will Come // Tears Dry (Original Version) // Like Smoke // The Girl From Ipanema // Half Time // Best Friends, Right?

Worst track: Between the Cheats

What stands out to me about this album are the very committed vocal performances, which are much more prominent than on his more tepid prior project. Although there are a few middling tracks in the center of the tracklist, there are no huge misses here, and the album starts and finishes extremely strong.

Best tracks: You Better Believe!!! // Be an Astronaut // The Key to Life on Earth // Daniel, You're Still a Child // Rapture // Sagittarius A* // Eventually, Darling

Worst track: Beautiful ... read more