album reviews
Reviews of albums old and new from iconic artists and up and coming musicians alike.
'Pacific Time'
Being up at three AM is pretty peaceful. I'm usually awake at this time everyday—reading, working out, producing, writing, etc. It's a productive time for me. Everything is quiet. My city never sleeps so it's only relatively quiet... that early morning/late night space puts you into your own world. A bubble. You can easily forget that there is a whole other side of the world that is just getting up for work, or just heading out into the night to hit up a party. Three AM in Brooklyn coincides with midnight Pacific time. Funny how that worked out. I was going to write about a totally different subject, but when I heard that this project was out at three AM, I instantly changed my mind. He actually dropped it at midnight, I wonder if it was midnight Pacific time... Phonte has 11 minutes for you, girl, and some odd seconds. That's all you're going to need too... not a moment on the EP is wasted. The first track out of the four was produced by Julia Lewis and TK Kayembe. The sweet guitar licks were provided by Justin Hawkins. The smooth piano riffs were played by Zo! and the sexy sax by Julia Lewis. Phonte himself provided additional keys to tighten up this on time track. "Can We" starts off his surprise EP with a waterbed wavy track that's sure to set the mood. As the keys fade in slowly you can feel your breath get shallow anticipating Phonte's smooth question reach your ear. "Can we?"
By Brooklyn Damien7 years ago in Beat
Billie Eilish's Debut Studio Album Drops
Billie Eilish's debut studio album When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? has just hit like a lightning strike in a dying storm. Her and her brother, Finneas O'Connell, weave their unique style with precision and ethereal charm in all 14 tracks.
By Emily Adams7 years ago in Beat
Sigrid: 'Sucker Punch' - Album Review
Sigrid, 22 years old, born and bred in Norway. Two years of very enthusiastic promotion by her label, she finally debuts with her album Sucker Punch a full-on pop album that makes you miss your friends, makes your eyes tear up, and put a smile on your face. Her very first Don’t Kill My Vibe EP was packed with classic pop tunes, but still had a little spice added by Sigrid. A few songs make the cut on this album: "Don’t Kill My Vibe" and "Dynamite." She later received massive attention globally with a synth-pop influenced single "Strangers," which attained her the first top 10 single in the UK. She also came in first place at the BBC Sound of 2018.
By Luigi K.D.Cruz7 years ago in Beat
'Supermarket'
Heading into the first track, "Bohemian Trapsody," I expected... trap. When the acoustic guitar made its way through my headphones I'm fully expecting a Gunna/Lil Baby type of track with 808s and double time hi hats. What I got was something that sounded closer to Jamiroquai. Funky singing over a wide open track. I found myself nodding all the way through the six plus minute song. The last few moments had that trap feel I expected earlier. Maybe surprise is a main theme.
By Brooklyn Damien7 years ago in Beat
Joey Bada$$ and the Amerikkkan Dream
Joey Bada$$ has always been an artist content with breaking forms and shattering expectations. His first official release, 1999, "resurrected boom bap" and utilized traditional hip-hop beats. His second release and first studio album, B4.Da.$$, was more modern and featured several tracks where the traditional song forms were broken—not to mention the interesting features and beats that were on the album.
By Azaria Brown7 years ago in Beat
Go-Go’s 'Talk Show': Something to Talk About
It’s been 35 years since all-female rock band the Go-Go’s released the group’s third studio effort, Talk Show. Therefore, in celebration of this milestone, I’ve decided to pluck it from obscurity, and revisit its virtues for posterity.
By Eric Allen7 years ago in Beat
Bang Yongguk - ‘Bangyongguk’ Album Review
When it comes to career trajectories, there are few more complex than Bang Yongguk’s. Starting out as part of the underground rap group Soul Connection, Yongguk debuted under the name “Jepp Blackman,” and went on to be recognised amongst peers for his sublime lyricism and scintillating rap technique.
By Nathan Sartain7 years ago in Beat
Album Review: 'When I Get Home' by Solange Knowles
Two and a half years after Solange Knowles’s spellbinding A Seat at the Table, we get her equally triumphant and mesmerizing follow-up album, When I Get Home. Given how different When I Get Home is from any of her previous efforts, one can’t help but completely admire and appreciate her originality, creativity, and everything she thinks of when she produces music. In her album, Solange takes us through a journey of self-discovery. Along the way, she throws in a lot of interludes, musical beats, and most importantly, her incredibly versatile voice.
By Hatem Chalak7 years ago in Beat
Epik High—‘Sleepless in __________‘ Album Review
Amongst all the hip-hop trios in the world, you’ll struggle to find one more consistent than Epik High. Forming back in 2001, the threesome—Tablo, Mithra Jin, DJ Tukutz—has dominated both national and international markets over the last decade or so. Their successful brand of thought-provoking music remains just as resonant in 2019, and their unique methodology seemingly develops to greater heights with each passing year.
By Nathan Sartain7 years ago in Beat
Kehlani’s 'While We Wait'—A Magnificent Piece on Navigation of Modern Relationships
The Oakland contemporary R&B singer and songwriter released her third mixtape, While We Wait on February, 22 2019 after a two-year hiatus. Her latest offering is her fourth project overall after her debut mixtape, Cloud 9 (2014), Grammy-nominated mixtape You Should Be Here (2015) and debut LP SweetSexySavage (2017). While We Wait was written and recorded during her pregnancy. Therefore, the title alludes to the wait of her baby due in March or her upcoming sophomore album.
By Happy Sabeni7 years ago in Beat
