album reviews
Reviews of albums old and new from iconic artists and up and coming musicians alike.
How Did We Get So Dark?
There's no denying that Royal Blood is, at least in some small way, indebted to Queens of the Stone Age (QOTSA), who played a key role in pioneering the sound that has made the English blues rock duo so famous. The muscular bass riffs, earth-shaking drums beats, and crooning vocals that have become Royal Blood's trademark would undoubtedly sound right at home on an album like Rated R or Songs for the Deaf.
By Ward Bogoslowski8 years ago in Beat
'Bobby Tarantino II'
Logic’s fifth mixtape, Bobby Tarantino II, dropped this past Friday on the coattails of its three singles: “44 More,” "Overnight," and “Everyday” featuring Marshmello. To judge the project's overall hotness, or lack of, we're going to look at every aspect of it, from production to lyrics to overall listening experience. We'll also be looking into a few specific tracks to talk about certain things, both good and bad.
By Nathan Crane8 years ago in Beat
Vinyl Review: The Sheepdogs — 'Changing Colours'
Hailing from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, The Sheepdogs have been around since 2006 and fall into the “classic rock” genre due to their simplistic playing style and use of traditional instruments. Their most recent album Changing Colours seems to be a nod to the rustic influences of music that is now considered Canadiana. There are nuances within the songs that are reminiscent of the classic harmonious riffs of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, and the rugged sound of The Guess Who. The rusticity and influence from 70s Southern rock bands like The Allman Brothers is evident. Through this, speaking in terms of the blues history and its influence on Southern music — the bluesy aura comes through loud and clear. The album itself in vinyl form is aesthetically interesting. It has modern sensibilities to the design and layout of the cover, and yet draws retro inspiration by way of the style of colourizing photos. The floral element of the design is reminiscent of 60s and 70s patterns. Not to mention the photos of the members look like something out of a 70s Rolling Stone mag. The album itself is two LPs, but only three sides. Yes, only three sides. The third side is described as a separate “medley,” and where the fourth side would be is just a grooveless plane with “Do Not Play” cursively written on the label. I still don’t know how to feel about that. On one hand you wish for more songs, on the other hand it’s kinda cool and uncommon to see a blank vinyl side.
By Practical Stunts8 years ago in Beat
Is There Really a Wolf?
Russ Diemon’s gold certified album There’s Really a Wolf is all about love, loyalty, heartbreak and his unstoppable hustle. Since the album's release in May of last year, I’ve had it on loop in my playlists. As a DJ, I frequently get requests for songs off this album at school dances because of their quick beats or softer tempos. This album makes me feel like I can accomplish something with my life with motivational lines like “I treat my obstacles like stepping stones.”
By Alex Loeffler8 years ago in Beat
Logic: 'Bobby Tarantino II' Review. Top Story - March 2018.
After the success of his hit single "1-800-273-8255" ft. Alessia Cara and Khalid, there are a lot of expectations from the rapper for his following album Everybody. Everybody left some fans disappointed and others in awe. No one heard that Logic was going to drop a new album until just 48 hours prior to. Logic dropped his album Bobby Tarantino II on March 9, 2018 and I have listened to it three times through already. Logic takes us back to his mixtape days with an album that he describes as “An unapologetically fun project that balances wisdom and wit.” Bobby Tarantino was the work that Logic released after his album that took him to the charts The Incredible True Story, so Logic takes us back to the art that he was creating before pop rap took the charts. For those of you who don’t know, Bobby is one of Logic’s nicknames, so the mixtape is supposed to give us the synopsis of his life since Bobby Tarantino came about. Personally, I am a Logic fan and supporter, and I believe that he one of the most underrated rap artists in that genre of his time. I’ll take you through each song of the album and walk you through some lyrics that stood out to me. Enjoy!
By Mackenzie Coberley8 years ago in Beat
Top 10 Mind-Blowing Albums of the Last 10 Years
Everyone has their own taste in music, it's true. But there is one thing that we can all agree on — we all have one album that blows our tiny minds every time we hear it. In this post, I'm going to bring you 10 of mine — and tell you why they are some of the best things I have ever heard in my life.
By Tate Devonald8 years ago in Beat
50 Words for Snow
If you don't know who Kate Bush is, then it's about time you do. She's one of the most creative and humble artists in the music industry. 50 Words For Snow is Kate Bush's 10th album, which was released in 2011 by Fish People Records. I got this album for Christmas a few years back so this review is kinda late. Then again considering the current weather in the UK, it's got a winter atmosphere and it's meant to be spring. I guess you could say that this album is suitable for the weather.
By Chloe Gilholy8 years ago in Beat
'The Greatest Showman' Soundtrack Review
The Greatest Showman hit the theaters December 8, 2017. Since then, it has not done anything but receive amazing buzz about the movie, the acting, the singing, and the music. I saw the movie awhile back, and I have listened to the soundtrack on repeat more than once. Each song is different than the last and each song has a different story from the real world incorporated into the movie as well. Songs from this album have reached the charts with famous song writes who helped along the way. The Greatest Showman is about PT Barnum and how he started the original circus would eventually lead to the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus. This movie focuses on the original story of PT Barnum. Here is my review on The Greatest Showman Soundtrack along with a synopsis on the movie as I tell the story of each song.
By Mackenzie Coberley8 years ago in Beat
In Defense of Katy Perry's 'Teenage Dream'
In a post-Witness era world, Katy Perry and her antics in the spotlight are a topic that always opens up a Pandora’s box of opinions and criticisms. We could talk about "Chained to the Rhythm," a catchy pop anthem that blames catchy pop anthems for the world’s political apathy, or the meme-filled "Swish Swish" video and the song’s references to a very public beef with Taylor Swift. We could even go further back to 2013 when she performed her single "Unconditionally" at the AMA’s dressed as a geisha, surrounded by cherry blossoms, replicas of gates to Shinto shrines, and women in kimonos. I’m not here to explain or excuse her past behaviors but I would like to soothe American pop culture’s festering wound that Katy Perry afflicted herself by taking it back to a simpler time: the Teenage Dream Era. To quote Snoop Dogg in "California Gurls": “Greetings, loved ones. Let’s take a journey.”
By Danielle Fraser8 years ago in Beat
Nipsey Hussle - 'Victory Lap' Review
“I’m a master of my fate, plus I’m the type of [...] own the masters to my tapes.” Los Angeles California rapper, Nipsey Hussle grinded for the prolific career he enjoys now. It’s been a tumultuous ride filled with highs and lows; triumphs and obstacles. Yet through it all, he’s been able to sustain longevity.
By Rap Disciple8 years ago in Beat
Looking Back at Green Day’s '21st Century Breakdown'
Green Day’s 21st Century Breakdown, the band’s follow-up to the epochal American Idiot, was one of 2009’s most eagerly awaited albums and it more than lived up to all of the anticipation. On Green Day’s eighth studio album, the band returned in peak form with the hits “Know Your Enemy,” “21 Guns,” “East Jesus Nowhere,” “Last of the American Girls,” plus the tempo-changing title track. Many had speculated whether or not the band could recapture the success of their previous Grammy Award-winning opus, but all of those fears were quickly put to rest with their second three-part punk rock opera. 21st Century Breakdown delivered an abundance of material for listeners to sink their teeth into, as the disc clocked in at just under 70 minutes. In hindsight, 21st Century Breakdownwas every bit as good as American Idiot, if not better.
By Eric Allen8 years ago in Beat
Kodak Black- 'Heart Break Kodak' Review
Kodak Black had a wild 2017. The project baby found himself battling legal troubles, warding off critics, and moving the pulse of Hip-Hop with captivating singles and cohesive albums. Seeing his progression thus far, it’s hard to believe that this was once the kid who wrote “Skrt” in 2016.
By Rap Disciple8 years ago in Beat
