album reviews
Reviews of albums old and new from iconic artists and up and coming musicians alike.
Jay Z: From Worst to Best
*Note this is up to date for 2017. Dynasty Roc La Familia is not included* 13) Blueprint 2-82: BP2 is Jay’s effort right after his masterpiece album. The production is solid here. However, Jigga was trying too many different things on here. Some were really effective like “03 Bonnie & Clyde” and others weren't. All in all his bars are not up to his usual standards…It is a double disc….so there’s a lot of filler. Top Tracks: U Don’t Know (Remix), 03’ Bonnie & Clyde, Excuse Me Miss, Hovi Baby, The Watcher 2.
By Matthew Sullivan8 years ago in Beat
A Definitive Ranking of 'Reputation' Tracks
Unless you have been avoiding all forms of media for the past week, you've probably heard a thing or two about chart-topping sensation Taylor Swift. Her newest album, reputation, features 15 songs with a fresh feel and music style that is totally new to the songstress' scene. This album features a lot more electronic beats and edgier lyrics than her previous albums, really showcasing how much the 27-year-old has grown up since her start at just 16 years old. Overall, it's a really, really good album. The lyrics rarely fall short, and the music is the kind that makes you want to dance. The tracks will perform well in concert, and I'm very excited to see what Taylor brings to her upcoming tour.
By Hayley Bonnett8 years ago in Beat
The Best Duet Albums of the 2010s... So Far
Recently, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill dropped their first duet album: The Rest of Our Life. While many people consider Tim and Faith’s album, the best duet albums of the decade, Beat has some of the best records from this decade.
By Jacob Elyachar8 years ago in Beat
Meeting Cleopatra
Cleopatra: a woman of surpassing beauty, and at that time, when she was in the prime of her youth, she was most striking; she also possessed a most charming voice and knowledge of how to make herself agreeable to everyone. Being brilliant to look upon and to listen to, with the power to subjugate everyone.
By Andie Rooney8 years ago in Beat
SWIFT: Sweetheart or Serpent?
Within a mere four days of its release, 'Reputation' had claimed the chart's crown like a cunning king cobra and left Ed Sheeran with nothing but a snake bite as it stole the title of '2017s best selling album' from 'Divide'. After a lengthy hiatus of avoiding the spotlight Taylor Swift's follow-up album was perhaps pre-destined to become a small victory for both the artist and "Swifties" everywhere; a triumphant comeback on which, as suggested by the confrontational cover, Swift sheds her skin, takes aim at her critics and returns all guns blazing. But has the pop princess successfully grown into her new-found fangs and truly forged an identity overhaul?
By James Williams8 years ago in Beat
From Worst to Best: Rick Ross
This is a ranking of Rick Ross' albums, from worst to best. 9. 'Port of Miami' (79) Ross’s debut isn’t bad. The album was very well-produced and had a lot of guests. I wasn’t a fan of Ross at all before I heard this. Lyrically, the album is rather weak. Still though, for a 2006 rap album, it's not bad at all. Top Tracks: "Push It," "Hustlin," "White House," "Hustlin" (Remix)
By Matthew Sullivan8 years ago in Beat
Review: Joji — 'In Tongues'
Here is a link to the full visual of In Tongues. In Tongues by Joji is extremely calm and flows through your ears like a river of heartbreaking peace. Through out the whole EP he uses soft vocals that come second to the beat and follow it in tone as to not overpower it. I found it very pleasing because unlike most music today he appreciates that beat and what it adds to the experience. The track list blends together very well; there is no song that has an out-of-place tone of feeling. This is one of my favorite EPs/projects of the year and it came out of nowhere. If you don't know who Joji is, this next part will be a brief summary of where he came from and how I learned about him.
By Calder Amos-Wood8 years ago in Beat
Readers' Review: Wretch 32 - 'FR32'
Reality can be a prison to us sometimes. Everyday life gets repetitive, your job starts to suck, and your family gets annoying. The mundane can often be confused for the uninspiring. For some, it can even get downright depressing, or even violent. Any man or woman in their late 20s/early 30s in urban, or rural America can attest to feeling this way once or twice in their lives, if not as they read this.
By Chuck Knight8 years ago in Beat
Sampha: 'Process' Album Review
Hypnotizing, chill, creative, original. These are the words that come to the surface when I think of how to describe Sampha's debut album, Process. This talented Londoner is signed to Young Turks, the same label as The XX, FKA Twigs, SBTRKT, and much more. He's also well known for his collaborations with fellow label-mate SBTRKT as well as being featured with Kanye, Solange, Frank Ocean, and Drake. And now it is Sampha's time to shine with his very own LP.
By Elizabeth Escalante8 years ago in Beat
