album reviews

Reviews of albums old and new from iconic artists and up and coming musicians alike.

The Obsidian Sky and the Opalite Dawn: A Lyrical Reckoning
The release of The Life of a Showgirl was always destined to be a seismic cultural event. It was the pop titan’s first album written and dropped amid the whirlwind of her record-breaking relationship with NFL star Travis Kelce, a romance that had already dominated headlines for a year. Fans, critics, and casual observers alike waited with bated breath, expecting a modern love letter steeped in dazzling metaphors. What they received was a complex, highly personal, and, ultimately, intensely polarizing work of art that immediately ignited a fierce lyrical controversy centered on racial undertones and undeniable digs at Travis Kelce's ex-girlfriend, Kayla Nicole.
By Umar Faiz4 months ago in Beat
How to Be Nobody, Loudly
Panoptika One is my debut album — she’s been scouring playlists, breaking the internet, and apparently The Tonight Show is on my tail like it’s in heat. Podcasters won’t stop calling. I can’t even buy soy milk without someone asking for a quote about “my process.”
By Iris Obscura4 months ago in Beat
"Ruin the Friendship" by Taylor Swift: A Return to Form & The Life of a Showgirl Album Highlight
“Ruin The Friendship” is a new song from Taylor Swift’s twelfth studio album, The Life of a Showgirl. This song is a standout track from the album–sonically, conceptually, and lyrically beautiful and revealing. This song contains some of the best storytelling on the album. This song combines sonically whimsical, pop, and light country elements, which makes sense as it relives an experience that has carried over from high school. Taylor Swift started her career in high school, making country music, which transitioned to country-pop, which transitioned to full-blown pop, which transitioned to indie/folk, which transitioned back to pop. You can say a lot about Taylor Swift, but you can’t say that she’s not one of the most prolific artists of today…or of all time, honestly.
By zoe frenchman4 months ago in Beat
Jisoo and Zayn malik song collaboration eyes closed
“Eyes Closed” — Jisoo and Zayn Malik’s Heartfelt Duet that Unites Two Worlds When Jisoo of BLACKPINK and Zayn Malik announced their collaboration on a song titled “Eyes Closed,” the world of music instantly buzzed with excitement. Released globally on October 10, 2025, the track represents one of the most unexpected yet mesmerizing crossovers in recent pop history — merging the soulful sensuality of Zayn’s R&B sound with Jisoo’s elegant and emotional artistry. Together, they have created a song that transcends language, culture, and genre, showing that music truly has no borders.
By Khan4 months ago in Beat
Trespass
Introduction I know that to many people, Genesis is Phil Collins' backing band, and while he was a great drummer and adequate vocalist, the band was always a lot more than that.
By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred 4 months ago in Beat
D'Angelo
In the world of soul and R&B, few names command as much reverence as D'Angelo. The Virginia-born singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist is a true artist's artist, a figure whose influence far outweighs his relatively small discography. However, this very mystique and his periods away from the spotlight have often led to confusion and concern among fans. Recently, searches like "d'angelo died," "d angelo dead," and "d'angelo 2025" have spiked, causing alarm. It's crucial to set the record straight: The musician D'Angelo is alive.
By KAMRAN AHMAD4 months ago in Beat
The Last Train of Dreams
It was 10:47 PM when the last train to Mumbai began to move slowly from the small town station of Jodhpur. The night air was cool, filled with the smell of diesel, rain, and possibilities.
By Alexander Mind4 months ago in Beat
Musical Digest: Taylor Swift "The Life of a Showgirl"
A beautiful, fiery orange album joins the wonderful world of Taylor Swift's discography and it is as captivating as ever. "The Life of a Showgirl" is an album that has been in the making during Taylor's most successful tour to date; it is a fusion of personal renditions of what was happening behind the crimson curtain of the show as well as a peak into the personal life of Ms. Swift herself...
By Paulina Pachel4 months ago in Beat
10 More Forgotten 90s Rock Albums for Your Playlists
You didn't think we were done exploring the world of obscure alternative rock, did you? After the first two installments, I ventured back into the depths of Spotify to find more 90s albums that the Internet almost forgot--until now. If you've heard of these records before, I congratulate you on your discerning tastes. Otherwise, get ready to revive your playlists with fresh tracks from defunct bands.
By Kaitlin Shanks4 months ago in Beat
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Introduction I wasn't so sure about sharing this, but I loved the look of the title, and it is an excellent album by Jean Michelle Jarre, which you can explore further on Amazon if you want.
By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred 4 months ago in Beat
Essential House Music: Takis Lost, New Tony Romera, and a Calvin Harris Rework
House music has always thrived on reinvention. It moves in cycles, drawing on the past while pushing the genre’s boundaries into new spaces. This week’s essential releases highlight that balance perfectly—from vocal-driven emotion to stripped-down club minimalism and high-energy reinterpretations. The result is a snapshot of where house music stands today: global, genre-blurring, and endlessly inventive.
By David Roy4 months ago in Beat
Dolly Parton
The name Dolly Parton evokes a powerful sense of joy, resilience, and unparalleled talent. As a beloved singer, songwriter, actress, and philanthropist, she has been a constant and comforting presence in American culture for decades. However, with her advanced age—Dolly Parton is 78 years old—it's natural for fans to express concern about her well-being. Recent online searches like "Dolly Parton health," "is Dolly Parton sick," and "what happened to Dolly Parton" have surged, often fueled by the cyclical nature of internet gossip. This article aims to separate fact from fiction and celebrate the ongoing vitality of a true national treasure.
By KAMRAN AHMAD4 months ago in Beat