Thursday, June 26, 2014

Ed Sheeran- X Deluxe Edition (2014)

Why did I review the album?  My sister sent me the song “I See Fire” about a month ago and I loved it so much I listened to both + and X
Did I like it? Yes
Will I listen again? I already have
Everyone keeps classifying this album as a pop album, and sure some of the lyrics are “poppy”, but it’s a mistake to consider this a pop album. The only reason I would consider this a pop album is due to his rise in popularity. That is a different type of pop than the way he is categorized.
There is a definite urban influence that infects this album, which may hint at his musical direction in subsequent works.
 There are SO MANY different sounds on this album. He features typical Ed Sheeran sounds (One), then displays his vocal range on tracks “I See Fire & “Thinking Out Loud” and adds a urban kick to “Runaway” and “The Man” and raps for the entirety of “Take it Back”.  
The only thing that gave me pause is his interest in rapping on several tracks. I like artist that choose to experiment, but he doesn’t have nice flow and his rap isn’t (for me) enjoyable to listen to. The first time I listened to the album it drove me insane. With subsequent listens, I have to admit that most of his raps do provide a lot of content which makes it bearable. If you can handle his rapping, the album is definitely worth a buy.
This album displays further variety that Sheeran has to offer as well as his willingness to experiment with his own sound.  
I don’t think Ed Sheeran has reached his full potential, but this is definitely a step in the right direction.

My Favs
3. I See Fire
2.  Thinking Out Loud
1. Even My Dad Does Sometimes
Overall Rating: 80 with a recommendation to Listen then Decide

Saturday, June 21, 2014

Ledisi- The Truth (2014)


Why did I review the album?  Trying something new
Did I like it? Not Really
Will I listen again?  Nope
I listened to this because Ledisi has done work with artists that I like and I always appreciated her contribution to the songs. So I thought I’d listen to her solo work.  
Her vocal range is questionable. Whenever she hits the higher notes her voice suffers noticeably
Of all the songs on the album only one has content.
The album doesn’t perform any aspect poorly, but it doesn’t try anything noteworthy either. It’s a perfectly average album.
If you are looking for new artist to listen to, then maybe you should give this one a listen, but if you skipped this album I don’t think you’re missing anything.
My Favs
3. 88 Boxes
2.  Lose Control
1. Can’t Help Who You Love
Overall Rating: 57 with a recommendation to Neutral

Friday, June 13, 2014

Mariah Carey- Me. I Am Mariah... The Elusive Chanteuse (2014)


Why did I review the album?  It was on my list of top five albums I want to hear in 2014
Did I like it? Yes
Will I listen again? Absolutely
I’ve listened this album seven times, and each time I listen I uncover more hidden gems.
This album reminded me of BeyoncĂ©, but each track isn’t nearly as solid.
There is something on this album for everyone. There are 90’s influenced tracks (Cry), some lighthearted and upbeat tracks (Meteorite, Money  & You Don’t Know What to Do), Gospel (Heavenly).
The most impressive part is that she managed to integrate a myriad of sounds and covered many bases with her music choice, but still managed to create an incredibly personal album.
My Favs
3. Meteorite
2. Dedicated
1. One More Try
Overall Rating: 79 with a recommendation to listen then decide