Goapele- Closer to My Dreams

I didn’t know Drake was sampling this in his cover, but I’m happy I discovered this version. What I admire about both versions is the free flowing nature. Drake’s originates from his signature flow, but Goapele’s arrives from matching the atmosphere creates from the beat. For me, the beat has a pretty albeit dragging sound. She delivers in a matching style and creates a soothing song. 4/5

What is she doing now?

She signed with Eric Benet label, Jordan House in 2014 and is making new content.

John Legend- Love In TheFuture (2013)

Why did I review the album? John Legend is one of my favorite singers (second to JT)

Did I like it? Yes

Will I listen again?  Yes, to some tracks

Love in the Future offers an artist that is honing his craft instead of branching out.  The albums plays like something from a lounge performer. It has a smooth and intimate feel that I loved. I think it works because each person can bring his experience with relationships and through that have his own experience with this album.

In fairness to John Legend, I do not think he did anything wrong with this album, but I entered this album with expectations concerning the content of the album that did not match his intentions.  After about three to four albums I expected him to start toying with his music a bit more. Change his subject matter (a bit), the sound, or the delivery. Something that would indicate him expanding as an artist. Instead I received 15 songs of John Legend belting out nice soulful tracks, and that’s fine, but I already knew he could do that. Couples that have been together for long enough to endure road bumps in their relationship will adore this album, but I’m curious to hear what everyone else has to say.

Is it what I wanted? Not quite

Is it great considering his intentions? Yes

My Favs

3. Who Do We Think We Are

2. We Loved It

1. All of Me

Overall Rating: 75 with a recommendation to listen then decide

Scavenger Hunt- Dreamers

I know I said I like songs that tell a story, but I also said there’s room for fun if done right. Well this one impressed me. It’s got a lighthearted 80’s feel that naturally disarmed me. Perhaps it’s because of the harsh winter we've had, but this song reminds me of a perfect summer hit. Behind its playfulness it has a message about living free and enjoying life.4.5/5  

What Are They Doing Now?

They have just released a self-titled EP and are signed to Rock Nation. So give it a try if you like this track. If you'd like to learn more about the group follow them on twitter @ScvnrHnt

Rae Morris- Grow

My sister compared her to Lorde, but said that at certain junctures she doesn't sound like her at all. I completely understand the Lorde comparison. But that's the intrigue of artist like these. They have bits and pieces of so many people and genres, but don't quite fit into any of them. I think she sounds most like Lorde in the chorus. The beat for this song matches the lyrics PERFECTLY. It foreboding and suspenseful but in some instances calming at the same time. I experienced many emotions from the beat alone. The lyrics are just as wild. The only thing i can compare it to is Lightning Strike by Snow Patrol.  It seems like the girl is extremely self-aware, but extremely scared and vulnerable at the same time. And because of that she doesn't know what to do and runs away from her problems. 5/5



What is she doing now?
She is signed to Atlantic records and has an EP scheduled for release in May. If you'd like to know more, follow her on Twitter @raemorrismusic

Alex G - Find You (Original Song)

I like when singers use simple beats because it allows the voice and lyrics (if it’s good enough) to take center stage. As much as I like her I think the boy did an equally phenomenal job and he's not even credited. The two of them together sound great together because the sing the same way and at the same octaves. It’s like two sides of the same coin except one is female and the others male. It even has somewhat of a country song to it, but that didn't even bother me and I give her credit for pulling that off. My only doubt with her is that it seems like she only has one range and she doesn't deviate from it, so I wonder what would happen if you asked her to go lower or higher. But, the song itself is flawless 5/5

What is she doing now?

She's in the process of putting together an album, but has performed many covers of famous songs. If you'd like to know more subscribe to her channel on YouTube. 

New Area in blog- Discover Music

I’ve decided to add this part of my blog because there are certain songs that I hear and think are worth sharing, but since I only do reviews of whole albums, I never get to talk about. This solves that problem.

I’m not sure how I’d like to schedule adding content for this part. So, right now I’ll update it as I see fit until I find a better system.

The music on this part of the blog has no bounds. I can be a new song, but it can also be a song from 1993 that I’ve heard for the first time. It might not even be R&B or Hip-Hop based.

My hope is that it will turn to a place where we can share music we like and help others discover new music. 

Drake- Nothing Was The Same (2013)

Why did I review the album? I like Drake

Did I like it?  Yes, but it has a major flaw

Will I listen again?  To some tracks

I was going to review this album a while ago, but I couldn’t sort my feelings. I knew I liked the album, but I also knew there was something wrong. I didn’t like the songs as much as I should. After listening to this album 5 times I finally sorted my thoughts.

In my Yeezus review I complained that Kanye changed too much of his formula at once. And, I said that changing the formula works best when an artist changes one aspect and leaves the rest the same. In this case, Drake changes his delivery and leaves other variables constant.

Now, here’s the problem with that. For me, the delivery is the most important part of a rappers formula.  Delivery can turn stupid lyrics into passable ones, and passible ones into great lyrics. Essentially it can revert attention away from what is said and focuses on how it is said. In this album I found that drake disrupted his flow and delivery in order to make room for content.

So, why do I like this album? The beats are still classic Drake and 40 collabos that I fell in love with long ago. Also, if you strip away the (sometimes) lackluster delivery, there are some gold mines and hints of pre LP Drake that allowed him to explode onto the scene five years ago.

For me, the good outweighs the bad. It goes back to what I said about changing the formula. Experimentation with music works best when the artist changes one thing from his/her repertoire. This formula works because it fosters innovation, but keeps enough features consistent to avoid alienating the audience. Even if the person does not like the element the artist changed, there is still enough of the original artist in the song that the person will still like the song. At worst, the person would notice the attempt to try something new and not like the song, but appreciate the effort.

He did a dangerous thing toying with his delivery, but there are still enough elements of the old Drake for me to appreciate.

My Favs

3. Pound Cake/ Paris Morton Music 2

2.  From Time

1. Tuscan Leather

Overall Rating: 70 with a recommendation to listen then decide