R. Kelly- Black Panties (2013)

Why did I review the album?  I told my friend I would do it, and I am fond of R. Kelly’s music

Did I like it? No

Will I listen again? No

I think this experience was doomed to fail from the onset. My expectation of the album and Kelly’s were clearly different. I expected classic 90’s Kelly or adult R&B that he’s favored in the two previous albums. But, maybe that’s the reason he’s wandered in this direction. Kelly’s been “in the game” for 20 years now, so he’s bound to try other things. He transitioned from R&B to a slightly more mainstream sound. Then experimented with a largely gospel sound that transitioned into adult R&B career. This might be the next phase in Kelly’s career. So, I shouldn’t be angry with him, but I wish I knew his intention beforehand.

In my defense, this album delivers sleaze by the bucket load. If this kind of music you like, then you’ll love this one, but if not, it’ll be a struggle to get through this offering from Kelly.

My Favs

3.  I have no idea (that’s not the name of the song, I seriously couldn’t find a third song)

2. Shut Up  

1. All the way

Overall Rating: 1/5 Spins

Justin Timberlake- 20/20 Experience Pt. 2 (2013)

Why did I review the album?  We all know about my JT obsession

Did I like it? Yes

Will I listen again?  To some tracks

After six years and two albums of Timberland influenced beats, I was hoping for JT to move in another direction. Not that his current style is bad, but he’s proven that he can make great music when collaborating with Timberland. So I wanted him to move to the next chapter in his career. This album is less Timberland influenced than anything he’s done in a while. It’s still there, especially in the beginning, but JT definitely distanced himself from Timberland more than usual. I’m curious how far he drift from Timberland in his next project.

This album is very much a timeline though JT career. There are some flashes of Justified (You Got it On & Pair of Wings) and something that might have found itself on FSLS (Cabaret). But there are hints at some new twists he might try in the future (Take Back the Night & Only When I Walk Away).

My Favs

3. Amnesia

2. Take Back the Night

1. You Got it On

Overall Rating: 75 with a recommendation to listen then decide

Justin Timberlake- The 20/20 Experience (2013)

Why did I review the album?  Love JT

Did I like it? Yes…eventually

Will I listen again? Yes

I didn’t like this album at first, in fact, I hated it. But, that’s why I listen to albums at least two times before I start writing reviews. My first impressions of music is usually harsh because I’m exposing myself to the music for the first time, so I do not notice the nuggets of brilliance in songs.

My main problem is the track length. The songs are too long. They did not hold my interest as much as the tracks on FutureSex/LoveSsounds (FSLS). I felt the songs on FSLS were long with a purpose whereas 20/20 Pt.1 relied upon catchy production and charm to elongate the songs. In short there is a bit less substance than I’d like.

For Instance, on FSLS “What Goes Around Comes Around” turns a common phrase into the basis for a song. Also, it’s essentially the meaning of karma. Through the lyrics he is able to weave in a story about betrayal and the results of the betrayal (Karma). Add an interesting beat to tie it together and the song explodes with content and sound.  All of that is explored in 7:30,every bit was needed to fully explore the ideas he examined in the song.  

20/20 matches the production level of its predecessor but severely lacks the lyrical depth found on JT’s previous LP’s. Because of that, I originally found the songs boring and drawn out. 

The album excels at merging and concocting sounds and is carried by the charm and allure of JT

Although I did eventually find endearing qualities in the songs, I still believe it’s his weakest work to date. After a seven year absence I was expecting a bit more

My Favs

3. Spaceship Coupe

2. Strawberry Bubblegum

1. That Girl

Overall Rating: 73 with a recommendation to Listen then decide

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

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

Kanye West- Yeezus (2013)

Why did I review the album? Kanye has made three of my favorite albums (College Dropout, Late Registration, and Graduation)

Did I like it? No

Will I listen again?  No

I will not do a track by track analysis of albums I do not like because it is highly likely I’ll repeat myself multiple times which is waste of your time and mine. If the artist didn’t realize his/her error the first or second time, it’s highly unlikely s/he’ll change tactics on later tracks. Instead I'll review one track that i did like and one that I did not. The song that I like will suggest what the artist could have done to make the rest of the album stronger.The one that I did not like will serve as an example why I did not like the album.

I respect Kanye for experimenting with his music despite the possibility of failure. For that reason I will listen to every album he releases. That said, just because he creates something different doesn’t mean it works.

The biggest problem with this album is that it changes too much. On this album he changes the sound, flow and content. Almost like Kanye West created a new artist. There was too much change wrapped in one album and it destroyed any positive experience I could have with this album.  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 definitely creates something new, but the question is, will you like it?

To test your affinity for this album I’d listen to Hell of a Life on Kanye’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. The song captures the sound that permeates this album. If you can handle that song, this album might be worth listening to.
Just because I didn't like it, doesn't mean you won't like it.

I’d like to hear from people that did enjoy the album to find out why.

My Favs

3. Blood on the Leaves

2. I’m In It

1. Bound 2

Overall Rating: 50 with a Not For Me recommendation 

Jay-Z- Magna Carta... Holy Grail (2013)

Why did I review the album? Jay-Z is one of my favorite rappers

Did I like it? Not as much as I expected to

Will I listen again? Yes, to select songs

In his song “On to the Next One” Jay opens the song with the line “Hov is on that new s***.” In the last few years, an evolution of music has taken root.  Beats take center stage while content is less important. On its own, that is not a bad thing, but speaks to the evolution of rap.  True to his word, Hov tries to make music using this new model. To his credit, he does it well. In my opinion, better than anyone currently using this model to create music. But, I don’t like this model. For me, the appeal of rap is its ability to tell a story through the use of cunning metaphors and an alluring flow. This method essentially ignores that aspect of rap. If beats are your main concern, then you’ll enjoy this album. But, if content is your goal, a large portion of tracks will leave you wanting more. For this reason, I truly love some tracks, but remained apathetic to others.

In the first verse of “On to the Next One”, he also says, “n***** want my old s***, buy my old albums.” 

Well, I’ll take his advice.

My Favs

3. Nickels and Dimes

2. Holy Grail

1. Part II (On the Run)

Overall Rating: 75 with a recommendation to listen then decide

Beyonce- Beyonce (2013)

Why did I review the album? I didn't even know about it until my sister sent me an email about it. I promised her I would review it

Did I like it? Yes

Will I listen again? I already have… about 30 times

I don't expect any of you to like it as much as I did, but at least I could explain why I loved it. For years I stayed away from Beyoncé because I felt like she wasted her talent with a lot of songs that didn't showcase her voice, but instead relied on catchiness and hype that would ensure radio play (but I never listened to her albums so I’m not quite being fair). This one finally gave me what I have been begging for. Every time I listen I notice something new and find something else to like. I gave out 5 stars like candy. I haven't given out this many 5star ratings since Macklemore’s The Heist and The Fray's How to Save a Life. It’s an album that explores her vision and what is important to her. That’s important because the best music is created (usually) when an artist is emotionally tied to the work. If this is an indication of Beyoncé's capabilities when no one is screaming in her ear to make a certain type of song, I’ll support her because she's proven that she won’t disappoint. The album nailed her range as a vocalist, while toying with beats to keep each song fresh and original. The topics covered on the album are diverse. One song details her love for Jay, while another forces her to confront her own insecurities, to another that cites the hypocrisy in the world, and even includes a redefining of death. The albums mission is vast but it handles them masterfully. Beyoncé’s Beyoncé is my favorite album of 2013.

My Favs

3. Blue

2. Rocket

1. Heaven

Overall Rating: 93  with a Classic recommendation  

Lorde- Pure Heroine (2013)

Why did I review this album? I was impressed with Royals, so I took a chance on the album

Did I like it? Yes

Will I listen to it again? Yes because her voice and style fascinate me. The beats are also very relaxing.

The album as a whole was a bit self-righteous. Part of the reason Royals was one of my favorite songs last year was its level of charm and wit. It was making fun of the formulaicness of mainstream music (which I agree with of course). It was almost like a middle finger to mainstream music (and a satire except it’s not written its sung) and I loved it, But as you keep listening to the rest of the album she continually feels the need to tell you how much she hates mainstream music and it started to ware on me a bit. The funny thing is I agree with her, but there's something to be said about subtlety. The reason why I enjoy conscious rappers such as Kendrick Lamar, Lupe Fiasco,J. Cole, and others is that they make their own music but they don’t try to say that they're better than you because they refuse to follow the norm. While Lorde never says I’m better than you, she makes light of mainstream music so much she essentially is saying it.

I did like this album. She has opinions about music, shares them, and doesn't apologize for it. I can respect that. Also, most artist wouldn't dare make music about the trivialities of her life, but she does and that gives the album a lot of charm. It’s a refreshing change from typical albums and a fitting considering her disdain for mainstream music.

I am attracted to and amazed by people that can do things that I can’t, and as I understand, she wrote the whole album herself which is an amazing feat.

Also, her voice fascinates me because I can't quite place where it belongs. It has elements of almost all the genres, but doesn't quite fit into any of them. Somewhat like an Adele or Amy Winehouse.

Because her voice is so unique at the very least she'll be interesting to listen to and as she grows her writing will improve and she'll probably learn a thing or two about subtlety,

A first album is supposed to introduce the artist to the audience. Through that, the audience should learn about the artist’s style. The album should leave the listener with a feeling that the artist has potential for growth in future works. This album met those requirements, so I thought it was a valiant first effort and will listen to her future work.

 My Favs

3. Still Sane

2. Team

1. Royals

Overall Rating: 73 with a recommendation to listen then decide

Pusha T- My Name is My Name (2013)

Why did I review the album? My roommate recommended it to me

Did I like it? Yes

Will I listen again? Yes

Generally, I don’t like album about drugs because it seems like the easy route that rappers automatically return to for content. And, anyone that has ever smoked weed or dealt a small amount can use the name drug dealer and technically not have told a lie. The rappers that smoke religiously (Currency, Wiz Khalifa and others), It’s hard for me to like them because I don’t understand most of the references they allude to and I don’t understand that lifestyle (I do not smoke). But this album is the exception

I’m not sure who creates beats for Pusha T, but the beats on this album are cleverly constructed. There’s usually a beat that serves as the foundation. It usually melts into the background nicely because there is a secondary instrument that takes the forefront that is very distinguishable.  The two beats are basic which allow for his lyrics to take center stage.

This album’s backbone deals with drugs, but deviates enough to give the album variety and depth. Drugs is a common subject among rappers, but Pusha's delivery is not. Its amazing beats make the album a joy to listen to and Pusha T delivers bar after bar of genius lyrics which have double meanings in most cases.

For me, the album's crowning achievement is its ability to discuss drugs without feeling fake, to challenge without confronting, and to boast without insulting.

My Favs

3. Nostalgia

2. On the Boards

1. King Push 

Overall Rating: 86 with a recommendation to Buy

Lady Gaga- Artpop (2013)

Why did I review the album? My sisters were making fun of me and decided to tell me what kind of music I would/would not like, so I listened to this out of spite. 

Did I like it? Yes

Will I listen again? Yes

Her songs have poppy beats but I wouldn't quite call her pop. She's one of those that are kind of hard to categorize. It’s an electronic sound that I’m a little wary of, but only because I’m not used to it. I like this album (and her) because she takes herself and her music seriously. So, even songs that are on the surface, pretty stupid, (Swine) have some magic in them and offer something to like. 

Gaga has taught me that fun in music doesn't have to be stupid. A lot of pop just does that on its own, and assumes it has to be. The only songs to break that trend recently are:

                                                    

Bruno Mars- Treasure

Ariana Grande- Popular Song 

It can be done with a little effort, but who wants to try?

If I were to rate this album purely on lyrical content, innovation and variety, it would receive a score in the high 80’s, but my hatred for electronic sound drops the score and lowers the album to a listen and decide. But do not let my prejudices stop you from supporting the album, its lyrical content is superb, and sports wit only Lady Gaga can deliver. Gaga has earned a new fan. 

If you like electric pop this album is for you. It might even force you to think. 

My Favs

3. Mary Jane Holland

2. Artpop

1. Do What You Want

Overall Rating:  82 with a recommendation to Listen then decide