J.Cole- 2014 Forest Hills Dr. (2014)

Why did I review the album?  He’s my favorite artist (of the newer ones)

Did I like it? Still not sure (but I think so)

Will I listen again? Yes, for multiple reasons. I still don’t know exactly how I feel about this album.

I feel like Cole was going to have a hard time pleasing me with this album regardless of what he put out. Cole’s got a formula that he’s used to gain popularity in his mixtapes and his first two albums. So if he made the same type of music for this album, I’d have been a bit bored (not that the songs would be bad) because he’s made five collections of music using that formula. At some point, I’d want him to step out of his original niche and experiment a little bit. However, the other end of the spectrum is that he’d try something so foreign that there wouldn’t be a hint of the old J. Cole that made me love him as an artist. In this album he tried a mix of both, but leaned a little heavier on the experimental side. The problem is, I don’t like a majority of the experimental things he tried with this album.

I really want to give this album three spins, but considering that I gave Birdy and Sam Smith three spins, I can’t give this three stars with a good conscience. However I am very glad I got this album and would do it again in a heartbeat.  

My Favs

3. No Role Modelz

2.  January 28^th

1. 03’ Adolescence

Overall Rating: 2.5/5 Spins 

Young Jeezy- Seen It All:The Autobiography (Deluxe Edition) (2014)

Why did I review the album?  I liked his last album

Did I like it? Yes

Will I listen again? Yes

I got this album a few months ago and stopped listening after the first three sings I heard. Even now, I still find them subpar to Jeezy’s normal standard, but I’ve learned to find value in them regardless. After the rough start, it manages to find its way rather well.

Compared to the last effort, I find this one more impressive. This may be my prejudice coming to light, but I find this one much more personal. As a man that listens to rap for the stories it tells, I appreciates the rawness and real life experience spread throughout the album.He calls it an autobiography and while I wouldn’t go that far, it’s by far his most personal work.

As you will see in the longer version of this review, I fell in love with the beats too. I mainly focus on content and usually am indifferent to beats, but it seemed like every time I heard a track I was praising the beat.

Another thing to note is that Jeezy travels the same roads as previous albums (drug heavy content) , but finds a way to make it fresh. He describes his experience with drugs so vividly that I can imagine being there with him. That vividness allows you to be entrapped in the story he’s telling and separates him from all other drug rappers.  My favorite drug related album is still Pusha T’s My Name is My Name, but this is a valiant effort that serves a worthy runner up.  

My Favs

3. How I Did It (Perfection)

2.  Holy Ghost

1.  Seen it All

Overall Rating: 3.5/5 Spins  

Birdy- Fire Within (2014)

Why did I review the album? Not About Angels and her cover album convinced me to give her original content a chance

Did I like it? Eventually

Will I listen again? To some tracks

The majority of the problems I have with this album are my own and in no way Birdy’s fault. For some reason I was expecting an R&B type album. I didn’t get that, but looking back I shouldn’t have expected it. I believe that’s the issue though. I had preconceived notions that were misguided. Her first album was one based largely off covers of other artists, so I didn’t know what she specialized in.

I’ve found that most albums have a purpose, but I couldn’t find out what Fire Within’s purpose is. So, I felt like I was taking a journey with no end. I was listening to a random collection of songs that did not have a main theme to tie them together.

Despite all that, I still enjoyed the album. Birdy has amazing talent and listening to her sing is a pleasure every time. Add the fact that her songs are not over produced and I’m bound to be pleased. That’s the part I like best concerning this album. Many times when artists are signed to labels they run from the basics and instead opt for over produced beats that interfere with the quality that originally made the artist successful. Birdy doesn’t fall into that trap and the album is better because of that fact. I’d gladly listen to her next album. 

Is it what I envisioned? Not quite. Does that make it bad? Of course not.

If you like great singers and are willing to try something that’s not R&B I’d definitely give Fire Within a listen.

My Favs

3. All About You

2.  No  Angel

1. Strange Birds

Overall Rating: 3/5 Spins

50 Cent- Animal Ambition (2014)

Why did I review the album? It won the poll for August

Did I like it? No

Will I listen again? No

This album has no energy whatsoever. The end result is that he sounded extremely disinterested in the stories he was trying to tell. And, if he doesn’t care about the story, why should I?

I do like the beats on this album. Most of them are chill and toned down, an interesting choice for someone that is an extravagant lyricist. It’s a shame these beats are wasted on bad lyrics and horrifically bad delivery.

My Favs

3. Winning Circle

2. Hustler

1. Twisted

Overall Rating:  2/5 Spins

Common- Nobody's Smiling (2014)

Why did I review the album? I like Common

Did I like it? Indifferent

Will I listen again? No

This is the first time I’ve disliked an album without taking issue with the headlining artist. I take issue with the features on the album. Simply, they aren’t good rappers. Some needed to work on flow, others used chopped rapping which I am not a fan of. If there were only two or three features on this album, I wouldn’t mind, but there are several.   

Common’s formula hasn’t changed much. It works in fine form here. In my opinion it’s the features that destroy the album.

My Favs

3. Young Hearts Run Free

2.  Real

1. Rewind That

Overall Rating: 2/5 Spins

Sam Smith- In the Lonely Hour (2014)

Why did I review the album?  Was looking for a new artist

Did I like it? Yes

Will I listen again? Yes

Do I recommend? Yes  

This album started a bit wobbly for me, but by the end I was very happy I decided to take a chance on Sam Smith. My favorite thing about him is his ability to transition from the higher octaves to lower ones seamlessly without the song feeling disjointed.

For me, a first album is supposed to show the person’s skill and leave the audience believing there is room for growth in future work. This album did that for me. The writing for some of the songs (especially in the beginning) need more work, but his voice is definitely a solid one that I want to see evolve as his career progresses. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on his career.

My Favs

3. I’m Not the Only One

2.  I’ve Told You Now

1. Lay Me Down

Overall Rating:  3 out of 5 Spins  

Robin Thicke- Paula (2014)

 Why did I review the album? I like Robin Thicke

Did I like it? Unfortunately not

Will I listen again? No

My Favs

3. You’re My Fantasy

2.  Forever Love

1. Get Her Back

This album suffers from a lack of focus. In the past I’ve said that albums should have a level of variety and I believe that, but when a silly song like Tippy Toes that sounds like a sing along for Tele tubbies is in a professional album, we have a problem.

I can see what each song was trying to achieve, but almost all fail for various reasons.

I will commend him for using a myriad of sounds and trying to merge them into a cohesive album, but using sounds from different genres and eras added to the lack of focus. It was a good idea that was poorly executed.

Overall Rating: 30 with a Not For Me recommendation

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

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

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 Beyoncé, 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

Michael Jackson- Xscape (2014)

Why did I review the album?  MJ is my favorite artist

Did I like it? Yes

Will I listen again? Yes, I’ll replay this one for years

This album is the most intriguing one I’ve listened to in a while. The regular version has 8 tracks produced mainly by Timberland (there are others, but he is the headlining producer). The deluxe version features the original version of the song plus an additional version of Love Never Felt So Good featuring Justin Timberlake.

 The reason that I like this album has nothing to do with music. Forgive the example, but it bears relevance. I once read a book by Brandon Sanderson. He released the book for free on his website, Along with the final edition of the book he also allowed readers to download several drafts that led to the final edition.  Through releasing several copies of the book in its various stages of drafting, the reader gets a process of writing a book. Although not completely the same (because Timberland is not MJ) we are offered the same opportunity with this album. I see the first tracks as covers of the originals (technically they are reworked) performed by MJ. We are given a chance to see how different artist would attack the same content which is fun. Additionally we are exposed to the idea that the sound of music changes over time. The MJ songs were recorded anywhere from 89-03 while the standard edition ranges from 13-14. How much of the changes were based off Timberlands own feel with music and how much did the time of recording affect the overall product? I don’t think we’ll ever find out exactly, but it was fun to ponder these ideas while listening.

For me, classic albums need to have at least two tracks that transcend time, or speak to issues of the time period. This album doesn’t quite have that. It’s missing the Thriller, Man in the Mirror, You are Not Alone, and songs of that ilk. If I were generous, I could say that Do You Know Where Your Children Are and Slave to the Rhythm fit the requirements, but I think I’d be giving the songs a BIT too much credit. Nonetheless, I thoroughly enjoyed the album and recommend it 

My Favs

3. Loving You

2.  A Place With No Name

1. Xscape

Overall Rating: 87 with a recommendation to Buy

August Alsina- Testimony (2014)

Why did I review the album? Found out about him during a trip to Atlanta and decided to give him a try

Did I like it? Yes

Will I listen again? To some tracks

He’s credited as a singer, but to be honest, I do not think he can sing. He sounds like Chris Brown at times, but Brown is a far better singer.

So, why do I like this album? The content is very appealing. It’s more personal than I expected. He opens up and truthfully gives us the account of his life. He’s made poor decision, but (for the most part) doesn’t make excuses for it.

Even as he talked about his past with drugs I never felt he was using it to exploit, it feels as though he gives an honest account of his experience.

I’m impressed with Alsina and will listen to his work in the future.

My Favs

3. Make it Home

2. Testimony  

1. Benediction

Overall Rating: 70 with a recommendation to listen then decide

Schoolboy Q- Oxymoron (2014)

Why did I review the album? It was recommended to me

Did I like it? I did enjoy the sound, but overall not really

Will I listen again?  Probably Not

To be fair, I don’t think this album ever had a chance of impressing me. Schoolboy Q’s delivery is too wild for me. I’m not sure why he does it. Perhaps he does it to differentiate himself from the other rappers out west and carve a niche for himself. Whatever the reason, I found it distracting at best and extremely annoying at points.

I will give props to the sound. They were all different, but still managed to keep the chill vibe that I’ve come to expect from west coast music. The sound was the best part of the album. There were some 90's influenced beats as well as conventional modern beats

Maybe I’m missing something, but the professional reviewers were giving this album 8 and 9 stars but I can’t imagine why. It’s not a bad album, but 8 and 9 star albums are reserved for my all time favorites.   Someone that liked the album more than I should explain the magic behind it because it clearly flew over my head.

My Favs

3. Man of the Year

2. Studio

1. Prescription-Oxymoron

Overall Rating: 60 with a neutral recommendation

Daley- Days+Nights (2014)

Why did I review the album? My sister told me about Daley about a year ago, but I never took her advice and listened. Then I heard Those Who Wait and couldn’t get my hands on enough of Daley’s music.

Did I like it? Yes

Will I listen again?  I will revisit this albums many times

I’ve said many times that my favorite genre is 90’s R&B. But, as time passed people grew tired of R&B and rap (and pop) has taken its place. I believe the main reason for this is that R&B is traditionally slow and to some, a bit boring.

Well, Daley should change that perception with this album. It uses lively beats to speed the pace of the songs, but uses his delivery and voice to balance the fast pace, merging traditional 90’s R&B delivery with modern up- tempo beats that are prevalent today.

The album sports some variety as well. Its backbone deals in relationships, but also ponders what, if anything, can we do to help someone that cannot help themselves (She Fades). Alone Together changes the pace of the album.  

At 12 songs, it’s a bit shorter than I’d prefer, but what is provided is golden.

The crowning achievement of this album is its ability to use up-tempo beats and merge it with soulful singing and content.

My Favs

3. Blame the World

2. Time Travel

1. Alone Together

Overall Rating: 83 with a recommendation to Buy

Pharrell Williams- G.I.R.L. (2014)

Why did I review the album? I like Pharrell

Did I like it? Yes

Will I listen again?  Yes

I’ve never been so enamored with an album. I liked it so much that I initially put a BUY rating on this album. But when I strap a buy rating on my review, I’ve decided I must buy the album as well. That forced me to reflect on my reasons for listening to music. I listen to music because I appreciate an artist’s ability to tell a story through music. This album does not do that, so I will not buy it. (It does tell a story, but not one that I think is good enough to support)  Despite that, I hope other people will.

Pharrell’s aim with this album was to provide a fun album where he could talk about his infatuation with women. As tired as the idea sounds, I enjoyed it a lot. The main reason is that he managed to discuss an overused topic without falling into the usual tropes. He makes it interesting by relating the courting of a woman to hunting, or saying he doesn’t want an all-star woman, just a different one. Usually that message would annoy me, but the candor he uses in stating it disarmed me.

Pharrell is a brilliant producer, but this album proves he’s not a lyricist. The lyrics are base and rely on charm and delivery to succeed.  

This album lacks variety as it is ALL about women. But, the lengths he is willing to go to attract woman and the different tactics he uses to do so give each song originality. This album paints Pharrell as a debonair man that can relate to any woman.

I wonder why his label decided to release the album now. It’s the perfect summer album because the atmosphere the music produces. It’s the kind of music you can open the windows (of a car or house) and listen to, but it’s March, so most people will not be able to.

I can completely understand those that do not like the album. At its core its an album about charming woman, a subject that’s overused in music, and the lyrics are mediocre with no depth. But, I found the album charming despite its shortcomings.  

If you are looking for content, you’ll be sorely disappointed, but if you’re looking for an album that’s an easy listen with plenty of charm, you will enjoy this album.  

My Favs

3. Gust of Wind

2. Brand New

1. Know Who You Are

Overall Rating: 80 with a recommendation to listen then decide

JoJo- #LOVEJO (2014)

Why did I review the album? It’s not an album it’s an E.P, but I decided to break my own rules because I love her music

Did I like it? Yes

Will I listen again? Every day until her album is released

On February 14, 2014 JoJo officially released this EP as a thank you to her fans. Truthfully, there are other reasons for her to release the EP, but I don’t care. I’m just happy to hear my favorite singer releasing music. There are four tracks on #LOVEJO, an intro and three songs, all covers. For me, an effective cover

1.       Pays homage to the original

2.       The artist adds something new to make it his/her own

My favorite thing about the covers is the range of artist. She starts with Anita Baker, an R&B singer, then Phil Collins, a pop-rock artist, to Katherine Battle an opera singer. It’s an interesting group of artists and shows her knowledge (or at least the amount of music she’s exposed herself to).

If you do not know her music, I suggest giving her a try. This EP is a good indication of the music found on her mixtapes. Her albums are more pop influenced. I love her, and you may as well.

Best of luck to her and thank you for the free music.

My Favs

3. Take Me Home

2. Glory

1. Caught Up In a Rapture

Overall Rating: N/A with a recommendation to GET IT NOW… IT’S FREE

Toni Braxton & Babyface- Love Marriage & Divorce (2014)

Why did I review the album? I’ve never listened to a Toni Braxton or Babyface album, so I thought I’d try something new

Did I like it? Yes

Will I listen again?  Yes

Something tells me I should like this album more than I did. Braxton voice is simply one of the most beautiful I’ve ever heard. She can manipulate her voice at any range and does so without effort. But she has enough experience to fall back to suit her partner and the atmosphere of the song on most duets. Babyface does a good job supporting Braxton and chooses tones that highlight his strengths. Also the beats range from a 70’s disco throwback to typical 80’s beats. They are very relaxing and enjoyable.

So, Why the low score? Well, two problems. The track listing doesn’t work for me. I think it was motivated by an attempt to mirror the up and down nature of a relationship, but it made the album hard to follow and broke the rhythm of the cd.

 Secondly, although the music is great to listen to, I don’t think the artist connected with the material in most cases. It felt as though someone gave them lyrics and said “sing this please.” Because they are professional singers, it sounds great, but I didn't feel the emotion I’d expect from the emotionally charged lyrics and subject matter. 

 Also, there is NO variety. Since the name of the album is Love, Marriage and Divorce, I figured a large majority of the album would be about that subject, however I thought it would shift in a few different direction keeping relationships as the main focus, but it did not.

Still I like the album. Braton's beautiful voice and the relaxing beats are enough to carry the album.  

Anyone that’s been through a divorce will relate to this album, but it will likely garner a mixed reaction from everyone else.

My Favs

3. Hurt You

2.  Reunited

1. Where Did We Go Wrong

Overall Rating: 69 with a recommendation to listen then decide