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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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