Having plummeted to fame from one viral song, expectations of Future Islands’ albums were already set high and it’s fair to say that they have delivered with this latest release. Although there aren’t any standout singles, all the tracks on As Long As You Are collectively form a rich, expansive and poignant listening experience exploring themes of love, life, and deeply … [Read more...] about Future Islands: As Long As You Are – Review
Aloe Blacc: All Love Everything – Review
It’s hard to dislike Aloe Blacc’s music when most of the songs on All Love Everything touch on universally positive tropes: warm nostalgia, gentle but grounded melodies and good vibes in bucketloads. While this signature brand of inoffensive, soulful pop has guaranteed widespread appeal, it’s also hard to be overly enthused by a whole album of it given that many of the … [Read more...] about Aloe Blacc: All Love Everything – Review
Public Enemy: What You Gonna Do When The Grid Goes Down? – Review
Craving strong, politically-oriented hip-hop that reflects the times we are living in with a respectful nod to the past? Public Enemy delivers this and then some on latest album What You Gonna Do When The Grid Goes Down? Returning to Def Jam with Chuck D at the helm, political messages and contemporary reflection are embedded into the fabric of the entire album. With a … [Read more...] about Public Enemy: What You Gonna Do When The Grid Goes Down? – Review
YoungBoy Never Broke Again: Top – Review
After a fast rise to critical acclaim, YoungBoy Never Broke Again releases his latest studio album Top; a testament to his strong work ethic and ability to produce large quantities of high-quality music. Joining an impressively large discography of albums, Top spans 21 tracks and is consistently engaging, whilst outlining YoungBoy’s humble roots and reflecting on his … [Read more...] about YoungBoy Never Broke Again: Top – Review
6ix9ine: TattleTales – Album Review
Excessive style is outlined throughout, but the substance never arrives for the new album TattleTales by 6ix9ine. Despite controversy after controversy, Tekashi 6ix9ine is back, seemingly unfazed, with his second studio album. While a lot of effort has gone into the visual marketing of this release, there is remarkably little concrete material on TattleTales to critique. The … [Read more...] about 6ix9ine: TattleTales – Album Review
Katy Perry: Smile – Album Review
It’s been a busy time for Katy Perry, with her fifth studio album, Smile, dropping and her daughter being born just one day apart. While Perry is known for her extroverted fashion sense and high charting hits, new album Smile falls a little flat in comparison. Although some tracks are poignant and vulnerable, many rely on bombastic EDM production, cliché lyrics and Perry’s … [Read more...] about Katy Perry: Smile – Album Review