(What's The Story) Morning Glory? Review

"(What's The Story) Morning Glory?" is the second studio album from British rock band Oasis.  The blend of alternative rock and British pop music went a long way for Oasis.  This album is packed to the gills with hit song after song that honestly feels like a greatest hits record.  The band sticks to their guns with this one and put together one of the greatest compilations of songs the 90's had the pleasure of having.  The album also includes the ever popular "Wonderwall", an anthem in its own right and a song that doesn't seem to leave your brain.

Their previous release "Definitely Maybe" bursted Oasis onto the scene as rebellious British rock stars as they led a mini revival of the British invasion along with the band Blur.  "(What's The Story) Morning Glory?" is more of a mature effort that was sparked from some inner conflict over production issues between brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher.  Sometimes the best comes from bad situations and the brothers put their differences aside to create an album dripping in emotion and is not afraid of letting it shine through to carry the album to greatness.

Not only does the album have hits such as "Wonderwall", "Champagne Supernova", and "Don't Look Back In Anger", but just about every song on here has a catchy hook or an intoxicating melody that amazes you.  Songs like "She's Electric" and "Cast No Shadow" are hits in their own right as the band channeled their inner Beatles to bring you that same magic you got from listening to Abbey Road for the first time.  Its that good.  The Duo worked through their differences and at the end of the process they found a rainbow and a pot of gold.  The album is critically acclaimed and often is put up on the best albums ever charts.

Final Summary:

What made the Beatles great was the fact that they weren't afraid of holding back the emotions that they bled.  The same goes for Oasis on "(What's The Story) Morning Glory?".  The conflict between the brothers added to the already polished product that was this album.  If anything the emotion heard on this album is what really puts "(What's The Story) Morning Glory?" over the top. "Champagne Supernova" alone is a track that for its length, packed a strong punch and kept you on the hook throughout.  The song is nothing short of an anthem and caps off an album full of wonder, amazement, emotion, and right down to the bone raw rock n' roll.

Rating: 9.1/10

Recipe For Hate Review

"Recipe For Hate" is the seventh full-length album from punk rock icons Bad Religion.  The band sticks to their guns with this one as you get a hard hitting album filled with lyrics that make you think.  Frontman Greg Graffin always paints with his lyrics as he speaks about societal issues that plague us every day in a poetic way.  Songs such as "American Jesus" and "Struck A Nerve" serve as some of the more well-known Bad Religion tunes and overall the album rules with an iron fist in the punk scene.

A song that stood out on this album for me is "Skyscraper".  The anthemic track really inspires you with its infectious melodies and catchy riffs and considering its towards the end of the album, it leaves you off on an excellent note.  One thing in punk is that the majority of the tracks will often sound similar and this album is no different.  The similar tracks blend into one another as some tracks get lost in translation.  The difference that helps certain tracks stand out is change of pace.  "Struck A Nerve" is slowed down dramatically and Graffin makes sure you hear his words.  

With Bad Religion, you get what you pay for.  They hit you hard with knowledge and a horde of guitars to get their message across.  The often times redundant tracks could deter you from enjoying this album as a whole, but the punk rock kings reel you in with their sound that you probably fell in love with a long time ago.  This is also the album where the band "sold out" as they signed with Atlantic Records after leaving Epitaph.  They eventually returned to Epitaph but the production value stays the same course of what you've come to know and love from Bad Religion.

Final Summary:

The album is much more diverse than their previous works.  It features some hits but more misses than anything.  The album will grow on you after a while but at the end of the day, you can't deny the sound of Bad Religion.  The band puts everything they're offering on the table and they don't take returns.  "Recipe For Hate" isn't the best album they've ever released, but it does hold a special place in the hearts of punk rock fans as the melodically driven album finds a way to stay in your music library.

Rating: 7.8/10

In Utero Review

After the release of their breakout album "Nevermind", Nirvana was on top of the world.  The album was an extraordinary commercial success and put the band under the ever-so-bright spotlight of the music industry.  Kurt Cobain didn't take the fame too well as he never wanted it in the first place.  Cobain wanted to play his music and be left alone but the music he released shifted a generation of angst-filled teenagers and outcasts who wanted more and more from the band.  "In Utero" is very much Kurt's way of dealing with the new found fame; yet it was done in a very compressed way.  The songs don't have the same edginess that "Nevermind" had and many of the tracks feel compressed to bits with their wings clipped.  But you can't deny the stellar writing from Cobain and you can't compress the way Cobain's voice tears through your soul.     

"In Utero" often feels like a neutered version of "Nevermind".  The sound is very commercial and doesn't capture the true essence of a band that was so groundbreaking in many ways.  Though "Heart-Shaped Box" is a gritty ballad that stands alone on an album stripped of its essentials.  The pain is palpable in Kurt's voice on this track and the band follows suit with a steady, droning melody.  "Serve The Servants" is about as close as you're gonna get to an autobiography in a track from Cobain.  He talks about his parents divorce and his relationship with his father.  It's also one of the deeper cuts that you may of missed out on your first listen through.  The sound on this album is much more alternative than anything else as each track feels distant from what you'd expect and ultimately flat on the surface.  Cobain was notoriously dissatisfied with how the album turned out production wise and you can't really blame him.  Not only that, but I also found there to be more filler tracks than gems.  A lot of the tracks on here don't even come close to the energy put into the track list on"Nevermind" and many tracks feel like unnecessary noise jammed in between the few good ones. 

You do have some classic Nirvana tracks on here such as "All Apologies", "Dumb", and "Pennyroyal Tea" to help this album's cause but in whole the album doesn't quite cut it.  The album feels noisy and held-back simultaneously in a way that you can only realize by listening through.  "Rape Me" is a perfect example of a noisy song with no direction.  The droning lyrics and overt screaming feel really lazy coming from Kurt and in conjunction, uninspired.  

Final Summary:

"In Utero" had large shoes to fill.  "Nevermind" is a bonafide 10/10 and the resulting follow-up just doesn't give you that similar feeling.  The album feels stripped of everything that "Nevermind" was and although the effort was bold, it wasn't the Nirvana we knew.  There were a few songs that stood out but overall, the album feels compressed to shit and uninspired in many ways.  I will give Cobain this, dealing with success is a tough thing to do.  It's draining for someone who isn't used to it and let alone doesn't want it.  Ultimately, it showed on "In Utero" that it had a negative affect on his craft.  But at the end of the day, "In Utero" is hit or miss.  If anyone else wrote this it would've been deemed mediocre at best, but Nirvana had the luxury of being Nirvana so in essence, it was over-hyped a bit.  I don't know what Cobain truly thought about "In Utero", but I wouldn't of wanted to go out like this.

Rating: 7.5/10   

Graduation Review

"Graduation" is the 3rd studio album from hip-hop star Kanye West.  This album marked the final educationally themed album as his two previous albums were "The College Dropout" and "Late Registration".  "Graduation" is deemed his most consistent and mature album up to that point as he shifted over to a more conceptual approach creating more anthemic music utilizing synthesizers and electronic production methods.

"Graduation" has a lot of attention paid to detail.  The album feels a lot tighter than his previous albums and in addition to that, Kanye's writing has improved as well.  The album starts off strong with three inspiring songs "Good Morning", "Champion", and "Stronger".  They start the album on a positive note as you feel uplifted by the airy anthems Kanye pieced together with effect use of sampling.  Kanye brings the pace of the album down with songs like "I Wonder", "Everything I Am", and "Flashing Lights".  These songs provide great contrast to an album filled with excellent uplifting songs as Kanye brings you back to reality with tracks taking a deeper, introspective look on Kanye's frustrations and issues.  

Chris Martin from Coldplay also makes a guest appearance on "Homecoming" as one of the standout tracks on "Graduation".  The song grows on you after a while and the collaborative effort between the two provides another satisfying moment.  The different direction Kanye took on this album really paid off as the production value is picture perfect, the songs all have depth and deeper meaning, and overall, "Graduation" happens to be Kanye's most complete album to date (2008).  

Final Summary:

Although "Graduation" isn't considered the best album Kanye put out, it can be considered the largest step forward in Kanye's musical career.  Instead of creating an overextended compilation a la his previous two albums, he took steps forward to condense his records giving each song more care than before.  "Graduation" combines the airy, inspiring influences of bands such as Coldplay and U2 with the hip-hop craft that Mr. West takes very seriously.  "Graduation" was the stepping stone Kanye needed to blast off into his prime.

Rating: 8.6/10

  

Is This It Review

"Is This It" is the debut album from New York rockers The Strokes.  The debut album was shrouded in anticipation and hype that the band didn't really need.  The album speaks for itself.  The album had success in the US as well as internationally; charting as high as number 2 on the UK albums chart.  The medley of guitars, Julian's cutting edge vocals, and the plethora of influences you can feel in this album guide their debut into a new generation of rock featuring themselves at the forefront of it.

Garage rock meets alternative on this album as this feels ever so...New York.  You can hear The Ramones, you can hear The Velvet Underground, its all an excellent blend of influences and sounds that encapsulate this record, but The Strokes aren't copycats.  The band carried the torch for a new age of rockers at the dawn of the millennium with an incredible amount of charisma and melodic pop songs that stand on their own two feet.  Song such as "Someday" and "Last Nite" hit you hard, but not to the point of annihilation.  Casablancas wants you to hear and feel every word coming out of his mouth, and the guitar duo of Albert Hammond Jr and Nick Valensi cohesively stick to their strengths and their guitar styles sync up perfectly.

Another endearing quality to this album is that it doesn't feel overproduced.  The Strokes basically said "Here you go!" as the garage rock production is a refreshing quality for "Is This It".  The album doesn't overstay it's welcome either.  "Is This It" is a whopping 36 minutes and 28 seconds in length and even though you may want more tracks on this album, this is The Strokes at their finest and any other filler tracks wouldn't of helped their debut any bit.  Other notable tracks include "Hard To Explain", "The Modern Age", and "Take It Or Leave It".

Final Summary:

The Strokes got a plate and filled it to it's necessary capacity.  They found a fine balance between their own style and making sure their influences were heard through and through.  The production doesn't wow you but that is one of the things magical about "Is This It", it doesn't have to.  The combined effort from each and every musician in The Strokes pulled together a nearly perfect first album for a band being put under the microscope from many critics; as they were being compared to all-time great bands like The Rolling Stones or The Ramones.  But all in all, its current, its retro, its simply The Strokes.

Rating: 9.0/10

Pickin' Up The Pieces Review

"Pickin' Up The Pieces" is the debut album from Fitz and The Tantrums.  Fitz uses Motown and Soul as the backbone of their debut but fuses in indie pop influences as well to create an anomaly of an album,  The album sounds old and new at the same time while putting together a solid line-up of songs necessary to differentiate themselves from the pack.  For an album recorded mainly in the lead singer's living room, "Pickin' Up The Pieces" provides us with an aesthetically pleasing album that packs a large punch.

The album is the perfect soundtrack to any upscale night on the town.  The classic feel mixed with the new-age vibe creates an intoxicating environment that lasts throughout the album.  Songs such as "Breakin' The Chains Of Love" and "Don't Gotta Work It Out" serve as the epitome of Fitz and The Tantrums sound.  The hand claps, the shuffling, and church organs all blend so well together to create a satisfying finished product.  Also, the flute on the title track shines as one of the brightest moments on this album as the catchy riff grabs your attention and makes you move.

Fitz's musical partner Noelle Scaggs cuts some impressive work on this album and you wish she'd have a little more attention on "Pickin' Up The Pieces".  Other tracks that stand out on their own are "Moneygrabber" and "Winds Of Change".  "Moneygrabber" serves as the anthem for this album as the hook on the chorus grabs every one's attention as we are sucked into the soul-influenced band's wheelhouse.  And  "Winds Of Change" builds up very slowly and is credited in my opinion as the album's finest slow jam. 

Final Summary:

For a debut album, you can't ask for much more than what Fitz and The Tantrums did here.  They established what they were all about, they put themselves on a platform that is all to their own, and they created an overall enjoyable album.  The Soul/Motown influences didn't hinder them on the originality standpoint, in fact, it helped them stand out even more so as their indie/underground upbringing blended with their influences quite smoothly.  For an album recorded in a living room, the sound they created trumps some full length studio albums on quality.

  

Rating: 8.3/10

Sound Of Silver Review

With the "Sound Of Silver" you get LCD Soundsystem delivering on all fronts with electronic dance music that will be sure to amp up your day.  Each track on here has an electric current running through it as James Murphy's creation has the energy to zap you into oblivion.  "Sound Of Silver" has consistency and depth sparkled throughout each song and as your left listening you can't help but get sucked into the seductive beats and charm provided throughout.

The droning beats on "Sound Of Silver" really attest to the craft of James Murphy.  Not only do you feel like you're at a club in the 80's, but you also hear hints of David Bowie, Glam Rock, and elements of traditional rock music.  LCD Soundsystem does a great job here of combining many different elements of each genre they use to their advantage.  Songs like "Get Innocuous!" and "Time To Get Away" provide a new age sound to samples from older art rock bands like Brian Eno and The Velvet Underground.    

Though there are many samples used from that golden age of art rock/glam rock, all of these songs are unique in their own special way.  Each track is enjoyable as you take a modern walk down memory lane with little reason to stop listening.  The individual tracks on here have their own different message and no one song feels like the others.  The art rock theme may be prevalent but the individuality that Murphy plugs into each and every song really serves as a testament to his craft.

Final Summary: 

At the end of the day, "Sound Of Silver" provides us with an album high on the scale for production value and for overall satisfaction.  Even the send off song "New York, I Love You But You're Bringing Me Down" has a lot of character to it as the somber ballad closes the door gently on this album.  But James Murphy does a wonderful job making each track seem spacious and full of life as the computer driven album keeps its heart in place through the electronic jungle.

Rating: 8.7/10 

Revolver Review

"Revolver" is widely known as one of the Beatles' transitional albums in to the second half of their musical career.  The album is filled with stellar classics such as "Eleanor Rigby", "Yellow Submarine", and "Taxman" just to name a few.  The jump from the poppy, boy band sound to a more mature, experimental sound is heard in snippets on this record.  "Revolver" is the predecessor to "Sgt Peppers" and you can hear the Beatles branching out a bit more on this album.

"Revolver" features songs from each member of the group individually.  Songs like "I'm Only Sleeping" and "Tomorrow Never Knows" show John Lennon's personality in tenfold as these tracks serve as artistic achievements and milestones for Lennon's career.  McCartney served the band with some of the more somber/moody songs such as "Eleanor Rigby" and "For No One", but picked up the pace and energy with songs like "Good Day Sunshine" and "Got To Get You Into My Life".  Harrison had three songs credited to him.  "Love You To" is one of the first songs introducing the sitar into the Beatles' library and it showed signs of growth for Harrison as an individual song writer.  Even Ringo had a song to his credit with "Yellow Submarine"; one of the more iconic Beatles songs out there.

With each an every track on "Revolver" you see a band that is maturing into a fully cohesive unit while growing rapidly individually also.  This album fortified the belief that the Beatles weren't just a one-trick pop band; it showed that they had the ornate ability to create masterful pop songs that could stick in the annals of music history forever.  They mastered the early 60's with iconic songs that made all the girls go wild; but they defined themselves as artists with records like "Revolver".

Final Summary:

Overall, "Revolver" changed the definition of what a pop album is.  The transition for the group into full-fledged masters of their own destiny showed the evolution of the music industry; giving the artists full control of every aspect of their craft.  The Beatles were definitely pioneers of this new movement and with albums like "Sgt Peppers" and "The White Album" following this album; you could call "Revolver" the stepping stone needed to launch the band into the stratosphere.

Rating: 10/10

The Low End Theory Review

"The Low End Theory" is the second studio album from hip-hop group A Tribe Called Quest.  The album sticks to it's name as the muddy, bass-oriented concept of this album gets topped off with legendary bassist Ron Carter as a cherry on top.  The messages are simple, the rhymes are quintessentially classic, and the tribe connects the dots between jazz and hip-hop to make one of the most influential albums that abstract/alternative hip-hop has ever seen.

If you enjoy anyone from De La Soul to Miles Davis; you can appreciate what the tribe did here with "The Low End Theory".  The organic nature of this record really resonates well as hip hop is shown under a different light.  Through sampling, and deep grooves that won't leave your brain, the tribe keeps their rhymes simple as they let their personality and creativity shine in a mellow type of way.  A song that isn't so mellow is "Scenario".  The iconic track features an excellent verse from Busta Rhymes that really adds substance to this classic.

But amidst all the feel-good tracks and smooth flows, misogynistic issues pop up unexpectedly on the tracks "Butter" and "Infamous Date Rape".  The tracks dive into the world of being tricked into sticky situations with women and how the group interpreted those situations.  But those issues don't shadow over the fact that this hip-hop-jazz fusion works perfectly as A Tribe Called Quest delivers their ambitious, out of the box effort in peanut-butter and jelly fashion.

Final Summary:

"The Low End Theory" resonated throughout hip-hop and inspired many artists in the process.  The ingenious way that the tribe sequentially drills this bass overload into your brain gives you a sense of artistry and confirms the group as one of the pillars of the time.  The album was inspired by N.W.A.'s Straight Outta Compton as you can see the band tackle some more racier issues, but they keep their cool with it; as the tribe cemented themselves in hip-hop history with this defining moment.


Rating: 9.1/10





 

untitled unmastered Review

"untitled unmastered" is the unexpected quote unquote b sides of "To Pimp A Butterfly" from Kendrick Lamar.  Kendrick had some 2015.  With TPAB becoming one of the most highly successful rap albums in recent memory, Kendrick didn't have much to prove with "untitled unmastered".  Even though he may not have much to prove, the "b sides" that didn't make the cut for TPAB are still worthy of their own album as Kendrick's message is very powerful; tackling racial issues in the society we live in today, and in the music industry.

The charming aspect of this EP is the fact that it is filled with imperfection.  The rawness of "untitled unmastered" personifies the nonchalant nature of this album; as it still marches straight into the heart of hip-hop.  Through all the imperfection, Kendrick cuts through with his ever so precise flow.  He still maintains the ferocity blazed throughout TPAB, but each track has its own unique gift that could've easily made it onto TPAB. We are fortunate enough to have this EP as even Kendrick's lesser known tracks are deserving of their own spotlight.

The 7th untitled track is an 8 minute concoction that pairs together some interesting tidbits.  Essentially, three songs are blended together including a really raw session where it's just Kendrick and a guitar singing like Bob Marley; as he chants about the government and how head is the answer over a grungy looped guitar. The first untitled track also bursts out the gate with a ferocious effort from Kendrick; as he spits about god, and mankind in an all-in-one package that confuses  you how someone could rap that quickly and accurately.

Final Summary:

The message is clear as "untitled unmastered" doesn't change the gameplan from what TPAB was.  The subject matter is similar and the cut songs are more than deserving of their own platform.  During this one and a half to 2 year period where TPAB was produced; Kendrick Lamar created a lot of important music for the entire world to listen to.  The b sides still convey the important message that racism is alive and well, and our society still has a long way to go before we get true equality.

Rating: 8.5/10 

Coming Home Review

"Coming Home" is the debut album from gospel/soul singer Leon Bridges.  The album received positive reviews from many critics as the soul revival from Bridges brings you back to the glory days of soul music; Sam Cooke, Aretha, and Al Green.  "Coming Home" gives you that nostalgic feeling that you may be longing for in the midst of today's music scene; but in many aspects, the album lacks on originality, depth, and urgency.

The lead single "Coming Home" is one of the only tracks that could be transmitted into today's hit charts.  The bluesy, golden voice of Bridges resonates greatly on the track as bands such as The Black Keys help Bridges' effort here seem more relevant.  Another track that really stood out was "Lisa Sawyer".  The track has the slow jam vibe of a 60's Du Wop classic; accompanied by all the female backup singers you'd imagine, but it actually feels like Leon is pouring his soul out on "Lisa Sawyer".  That's whats missing on "Coming Home"; the lack of effort on the emotional front.  

As many of us would be very jealous of a voice like Leon Bridges', it feels like he's taking it for granted.......on his debut album.  I was missing the howling cries you'd hear from a Ray Charles record, the kind of sadness that Al Green would emote on each and every song he'd perform, and the raw emotion that Otis Redding elicited back at the Monterey Pop Festival.  Grabbing attention is hard to do especially in the music industry; "Coming Home" didn't grab my attention as I wanted it to, it left me wanting more.

Final Summary:

"Coming Home" does a decent job of reviving an era that many of us never experienced.  The classic music your parents would listen to on vinyl has a charm to it; but that era has passed.  Leon Bridges should've done a better job of modernizing the genre instead of copying it, deliberately.  Bridges is still young and has time to develop; but this record doesn't make the cut for standing out on its own.  Bridges needs to listen to some more modern soul influenced artists such as Fitz and The Tantrums, and The Black Keys to get a better understanding of how to use the genre to his advantage.

Rating: 6.7/10   

Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not Review

The debut album from the Arctic Monkeys made a huge splash in the UK when it finally dropped. Demo CDs of the album before they got released were passed around at shows and festivals and ultimately, got onto the Internet.  The Internet widely sold this album for Arctic Monkeys as it became the fastest selling debut album in British music history.  This album put Arctic Monkeys on the map as their highly successful debut features a plethora of classic hits, and fun moments.

"The View From The Afternoon" starts the album off with an upbeat, in your face rock song that pumps you up and personifies Arctic Monkeys at their best.  The album maintains its momentum until we hit "Riot Van".  "Riot Van" is an interesting shift in gears that slows down the album dramatically after being on full speed since the beginning.  "Mardy Bum" also represents one of the more mellow tracks on this album.  The lyrics throughout are mainly about teenage debauchery, experiences, and romance.  The romantic nature of this album paints a sweet picture for an album seemingly "up to no good".  

"When The Sun Goes Down" is the most diverse song on this album as it starts off very slow and ends up erupting during the chorus.  The album in general feels like it was in top gear at all times and rarely slows down for a pit stop.  The eagerness heard on this album is palpable as Arctic Monkeys sound excited, full of energy, and perky; leaving you with a feeling of enthrallment as you can feel the band enjoying every single moment.  "A Certain Romance" also offers a diverse, catchy song that ends the album on a high note.  The teenage angst, and raw material on this album leaves you happy to have listened; as Arctic Monkeys debut effort soars as far as debut albums go.   

Final Summary:

At the end of the day, "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not" delivers on angst and attitude; but lacks on maturity (understandably).  The album put the monkeys on the map and it certainly has a classic feel; even though the album came out not too far back.  "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not" is not too rigid in nature it sort of feels like a jam session; in a good way.  The more mature efforts came after but nothing will ever compare to the first.

Rating: 8.2/10

Dirt Review

"Dirt" is the second studio album from early 90's grunge band Alice in Chains.  This album represents the swift maturity of a band that stood as one of the pillars during an important time in music history.  The album has been certified four-times platinum and for good reason; "Dirt" features five of the band's top singles that have become household names (Would?, Down In A Hole, Them Bones, Angry Chair, & Rooster).  The grunge era in the early 90's wouldn't have been the same without Alice In Chains; as the band provided a muddier sound than Nirvana and had a front man at the height of his success.

Whether it be Jerry Cantrell's dirty, muffled guitar effects or Layne Staley's haunting screams, this is what made the grunge era excruciatingly good.  Besides the singles I mentioned earlier, there are some deeper cuts that pack a similar punch to the more well known tracks.  "Rain When I Die" is a powerful song that packs a deeper meaning; speaking about how if Layne doesn't get proper water, he will eventually wilt away; metaphorically of course.  The deeper meaning could be interpreted as code for his depression, or his well known heroin addiction.

One of my favorites off "Dirt" is "Down In A Hole".  The song is just down-right depressing from the get-go.  The droning acoustic guitars mixed with the somber, almost suicidal lyrics makes for one of the most obvious outcries for help you could imagine.  "Would?" is also a favorite of mine that speaks about Jerry Cantrell's friend Andrew Wood; former lead singer of Mother Love Bone.  Andrew died of a heroin overdose in 1990 and the track pays homage to their friendship and the good times they had.

Final Summary:

Basically, "Dirt" is the closest thing the band created to a full-fledged concept album.  The dreary, depressing theme to this album resonated deeply with fans back in the early 90's and to this day.  The message, the outcries from Layne Staley will make you feel all sorts of emotions; as his effort is long standing.  The honest to god truth about this album; the work Staley did was legendary.  A true pariah of the grunge era and unfortunately his potential was cut short due to drugs.  But all in all, "Dirt" leaves you with a murky feeling that sinks into your very soul.

Rating: 8.8/10

Fleet Foxes Review

"Fleet Foxes" is the self titled debut album from the Fleet Foxes.  With harmonious vocals, country/folk influences, and a light, charming atmosphere about it; the Fleet Foxes create a wonderful blend of sounds that culminate in a unique sound all to their own.  The Seattle based band not only received critical acclaim in the states, but they also had international success; charting in the UK and Sweden.  Something about a band's debut album just feels so magical.  "Fleet Foxes" delivers in their debut effort blowing what you may have expected out of the water.

No one song stands out from the rest on "Fleet Foxes".  It feels like the music you'd play exploring America's nooks and crannies.  The forest-like atmosphere of this album featuring many woodland creatures and adventurous nature trails flows through this album like the life blood of an album bred in the wild.  Songs such as "White Winter Hymnal" present some of the most charming moments on this album as the synchronized vocal melodies are stunning as the groundwork laid on this album remains concrete throughout.

The musical spectrum is jam-packed as each track has a heaviness to it; growing more and more substantial with each track adding to the mix.  There is also an honesty to the vocals on this album; as there is much to be desired from an album with a lot of tender lovin' care.  The final track on this album "Oliver James" is a nearly all a cappella track that the Fleet Foxes chant over and over again tribally to send off an album surrounded by wonder. 

Final Summary:

"Fleet Foxes" is an album that anyone from country to classic rock can enjoy.  The airy atmosphere reminds you of a misty mountain morning watching the sun rise on top of a hill.  And with a great atmosphere being set through and through, it keeps you entertained as the Fleet Foxes paint over the beautiful eaisel they have structured with their synchronized vocal performances, and delicately placed instrumentals.  It was one of the top albums of 2008 and for good reason; the album will make you feel.

Rating: 9.0/10

Wish You Were Here Review

With time comes the passing of people in our lives; even if they don't pass away per se.  They leave impressions that last a life time.  Not only does "Wish You Were Here" pay homage to founding member of Pink Floyd Syd Barrett, but it speaks on the importance of camaraderie within a group; and how you should never forget the ones that erected the structure around you.  "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" is the tribute to Syd who left the band seven years earlier after suffering a mental breakdown.  The carefully crafted, tasteful guitar licks on "Shine On" demonstrate the final waltz for Barrett as Pink Floyd evolved without their absent founder.  

There is weight to the 5 tracks on this record.  The two parts of "Shine On" encompass half the album's length as the remaining tracks speak about subjects such as corporate greed, musical discovery, fame, fortune, and human relationships.  "Welcome To The Machine" is very much a jab towards societal issues as it seems to be a recurring theme in Roger Water's writing.  Being put up in a corporately run system is highlighted greatly here as the industrial, ominous feel of the song makes you feel trapped in the pipelines of life.  "Have A Cigar" portrays a satirical stance against the music industry.  The corporate fat cat showing an up and coming musician how to make money in the sleazy industry; it's what comes to mind whenever I listen to it.

The title track has become a classic rock radio staple as I feel I've listened to it close to a million times.  "Wish You Were Here" was another song written for Syd Barrett as the song speaks about friends taking different paths in life and ultimately ending back where you started.  It is a song that anyone who has lost a friend who took a different path can relate to.  Also, "Wish You Were Here"(album) eventually became Pink Floyd's fastest selling album.  

Final Summary:

The album is largely a tribute to their old friend Syd who went off the deep end back in the day; but "Wish You Were Here" highlights some of the societal issues that Water's recognized from growing up in England.  The album seems like the first of a three part series of Pink Floyd albums that dive deep into the under toe of society; and how we are all part of a huge system that is very difficult to escape.  Basically, all of "Animals" preaches the same message, as "The Wall" is more of a conceptual adaptation on what really is happening in your backyard.  But on a lighter note, "Wish You Were Here" stands its own ground in rock history as one of the greatest concept albums ever written. 

Rating: 9.3/10

OK Computer Review

Radiohead came onto the music scene during an interesting period of time.  Grunge was in full swing, Nirvana held people's attention as the top act of the era while bands like Radiohead displayed consistency with albums like "The Bends" and "Pablo Honey".  The band's guitar-focused music and Thom Yorke's distressing vocals made them unique as the band needed a culmination in a scene that was very demanding.  "OK Computer" is the culmination and the end of the first half of Radiohead's successful career.  

"OK Computer" took Radiohead's experimentation to the next level with more sampling than their previous records, and more ambitious efforts musically in the process.  The band still stuck to their guitar-oriented ways but you could tell that there was much more to come from Radiohead in the future.  As they branched out, the album didn't deteriorate in the emotional department.  You can still feel every ounce of passion, and pain that Yorke emotes throughout the album and then some.  "Karma Police" especially feels the dreariest out of all the songs; the acoustic guitars are heavy, and the lyrics are self-defeating as Yorke feels he's losing himself in a society that holds him down for his actions.

But through the dreariness that Radiohead's albums encase, you find some really heavy rock songs thrown in the mix as well.  "Paranoid Android" and "Electioneering" feature some of the more "kick-ass" riffs that make you wanna rock out instantaneously; as the opening track "Airbag" and "Let Down" feature a quintessential 90's alternative rock sound that balances out a record that is out of the box.  "No Surprises" is one of the more well-known songs off of "OK Computer".  It speaks on being kept down by the government and ultimately, feels like a final call out before ultimately ending it all; with no surprises as the figurative person goes off into the dust.  

Final Summary:

"OK Computer" feels like Radiohead is chasing something.  It's either chasing a higher meaning, or its chasing death.  But when you factor in subtle hints at suicide and oppression; you can only predict the latter.  It's no surprise to hear a Radiohead album being somber in nature; but when push comes to shove, they know how to truly emote a message across in a powerful way.  Thom Yorke still remains one of my favorite vocalists of the 90's, and "OK Computer" truly culminates in a way that leaves the door open for their next chapter.

Rating: 8.6/10 

Led Zeppelin 1 Review

As I recently picked this up on vinyl, I knew exactly what I was getting into.  Led Zeppelin has been one of my favorite bands from when I started really diving into music back in high school.  The bluesy, classic rock gives off a feeling of depth and back in the late 60's, early 70's; Zeppelin was king in the hay day of "classic rock".  Of course you had other bands like Cream, Black Sabbath, and Jimi Hendrix who were classic in their own sense and overall amazing, legendary artists; but something about the hard hitting, take no prisoners style of Led Zeppelin made them stand out in a legendary era of music.

Their debut record "Led Zeppelin" actually received a lot of negative press when the album was released in 1969.  The era was filled with super groups and many felt that Zeppelin was just another "over-hyped British rock band".  The band definitely had to fight for their authenticity during that period since it didn't fit the mold of the times.  But not all the press was negative; many critics gave it an almost perfect rating as Jimmy Page's new band after the Yardbirds had the potential to compete with former Yardbird alumnus Eric Clapton, and Jeff Beck.

"Good Times Bad Times" right off the bat provides a hard hitting, blues inspired riff that hits you like a mack truck.  The riff isn't over-complicated but it sets the tone for a band trying to prove that they mean business.  The remainder of the first half on "Led Zeppelin" is filled to the gills with three 6-minute-plus tracks that serve as traditional blues renditions that any fan of the blues could appreciate (Baby I'm Gonna Leave You, You Shook Me, Dazed and Confused).  I have to admit that on these tracks it's not like Zeppelin is reinventing the wheel; but a track that I feel does is "Dazed and Confused".  The ominous opening few plucks on Jimmy Page's guitar set such an eerie mood as the song crescendos into utter eruption and chaos.  This is one of those classic tracks that really set Zeppelin apart back in the day.

The second half starts off with "Your Time Is Gonna Come".  A song that reminds me of Steve Winwood with the organ/keyboard thrown in the mix.  In my opinion, this track is one of the deeper cuts that many people don't automatically associate with what Zeppelin is all about; but the song grabs your attention because it is uniquely different and a breath of fresh air from the blues-oriented music.  "Communication Breakdown" is another classic rock staple that is hard hitting, and punky almost.  Ultimately, the album ends with "I Can't Quit You, Baby" and "How Many More Times"; two more bluesy jam sessions that are primordial in that they serve as the exoskeleton of some of Zeppelin's later work in the 70's.


Final Summary:

"Led Zeppelin" or "Led Zeppelin 1" was the loud knock on the door that the music world heard back in 1969.  It certainly wasn't the finished product of what Led Zeppelin would become, but it laid the groundwork for what they became.  They stuck to their blues/hard rock roots and never veered away.  This album offers diversity in songs like "Dazed and Confused" and "Your Time Is Gonna Come", but it also had staple blues tracks that make "Led Zeppelin" well balanced and a treat for any fan of classic rock.

Rating: 8.7/10

good kid, m.A.A.d city Review

West coast rap is back in session.  Kendrick Lamar's "good kid m.A.A.d city" is the crowning achievement in the rekindled west coast rap scene.  Hailing from Compton, Kendrick's straight forward, rap attack of an album hits you with the nostalgic feeling you had when listening to N.W.A or Tupac for the first time.  It feels modern, it feels accurate, it feels right for this moment where Kendrick is king, and everyone else in this era just isn't as focused.

The album speaks about youth, teenage experiences, and many firsts that young people can relate to on a deeper level.  Kendrick's precision as he raps with warp speed is incredible as he has the unique ability to spit on double or triple time, but can slow his tempo down dramatically and it's just as good.  A prime example would be on "Poetic Justice" ft. Drake.  The song feels like a slow jam that has a seductive, trance-like vibe accompanied by a solid verse from Drake.  Drake's verse didn't deter from it being the Kendrick Lamar show as his verse was just the right amount.

How Kendrick places his more distressed cries in the album shows his more humanistic side; giving certain tracks an extra edge to them.  The album stresses a lot on the frustrations on growing up in Compton, knowing who to trust, and who is going to lead you into the wrong direction.  "Good Kid" and "m.A.A.d city" symbolize that sentiment to the fullest as Lamar talks about the struggle, the streets, and the harsh reality that inspired this album.  "Sing About Me, I'm Dying Of Thirst" is a stunning 12 minute effort that asking for remembrance, empathy, and death.  Given the length of the track, it could be a bit of a drag for some, but overall it was substance over length.

"Compton" certainly feels like Dre knighting the new king. A Passing of the torch to the next west coast rap star by reminiscing on the ones that have come before Kendrick.  They talk about Tupac, Eazy, and of course Dre.  "good kid m.A.A.d city" is the life of a kid growing up in an area that has such a notorious history; and the man Kendrick became having gone through it.

Final Summary:

"good kid m.A.A.d city" is the coronation, its the inauguration of the new messenger of a coast that needed a leader.  There has been a noticeable gap between Tupac and Snoop; but the man who whole heartedly wants to grab the top brass is undoubtedly Kendrick Lamar.  "good kid m.A.A.d city" certainly sparked the flames for the career of Kendrick Lamar, it has led to the massive success "To Pimp A Butterfly"; but the future is now for Kendrick, and the sky is the limit.


Rating: 9.2/10

 

Magical Mystery Tour Review

"Magical Mystery Tour" is a double EP record released by The Beatles at the height of their experimental phase in 1967.  The album is filled with whimsical, psychedelic subject matter, twisted versions of reality, and overall experimentation.  Though the subject matter is out of left field, the album quietly squeaks by some of the more well-known Beatles records as an unexpected treat.  It's filled with hits such as "Penny Lane" and "Strawberry Fields Forever" with some deeper cuts that slowly grow on you.

The title track really makes you feel welcomed as George, John, Paul, and Ringo gallantly welcome you to an album that feels very adventurous.  George contributes two kaleidoscopic tracks "Flying" and "Blue Jay Way" as Paul offers two of the more mellow, soft and fluffy songs "Fool On The Hill" and "Your Mother Should Know".  "Fool On The Hill" is one of my favorites off of this EP as it truly is a song that takes you places.  I feel myself on top of a hill while listening to this song; the flutes and abstract instrumentation play a huge role in that.  

The remainder of the album is hit after hit as we're treated to classics like "All You Need Is Love", "Hello, Goodbye" and the previously mentioned "Strawberry Fields Forever".  The album makes you reminisce on childhood memories whether you grew up in the 60's, or if you're a millennial; as The Beatles' music crosses generation to generation.  One of the songs on this EP that implants in your brain forever is "Strawberry Fields Forever".  One of the greatest songs ever written as its a track filled with lore, mystery, and experimentation.  The song broke boundaries in the recording industry as each member, including George Martin, used the technology they had access to at the time to its full capacity. 

Also I can't forget to mention the eccentric "I Am The Walrus".  A song that drops your jaw in utter confusion, "I Am The Walrus" sits on a cornflake in the WTF category of Beatles' songs; yet something about it is so classic and authentic that its hard to despise.  

Final Summary:

"Magical Mystery Tour" had the unfortunate responsibility of following "Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band", widely regarded as the greatest album of all time.  But with hits as far as the eye can see, and an EP that is well-balanced in every way, "Magical Mystery Tour" does an excellent job of following up Sgt. Peppers and you could even argue that the mystery tour is a more enjoyable listening experience than Sgt Peppers.  An absolute classic.

Rating: 9.8/10  

The Gay Parade Review

"The Gay Parade" is a concept album from indie-rock/pop band Of Montreal that is widely regarded as indie's version of Sgt. Peppers.  Straight from the cover art you can see the comparison as the music is also reminiscent of the Beatles record.  It's whimsical, its bouncy, and its ultimately an enjoyable stroll through the park for any indie music fan.

"The Gay Parade" will take you to a psychedelic realm where children's fantasies come true.  Cotton candy, giraffes, and clowns encompass the circus-like atmosphere in euphoria.  The tracks on the album all seem to blend together smoothly as from start to finish, you feel like you're on a cobble-stone path with your eyes wide open with wonder all around you.  The cheerful feeling you get from listening to "The Gay Parade" could also make you feel slightly melancholic.  When I listened through, I felt happy as I was brought back to a simpler time; but once you realize that Of Montreal wrote this out of missing childhood and all the discovery it held, you get a different feeling pretty quickly.

I feel the album harps a lot on growing up and taking life for how it is, and how it turns out.  Songs like "Advice From A Divorced Gentlemen To His Bachelor Friend Considering Marriage" and "A Man's Life Flashing Before His Eyes While He And His Wife Drive Off A Cliff Into The Ocean." obviously talk about maturity and real life issues; while holding on to that whimsical, childhood feeling throughout. 

Final Summary:

"The Gay Parade" is anything but an album lacking character and a fortuitous direction it sticks to throughout.  You feel as if you're growing up right before your eyes within a 45 minute album.  The cheer that enters your body slowly dissipates as you go through the album; much like life in many aspects but the album is important in it strongly conveys innocence and wonder that leaves a lasting impression on the listener.  More so through the production than the lyrics does this album impact you.  It is considered indie's Sgt Peppers but don't be fooled; "The Gay Parade" doesn't shy away from being different as it is the musical equivalent of adolescence.        

Rating: 8.5/10      

Emotion Review

Best known for her annoyingly catchy single "Call Me Maybe", Carly Rae Jepsen's "Emotion" is a flashback to the glory days where Madonna reigned supreme and the 80's were in full swing.  "Emotion" offers a crisply edited album that is jam packed with home run moments; yet you can't help but feel something is missing in the equation.  Carly Rae's effort to move on from "Call Me Maybe" was felt in bunches on this album as we're given nearly perfect pop songs; absent of much identity.

"Emotion" opens up really strong.  "Run Away With Me" will get you pumped up as it serves as the spark that kindles the album brightly.  The title song is also extremely catchy as it keeps the momentum of the album on course.  Song like "Boy Problems" and "I Really Like You" unfortunately steer away from the strong 80's synth-pop vibe; taking a more cringe-worthy direction a la "Call Me Maybe".  The songs are too sweet and powdery for my taste as the subject matter sways into a more pre-teen direction.

"Your Type" stands out in a strong way as it blends the 80's style with a more modern radio-friendly style flawlessly; as "All That" has an impressively produced retro vibe that provides "Emotion" with a mature, concise ballad.  The remainder of the album features a couple of out of place songs that I feel could've been left out.  "LA Hallucinations" strays away from her girl next door vibe into as she transitions into a more edgy party girl; taking away from her image leaving me still guessing who Carly Rae really is.  "Warm Blood" is a bold effort that falls flat as again, it doesn't feel like it fits at all on an album like this.  I will say "Making The Most Of The Night" has an indulging quality to it. Even the repetitive nature won't sway you away from falling in love with the hook.

Final Summary:

"Emotion" really has some special qualities to it; truly delivering on the pop scale.  The carefully crafted production value is spot on as its complimented by some excellent writing by Jepsen and her collaborators.  The out of place songs and ever changing personality of Jepsen leave me a bit confused as I felt the album took some unnecessary risks.  But overall, The good outweighs the bad as this retro effort from Jepsen delivers on many fronts; though a more mature album is due in the near future.

Rating: 8.0/10    

Thank Me Later Review

With songs that'll make you reminisce on the long weekends you had scouting girls and enjoying yourself; Drake's first studio album "Thank Me Later" serves as the crowning of the new prince in the rap game.  "Thank Me Later"'s production value is crisp as the ambient undertones, snare snaps, and moody groundwork lay the foundation for Drake's lyrical execution; focused on the ones that got away, being successful at the young age of 23, and ultimately, dealing with the fame when all you want is a quiet night with someone special.

Much like the blurriness on the cover art, "Thank Me Later" is a psychedelic experience encompassed by Drake's own unique style and delivery.  Tracks such as "Over" and "Find Your Love" serve as the radio-friendly singles that characterize the album to the public; though tracks like "Cece's Interlude" and "Fireworks" are the deeper cuts that tap into the more emotional side that Drake leans on for support.  Drake is an artist that uses his lonely image to the fullest extent; and the naturally somber stylings of Drake give him his own lane to do what he sees fit.    

"Thank Me Later" also received many comparisons to Kanye West's "808s & Heartbreak".  Both albums harp on past relationships as both artists use their platform to vent their emotional frustrations; though I feel Drake's emotions have more layers to them.  You can tell that the fame and fortune had a certain impact on Drake.  "Thank Me Later" feels like a journey that Drake goes on to find his new "normal" as his world is constantly changing, but his heart longs for a much simpler, traditional way of life.

Honestly, Drake's clean approach to hip-hop is a breath of fresh air.  The muddied-up scene that overwhelms rap can be a lot to handle.  Drake is so unique in that he doesn't need to curse or slander to get his point across.  His firm grasp on melody and clear vision of what he wants to say shows up and comers that you don't have to work blue to be successful.  The album also features Jay Z, Nicki Minaj, and Lil Wayne to help support the new rapper; bringing him in as one of their own.

Final Summary:

Don't get it twisted; this album is not perfect.  Some of these songs overstay their welcome as certain tracks go well over the 5 minute mark.  Drake could've cut a good 10 minutes off this record to provide a more concise album as "Thank Me Later"'s length makes it feel a little unedited.  But overall, Drake sticks to his guns as the "lonely guy" providing the musical product of his emotional distress.

Rating: 8.3/10    

Animals Review

"If you didn't care what happened to me, and I didn't care for you" 

Those first few lyrics gave me chills. This is an album shrouded in deeper meaning and metaphorical hyperbole.  The honesty of dogs, pigs, and sheep serve as a testament to a world confiscated of basic humanity, as we're thrown into a system that is lead straight to slaughter. Albums like "Animals" don't get made anymore.  Strictly from an analog standpoint, feeling every ounce of this album on vinyl is an experience like none other and should be experienced if able to.  I was fortunate enough to have a friend gift me this on vinyl.  Yet either way you slice "Animals", there is a message, a calling, an inkling absorbed into your brain that just sticks. Whether you strictly enjoy the music as it is; a progressive monument ahead of its time, or if you enjoy looking deeper into the lyrics and taking what you will from them.

"Animals" certainly takes a different direction from some of their previous albums (Dark Side Of The Moon", "Wish You Were Here") as the bold effort from Pink Floyd tackles more controversial subject matter.  The album is based loosely off of George Orwell's "Animal Farm" as the lyrics speak mainly about the our societal classes metaphorically depicted as animals.  The aggressive dogs, the bigoted pigs, and the brainwashed sheep.   The lengthy tracks serve as the meat and potatoes of the album as the two parts of "Pigs On The Wing" share opposing beliefs.  Part 1 is about not giving a damn for one another as we occasionally glance at each other through the murkiness of life, and Part 2 speaks about sheltering one another in companionship and relatability. 

What truly makes "Animals" special is seeing the dynamic duo of Water and Gilmour showcasing their strengths at the top of their game.  Some of Gilmour's best guitar work is displayed on this album. The lengthy tracks gave Gilmour his easel to paint on as "Dogs" and "Pigs (Three Different Ones)" are filled with tasty solos that show a musician soaring through his prime.  Waters' lyrical imagery is a gem that fills "Animals" with industrial, reality-ridden illustrations on what really is happening around us every day.  Just from the cover art, you imagine factories, industries, and machines pumping out product onto a conveyor belt; processed one by one.  The rural setting, and the perfectly placed pig in between the silos constructs an image of pollution, corruption, and unfortunately, society as is.

Final Summary:

"You know that I care what happens to you
And I know that you care for me too

So I don't feel alone of the weight of the stone
Now that I've found somewhere safe to bury my bone
And any fool knows a dog needs a home
A shelter from pigs on the wing"

Rating: 10/10

Port Of Morrow Review

"Port Of Morrow" is the fourth studio album from indie/alternative rock band The Shins.  Following James Mercer's ambitious stint with Broken Bells, The Shins got back together (well, Mercer found new musicians) to put together this 2012 release.  "Port Of Morrow" is the type of album your indie-rock friends could play on repeat for days on end; but your mother could also play it lightly in the dining room during dinner.  "Port Of Morrow" is the homecoming The Shins needed to show they haven't swayed too far from their roots; distancing themselves from a more electronic direction like many indie rock bands found themselves doing.  The album differs from "Oh, Inverted World" atmospherically, as well as lyrically.

The album's two singles "Simple Song" and "It's Only Life" are both upbeat, pleasantly smooth tracks that truly showcase Mercer's voice at the forefront.  The frosty atmosphere of these songs give you a bit of a whimsical feeling while listening; especially when you're looking at the abstract cover art.  The track "September" offers a breezy sea vibe that is accompanied by well placed tremolo effects and bongo drums.  The indie-pop sounds on "Bait & Switch" offers up one of the more upbeat tracks on the album; though it doesn't stray too far from the norm on "Port Of Morrow".

"No Way Down" was lyrically inspired by the U.S. trade deficit and how it has affected the economy as a whole.  The song is a straight-forward indie/alternative rock song with lyrics that share a powerful message; warranting further examination.  Lyrically, the remainder of the album harps on Mercer's past relationships, his childhood that had him moving around due to his father's military job, and songs for his wife.  The album does have a sweet, nostalgic feeling to it as it seems Mercer used this album to vent some of the issues he may have shied away from on earlier Shins' records.  With maturity comes more confidence as this album comes off as a bolder effort from Mercer.

It's hard to call this a "Shins" record.  The album's only original member James Mercer should've titled this one a Mercer solo album as many critics (myself included) feel he has outgrown his identity.  Though this "Shins" record may be mistitled, you cannot deny the lovely, satisfying hooks Mercer put together on this album; epitomizing the maturity of James Mercer, as well as placing him as one of the true, long-standing front men of indie rock.

Final Summary:

"Port Of Morrow" satisfies on many levels.  The catchy hooks, the deep, well thought out lyrics, and the often pleasing musical structure transforms an album with an identity crisis, into one with much to be desired.  The album confidently marches forward not afraid to tackle social issues, or even deep seated personal issues; giving the album a bold feeling.  "Port Of Morrow" is undeniably the James Mercer show, but either way, it's a treat that a wide audience can enjoy.

Rating: 8.5/10

The Life Of Pablo Review

"The Life Of Pablo" is the highly anticipated seventh studio album from rapper Kanye West.  The weeks leading up to the release of "TLOP" were filled with the confusion of when the album would actually drop, or even the official name of the album.  The album finally dropped after Kanye's performance on SNL (February 13th 2016) as I swiftly downloaded a copy.  The album also features a plethora of guest features such as The Weeknd, Kendrick Lamar, Chris Brown, Frank Ocean, and Rihanna.  

You can call this Kanye's attempt at a "White Album" as each track doesn't fit one mold.  His previous release "Yeezus" was met with mixed reviews as the Chicago rapper was at the height of his fame, and with that, the height of his eccentric behavior.  "TLOP" showcases a man in the spotlight who has settled into his role in pop culture; embracing everything that has been thrown his way.  The opening track "Ultralight Beam" is a great opener as the guest vocals helped propel this song to new heights; as the chanting gospel choir in the background gives the track extra depth. Chance The Rapper, and the stunning vocal stylings of Kelly Price make the song come full circle as I wished the remainder of the album followed suit. 

"Father Stretch My Hands Pt 1 & 2" seemed very filler as Kanye takes a full verse from Desiigner's song "Panda" in Pt 2.  This copy and paste effort gave these two tracks a very empty feeling as they stray extremely far from the style of "Ultralight Beam".  "Famous" helps the album regain some credibility as Rihanna gives the song a great hook accompanied by some hard hitting beats.  But still, with lyrics talking about how Kanye may still fuck Taylor Swift, my head shakes in disappointment when childish rhymes clutter an album that was so highly anticipated.

"Feedback" was a glimpse back to the "Old Kanye" as the song reminded me of a track that would be off of "Late Registration" or even "Graduation".  I'm glad he went back to his roots with this one as I was getting annoyed listening to a line of tracks that felt empty to me.  "Highlights" is a song that utilized gospel chants alla "Ultralight Beam" and turned out to be a strong point on an album so far comparable to a blind man punching the air trying to hit pay dirt.  "Highlights" gives some legitimacy to the album as the smooth R&B beats mixed with gospel undertones is an breath of fresh air like "Ultralight Beam".  "Freestyle 4" and "I Love Kanye" are more filler tracks that don't overstay their welcome.  The quick "I Love Kanye" is funny as he talks about how everyone misses the old Kanye, but isn't meant to be taken seriously. 

"Waves" featuring Chris Brown has a very catchy beat but I felt like I was listening to a song produced by DJ Khaled.  The repetitiveness was annoying although Chris' hook was well done in my opinion.  "FML" comes out of left field as the dreariness of the track opened up my eyes.  Kanye was on point with his somber lyrics and when The Weeknd shows up, the track becomes breath-taking.  The Weeknd and Kanye bounce back and forth in a well-balanced effort.  "Real Friends" lyrically speaks about how we all get caught up in our lives and that we don't make time for our real friends, as we only have a couple in this world.  "Wolves" has some great guest features (Frank Ocean, Sia) and overall is a solid track. I also believe it was the correct length before it became daunting to listen to.   "No More Parties In LA" put Kendrick Lamar up against Kanye and Kanye won.  In my opinion, Kanye put more care and control onto his verses as Kendrick's verse was good, but Kanye seemingly felt like he had something to prove on this track.

Final Summary:

"The Life of Pablo" is an album that lacks direction.  There are definite highlights such as "Ultralight Beam", "FML", and "Real Friends"; but there are more filler tracks than solid ones for me to consider this album a stroke of genius.  Kanye's effort is seen sporadically throughout this album and it seems to me that Kanye feels he doesn't have to prove anything to anyone anymore.  Kanye is using his high-profile status as the draw, and in my opinion, straying away from what made Kanye great in the first place.  I'm hoping with his apparent summer 2016 release we see more of the "Old Kanye" because just like on "Yeezus", "The Life Of Pablo" is all talk and no substance.

Rating: 6.3/10