The Head and the Heart desperately wants to become the next One Republic. Their once folk-heavy sound (Let’s Be Still from 2013) has morphed into a more pop-friendly tone since the release of their Signs of Light record from 2016.…
Album Review: Schoolboy Q – “CrasH Talk”
SchoolBoy Q entered the Black Hippy collective (along with Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar and Ab-Soul) as a weed-smoking prodigy looking to infuse Crip-friendly raps into Kendrick Lamar’s Top Dawg Entertainment label. His first album, Setbacks, assimilated poverty and partying with…
Album Review: The Cranberries: “In the End”
It’s always tough saying goodbye to the musicians who’ve bridged the gap between different generations. Cranberries’ front woman Dolores O’Riordan was one of those people who accomplished that feat. Her unique voice, and dynamic songwriting was at its apex in…
Album Review: Stealing Sheep – “Big Wows”
Stealing Sheep are about as 1980s as it gets. Their look, style, and sound are all reminiscent of the glory days in pop music. The cover art of their latest album-Big Wows-is somehow a more glamorous version of Haim’s Something…
Album Review: Labrinth/Sia/Diplo – “LSD”
Everything about Labrinth, Sia, and Diplo’s collaborative album is derivative of contemporary music. The cartoonish cover, the juvenile lyrics, the drug references; everything. The very idea of combining each of their artistic styles into one project is peculiar. Sia’s powerful…
Album Review: Juice WRLD – “Death Race For Love”
Juice WRLD’s debut album, Goodbye & Good Riddance, was a turning point in hip hop for a variety of reasons. It officially solidified emo-rap as mainstream; gave young male kids a reason to show their emotions, and allowed Juice-aka Jared…
Album Review: Hozier – “Wasteland, Baby!”
Recording a hit single can be a blessing and a curse for any artist. In one regard, your art is finally heard, and an audience is acquired. On the flip side, following up that Billboard-topping song can be a daunting…
