Rising Swedish pop star Tove Lo's sophomore album, Lady Wood, doesn't pack as much of a punch as the smash hits which defined her first. Instead, she opts for a darker angle and sings over minimalistic electropop beats. Her brand of hook-based instant earworm pop music does not work as well with the style, many of … Continue reading Tove Lo – Lady Wood
Month: October 2016
Lady Gaga – Joanne
After a few years accompanying Tony Bennett, far removed from the mainstream consciousness in the world of jazz music, Lady Gaga returns to the public eye with her fifth studio album and first since 2013's ARTPOP. Gaga is accompanied by many interesting and unexpected collaborators from all over the musical map, leading people to wonder what … Continue reading Lady Gaga – Joanne
D.R.A.M. – Big Baby D.R.A.M.
Virginia rapper D.R.A.M., who burst onto the scene with infectious hits "Cha Cha", which captured the attention of Chance the Rapper and Beyonce, and current top 5 single "Broccoli", arrives with his debut full-length album -- and it represents a very refreshing surprise in the current landscape of hip-hop music. D.R.A.M. himself is a lot more … Continue reading D.R.A.M. – Big Baby D.R.A.M.
JoJo – Mad Love
After a seven year period involving contract disputes and legal struggles, former child star JoJo returns with her first full length album in 10 years. She previously made history as the youngest person to achieve a number one hit on the pop charts - remember "Leave (Get Out)"? The album draws from a wide range … Continue reading JoJo – Mad Love
NxWorries (Knxwledge and Anderson .Paak) – Yes Lawd!
Quickly rising funk sensation Anderson .Paak and producer Knxwledge, known for his jazz and soul-sampling beats, combined their talents on this 19 track album that never feels like it overstays its welcome. Often hilarious, the album captures the era of 60s and 70s soul music in a way no other modern artists have been, continuing … Continue reading NxWorries (Knxwledge and Anderson .Paak) – Yes Lawd!
OneRepublic – Oh My My
Ubiquitous pop-rock band OneRepublic returns for the first time in three years with their fourth studio album. The band is fronted by superstar producer and songwriter Ryan Tedder, who has found enormous success in his contributions to the work of some of today's biggest artists (Adele, Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Ariana Grande). Unfortunately, what seems to … Continue reading OneRepublic – Oh My My
Phantogram – Three
Indie-pop duo Phantogram's third studio effort takes a turn for the uncharacteristic, leaving behind the upbeat and synth-heavy tracks for more of a rock and roll edge. This musical turn is even more unsettling in the wake of their collaborative EP with OutKast's Big Boi, Big Grams, blending their style surprisingly well with the jazzy southern … Continue reading Phantogram – Three
Danny Brown – Atrocity Exhibition
After an extended absence, off-the-wall rapper Danny Brown returns with his third solo effort, Atrocity Exhibition, continuing to establish himself as one of the biggest risk-takers in the music industry. Brown's uncanny ability to pick out any piece of music, regardless of the sonic world it comes from and flow on it is impressive. It makes … Continue reading Danny Brown – Atrocity Exhibition
Banks – The Altar
The alt-R&B songstress many have dubbed the female version of The Weeknd returns with a sophomore album which evades the sophomore curse in a major way, keeping up 2016's apparent trend of improvements on previous work. The songwriting and production game is stepped up to allow The Altar to soar over her somewhat inconsistent previous album, Goddess. This album … Continue reading Banks – The Altar
Ben's Beat - Music Reviews 