Back with a new name and one of the best producers in the business, The Chicks storm back onto the musical scene. Their first album since winning the 2007 Album of the Year Grammy with Taking The Long Way, a somber and reflective look at a world that had recently sent them a firestorm of … Continue reading The Chicks – Gaslighter
Country
Rapid Fire Reviews (2 Chainz, Maren Morris, Juice WRLD)
2 Chainz - Rap Or Go To The League Usually one of the most cartoonish and comedic faces in rap, 2 Chainz’s fifth studio album Rap Or Go To The League – apparently executive produced by basketball star LeBron James – sees him dial the punchline bars back and address some more serious issues, all … Continue reading Rapid Fire Reviews (2 Chainz, Maren Morris, Juice WRLD)
Rapid Fire Reviews (The Weeknd, Kacey Musgraves, Hayley Kiyoko)
The Weeknd - My Dear Melancholy, Canadian pop/R&B superstar The Weeknd releases a 6-song EP a year and a half after the successes of Starboy that sees him return to a sound that many fans have been missing. My Dear Melancholy, is much darker than we’ve heard him get in a while. While it’s difficult … Continue reading Rapid Fire Reviews (The Weeknd, Kacey Musgraves, Hayley Kiyoko)
First Aid Kit – Ruins
Swedish folk duo First Aid Kit’s fourth studio album continues to display the sisters’ airtight harmonies and excellent storytelling while settling into a satisfying and consistent niche throughout its 10 tracks. While the album isn’t particularly abundant in musical risks, this is the sound of a band in full control of what works well for … Continue reading First Aid Kit – Ruins
Rapid Fire Reviews (Chris Stapleton, Miguel, Big Sean)
Chris Stapleton - From A Room: Volume 2 Country/soul superstar Chris Stapleton releases the second half of his From A Room series, following the excellent Volume 1 early this year. Despite mostly restraining himself from the explosive moments and outlaw country lyrics on this second half, opting instead for safer, pleasant balladry, Stapleton’s vocal talent … Continue reading Rapid Fire Reviews (Chris Stapleton, Miguel, Big Sean)
Miley Cyrus – Younger Now
Miley Cyrus' sixth studio album is a return to her roots, abandoning the ridiculous persona that coloured her previous two albums and somewhat problematically distancing herself from the hip-hop genre as a whole, saying the materialism associated with it doesn't represent her anymore. Younger Now reverts back to some country-tinged, mostly acoustic pop music, Cyrus' voice still … Continue reading Miley Cyrus – Younger Now
Chris Stapleton – From A Room: Volume 1
Fresh off his Grammy win (and Album of the Year nomination!) for his debut album, Traveller, Chris Stapleton is back to offer another brief compilation of tracks showcasing his outstanding voice. From A Room: Volume 1 blends together Stapleton's brand of outlaw country music with aspects of soul, blues and southern rock, genres which better accommodate the … Continue reading Chris Stapleton – From A Room: Volume 1
Little Big Town – The Breaker
Now deep into their careers, harmonious country quartet Little Big Town recruit some of their genre's best songwriters and right the wrongs of their Pharrell Williams-assisted bubblegum pop misfire of 2016, Wanderlust. While there may not be anything on the project that stands out quite like their Grammy-nominated ballad "Girl Crush", there is more than enough … Continue reading Little Big Town – The Breaker
Kacey Musgraves – A Very Kacey Christmas
In the midst of Halloweening, critically acclaimed country singer Kacey Musgraves inexplicably decides that it is already time for Christmas, and releases a delightful collection of songs. The project contains new and interesting spins on some classics, four great originals and a heavy infusion of the adorable personality we've come to love her for. There … Continue reading Kacey Musgraves – A Very Kacey Christmas
Little Big Town – Wanderlust
Veteran country quartet Little Big Town, finally having broken out of their exclusively country audience with the Grammy nominated single “Girl Crush”, veer off their usual path with a shortened collection of 80s-inspired pop music, helmed by superstar producer Pharrell Williams. While I would usually expect anything with Pharrell’s name on it to be a … Continue reading Little Big Town – Wanderlust
