It’s been two and a half years since Kid Cudi released a solo album. During that time, he released an experimental album with producer Dot Da Genius under the group name WZRD and more recently disaffiliated with Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music label, where he had been signed since 2008. The news surprised the majority of [...]
Tag Archives | album review
Kendrick Lamar hits home with ‘good kid, m.A.A.d city’
The word “classic” in hip-hop is one that cannot be used lightly. “Classic” albums withstand the test of time and are still highly regarded 10, 20 or even 30 years later. While there have been many incredible albums over the illustrious history of hip-hop, few debut albums have ever been able to accomplish what Kendrick [...]
Miguel pushes R&B boundaries with ‘Kaleidoscope Dream’
To say Miguel’s R&B career got off to a shaky start would be an understatement. After producing a top-10 single with the album’s title track, “All I Want Is You” featuring J. Cole, Miguel’s debut sold just 11,000 copies in its first week. Fortunately for Miguel, his debut has now sold nearly 400,000 copies, and [...]
No Doubt refreshes sound with youthful rock on ‘Push and Shove’
When you’re one of the biggest bands from the ’90s, the golden age of alternative music, and you’re staging a comeback in 2012, it’s helpful not to look your age. Luckily, No Doubt has lead singer Gwen Stefani, the ageless Marilyn Monroe-esque ska punk rocker who looks just as good today as she did when [...]
Rockie Fresh revs up for ‘Electric Highway’
As an up-and-coming rapper, imagine this nine-month stretch: Release a highly regarded mixtape; get signed to Rick Ross’ label, Maybach Music Group; perform in front of 42,000 people at the first annual Made in America festival; have a music video from your mixtape premiered on “106 & Park”; and go on your first nationwide tour. [...]
Green Day tames sound on ‘Uno!’
To promote an upcoming album, some bands do press junkets, make television appearances and star in Target commercials. But that’s not very rock ’n’ roll compared to say a massive meltdown during an iHeartRadio set in Las Vegas. That’s what Green Day’s Billy Joe Armstrong decided to do when his band’s set was cut short [...]
Neon Trees’ sophomore album has plenty of funk
Hailing from Provo, Utah, Neon Trees is an alternative rock band who gained recognition from touring with The Killers. “Picture Show” is the band’s second album. The music industry just got a lot funkier and wavier with the sophomore album “Picture Show” by Neon Trees, released April 17. The band gave a preview of what [...]
You Should Be Celebrating
Breakthrough albums are a fascinating thing in that they often change the perception of a band forever, no matter how many years it was relatively unknown before or after its sudden popularity. And when I say breakthrough, I really mean breakthrough — as in a first-time Grammy winner with a multi-platinum record. This incredible success [...]
fun. explores new grounds with album ‘Some Nights’
“Some Nights,” the newest album by fun., was released Feb. 21, and to no one’s surprise, it amazes anyone who hears it. Opening the album differently than any other I have ever heard, with the addition of a chamber choir, “Some Nights” brings us back to the unique sound in the beginning of the album, [...]
You Should Be Celebrating
When it comes to observing general trends in electronic music, there seem to be two polarized sections that some of its famous musicians inhabit. The first, and most popular, space is occupied by Deadmau5, Skrillex and their contemporaries — chart-topping dance-fillers who deliver the euphoria of pure entertainment. Then, there are the forward-thinking types who [...]
Drake refines sound on sophomore album ‘Take Care’
On Feb. 13, 2009, Drake’s career took off. On that day, he released his critically acclaimed mixtape, “So Far Gone,” which almost won him a Grammy for the most popular song on that album, “Best I Ever Had.” Last June, he dropped his debut album, “Thank Me Later,” which sold 447,000 copies in its first [...]
Conflicting Resonance undergo many changes to make album
Relatively unknown back in India, Conflicting Resonance is an alternative rock band that came into being back in 2006. When asked how the band came along, they said, “We got together with the simple purpose of playing music, and that passion has driven us to where we are now.” Over the five-year period the band [...]
Wale grows with sophomore album ‘Ambition’
On Oct. 26, Wale held a private listening party for “Ambition” at the Gansevoort Park Hotel in New York City. His sophomore album is available now in stores and on iTunes. On Nov. 10, 2009, Wale released his debut album, “Attention Deficit,” on Interscope Records. Almost two years later, he is in a completely different [...]
Coldplay breaks mold with genre-mixing new record
On Oct. 24, Coldplay released their fifth studio album, “Mylo Xyloto.” The album includes the lead single, “Paradise,” as well as “Princess of China” featuring Rihanna. There used to be a time when people could search their iPods for this little British band called Coldplay, hit shuffle, and enjoy a quiet, contemplative musical medley while [...]
J. Cole makes way off the ‘Sideline’
Courtesy of Adulis Mokanan J. Cole’s debut album “Cole World: The Sideline Story” was released Tuesday, Sept. 27. The album includes features from Trey Songz, Drake, Jay-Z and Missy Elliott. Over the past 10 years, hip-hop has changed drastically. Signing a deal no longer means anything unless you have the fan base to gain the [...]
Hip-hop artist grows in fame with solo ‘Goblin’
Rarely does an artist come along that is so far from the norm that it’s shocking at first. At 20 years old, Tyler, The Creator, is the leader of the California hip-hop group Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All (OFWGKTA). The group includes eight members: Tyler, The Creator; Earl Sweatshirt; Hodgy Beats; Domo Genesis; [...]
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