#albume review

[nicollekidman]

quite possibly my favorite pitchfork review ever…. the whole thing is good go read

[aimseytv]

wait have u listened to los camps! new album

yeah. big fan. they need a letterbox for albums that is good and fun because i would never stop using it

[dlstmxkakwldrlarchive]

Partly for the prolific volume of projects artists release each year and partly for the fluid definition of an album (running anywhere from three to 13 tracks), an annual ranking of K-pop albums is never easy. As South Korea continues to extend its global musical influence, certain projects transcend hit-song compilations, presenting larger visions and conceptual narratives.

In 2023, stars like V, WOODZ and ONEW used their latest solo projects to share the music that inspires them at their core as artists and let listeners settle into sonic worlds they’ve developed.

[...]

First Place: Onew, Circle The First Album

While it’s somewhat criminal to think that 15 years after ONEW’s debut with SHINee in 2008 we only just received his first full Korean album, the singer-songwriter himself would say that now was the perfect time for Circle. A musical journey unlike anything released this year, ONEW shared that he had attempted to record the album’s title track before dropping his Dice EP in early 2022, but felt it wasn’t at the level of perfection it deserved and held onto the song. ONEW then involved himself in every aspect of Circle‘s production process, from meticulous mixing and mastering to tuning, beats, recording and mastering, attesting to the singer-songwriter’s dedication to artistic expression.

The single “O (Circle)” opens the album with an intriguing blend of electronica and strings, while its gospel-tinged chorus emphasizes lyrics about the circular nature of life and how memories, feelings and dreams are all fleeting. The 10 tracks on Circle develop unique transformations from start to finish: the breezy melodies in “Cough” are paired with loneliness-themed lyrics and a melancholy instrumental breakdown, while “Rain on Me” starts with aggressive acoustic guitar strumming before transitioning into an atmospheric, percussive ballad. Sweet surprises abound, too: ONEW scats on the jazz-rap hybrid “Caramel” and gives a glimpse into his indie-rock side on “Parachute.”

The album’s effortless flow is anchored by ONEW’s famously solid yet understated vocals. As Circle concludes with the tender piano ballad “Always” which addresses themes of loyalty and resilience, the listener wonders if it’s an allegory for ONEW’s public journey through health challenges, including vocal cord surgery. Even without any writing credits on Circle, ONEW’s presence is undeniably felt in this seamless collection that boasts an emotional depth brought on by 15 years in the game. That’s the kind of introspection you can’t rush or doctor through A&R but need to cycle through and arrive at when the moment is right. From scheduling this album’s release to the messages on the final track, time is definitely on ONEW’s side to deliver such a project. — J.B.

source

[kobzars]

Album “From Ukrainian Antiquity”

Album “From Ukrainian Antiquity”, compiled by Samokish together with Vasylkivsky about the life and history of Hetman Ukraine.

Fighting for political freedom, for the Ukrainian faith, the Cossacks watered every inch of their native land with their blood and sowed with their bones. They created such heroic heroes, which caused contemporaries and cause fair amazement in posterity.

[yellow-yellow-jacket]

“im pulling in the driveway, im turning off the car” having so much narrative weight bc earlier was “even in my fantasy, i keep the car running in case I need to take off” it portrays the feeling of the song so well im going insane

[girlreviews]

Review #146: Parallel Lines, Blondie

Man oh man oh man. I love Blondie so much. I found this record in the Windsor Oxfam. I don’t remember exactly how old I was, but I remember what boyfriend was with me so that puts me between 15 and 18. Yeah, same guy. I actually don’t remember if he ended up getting his hands on this record or not. I think I still have it. Will rifle through my collection later to check.

Blondie was in the “being cool” wilderness for some absolutely crazy reason at that point, and nobody really gave a shit about them anymore. When I was 17 or 18 they were playing the Reading Hexagon which is honestly still just such an unbelievable insult I’m still annoyed about it. I’ll circle back to that.

Parallel Lines epitomizes the complete and total coolness and badassery of Debbie Harry. I have never wanted to be someone more than I wanted to be her. So much confidence. Such incredible cheekbones. Such commitment to art. No apologies. The voice of an angel one moment and snarling whimsical warnings, like, hey you, don’t fuck with me, the next. Always standing in front of all of those completely non-descript nobody dudes. Yeah they’re playing the music, but who cares, who are they? It’s all her. She is Blondie.

Can I pick a favorite? It opens with Hanging on the Telephone, in which she is really threatening to rip the phone clean off the wall. It might be that one. But we’ve also got the classic One Way Or Another, which needs no comment, and one of my actual favorites of all time, Heart of Glass which never fails to fuck me up, but like, it’s a god damn disco track? Like sure, yeah, let’s boogie away our heart break. And I did. And I have. And I will. And these are all SINGLES. We aren’t even discussing the actual album tracks yet. Just listen to it. Honorable mention goes to Sunday Girl, which I always really loved. It’s cute and it’s kind of sweet in a very teenage girl kind of way that worked for me since I was in fact, a teenage girl. Also, not on the official album release, but there was a version of that track where the latter half was sung entirely in French and I always really dug it.

Okay so circling back to the Hexagon. This is a weird story and I’m still not sure how I feel about it, to this day. As I said, Blondie were playing a show at the Hexagon. I was absolutely obsessed with them, and Debbie Harry. I was also 17 or 18 and spent every penny I had on going to shows, but those pennies were pretty limited. I worked as a waitress at the pub that was two doors down from my house. It was full of characters. One such character was a regular, he was in his late 40s, was very wealthy, didn’t drive, was single, and spent literally every bit of his spare time in that pub. Think on that. He paid a lot of attention to the various young women that worked there. Was he creepy? No not exactly. But did it make you uncomfortable? Yes it did. Because you never knew when he might make it weird. Everyone liked him well enough. One day out of the blue this guy presented me with five tickets to the Blondie show. I didn’t know what in the hell to say or whether to accept them. Or what it meant. Whether there were expectations attached to them. Whether it was okay to take them. I was uncomfortable. I was 17.

Here’s what happened. My Mom, who sort of knew him too, since he was always there, decided it was fine, because she wanted to go. But for it to be okay, she decided he also had to come. So we went, he came, and a few friends too. The thing is though, she never knew him like I did. I saw him every day. I saw him with the other girls that worked at the pub. I saw him drunk off his ass. I don’t know that I ever would have taken the tickets. Or if I did, I’m not sure I ever would have invited him. I feel a bit queasy about it to this day. I think in the end something really off-base happened one night between him and someone on staff and he got barred. That was usually the way it went with regulars who were there that often.

The other thing to note is that Blondie ended because Debbie Harry was with Chris Stein, who was literally dying of some rare autoimmune disease throughout their last tour. There were other factors at play, but essentially, they broke up because he was too sick and she stayed at his side and became his full-time carer. When he was well, he left her. They are, remarkably, still close friends to this day and still perform together. Just never forget that men are dogs, and that Blondie is and always will be Debbie Harry. I love her. To this day she looks better than I do in a mini skirt and I love that for her.

ETA: I checked and in fact, I do not still have Parallel Lines in my record collection, but I am quite confident it got lost when I moved back to the US. Also, I’m not 100% certain that show was at the Reading Hexagon. I just know it was a shitty venue not worthy of Blondie. This was 18 years ago. You get the idea.

[sendmyresignation]

i think there's really something to be said about how there has never been a record i've encountered where people wanted justification or excuse to refuse to acknowledge the intention and seriousness of the project itself like danger days by both defenders and haters. i find it so incredibly bizarre and strange and partially fascinating.

[groovyghostnotes]

Album Review: Rumours by Fleetwood Mac

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

i figured i’d kick my reviews off with one of my all time favorites. i consider this album one of my “evergreens” since it never seems to lose its place in my heart. i know this one is sort of a “no brainer” when it comes to favorite albums, but that’s all for good reason. this album is a classic, and quite possibly the closest humans will ever be to creating a masterpiece. it’s clear why so many people love this album, and its story is even more compelling.

first of all, it’s a wonder this album even exists. the fact its so good is even more of a mystery to me. let’s set the stage shall we? it’s 1976, and fleetwood mac has come together to write an album. only problem is, pretty much everybody has a problem with somebody else in the band. stevie nicks and lindsey buckingham, as well as christine and john mcvie, had split up (while his ex may not have been in the band, mick fleetwood was also going through a divorce while recording this album). yeah, imagine trying to write an album with your ex. and double it. imagine the tension in that room. no wonder they wanted to credit their dealer as one of the reasons the album came to be. take this as a warning kids, don’t date your bandmates. it never ends well.

but the strange predicament fleetwood mac found themselves in gave them a unique writing opportunity. christine, lindsey, and stevie were all writing songs for other bandmates. so, you get an album that’s essentially letters from different people experiencing heartbreak. i also find it funny that they basically wrote diss tracks for each other while the other had to play it with them. like taylor swift thinks she’s cool for writing songs about her exes? stevie nicks was singing songs about lindsey buckingham, and he was up there playing guitar with her. that’s a major power move.

regardless, fleetwood mac turned their heartbreak into a beautiful album. it truly goes to show much emotion and music go hand in hand. humans are always turning their lives into art, and i think that’s pretty neat. it also shows just how incredibly talented the band was. most people probably wouldn’t have even survived making an album in that situation, let alone a timeless classic.

when you think of the 70s, odds are you’ll think of rumours. it’s a walking paradox, really. it perfectly encapsulates that 70s rock sound, but seems untouched by time completely. rumours is still a beloved album, with plenty of young folks today embracing its messy beauty. but why? i assume one of the reasons is that it’s just that good. but i also feel as though its message is universal. everyone, from any point in time, has experienced heartbreak. who doesn’t like putting on a good song and getting in the feels? that kinda thing transcends time.

rumours became an iconic album, and one very close to my heart. maybe it’s my old soul talking, but i really hope this album will continue on forever. long live fleetwood mac.

(ps, if you wanna count it as a rumours song, sliver springs is my pick for the best live performance of a song ever. i’m obsessed with it.)

Listen to the album here:

[waywardsou2]

Im listening to Marcus Skeens new album and I'm going to give my thoughts in each song

Strangers

Ok but seriously? It took me a second to pick who's perspective this was. But when I twigged it was Viktor's. Gods ok I almost cried listening to that line

Because it shows how much Viktor really did want Jayce. How clear as day it was and yet he was so sure he couldn't have it. He was so sure it was unconditional. And tbh the way Jayce looked at Mel (talking from the perspective of Infinity End) I can't blame him. Wow that's really sad but it was really beautiful. I liked how clear the guitar was as well. The scratch of the strings was a nice touch

Event Horizon

Oh I'm excited for this one based on title alone

Ok fuck I know a lot of people say things like "I'm literally crying omg" and usually I don't believe them so I get it if you think the same. But the way I tell you I burst into tears when I heard these two lines. Like instantly tears in my eyes and then running down my face...

Again took me a little while to understand who's perspective that was. But I think these are all from Viktor's perspective. Which is really interesting, but I would love to see him make a parallel album answering these songs from Jayce's perspective.

But holy fucking shit. The turn from "I wish you would lie to me and tell me you love me" to "Shit wait you might be serious and now I have no clue what to do because I've been pining for so long"

This honestly hit me like a slap in the face

This has to be my favourite by far. I do still have three others to go thought

Better

Just end me now. That one may be my second favourite but holy fuck.

The way I wanted to scream like Vi did in Jinx's final scene. Because that was fucking brutal

This...this is just Viktor all over. He thinks he's broken, he fully believes it. Jayce doesn't want him to say that he is because Jayce doesn't see him that way.

Him saying he wants to be better deeply parallels Jayce telling Viktor he's perfect the way he is. As well as hinting to the previous song. Now that Jayce's eyes are on him he feels unworthy because he is so broken.

Oh that really fucking hurts.

Changes

Shit omg ok. Not as gut wrenching but still powerful. Not my favourite music but it's the message for me

Viktor is clearly very closed off, very reserved and as far as we know he doesn't have any friend apart from Viktor and we don't know about his family either. The idea that he's been hurt and has to learn to love again is heartbreaking but the fact that he wants to do it for Jayce is so powerful.

He's willing to risk getting hurt again because of how much he loves Jayce

The idea that Viktor feels like he darkens Jayce's shine. That because he is less standing next to Jayce he makes him look like less. As if he is a stain of some kind. That was fucking brutal. Just brutal.

Also calling Jayce lover?! Excuse me?!

Also comparing Jayce to a Renaissance painting? Hello? How gay can you be?

Oh love it

Until Next Time

Top 3. Fuck!

The fucking idea that Viktor had lost sleep, crying over the unrequited feelings he has for Jayce that he realised aren't unrequited...that hurts so much to think about

And and and I think this is from Mage Viktor's peresotivs. This feels very him. Especially with the "timelines" and "possibilities" lines. That has to be him.

It really is just song form of what he said to Jayce. No matter what they will do whatever they can do to pull themselves together. Jayce will always choose Viktor and Viktor can't stand the idea of letting Jayce go. They just can't.

But the fact that he says "you don't need to say it back" makes me think that maybe. Just maybe. Mage Viktor's Jayce never got the chance. Viktor turned him before he realised what he had done and Jayce never got to say it back...

And the emphasis on Viktor saying I love you makes me think he didn't either.

Oh this is so damn tragic. But it's amazing story telling

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Please go listen to these songs for yourself. It's Marcus Skeens' Infinity End album on Spotify. I need to go kiss this man and then cry.

[zinphandel]

Danny Brown- Atrocity Exhibition

hello phannie PHUCKING nation! everyone’s favourite series is BACK BABY!

its time for another kate rates dans favourite albums! Today we are listening to Atrocity Exhibition by Danny Brown

Initial thoughts?

This is a funnnnn and exciting one! Danny Brown has been someone I've been wanting to get into more, I'm not totally clued up on danny brown but he feels like someone I will really enjoy bc this seems soooo up my street. Ive defo heard some songs before but this is not my area of expertise!

Is this a first time full album listen through?

NO ITS FUCKING NOT. I listened and reviewed this album last year when i was originally doing this series. I wrote a full (really good) review, scheduled it to post and tumblr just fucking DELETED IT 😭😭😭😭!!! SO. we are going a re listen :) anyway. lets get listening bitches

Listen through:

•downward spiral is a perfect introduction to the album. the soundscape is haunting and literally makes you feel like you are falling into that downward spiral. song-omatepia? (also nine inch nails reference!)

• it’s weird to me that i haven’t actually listened to much of danny brown, it feels like it would be sooo up my alley

• obsessed with the instrumentals in the second track tell me what i don’t know danny brown is a master at conveying emotions through the mixture of sounds

• danny browns voice reminds me SO much of andre 3000 (specifically like stankonia era outkast andre)

•sexy basslines make me horny and there is an abundance throughout this album

• really doe is defo the highlight of the album so far. kendrick feature always make every song 10x better and EARLLLLL!!

• this is a veryyyyy sexy album :3

• ain’t it funny is fucking FANTASTIC!!!! what a bouncy brilliant track. the beat is absolutely next level

• omg how have i literally JUST realised that ‘atrocity exhibition’ is a joy division reference!

• this album STILL feels fresh, even though it came out nearly 10 years ago. so funky!

• REALLy like really enjoying the instrumentals on these tracks. such an interesting mixture of jazzy, punky and hip hop influences. i’m such a slut for rap that doesn’t just use the same shite reused trap beat and has an interesting and unique perspective sound wise. danny brown is a fucking master at this.

• white lines sounds like ur brain on cocaine lol - the album feels and sounds like that descent into drug fueled madness, chasing that high and running from a comedown

•the ominous piano and erratic electronica of pneumonia make listening an EXPERIENCE, it’s wild but fun as fuck (feels slightly death gripsy to me!!) “lick the clit and she did the macarena” is a fucking insane bar im crying

• love the complete switch up to dance in the water!! this album keeps you on your toes and requires an immersive listening experience

• from the ground with kelela feels soupy and sludgey and sexy and sensual! what a voice she has!!

•this is absolutely my favourite type of hip hop. fun, experimental and insane

•mate the production on this album is just fantastic - it feels SO post punk inspired 🤩🤩🤩

•need to hear when it rain mixed into a sexy techno set literally as soon as possible

Favourite song(s)?

really doe, ain’t it funny, pneumonia

Least favourite song?

probably ‘today’ it’s not bad AT all. just everything else is so banging

Would i listen again?

fuck YES! i don’t remember enjoying it this much on the first listen i did a few months ago. such a fun, engaging album that truly takes you on a journey, the PRODUCTION is fabulous!!!!!

Do i recommend?

✅✅✅✅ yes! can’t wait to listen to more

What would I rank it out of 10?

9/10

guysssss ive missed doing these! i hope you've missed them too because they are coming back FULL FORCE! see u tomorrow for another one!

read my 2015 reviews here

read the rest of the my 2016 reviews here

listen to the playlist of highlights from dans favourite albums here

[caramarafics]

Once again Lin Manuel Miranda has changed the concept of theater and Broadway as a genre.

On October 18, 2024 he and co-producer Eisa Davis released a concept album inspired by the 1979 cult classic film The Warriors. The movie follows the street gang the Warriors as they make their way from The Bronx to their home turf of Coney Island while being hunted by rival gangs and cops. One of the major differences between the film and the concept album is the switching of genders of the Warriors.

The album features a slew of veterans Broadway alum such as Phillipa Soo, Anessa Folds, Amber Gray, Joshua Henry, and Jasmine Cephas Jones while packing an astonishing list of artists such as Ms. Lauryn Hill, Nas, Busta Rhymes, Billy Porter, Ghostface Killah, RZA, Marc Anthony, Colman Domingo, Kim Dracula, and Shenseea.

From start to finish the album sucks you in and by the finale you are left wanting more but in the best way possible. The blending of multiple genres backed by the creative lyricism expected from Lin-Manuel Miranda makes this album an absolute must listen for anyone who loves Broadway, good storytelling, or just good music in general.

It's no longer a question of if this will get a Broadway adaptation rather WHEN we can expect the announcement. It's my hope though that we get a film adaptation straight to streaming with the original cast first, simply because I selfishly want to see Ms Lauryn Hill belting "If You Can Count" as many times as I want from the comfort of my home.

Go listen to this album.

[junkerratesalbums]

I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love- My Chemical Romance

Buckle up, this might get a little long. To be honest I’ve been avoiding rating any My Chemical Romance albums because I don’t know if I can be normal about it. I certainly know I can’t be unbiased, not that that has ever stopped me before. However, I’ve been on a bonkers MCR kick these last few days and after listening to every album, plus singles, plus live albums, plus demos, I just had to do one on Bullets. Guys… it’s so good. I’m always a bit hesitant to decide on a favorite album with this band because it really depends on my mood, however, this might take the cake. I’m always a bit of a sucker for the first albums a rock band does, mostly because I really love the dirt and grime of a more unpolished album (for example, I’m a huge fan of Bleach by Nirvana). This is not to say that the songs are not well put together, because they sound meticulously put together, with a sort of wildness that balances it out really well.

Everyone adds so much to this album. I know bass doesn’t always get as much love as it should, but Mikey Way really kills it on the bass (not to mention his backing vocals), especially on Early Sunsets Over Monroeville. It adds a really sweet layer of depth to it. Not to extrapolate too much but Mikey and Gerard Way are so clearly brothers when you listen to them play together. They just blend really well, and while they have different styles, they are super in-sync. Gerard’s vocals on this album are so insanely passionate and super powerful, which is something that he maintains and always does really well. I won’t go too much into the writing/themes/etc. of the album because I could talk about it all day and this is already too long, but long story short: super raw, really impressive. I think that Ray Toro is absolutely integral to this album (and to the band as a whole). To start, his backing vocals blend so well with Gerard’s. Now, I know exactly nothing about guitars, but he has a really incredible ear for interesting chords and harmonies and everything else that a guitar can do. He seems to know exactly when to lay it down and when to pick it back up. Plus, the way he plays is just so technically incredible. MCR gets a lot of (deserved) credit for the impressive vocals, but the rest of the band, especially the guitars are just so so good and skilled. This is a totally biased take, but I would go so far to say that Ray Toro may be one of the best guitarists of the past 25 years I’ve ever heard. I’ll leave it at that. I would go on but this is already the longest thing I’ve ever written and I don’t think anyone is still reading. Clearly I have Too Many Thoughts on MCR and this album. Let’s land this plane. The songs that made it onto my daily rotation were: Honey This Mirror Isn’t Big Enough For The Two of Us, Vampires Will Never Hurt You, Drowning Lessons, Headfirst for Halos, Skylines and Turnstiles, Early Sunsets Over Monroeville, and Demolition Lovers. So… almost all of them. My favorite song was Headfirst for Halos. Here is my totally biased rating: 10/10. No notes on that score please.

TLDR: this album is so, so good and I need you all to listen to it for your sake and mine.

Damn.

[aureymusic]

never has something made me want to toss away all my mortal possessions and let myself succumb to my hallucinations in the cascadian wilderness

10/10

[johnnyw3irdo]

The new project of Hayden is amazing, i really loved it and enjoyed. My favs were absolutely Etienne and Vacillator and i love the lyrics. This Ep makes me feel really vulnerable somehow i dont know how to explain it but its an absolute masterpiece, the two music videos (Punish and Vacillator) are really my vibes and they are fantastic!

[kellyeddington]

"There is nothing wrong with being noisy, raw and aggrieved – especially if you’re U2." 

After absorbing Reassemble for a couple of months, PJ and Kelly review HTDAAB's shadow album, and they have THOUGHTS.

[stinkrascal]

honestly i really like anthony fantano, ive been a fan of his reviews for years now, but his review of halsey’s newest album was so inexcusable imo 😭 like god forbid a woman writes an album about her fear of actively dying from cancer/lupus and leaving her son without a mother, without some guy rolling his eyes and calling her legitimate fears ab her own mortality “main character syndrome” like that’s just so cruel for no reason. literally what is the critique there? that she’s annoying for talking about her cancer diagnosis? like it actually blows my mind that he could post a review so callous. men will see women create art about a time in their life when they were actively dying of cancer and still call her childish “teen angst” like… ok 😭