When Springsteen’s nineteenth studio album succeeds, it uses themes of cowboys and the West to come to an understanding of humanity, rather than simply replicating its tropes.
Read moreSteve Lacy Stretches, Soars & Slays on Dynamic, DIY Debut Album ‘Apollo XXI’ | Album Review
A resolute do-it-yourself atmosphere permeates throughout Lacy’s debut long player and there is a refreshing lack of star-studded buddies crowding the track list.
Read moreAdrian Marcel Captures the Sound & Spirit of Modern Soul on Stellar ‘98TH’ | Album Review
On his latest album, the Oakland-bred Marcel fully embraces the moody, nocturnal sound of today’s R&B.
Read moreMavis Staples Gets By With A Little Help From Her Friend Ben Harper on Wondrous 'We Get By' | Album Review
The eleven tracks assembled here have the feel of a live show, not in terms of rawness, because Staples is always fully cooked, but more in the presentation of the songs.
Read moreLeven Kali Delivers Dynamite Soul in Droves on His Debut Album ‘Low Tide’ | Album Review
Like his contemporary peers, Kali pulls from multiple genres. But soulfulness is the common thread that pulls together the different sounds on his debut project.
Read moreFlying Lotus Embraces the Esoteric & Ephemeral on “Flamagra” | Album Review
When the songs are given space to breathe and grow though, there is great beauty to be found on Flying Lotus’ sixth studio album.
Read moreMorrissey’s ‘California Son’ Is the Confounding Yet Captivating Work of a Charmless Man | Album Review
The Morrissey we loved is gone, and this album, perhaps, is our last token of what once was, a reminder of what we have lost as fans.
Read moreWith Inspired ‘In Plain Sight,’ Honeyblood’s Renewed Sense of Purpose Is Crystal Clear | Album Review
Thanks to her sensibility and ambition, and with an even more cohesive LP destined for her future, Stina Tweeddale has the potential to influence new-coming musicians and fill arenas on her own.
Read moreLizzo’s Vibrant & Vital Voice Enthralls on Empowering ‘Cuz I Love You’ | Album Review
Lizzo’s message throughout is clear and concise: love yourself. And given that many in society have been feeling displaced recently, her message is not just musical or political, it’s crucial.
Read moreEric Boss Elevates His Melodic, Multidimensional Soul with ‘A Modern Love’ | Album Review
Across his debut solo album, Boss demonstrates a dialed-in acumen for making both peak-time boogie joints that slap and subtle plush music for intimate moments that follow.
Read moreTank and The Bangas’ ‘Green Balloon’ Is An Aural Feast for the Ears | Album Review
‘Green Balloon’ fulfills the promise of the group’s dynamic debut (2013’s ‘Think Tank’), without sacrificing the wit and humanity that sparked so furiously on the preceding affair.
Read moreCarly Rae Jepsen Saves Her Confessions for the Dance Floor on Exultant ‘Dedicated’ | Album Review
From beginning to end, ‘Dedicated’ finds Jepsen drilling down to the juicy nuggets of obsession and desperation that drive her—and all of our—emotional highs and lows.
Read moreCiara Achieves Her Career Pinnacle to Date with ‘Beauty Marks’ | Album Review
While Ciara has yet to unleash her true masterpiece, an effort as consistent as ‘Beauty Marks’ hints that she is closer to doing just that with her next project.
Read moreTanika Charles’ Confidence & Charisma Illuminate ‘The Gumption’ | Review & Interview
What distinguishes ‘The Gumption’ from its precursor is its notably broader palette of sounds and textures, couple with Charles’ growth in songwriting that only adds to her burgeoning reputation.
Read moreJamila Woods Cements Her Own Mighty Musical Legacy on Salient, Self-Assured ‘LEGACY! LEGACY!’ | Album Review
As evidenced throughout her second studio LP, Woods’ fearless and decisive conceptions of music and activism create a new path for future radical organizers in creative spaces.
Read moreMac DeMarco Tips His Hat to the Tried-and-True on Reflective ‘Here Comes the Cowboy’ | Album Review
‘Here Comes the Cowboy’ reinforces the slow, hazy quality to DeMarco’s music, as if it lives in a puff of smoke, cigarette or otherwise, and it always seems to be winking at you.
Read moreRosie Lowe Triumphs with Unconventional, Unequivocally Brilliant ‘YU’ | Album Review
At the beating heart of Lowe’s spellbinding second act are the various manifestations of love that compel her—love for herself, for her partner, and for making music.
Read moreVampire Weekend’s Overstuffed ‘Father of the Bride’ Falls Short of Its Hype-Fueled Expectations | Album Review
From the curious title to the retro-camp of the album cover to the hits & misses contained therein, ‘Father of the Bride’ might leave Vampire Weekend fans scratching their heads.
Read moreThe Cranberries Bid Farewell with Grace & Gravitas on ‘In The End’ | Album Review
O’Riordan’s haunting tones and presence enthrall on the record’s ten tracks which detail the troubled and joyful intricacies of everyday life and love.
Read moreDave Triumphs on Magnificent, Meditative Debut Album For The Ages ‘PSYCHODRAMA’ | Album Review
Dave’s excellent debut LP reminds us of the notion that the closest we ever feel to god, is when we are confronted with a great piece of art.
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