Reviews

Avenged Sevenfold – ‘Life Is But a Dream…’ Album Review

Photo Credit: Kameron Pollock California, Metalcore quintet Avenged Sevenfold has never been one to shy away from the dramatic. It’s evident even in their many morbid album covers and song titles (“Shepherd of Fire,” “Burn It Down”, “Beast and the Harlot”). On the band’s eighth studio album, Life Is But a Dream…, they really do turn the… Read more

Jelly Roll – ‘Whitsitt Chapel’ Album Review

Photo Credit: Ashley Osborn In recent years, two distinct roads have emerged in the country music landscape. That less traveled is occupied by the likes of Zach Bryan, Tyler Childers, The Highwomen, and Jess Williamson. These are singers who embody country’s music original promise – of heartfelt, homespun, hugely evocative songs – while updating the… Read more

Rival Sons – ‘DARKFIGHTER’ Album Review

Photo Credit: Pamela Littky On Darkfighter, their (hopefully) lucky seventh album, Rival Sons continue to present themselves musically as the offspring of both ’70s arena bands like Bad Company and Grand Funk Railroad and ’90s alternative rock artists like Soundgarden and Rage Against the Machine. What comes of their effort works, for the most part. Rival Sons… Read more

Lil Durk – ‘Almost Healed’ Album Review

Photo Credit: Alamo Records There’s no denying that Lil Durk has had a tumultuous journey to where he is now. From growing up on the tough streets of Chicago to finding fame and success in the rap game, Durk has endured his fair share of struggles and hardships. And on Almost Healed, he sets out to… Read more

Jonas Brothers – ‘The Album’ Album Review

Photo Credit: Jonas Brothers via SNL Nostalgia is a powerful tool, and one that arguably has more currency now than it ever has – the ’90s sensation Friends is the sitcom of choice for people who weren’t alive to watch it in real-time, while Kate Bush’s ’80s hit “Running Up That Hill” has found its… Read more

Kaytraminé – ‘KAYTRAMINÉ’ Album Review

Photo Credit: Lucas Creighton Kaytranada has done it again with his latest project, teaming up with MC Aminé to create a truly delightful album, Kaytraminé. The record features 11 tracks, each one thoughtfully crafted with the perfect blend of Kaytranada’s upbeat, funky production and Aminé’s smooth, nimble vocals. From start to finish, this album is… Read more

Kesha – ‘Gag Order’ Album Review

Photo Credit: Vincent Haycock Since Kesha sued Dr. Luke in 2014, her reputation has shifted from that of the party girl of pop to the genre’s survivor. In the near-decade that’s ensued, she’s alternately embraced and run away from that title; on 2017’s “Praying,” she offered a direct rebuke to her former producer in the… Read more

Summer Walker – ‘Clear 2: Soft Life’ EP Review

Photo Credit: Nolan Zangas via Interscope Records Summer Walker’s latest EP Clear 2: The Soft Life, is a soulful and introspective project that showcases her growth as an artist. While it may not be as groundbreaking as her previous works, it is still a solid collection of songs that fans of R&B and neo-soul will… Read more

Illenium – ‘ILLENIUM’ Album Review

Photo Credit: Lindsey Byrnes The fifth full-length album by electronic music producer and DJ Nicholas Daniel Miller – known professionally as Illenium – opens with “Starfall,” an all-synth electronic instrumental. This is hardly the curtain-raiser a listener might expect if they choose to look ahead to the sixteen-song track listing, to see that upcoming cuts… Read more

Swizz Beatz – ‘Hip Hop 50: Vol. 2’ EP Review

Photo Credit: Swizz Beatz via YouTube Swizz Beatz is back with his latest EP release Hip Hop 50: Vol. 2, which he recorded as part of Mass Appeal’s celebration of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary. The six-track EP features a star-studded line-up of veteran rappers, including Nas, Jay-Z, Jadakiss, and Lil Wayne, along with current rising stars… Read more