The currency of Paak’s fourth studio affair is an abiding need for a groove and the eleven tracks here are all variations upon that theme.
Read moreMarvin Gaye’s Unearthed LP ‘You’re The Man’ Revisits the Icon at a Creative Crossroads | Album Review
That ‘You’re The Man’ falls short of classic status is hardly surprising, but it should also be less than shocking to realize there are moments of sheer genius throughout.
Read moreThe Unequivocal Brilliance of Little Simz’s ‘GREY Area’ Is Crystal Clear | Album Review
Little Simz’s ‘GREY Area’ deserves every plaudit and prize coming its way, and if there’s any justice, they will arrive by the barrel load.
Read moreSolange Aims High with Captivating & Challenging ‘When I Get Home’ | Album Review
Solange’s fourth album unfolds as a loosely constructed, often lyrically repetitive set of songs that intermingle and flow into one another to an even greater degree than her previous album.
Read moreSwindle Paves a Distinctive & Dynamic Musical Path with ‘No More Normal’ | Album Review
‘No More Normal’ unfolds as a tour de force of musicality that is easily encompassed by the artist at the heart of the endeavor.
Read moreJames Blake Trades the Somber for the Sanguine on Stirring, Self-Aware ‘Assume Form’ | Album Review
While Blake’s fourth LP feels slightly condensed relative to previous outings, he still manages to leave enough room for the beauty in his compositions to shine through like a beacon.
Read moreAnderson .Paak Paves a Bumpy Path from ‘Malibu’ to ‘Oxnard’ | Album Review
At its worst, ‘Oxnard’ mines tired, misogynistic material. But at its best, it shows the undoubted charm, talent and contagious spirit of its creator.
Read moreNeneh Cherry Embraces the Intimate & Introspective to Glorious Effect on ‘Broken Politics’ | Album Review
Aided by Four Tet’s production, Cherry injects the grooves with a transcendent, meditative quality as a result of her perfectly imperfect voice and been-around-the-world’ attitude.
Read morePrince’s Fascinating ‘Piano & A Microphone 1983’ Uncovers New Dimensions of His Undeniable Genius | Album Review
‘Piano & A Microphone 1983’ captures the late great Prince Rogers Nelson in loose and freeform mode, on the cusp of global superstardom with ‘Purple Rain.’
Read moreSeinabo Sey Stirs the Senses and Stokes the Soul on Sublime ‘I’m A Dream’ | Album Review
Inspired by Beyoncé’s ‘Lemonade’ and a recent trip to West Africa to reconnect with her family heritage, Sey’s sophomore album is a powerful statement by a unique vocalist.
Read moreKandace Springs Casts a Radiant Glow on Soul-Soothing, Stylistically Fluid ‘Indigo’ | Album Review
The beauty of the album lies in the slight shifts in style from song to song, which allow Springs to retain control while still broadening her stylistic horizons.
Read moreKadhja Bonet Mesmerizes on Deeply Affecting, Difficult to Categorize ‘Childqueen’ | Album Review
Bonet’s second studio affair is an album that demands you don’t just hear it, but that you listen to its many intricacies and details.
Read moreJanelle Monáe’s Dynamic ‘Dirty Computer’ Expertly Merges the Personal & Political | Album Review
A pristine pop sheen makes ‘Dirty Computer’ Monáe’s most mainstream album to date, without sacrificing her lyrical power and artistic integrity.
Read moreALBUM REVIEW: The James Hunter Six’s ‘Whatever It Takes’ Offers the Antidote for Our Troubling Times
‘Whatever It Takes’ leaves you with the feeling that you’ve left this tumultuous world behind—if only for half an hour—lost in the transportable power of good music.
Read moreALBUM REVIEW: Sananda Maitreya Radiates on Ambitious ‘PROMETHEUS & PANDORA’
Expansive concept album aside, what’s most evident here is that Maitreya’s amazing voice and marvelous songwriting ability remain fully intact.
Read moreIzzi Dunn’s ‘Recycle Love’ is an Unequivocal Revelation | Album Review
What’s perhaps most remarkable about Dunn’s third studio album is the way in which she effectively balances power and subtlety throughout.
Read moreALBUM REVIEW: Van Hunt’s Lost Masterpiece ‘Popular’ Resurrected & Resplendent
If you already know Van Hunt, ‘Popular’ is a delightful surprise that will only reaffirm your love for his sadly underappreciated talents.
Read moreREVIEW: Expansive Reissue of Prince’s ‘Purple Rain’ is Essential Listening (and Viewing) Defined
A veritable treasure trove for Prince’s devoted, the exhaustive multi-disc set contains aural and visual delights in abundance.
Read moreCody ChesnuTT Returns Emboldened with ‘My Love Divine Degree’ | Album Review
Equally at home with delicate and boisterous, ChesnuTT possesses a masterful touch that is ever expanding the possibilities that lie before him.
Read moreAndré Cymone Inspires on Revelatory ‘1969’ | Album Review
Cymone's '1969' is a testament to the power of a man with a guitar in his hand and a song in his heart. No pretense, no frippery, and no nonsense.
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