Kanye West: Jesus is King (2019) (Hip-hop)

An album from a man struggling with faith, and stardom even though stardom always takes centre stage. More about Kanye than anything else, this album has its moments Follow God, Use this Gospel , interesting production choices (Hands On) but ultimately the final product is lacking in quality and feels incredibly rushed. The lyrics, occasionally approaching Alex Jones levels are absurd enough that he might soon start rapping about reptilian overlords and gay frogs. Not that conspiracy rap is subpar, but its forceful merger with Christianity is almost always a butchery, too rough yet superficial.  None of the Songs on JIK come even close to Kanye's past Christian related songs (Jesus Walks, Ultralight Beam). 

Best Tracks: Follow God, Use this Gospel, On God (if you want a laugh)

D-


Christian Rap/Gospel Rap

FKA twigs: Magdalene (2019) (Electronic,Pop,R&B)

Like much of Twig's usual work expect her wispy singing on top of airy instrumentals. Sometimes her songwriting is a hit (mirrored heart, home with you, mary magdalene) and Twig's manages to sing emotively to themes that I find pertinent and relatable, sometimes not to the best effect(daybed). The poppier tunes are a good mix, songs like sad day and fallen alien are some of the best pop songs of the year. The choruses of these songs get bigger and bigger, buffered by excellent industrial instrumentals from producers Nicolas Jaar, Benny Blanco, Skrillex among others. Many good songs, some sleepers, but overall decent listen. 

Best Tracks: home with you, sad day*, mary magdalene, fallen alien*

B-


Art Pop/Electronic/Industrial Pop/R&B

Camel: Mirage (1974) (Prog Rock,Rock)

Cigarette brands also make good albums! For the most part, the instrumental detours are eventful even if the melodies are not always intricate. The real strength this album has is its energetic performances and  synthesis of instruments. Instrumentally, the synths, keys, guitars, bass, drums, woodwind instruments, all the pieces in play are in their right place like that Radiohead song. The first song, Freefall, is the only one that feels out of place in the whole project, though not bad it just is inherently the least proggy of the songs with some uneventful passages and relatively simple song structure. The songs value lies in its bouncy guitars and apprehensive chorus. The second song, Supertwister, is void of guitars, with various keys and synths complimenting and a flute at the forefront. The employment of diverse synths to compliment the guitars is a recurring element in this album. Though likely about some sort of sand storm, Supertwister gives me the impression of wandering aimlessly through a desert to finally find a fictitious oasis to finally have the imagined beverage I would be craving at that time (V8 juice). The album maintains a misty miragesque attitude for most of the songs from this point on, however as can be seen in many songs some times things get crazier and not as mellow (end of Nimrodel, Lady Fantasy), but if you listened to the first song you would be a bit prepared. Though the album sounds excellent do not expect anything instrumentally groundbreaking or avant-garde, if you are familiar with prog-rock much of this will sound similar only executed in a crisper, more varied method. That being said the album is truly a pleasant listen to anyone pleasant who likes pleasant music and lives in a pleasant home with a pleasant wife and dreams of pleasant dreams where you travel the harsh deserts searching for a hidden treasure. 

Best Tracks: Supertwister*, Nimrodel, Earthrise, Lady Fantasy*

A+

Progressive Rock/ Symphonic Rock

Young Thug: Jeffery (2016) (Hip-hop,Trap)

The eclecticism of Mr.Thug shines bright and effectively on this mixtape. All of the songs, excluding the last, (which is mediocre anyway) are named after his idols and many are influenced by them stylistically, this gimmick allowed Thugger to some of his most eccentric and diverse performances. The opening track Wyclef Jean features Thugger in a rocksteady inspired trap beat. The bass bangs the beat bops and Thugger hits a very melodic chorus. Harambe has him going "Ape shit" with vocals that Harambe would be proud of.
References to his idols are made, some apparent some harder to find.  His voice runs through all kinds of different notes, melodies, and flows, and can be seen as an evolved more sophisticated form of English language. Most of the beats used are good fits and quiet eclectic for pop-rap, elevating songs without much structure creating more of a vibe (Floyd Mayweather). Stylistically this mixtape is inconsistent, perhaps because of the concept of the album, yet it still showcases some of Thugger's best moments. Although these may not as high octane as some trap records, the diversity of performances and styles make it captivating and innovative. 

Best Tracks: Wyclef Jean*, Floyd Mayweather(was better w/o Travis Scott), Swizz Beatz, RiRi, Harambe*, Webbie, Kanye West*

B+

Mumble Rap/Trap

John Maus: We Must Become the Pitiless Censors of Ourselves(2011) (Pop)

Misty, hazy, perfect music for a late walk to ponder your finite existence without having to think too much. Mr.Maus creates hip yet groovy tunes, vocals covered in reverb making him sound like a detached deity bellowing strange simple yet esoteric phrases(AND THE RAIN CAME DOWN DOWN DOWN DOWN) that can be interpreted as duly profound or completely trite. It's worth listening to for those who can handle the aesthetic and the vagueness.

Best Tracks: Quantum Leap*, ...And the Rain, Hey Moon*, Keep Pushing On, The Crucifix, Cop Killer

B+


Night Walk Vibes/Dreamwave/Synth-Pop