Common: Be (2005) (Hip-hop)

Wholesome comfort food raps and well-cobbled hearty beats. The album is a homely ode to Chicago, spirituality and civil rights, performed by Common with a sense of honesty, introspection and uplifting simplicity. The beats primarily produced by Kanye West, are complementary, composed largely of soul and jazz samples, typically unrefined allowing for continued emphasis on a rawer more authentic project. 

Best Tracks: Be (Intro), The Corner, GO!, Faithful*, Testify, Love is...*, The Food*, Real People*




A-

Uplifting Vibes/Hip-hop/Jazz rap

Grimes: Miss Anthropocene (2020) (Electronic,Pop)

Miss Anthropocene is a largely stylistically inconsistent collection of songs tied together by a nocturnal, apocalyptic ethos. Though there are a handful of enjoyable songs, the album is overwhelmed by overproduction and muddy mixes. The best moments occur when the production is a little stripped back and  Grimes can more clearly sing downer pop. That being said occasionally the hyperproduction gives a worthwhile element of mayhem as shown the insomniac banger My Name is Dark.

Best Tracks: Delete Forever, My Name is Dark*, You'll miss me when I'm not around


C

DarkVibes/Electronic/Ethereal Wave/Pop

Denzel Curry, Kenny Beats: Unlocked (2020) (Hip-hop)

Kenny's production and Denzel's flows both take center stage and gel-like a 50-year-old man and a wifebeater. Quirky beats that give flashbacks to other comic book-like albums (ehm Madvillainy), disjointed songs, yet in your face with Denzel's aggressive deliveries make for a captivating EP though you do think that this schtick needs more substance for a full record.

Best Tracks: Take_it_Back_v2, Lay_Up*, Diet_, 'Cosmic'.m4a*






B-


Comic Book Vibes/Hip-hop

Tame Impala: The Slow Rush (2020) (Pop,Rock)

The Slow Rush was a partially apt name. The vibe that is Tame Impala has formulated is largely similar to that of Currents. Though an album about time, there seems to be a larger focus on making the songs as long and arduous while washing them even more in "psychedelic" haze. Most songs are far too drawn out and leave the album feeling much longer than it is. There are some highlights though, It Might Be Time and Is it true have some bright and peppy songwriting and crisper instrumentation. The best song on the album is Lost In Yesterday with its groovy and captivating bass line, and catchy hooks and introspective lyrics it may be one of the best Tame Impala songs. Tame Impala shine when making simpler poppier tracks, the psychedelic odysseys end up feeling long-winded, and flood the album making the sands of time fall way to slow.

Best Tracks: Breathe Deeper, Lost In Yesterday*, Is It True, It Might Be Time


C-

Psychadelic Rock/Pop/Electronic

The Death of Ivan Ilyich Review

The Death of Ivan Ilyich Leo Tolstoy 

Sad and daunting at times, but relieving and sincere as well. A case study in life. 

Siddhartha Review

Siddhartha Herman Hesse 

Appears simple and is told quite simply and quickly, however, the story becomes very profound, hopeful, sad and insightful.
As a self-help journey book, it is superior to the Alchemist in every way. The story is paced better, the wisdom is not given out like candy but rather develop with their characters, through failures, and insights and the characters and ethos of the book remain memorable.