2 Chainz "Based on a T.R.U. Story"

Staying T.R.U. to his REALigion, 2 Chainz drops a more expensive mixtape.

Crossfade "We All Bleed"

In 2004 their self-titled debut hit it pretty big with their single that was a little cold, but still managed to stick in the heads of many fans of modern rock like one would stick their tongue to a pole. There was a lot more to offer on that record than just the singles, so far away was one of my favorites, but there were many more good songs, and comparisons to Nirvana and Soundgarden. Soon after DJ/vocalist Tony Byroads decided to leave the current trio, and have them handle the vocal duties. Their next record was just as engaging as their debut, and was good soundtrack for those who felt that they were Falling Away from themselves. To be honest, though, I did not even hear these two records until I listened to their third release.

Leonard Cohen "Old Ideas"

It matters not if they are Old Ideas, as long as they are good ones, and...

Big Sean "Finally Famous"

       What did Big Sean do after he was Finally Famous (or at least felt it)? Don the title of his debut album that name. I admit that at first before listening to this I thought it would be an over-hyped, over-produced, and so unworthy of attention it slipped past quality control, and I was right.

Young The Giant "S/T"

      This apartment is one crafted of distinct,soulful vocals from Sameer Gadhia, a sturdy rhythm section, while the next song starts grungy and has low tuning that tricks you into thinking it's going to be a song for the p*ssed off before it gets into this poppy riff; it continues until a slowed tempo and dreamy passage that refuse to be a pushover to "My Body." "I Got" another favorite song, and the notion that if you do not believe he has a soulful voice you should check out this awesome song with two- part harmony, floating beats, and a nice solo in this r&B/Soul/rock hybrid. I need some "Cough Syrup!" My voice is so hoarse from all of that coughing and that tickle will not go away, I cannot help laughing because "Life’s too short to even care at all/Ooh, I’m losing my mind losing my mind losing control."

Down "IV Part 1: The Purple E.P."

       Five years after the release of their last album of original studio recording, the followup to their stellar live album Diary of a Mad Band, and almost 17 years to the day of the release of their debut album sees this “supergroup” relaease the first quarter of their new project. I’ll cut to the chase, and say that if you were a fan of their songwriting style on their debut, you may like this. They don’t try to distract the listener with experimentation, and keep it basic. That is not a bad thing because they can expand their subject matter, or focus more on the impact the song has. That is saying it out of respect for their previous discography; I just do not have the words.

Taio Cruz "Ty.O"

His last disc he hit it big with songs that are good for taking a dirty picture, breaking hearts with Luda inspired verses, or the biggest hit for throwing up your hands in the air. Maybe he was living the life of a Rokstarr too frivolously because he opens his new disc with a 'Hangover.' The song is very catchy, but it seems like some of the verses were just thrown up, but what can you expect from a song about feeling like s#!+? Will the rest of the record get better before it ends or will the whole album be the composite of an audio hangover? At first, I was thinking ok, I heard this before in the delivery, eye roll; I'm a little 'troublemaker' aren't I? After I heard the chorus and the rest that followed I wanted to throw my hands up in the air again because it turned out better than expected. Pitbull joins Taio in an ode to a pop star, fighter, rock star, lover, thriller, killer and dancefloor filler in a type of song we have come to expect from Mr. Worldwide because of his love for  anthems like these.

Esperanza Spalding "Radio Music Society"

Either the last record was too complex to comprehend or just too enriching to enjoy. Maybe Ms. Spalding had tried too hard to make a record of note, oh, and if you are ignorant enough to assume I am implying she has no talent I will laugh in your face! Her last record was said to push boundries, but I think this record pushed them farther. Simply because a key component in Jazz is improvisation, and while I have absolutely no problem with improv, it was used as a crutch. For a genre of music with no boundaries it seemed to be limited. This record that component is more subtle, focusing on song structure and creating engaging compositions that still defy convention. Is “Radio Song” able to give you a glimpse into her new sound? To excite, inspire curiousity, and describe motive for playing great music (even if radio stations have been known to overplay songs)? “Yes, this song's the one.” The “Cinnamon Tree” has to be one of my favorite flora known to connoisseurs of beautiful music and beautiful sights.                

Cher Lloyd "Sticks and Stones"

     Sticks and Stones may break one’s bones, but names may never hurt them. We know that isn’t true because words can hurt too; so much to the point to where it materializes as a knife on the skin. On a lighter note, what will these words do? After the spunky debut single “Want You Back” with a killer chorus, relatable subject matter, and a cheeky flow people were interested. If critics dislike the album and bash it to the point of being cruel, just “Grow Up.” It’s silly to focus on hate, and you lose credibility. She is energetic, for sure, and some may even think of Lily Allen; in this song absolutely, and even Nicki Minaj? Yes, she does have a spastic flow, and can hold her own with Busta. When you stand “Behind The Music” it means you often identify with what it stands for. Lloyd sings it perfectly in the song, so I won’t bother explaining it, and besides, giving us a flashback we have message to stand behind. Is she dissing or just mentioning Nicki and Katy? If you’re looking for the female equivalent of Travie McCoy’s flow “Oath” would be the best example; like two “birds of a feather.” Oh my darling, oh my darling, have heard the melody? Even though she borrows the hook, she avoids being ironic; because “Swagger Jagger” makes it her own. “Playa Boi” has the sweetest swag you have heard; not aiming for credibility, but replay and versatility. Cher admits she is no “Superhero,” but makes an impression; either Janelle Monae when it comes to production, or Rihanna when it  comes to the chorus, and then there is the whole verse she spits. No matter how great an album is they all “End Up Here.” It is a sad song of being played with like one of many toys in a boi’s toybox. My Favorites: Want u Back, Behind The Music, Playa Boi, Superhero.  

Lisa Marie Presley "Storm & Grace"

When your father is the king of rock and roll how can you not attempt a career in music? To Whom it May Concern, her debut is perfect for fans of Melissa Etheridge and Sheryl Crow fans alike, and listening to the album, that is a fact hard to ignore. She didn’t have as much success as you would think, but she tried; it didn’t work as well as it should have. Now What? That is easy, record a more versatile sophomore effort; which is exactly what she did. Unfortunately, it did not receive as much attention as it should have, so a break was in order. Seven years later, she decides to shift her sound once again, and manages to balance Storm & Grace; the lyrical content and its sound, respectively. If you believe the first single was the best she had to offer, then “You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet.” It sounds like her delivery was really lazy in this song, but really works best with the musical backdrop. “Over Me” sounds like a ragtime kissoff; a little bitter, but to be understood because “You know there’s very bad blood/And I was never your friend to say hi.” This next one may be for the “Weary,” and you cannot help feeling “Close To The Edge” after its successor. The next song cries “So Long” to being positive, to being happy, and being nice (to the point of being fake); the lyrics may be more lively than its counterpart, but there is a different energy on this cut. In “Un-Break” she confesses that she may have been a snake or vampire in a previous life and sings “I own up, I try/What am I not doing right.” The bass is more prominent, and I must praise you for what sounds like there may be a break in those clouds. Where do we go? “Soften the Blows” is one of those existentialistic tunes that doesn’t proclaim her beliefs, but makes you wonder. An aircraft was caught in a “Storm of Nails,” but with holes in the wings “How Do You Fly This Plane?” I can answer, but she says it better than I. To be “Forgiving” can become more of a task for some over others, but some sins are just near impossible to forgive; even the first time. The title track compares someone new as that perfect balance. I suggest listening to the whole album, but I have my favorites: Over Me, Close To the Edge, So Long, Un-Break, and How Do You Fly This Plane?   

OFWGKTA "The OF Tape Vol.2"

“Hi” how are you? Don’t let the cover fool you, especially if you are a fan of donuts. The music may be sweet, but unlike donuts, what you hear may leave a bitter taste in your mouth; if you are easily offended. With a song like “B*tches,” need I say more? There is a lot of swearing, but other than that the verbal assault of Hodgy Beats and Domo aligned with that diluted, but engaging production, is worth the listen. Another thing, their music is best taken in small doses; if you eat a whole dozen of donuts you know a bada-- stomachache is around the corner. Speaking of stomachs, only in “NY” would you hear Tyler create some sick verses like this, that would deeply offend Ned Flander(s); there is no contest, but who else would mention Jerry Sandusky the Pope in a club? Rub and tug, rub a dub, and strippers hanging with a scrub? The last song seems tame when compared to this one, in spite of its accompaniment. “Ya Know” that this trip through cyber-space, or the internet, is one of my favorites? Now you do! I prefer to take a walk in the “Forest Green,” because Mike G makes it sound good. He’s right, people talk sh--, “They said they could do it better, I don't really think they could.” In my case, yes, I’m stupid; understood. “My flow is like gymnastics, so/Beef flips, patty cakes, smoke a pound of dro for the algae taste” Nuff said; that, and it’s nice and “Lean,” except that final verse it’s like a…          The next song they talking about a ménage (Nicki?) by a lake, but all I see is an Ocean to be Frank, and it seems to be chill, just listen. Syd and Tyler wanna kick it, haters they can stick it, cause they seem high as f---; which seems a great pastime in “Analog 2.” Let’s just say that Hodgy is on his hate and ready to literally assault someone if the verses don’t, and I’m sure there are more lines than “50.” This hype ain’t mellow either, and the accompaniment is just as angry. The next cut may not be a fractured reinvention of the tale, or have much to do with it, but when you think “Snow White” you will think more than just the seven dwarfs. The Left Brain prevails in this next song, which is pretty interesting, and offensive whether you are a “Real B*tch” or not. “P” looks “harder than finding a f***** snickers bar in whole foods,” and if you dis regard “No, I'm the f*** now/My poppa didn't give one, that's why I'm like this now/I'm still down to cut throat.”  I wonder why this slow neo-jazz (if it can be called that) is laced in “White,” and those memories of fun times with friends “Will all fade to grey soon, on the TV station” does not assure me everything will be alright. “Sam (is Dead),” but he left a note on his deathbed: “It's really awkward to know, that a bunch of kids do adore me/It's like I fathered these f*****, so you will find me on Maury/I'm still a kid in my heart, so I have a problem maturing/But it will come from experience and s*** I see touring.” I just don’t get what he means by the last line though, unless he asked and Hodgy ghost wrote. Domo Genesis goes solo, with handclap and danger flow, with a line like this “And I'm higher than an Asian score on SATs” why bother trying to follow? “We Got B*tches” is one of those horn-assisted anthems that is partially humorous, in a good way, and going through a cyclone; it’s dizzying because it might confuse the limbic, but it sounds good could be a hit. The ten minute relay that finishes the record, “Oldie” or not, is chock-full of variety of verses, folly of flows, different emotions, do they mentions hoes? Really doesn’t matter, but you should listen. You won’t regret it, I know I didn’t; you’re probably laughing, “oh you think you can rap?” Not really.  MY Favorites: Ya Know, Forrest Green, Analog 2, 50, Rella, P, Hcapd, We Got B*tches, and Oldie                           

Kelly Clarkson "Stronger"

   The first track seems to be the reason why Clarkson became Miss Independent ten years ago. The bouncy rhythm and sparse piano are nice, but it is the biting lyrics that pack the most punch in the face of “Mr. Know It All.” I heard several versions of the first single and opener, but I prefer the radio edit over this one, even though it packs the most punch because lyrics take the driver seat. This is redundant and has been relayed by, I’m sure thousands of artists, and that is “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” makes you…do I have to be even more redundant? The song is full of such energy and drive, besides being insanely catchy and fist-pump worthy that the recurrently rehashed message may be forgiven.                                     Everyone has a “Dark Side,” and most prefer to avoid this seedy showcase. Some people’s dark side of the sun are still brighter than others’, but “Nobody's a picture perfect/But we're worth it.” The slightly haunting harmonies are simultaneously sunny, and work real well with the recurrence of the music box. This song should not be missed, and has an uplifting and universal message. "Honestly" I couldn't really put my feelings regarding the song into words, but I did not hate the song. The next song has a an engaging drum line in the forefront,but keeps the keys and the guitar farther away to showcase those powerful pipes of Clarkson revealing a subtle heartbreak and a lie hidden behind those three words. “You Love Me.” Yes, you do, admit it. Ok, after I admit I’m in denial then can you admit your love? It does not take an “Einstein” to realize that this song should absolutely be a single, with its message that many can relate to (there are plenty of players out there), the attitude she showcases in a subtle manner, and the rollicking rock production; whether it is the hooky keys, the soulful backing  vocals, or that guitar solo. The next song’s heavenly harmonies are “Standing Right in Front of You.” No More, No less, but completely worth it! "Hello," this song is a victory in every way from the lyrics and what they expose (even if we are aware of some of this already), to the production, to the instrumentals, to the amount of energy exuberated, and the vocals themselves. “You Can’t Win” all the time in everything you try, but if you listen to this song you can. Following such a powerful song, and ending the record at that, is hard to do, but the bluesy reality of “Breaking Your Own Heart” is sometimes what we need to make us (no, I refuse to say stronger) BETTER, and is just enough.                     The first bonus track is a re-recording of Jason Aldean’s “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” and gives you a sample of what a country version of Clarkson would be like. I remember that her last record was supposed to be a complete country record, but that was only in rumors. The guitar bursts at the end sound different for this type of song, but work well. This song for those “Alone” in spirit, but physically with someone else who has more interest in everyone else but his girlfriend; me, I have an interest in trying to figure out why this song is so enticing. This bonus track just makes me wanna scream yeah!Yeah!Yeah! and then the sugary and spunky synths and vocals  within the chorus change my mind and the bridge is not too shabby. Don’t like my comparison to () “Don’t Be A Girl About It,” or to make sure I don’t offend anyone, just don’t be so sensitive. The next song starts a a heart-string tugging country duet with with no hope in sight before blasting with this uplifting chorus that commands that “The Sun Will Rise.” It puts a spring in the tempo, adds some island backing vocals, and sounds like brand new day.    

Santigold "Master of My Make Believe"

We are the masters of our own make believe, and Santigold seems to be losing control over hers. I loved the versatility of her debut, but there is a power struggle in the kingdom. Every person in power calls on assistance at least once, and before she loses her own majestic kingdom to the suits prepared to tailor her own sound, she calls on friends Karen O and Q-Tip in her first declaration of defense.  Let’s “Go!” It is not only the “Disparate Youth” that feel this way, but those who seemed to have attained theirs; except now it’s in a freeze frame. Santi remains afloat despite the ice bergs near the tropical landscape. “God From The Machine” is about creation and how that person’s creation (musical, film, etc.) forges a different persona; which could over take the original personality. If most people knew what the true price of “Fame” they would forget about it; some handle it really well. Sitek handles the production work on this cut. If you get busy with an older Sean Paul hit, while hanging with Usher and his hot tottie, you may get a “Freak Like Me.” It sounds as if she is giving up, as if the block was successfully sent, and now she holds up her flags singing “This Isn’t Our Parade.” She is more focused on this record, to say the least, even if there aren’t as many surprises. “The Riot’s Gone,” and is replaced with a more mellow melody, even if she is “…armed and dangerous.” Switch and Diplo are the “Pirates in the Water” that recover what may have been pillaged: “Don't let 'em take you like the buccaneers do/Right though the heart/They'll tear you in two.” Now that she has less to manage, she can pay more apt attention; as “The Keepers” Santigold and producer Kurstin create their best collaboration. “Look AT These H***” may be Santigold at her spunkiest since the loss of her major kingdom, but she proves she is still hungry for more; while calling out those who fail to follow “H** just tried, they come 'round in the dark I glow. That's my motto.” She may have a “Big Mouth,” but sometimes you need to have one to share bright ideas; because they will be ignored. We’ve heard it before, but what is wrong with that?  Favorites: Go!, Disparate Youth, Freak Like Me, Pirates in the Water, The Keepers, and Look at These H***.