The Script "#3"

They took The Script, rewrote the struggle regarding Science and Faith, and above all #3 is the charm.  Everyone claims to know the “Good Ol’ Days,” even when they may not old enough to drive. This song is partially about reminiscing, but at the same time creating new memories that you can recall when you’re “…old and gray.” Most of us are no stranger to a broken heart, and if you haven’t experienced one from a relationship you had, you just might. This will give you a lesson on the “Six Degrees of Seperation,” and even though “You've read the books/You've watched the shows/What's the best way no one knows, yeah.” Unfortunately, it’s through experience, and you can hear that pain through almost every note. “If You Could See Me Now” I’m low-key ecstatic of what sounds like a sample of changes by 2Pac, which borrowed the hook from Bruce Hornsby, but that’s just the way it is. The subject matter is not as far-reaching and general as 2Pac’s, but still is meaningful; dealing with the loss of loved ones, and the hope that pride exists in being their living relative. The next song addresses how one misdeed can multiply a hundredfold; example is drawn in the second verse. The message is admirable and simultaneously difficult because some people are so challenging to be kind to, but sometimes all the person needs is a smile. Tis better to “Give Love All Around” then hatred abound. “Broken arrow” may be filled with a few clichés, but “It's hard to get to heaven when you're born hell bound.” The latter holds some weight when it comes to affairs of the heart and aftereffects, but has a lighter sound. You might have forseen this, but there are “No Words” when you are looking for something completely new; the lyrical aspect was my favorite when it came to this song, especially the final verse and delivery before the repeated chorus. When it came to consistency it felt like the third one was the…( insert last part of cliché here).

Ariel Pinks's Haunted Graffiti "Mature Themes"

When you have a band name like Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti you might expect music that is challenging, either to listen to or describe, or even both.

Trey Songz "Chapter V"

I wasn’t even sure if I was going to read Chapter V. I listened to the samples, thought about it, and then decided to check it out a week later. I like the intro, but let’s just “Dive In” to the first song.

Usher "Looking 4 Myself"

When he’s on a roll, he “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop!” I enjoyed this record more than I had originally expected. Raymond V Raymond was a consistent offering, as well as an example of how something good can arise from something bad; to put it in simplest terms.  While the EP had two of his most addictive songs; both of them singles. The album is not perfect, but it’s a grower. The previously mentioned song sounds like Raymond impersonating his protégé, or Will.I.Am., while using an enticing synth-based interpolation of Uptown Girl. It almost just makes you wanna “Scream” YEEEEEEAAAAAH! I was worried about the direction of the album, despite loving the song; I am a conundrum, or just dumb. The third track can best be described as an astronaut’s disappointing discovery of the “Climax,” searching for the love lost in the black hole, but “Love is the cloud that keeps raining down/Where are you now? When I need you around/I'm on my knees but it seems we're/Going nowhere fast.” Raymond and his robotic counterparts continue the sci-fi aesthetic as they attempt to convince the prisoner, of generalizations based on past relationships, that “I Care For U” means exactly that! “Everyday I tryna prove myself to you/But what's the point/No such thing as satisfying you.” The next song is done with the stories, and Usher says “Show Me,” but not without sweetly asking in his singing voice. “Let Me See,” in this next song we have Usher hitting the higher registers in the chorus, and he sounds like he’s trying too hard to be a sex king; leave it to Rozay, who “Had the valet park it, Chanel hoodie on/Looking like Trayvon Martin, George Zimmerman on warning.”

I swear I heard Lloyd do something like this on his last record, but don’t get it “Twisted” there’s no hatred. “You had me looking stupid, but I let it go that way/that booty substituted it, guess that made it okay.” Relationships have been described as rollercoasters, for obvious reasons, but instead he uses imagery of a stormy seas. Bedroom conversation is used: “It's raining inside your bed/No parts are dry/makes you so wet, your legs, your thighs,” but he’s still willing to “Dive” in deeper in this relationship “long as I know that you're here with me baby.” He uses a similar tone that he used in a previous song as he asks “What Happened to U?” I’d say the chorus, she’s probably jealous, but “What sense does it make to have everything and nothing at the same time...” The album title implies that soul-searching had taken place; usually that is the route after a life-changing event. I think it has, once all the luxuries and the beast mode has been shut off, it is possible. The soft-rock accompaniment to the title track is what is required for the most impact; EDM accompaniment will make it too cheesy, but then again it depends on the artist. “Numb” continues this stream of introspective, yet still engaging, compositions; vocals have been more of a focal point. “Lessons for the Lovers” offers nothing new, but what is documented is true: “Just cause he gives you pain, that don't mean he ain't the one,” but if it is consistent abuse (and not just verbal) that’s your cue to run. Seriously, some relationships aren’t worth it! “Sins of My Father” is more like genetics and lessons; it sounded like he heard what he wanted, and ignored what he needed. It gets confusing, but the second verse focuses more on the family dynamic. But can you really prepare, if she ignites a hex when you stare? In regards to “Euphoria” I think the name was aptly titled, and even after the last few downers this song managed to regain the level we were at before that dive. It is hook that stays intact on the first bonus track, “I.F.U,” while I “Say The Words” usher sings them hypnotically, as I am caught in the rapture of the melody. “2^nd Round” is not exactly about a rebound, but is about the second chance that some relationships require, because the first time was the right person, wrong time. She sounds like a “Hot Thing,” and even though we heard this before A$ap Rocky’s laidback/ slight off kilter delivery make this more interesting. My Favorites: Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop, Scream, Twisted, What Happened To U, Looking 4 Myself,  Numb, Sins of My Father, I.F.U, Say The Words, and Hot Thing.

Father John Misty "Fear Fun"

Do you Fear Fun? Then have no fear because there’s none to be had here. What sounds like “Funtimes in Babylon” might be another day in the life of Mickey Avalon, but he takes it down a few notches. Nothing can be further from fun than the circumstance that is present in “Nancy from Now On,” the holocaust, and the final verse reminds me of Night by Elie Wiesel. If I had said that “I’m Writing A Novel” would you be interested in reading it? This has to be the lightest in sound and lyrics; the best chance at having fun so far. While “O I Long to Feel Your Arms Around Me” sound most like his former band Fleet Foxes. “Misty’s Nightmares 1 and 2” consist of envious exes appearing from a mirror overlooking the city and colour. Maybe it was his past mistakes, or karma coming to haunt him, seeing as he was the “Only Son of the Ladiesman.”  “Someone must console these lonesome daughters,” and isn’t it like one to take advantage of them in a vulnerable time? Oh wait, that’s a Ladykiller! From the reference, Andy Williams was proclaimed to be “womankind’s first husband” whom also “left behind a legacy of ruin.” To change the subject, “This is Sally Hatchet,” but to change the mood may not be as simple seeing as “The longer it keeps raining the more she has to struggle to maintain a wonderful time.” The song may be dreary, but its beatle-esque tones may perk you up. If you want to criticize this song feel free, “Well, You Can Do It Without Me,” and as for my favorite verse, it’s after number three. “I’m Learning To Love The War” is downright depressing, and it is optimism that is being rationed as he contemplates the cost of a record at first verse, but “I'll just call this what it is/My vanity gone wild with my crisis/One day this all will be/Now sure hope they make something useful out of me.” The country-flavor on “Tee Pees 1-12” is much more apparent on this cut, and the instrumental breaks and violin may be its best assets; besides the lyrics. My Favorites: Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings, I’m Writing A Novel, This is Sally Hatchet, Well, You Can Do it Without Me, Tee-Pees 1-12, Everyman Needs A Companion.

Aaron Lewis "Town Line"

From the subtle southern easter eggs found in his band’s 2008 album to his 2011 solo EP, we knew this country boy was ready to meet us at the Town Line. If the first single from his aforementioned EP, title alone, did not clue you in, then you must be confused. Jarring as well, considering his last recording project was Staind’s eponymous album; which happened to be their heaviest in over a decade. Anyways, his debut solo album proves he has what it takes with a style that reveals different moods, tones, and even different generations of the genre itself; all within the first three tracks! My favorite of the three happens to be “The Road,” but I am not entirely against the prospect of an “Endless Summer,” with all that positive energy and a Kenny Chesney vibe. Like the preceding track, he keeps this one all in the family with stories of several generations of the Lewis fam and their allegiance to the “Red, White, and Blue.” These may not be new “Lessons Learned,” but it is always important to remember to stay in the left lane for a change, or take a detour by a field and take it all in; because we’re not going to live “Forever.” A family heirloom often has more value sentimentally than economically, but “Granddaddy’s Gun” is “…worth a lot of money/And it d*** sure ain't for sale.” The fact that the chamber holds much more than bullets is another reason to keep it, but how do you fit memories in something so small? There still is variety throughout the rest of the record, and when crossing “Town Lines” you can hear two different accents between them. We all know the feeling, and sometimes say to ourselves “If only I was ‘Anywhere But Here’…” Some might even prefer a “Party in H*ll.” You may have a great time, but it is very likely to feel guilty, and you can have that same experience without descending into the underworld. Jamey Johnson even makes an appearance, in spirit, or name at least. My Favorites: The Road, Endless Summer; Red, White and Blue,  and Granddaddy’s Gun. 

Tom Waits "Bad As Me"

Most writers are not as Bad as Me, and I do not want to taint the album with a cruddy review; my style may do that, so I will keep it simple, or try to. Once Waits enters that train to “Chicago” he pretty much keeps your interest the whole time. The second song’s arrangement is ominous, and if you want some non-traditional Halloween music; I would say he fits the bill, with just his voice and delivery on occasion. The New Orleans’ boogie may be contradictive when it says “Get Lost,” but so is the bluesy “Face To The Highway.” The final few lines before the last chorus is what pieces everything together? He has his tender moments like the unforgettable “Pay Me.” If you’re a fan of the first Toy Story movie then listening to this may cause you to think of the one handed Buzz. After two softer moments he returns with fire on the title track. But “the fire’s dying out/All the embers have been spent” on “Kiss Me,” which can refer to more than just a love lost, but it’s up to your interpretation. “Hell Broke Luce” is a statement; both musically and lyrically. The detail I remember the most is tied between the percussion and the surf-rock snippet. The last song is a “New Year’s Eve” to forget, but is forever documented by not only this recording, but the one on tape. You can destroy the tape, but the song’s still here. Sounds like there will be no kissing at midnight, and the addition of auld lang syne…expected, but required. If you’re not sure which side you prefer there is a wealth of both.