Bebe Rexha "All Your Fault" Part 1 and 2

Dev and Rita Ora were some contemporaries that came to mind when I thought of Rexha initially, simply because the former had one really good song, and a surprising debut that was sleeper material, and the latter had buzz surrounding her, yet the honey did not tempt me. What intrigued me was a G Eazy song Rexha was featured on, which G-Eazy returned the favor or completed the circle with "F.F.F." which may be why G-Eazy prefers the reunions of "Me, Myself, and I" because forget fake friends.
The opening of part one  showcases a little more of her vocal ability, and through this song and the album I am reminded of Tove Lo, which is a compliment, because the musical vibe is similar, but not the same.  Love is a common theme, and on the opening track, we experience a different musical "Atmosphere." I love the song, but it sounds like Rexha's tone changes after she finds the significant other of the moment. Commentary that can be misinterpreted? I got you. Yet some love is best taken in "Small Doses," it's not toxic, but to whoever it may be directed toward is the polar opposite. The aforementioned collabo with G-Eazy is a change in subject, yet deals with love in an abstract context; fame and what it may allure. Drake had at least one hit regarding that in a direct manner. The final song, and collaboration, finds Rexha elevating to "Bad Bitch" status with Ty Dolla $ign , and while it's nice to see her asserting confidence, her delivery can be a little aggravating.
When it comes to the second part of All Your Fault, we see some growth and a wider range, not only in style. An out of tune baby carousel serves as the beat of a Gucci Mane and 2Chainz collaboration with Rexha in a supporting role, and while "That's It" is the majority of her contribution, it's not all.
Last album she had you, and now she has time; I can understand her prerogative to make the most use of her time with those who matter the most. "The Way I Are (Dance With Somebody)" may be one of the cutest songs I have heard, and one of my favorite, in sound and sentiment; we often forget that unconditional love may be sought by those that don't appear to need it . She opens up with a realization that most are aware of, but I see an improvement in her vocals, and she has proven she is more than just a beautiful songstress. She takes the lead on this number, and Lil Wayne manages to follow, yet not fumble. As four the next track, Tove Lo comes to mind in sound and vocals, if you are not a fan of her, this track is "(Not) the One" to listen to; it may even convince you to give her a second chance. Rexha travels to a diff'rent musical country and collaborates with Florida Georgia Line on a hit that was....maybe I'm getting too comfortable. So I may write in a manner as unbiased as I can, but it doesn't mean I don't enjoy the music. In the end, I have high expectations for her debut.

TLC

When it comes to this acronym, "No Introduction" is needed, but just in case you forgot some of their biggest hits they jog your memory with a roll call and a memorable, ascending production ala All The Way Up
Nostalgia is quite potent on this record, and Snoop Dogg collabo takes you "Way Back" not only because they mention some musical legends, but it sounds like a more flute inflected G-funk flashback. "It's Sunny" brings the Earth, Wind, and Fire and the sound to assist in the alteration of your disposition with its positive bent.
While "Haters" utilizes a few misconceptions in the song, it rings true because those judgments people make on those assumptions "...are just dead weight." Even this review, is not worth much. The song may sound like it as meant for teeny boppers, but it is a well-intentioned anthem for empowerment and acceptance of self, and "People are gonna say what they say/We don't care anyway."
"Perfect Girls" may not recapture the magic of a previous hit, but it is another empowerment anthem for women, whether they feel unpretty on the inside or outside, that feeling of not being worth it can be damaging for anyone; the production is a plus.
The soft guitar driven sound may not "Start a Fire" within the listener, it may even temper it, but it does set the tone for slow jam vibes found on "Scandalous." While this album may not reach "American Gold" status, they are still crazysexycool, and a little bit older and wiser.

Much Delayed Respect and Recap: 311 at Artpark on July 10, 2017

Not only would it be selfish, but an impossible feat to expect this band to perform all of my favorites. To be honest, I cannot remember all of my favorite songs, nor know all of them by name. I didn't really consider preferences until during or after the show, the experience itself made up for any songs I would have liked to hear live, and I could name them all, but "I'll Be Here Awhile." I have heard of how great their live show is, and diving back in their catalog after a long time, months ago, made me realize how great it would be to see them.
Flash Response Mode:
Describe their performance in the least amount of words possible:
Sick Tight
If you could have any power, what would it be?
Freeze Time. Maybe not exactly...flight, and the power to slow time down that would be more valuable. However, I would like to have super strength, and invulnerability to pain.
This is scripted, and yet you ramble?
I wanted to give this performance time to soak in so I can approach this review in a manner appropriate. I wanted to approach this review in a way that felt right, and was more than just a recap, but what appealed to my heart, and maybe a few others as well. I wanted to come original, without forcing it.
I can easily say that they had exceeded my expectations without nothing to go on but praise, so I had high expectations because of hearsay, and usually that does not end well. It may have helped that I discovered some of my friends from work were big fans, and hung out with them, but at the least it set the tone.
The energy of the set and the consistency at which it was dispensed only corroborated the accolades. While I yearned to hear Come Original, Amber, Creatures (for a While), and All Mixed Up, among others that will remain nameless, I was surprised to hear them "Freeze Time" and play "Sick Tight." It was an unexpected head rush, and while some of the newer songs thrown in will take a few listens to approve, my favorite had to be "Hey Yo," which I thought to be a typo of their uplifting tribute to music from their 2009 album, and that would have been nice to hear too.
Performing can be classified as an "Applied Science," and what does that say when a song you tolerate becomes a favorite after a live rendition? Magic, or would that be a contradiction? I had to say the same about "Homebrew" and "Sunsets in July."
While Nick Hexum was an excellent showman, he couldn't have done so without his crew, and while the songs did allow each to shine, it was nice to see them with their own spotlight.
The funkiest legume was constructing a cover clandestinely as he wowed with a solo, and then introduced us to some "Heathens."
Drummers may not always receive their due, even if they can serve as an important backbone to the music. There may not be many world renowned modern drummers , and while Sexton should be more widely celebrated, he is on his way to be; the gripping showcase before the percussion jam session with the whole band was another example as to why.
While I feel Watson may have been dealt a shorter stick, he handled his light with grace, and then rocked the tune out of his guitar.
S.A. Martinez is quite a complement to Hexum in their performance, but what was also commendable was the effort Martinez made to occupy his time as he awaited his relay