It's only natural, and whether you are ready for it or not, everybody goes through Life Changes, for better or for worse, but it doesn't have to be for the latter; before we delve deeper on what may appear to be a review of a dark album, it's just a reminder and aside for those going through a tough time, because the album is quite upbeat.
While Rhett is no longer Tangled in hick-hop production, and this album is more ballad prone, it is still quite fun as well, with some unforgettable tunes; such as the techno-twang of "Leave Right Now" or the bouncy title track that reminisces about Rhett's dorm daze with a "notebook full of bad songs..." that wound up on more than just the CD shelves of Walmart. The latter mentions the song that may have indirectly inspired the incorporation of more songs akin to balladry. I could not disregard the single with Maren Morris, "Craving You," or the urge to "Drink a Little Beer," when it is appropriate; the latter climaxes with a Rhett Sr. solo.
When it comes to the ballads, we'll start with the unforgettable and unescapable tale of unrequited love currently on country radio, "Marry Me." Then, there is that ode to Rhett's exquisite memory when it comes to the love of his life in "Unforgettable." If you prefer a song with a familiar and more doo wop sound, there is always "Sweetheart," but one of my favorites would have to be the closing tune, "Grave." It is more about undying love, than mortality in a morbid sense; the notion can be energizing to find that a love can transcend the physical plane and follow those that have passed, it is also reassuring of love's potential to help change the world. Yes, we tend to veer off the tradition of merely reviewing an album.
Friday, March 27, 2020
Sumo Cyco "Opus Mar"
An album may be able to define a career, but it does not mean it can determine the direction of that career afterwards. While at the time it may have not seemed like much, Sweetnam's debut album was a declaration of the sweet teen personality with a punk (pop) attitude. Ten years later, She re-emerges as Sever while Lost in Cyco City. Sweetnam integrated her pop sensibility into a sound already melding different styles. While their follow up can be more aggressive, it also accentuates that influence. It's full steam ahead from the band who declared "My Name is Rock and Roll."
"Anti-Anthem" serves as a contradiction and a uniting force for the outcasts; it was inspired by the refugee crisis, but is now open to interpretation. While "Free Yourself" is an anthem inspiring independence, and self reliance, or that's what can be read and heard on the surface; taking control of what can be, and not lazily lying in wait for time to do the work. Though as the album progresses, we find that even someone who can "Move Mountains" can still find themselves at the whim of life and its ups and downs in "Passengers," we even find a stowaway in club-beats breakdown. The former found the band collaborating with Skindred's Benji Webbe, which is an ideal one considering his band's penchant for their melding of styles.
We're already aware of the energy that this band exuberates, but "Sleep Tight" reminds me of the explosive energy that P Roach demonstrated on their own document of Lovehatetragedy. When it comes to the rest, I would rather let the band and music speak for itself, instead of using my "Words" to intrigue or possibly deflate interest.
"Anti-Anthem" serves as a contradiction and a uniting force for the outcasts; it was inspired by the refugee crisis, but is now open to interpretation. While "Free Yourself" is an anthem inspiring independence, and self reliance, or that's what can be read and heard on the surface; taking control of what can be, and not lazily lying in wait for time to do the work. Though as the album progresses, we find that even someone who can "Move Mountains" can still find themselves at the whim of life and its ups and downs in "Passengers," we even find a stowaway in club-beats breakdown. The former found the band collaborating with Skindred's Benji Webbe, which is an ideal one considering his band's penchant for their melding of styles.
We're already aware of the energy that this band exuberates, but "Sleep Tight" reminds me of the explosive energy that P Roach demonstrated on their own document of Lovehatetragedy. When it comes to the rest, I would rather let the band and music speak for itself, instead of using my "Words" to intrigue or possibly deflate interest.
Monday, March 23, 2020
Sugar Ray "Little Yachty"
As per usual preparation before I see a band live, I revisited Sugar Ray's catalog, and upon re-evaluation of Music for Cougars, have found that maybe I had judged their former swan song a little too harshly. It just never had resonated with me as closely or excited me as much as their earlier records had.
The same could be said for this album. I would not blame the detachment on the decade hiatus, but the current that this album has seemed to submit to. This is yacht rock we're talking about, the only tide here is the typical divide that has existed since the first major paradigm shift in an artist's sound; and this is not one of those, for their music has shifted from their initial style gradually over the years. I did not expect Little Yachty to serve Lemonade and Brownies, and the sounds that accompanied their sweetness, but I would have liked a little more variety that previous albums had presented.
Although the first song may be a hint as to what the album may sound like, the highest tree will not necessarily enlighten you to the elevation of that island, but have you heard of a hybrid palm-redwood? The song? A reminder that they still sound like summer, and evoke the pleasant vibrations affiliated with a warm and relaxing day on the beach, or on "Coconut Bay."
On the shore of the chorus, in the latter tune, you can hear the waves of the reminiscee, and you may realize what I mean.
The following songs each have their own points of appeal like the instrumental passage toward the end of "Sunday Love," the depiction of "Perfect Mornings" with a loving family, which evokes joy, or the message in "What The World Needs" to name a few, but it doesn't change the fact that some of the songs sound bland. However, track nine, you "Make It Easy" to dig the sound, and I cannot place why.
While lemonade is not served on this yacht, they do serve Pina Coladas, and that sounds like the perfect escape, and a very appropriate cover for this genre of music. "California Gold" is a funk-lite, piano lead dance number that livens the party, a little too late.
Overall, I did like the album, and will listen to it again, if I feel so inclined to do so, but in the background, but that's not an insult because the music is often not the sole focus, isn't that what yacht rock is about?
The same could be said for this album. I would not blame the detachment on the decade hiatus, but the current that this album has seemed to submit to. This is yacht rock we're talking about, the only tide here is the typical divide that has existed since the first major paradigm shift in an artist's sound; and this is not one of those, for their music has shifted from their initial style gradually over the years. I did not expect Little Yachty to serve Lemonade and Brownies, and the sounds that accompanied their sweetness, but I would have liked a little more variety that previous albums had presented.
Although the first song may be a hint as to what the album may sound like, the highest tree will not necessarily enlighten you to the elevation of that island, but have you heard of a hybrid palm-redwood? The song? A reminder that they still sound like summer, and evoke the pleasant vibrations affiliated with a warm and relaxing day on the beach, or on "Coconut Bay."
On the shore of the chorus, in the latter tune, you can hear the waves of the reminiscee, and you may realize what I mean.
The following songs each have their own points of appeal like the instrumental passage toward the end of "Sunday Love," the depiction of "Perfect Mornings" with a loving family, which evokes joy, or the message in "What The World Needs" to name a few, but it doesn't change the fact that some of the songs sound bland. However, track nine, you "Make It Easy" to dig the sound, and I cannot place why.
While lemonade is not served on this yacht, they do serve Pina Coladas, and that sounds like the perfect escape, and a very appropriate cover for this genre of music. "California Gold" is a funk-lite, piano lead dance number that livens the party, a little too late.
Overall, I did like the album, and will listen to it again, if I feel so inclined to do so, but in the background, but that's not an insult because the music is often not the sole focus, isn't that what yacht rock is about?
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