Thursday, May 21, 2020

Three for One: Three Years Later, Three Different Genres

Tim McGraw and Faith Hill The Rest of Our Life
While it is not misleading to call this an album of duets, the term does have its own pre-conceived notions; this is not an album of standards or covers, but all new material. The passion and commitment that these two country singers have for their music and each other, as well as family in general starts this album one step ahead, and the title track is a perfect example, while the chemistry is undeniable, but we knew that already. There is a variety of tones and textures that broaden its appeal and make it appropriate for the whole family. There are also tale of love, that are open to interpretation, are transcendent of the journey that may have led the pair to marry or inspired their marriage, and relatable to others as they live through their own trials of love.   It's not the first time where a significant other was referred to as Satan, but the "Devil Callin' Me Back" is a lighter approach in referring to the darkness a relationship may endure in its toughest times, but is a catchy one at that. Another favorite of mine that incorporates family values as it  addresses the right way to "Speak to a Girl," and to treat them as one would a mom; with love, kindness and respect, emphasis on all three.
Keyshia Cole 11:11 Reset
There are certain artists who are immediately associated with their respective genre, and for a good reason. Some of those artists have to work a little harder, and it takes more time for them to gain recognition, not necessarily because they lack the talent, but have difficulty differentiating themselves from their peers. I would have to say after diving into the "Cole World (Intro)" that I insed off some of my doubts. The instrumentals are reminiscent of a famous Jazz musician of a similar surname, and features the motivational monologue from DJ Khaled, who only associates with the best artists, of this generation (there are too many to mention when it comes to those he has yet to associate with) so that's a good sign. "Act Right" is another standout just for what it stands for, even if I am not sure how I feel about this Young Thug collaborating with Ms. Cole. Maybe "You" could tell me why, that's another standout. I am incapable of eloquently representing my feelings sometimes, but that's why music is transcendent, even when it's hard to display your emotional state or remedy it, music can be an excellent remedy. The album is bookended by praise from Too $hort on the outro of Cole World, of Keyshia's music and her character, and I would say it is deserved and if the prior promotions, as well as her association with 2Pac, is not enough, then I am not sure what will be. All I know, is that I should delve deeper into her catalog.
Evanescence Synthesis
The future or a band's longevity is not predicted by its debut album sales. In spite of the uncertainty of the band and its continuation was existent during every gap between albums, they release another and avoid falling victim to its own foreshadowing?  The extended edition of "The End of a Dream" may have sounded like a simple inclusion, but the finale was the spark to wake me up. The most noticeable change between reinventions would have to be their biggest and most well known tune "Bring Me To Life" which has some of its energy drained in the new version, partially because the absence of the co vocalist Paul McCoy, but then it also rids the song of its call and response which can sound like clunk hop; enticing for some, yet alienating at the same time.It could be Phantom Riff phenomenon, or the familiarity factor, but when I listen to the new version of "My Immortal" I feel numb and not the ache that accompanied the dual attack of the solo and strings; I cannot say that the emotion is gone from what is full of it, but to say its effect is not the same can be purely subjective. As for the new inclusions and recordings, they are all worth their mettle. The collaboration with Lindsey Stirling finds itself on the hi end of lo; attach "wbrow" and you may find

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