Must Listen To Albums in August & September
Album: Blonde
Tracks: 17 tracks (60:08)
Fav Tracks: “Ivy”, “Solo”, “Self Control”, “Good Guy”, “Nights”
Release Date: August 20th
Rating: 10/10
Summary: “Where’s the album, Frank?” was a common expression used during the two year hiatus of R&B renaissance man: Frank Ocean. Ocean responded by dropping two albums in the month of August. First, he started with his visual album, Endless, a rough copy shot in black and white and in a warehouse. He then dropped Blonde, first titled Boys Don’t Cry, Blonde is an album R&B critics and music fans alike will be talking about for a long time. Getting back to his Channel Orange roots, Frank is able to recreate the magic that landed him
Album: Birds In The Trap Sing Mcknight
Tracks: 14 (53:38)
Fav Tracks: “Coordinate”, “Through the Late Night”, “Beibs in the Trap”, “Outside”, “Goosebumps”, “First Take”, “Pick up the Phone”, “Wonderful”
Release Date: September 2nd
Rating: 9.5/10
Summary: Following his intoxicating freshman album, Rodeo, the highly anticipated Birds in the Trap dropped to some pretty rave reviews. While not progressing in lyricism, Scott finds a niche in the trap/rap genre. Bringing out guests like Andre 3000, The Weeknd, Kid Cudi, Young Thug, and Quavo among others. If his first album Rodeo showed he’s comfortable creating his own music, then Birds in the Trap shows that he’s capable of being a mastermind of hit records.
Album: The Divine Feminine
Tracks: 10 (52:00)
Fav Tracks: “Dang!”, “Cinderella”, “God Is Fair, Sexy Nasty”
Release Date: September 16th
Rating: 7/10
Summary: It’s no surprise that Mac Miller isn’t the young rapper that he once was, but the Divine Feminine is something that the rapper/producer has never ventured towards. Announcing that he is exclusive with singer, Ariana Grande, the rapper also known as Larry Fisherman released his fourth full length tape, an upbeat love album with several ballads to back it up. The guest list that includes Anderson Paak, Kendrick Lamar, Ty Dolla Sign, and Ariana Grande is probably what saves this album from being a total flop. I like what Mac did, but the project is too dull, and too short.
Album: The Sun’s Tirade
Tracks: 17 (63:12)
Fav Tracks: “Free Lunch”, “Wat’s Wrong”, “Park”, “Stuck in the Mud”, “Dressed Like Rappers”
Release Date: September 2nd
Rating: 7.5/10
Summary: Top Dawg Entertainment’s big year just keeps getting bigger. Improving on his impressive debut album Civilia Demo, Rashad’s new album boasts a Jazz influenced contemporary vibe that brings him to the likeness of Outkast. With solid production, Isaiah steals the show with his ever clear lyricism, tackling topics like race, youth, ambition, depression, and his own demons.
Album: Illuminate
Tracks: 12 (41:15)
Fav Tracks: “Ruin”, “Mercy”, “Treat You Better”, “No Promises”
Release Date: September 23rd
Rating: 7/10
Summary: Shawn Mendes, the 18-year-old wunderkind of the pop-romance scene, came to fame because of his romantic solo covers on Vine. Now releasing Illuminate, Shawn Mendes is once again sticking to the aspect of writing and performing what he does best. I’m not saying that his album is bad, it just gets frustrating for me to listen to someone tackle the same subject over and over. The sound and catchiness is what saves Mendes on this album.
Album: Skeleton Tree
Tracks: 8 (39:42)
Fav Tracks: “Jesus Alone”, “Girl in Amber”, “Magneto”, “Distant Sky”
Release Date: September 9th
Rating: 9/10
Summary: Skeleton Tree is the 16th recorded album by the Australian band. It comes three years after their critically acclaimed project Push The Sky. This album sprouted over the death of lead singer Nick Cave’s 15-year-old son. Skeleton Tree asks some introspective questions and it’s dark theme is mesmerizing and intimate. Something on this album that can’t be underrated is how well the synth rock flows with Cave’s heartbroken tone and emotion.
