Kendrick Lamar – “DAMN.”
Anticipation: 5/5
Kendrick is easily one of the most influential and exciting rappers right now, and with the hype having been so high for this album, my expectations are right up there. As possibly the best rapper right now, I’m expecting something fresh and innovative with a message that’ll be impossible to ignore.
During: 5/5
Every line, every beat is like punch in the gut. Kendrick has created a record that provides commentary on everything from women’s body image to police brutality, and he never makes the experience easy on the listener. But, combining Kendrick’s raps with these beats with the messages of the songs creates a culturally significant record that is both politically and musically groundbreaking.
Reflection: 5/5
I’m just constantly blown away by how much work this record is doing in a way that just feels effortless. Each line and song blends into the next without a hitch, and the emotions of this record seep through the headphones to the point that the listener can feel them to. What Kendrick’s done here is really just mind-blowing.
John Mayer – “The Search for Everything”
Anticipation: 4/5
Personally, I’m pro-John Mayer. He’s a pretty impressive guitar player, he’s been a staple in mainstream music for basically my entire life and I’ve never heard a John Mayer album I hated. Sure, some of them weren’t great, but I’ve never listened to a project of his and thought it was complete trash.
During: 3/5
Ok, I forgot how sensitive John Mayer can be sometimes, and it’s a little annoying in this album. However, he’s still the talented musician that I remember him to be. There are some hints of Justin Timberlake vibes, and Mayer’s voice is smooth as butter. Really, his voice sounds so good on this record.
Reflection: 3/5
Mayer has never been a great lyricist, but overall, “The Search for Everything” is a fun, easy listen. “Love on the Weekend” has been one of my guilty pleasures since it first hit the radio, and now, the rest of the album is as well. I’d like to see Mayer finally mature in his music, but I’ll take this.
Little Dragon – “Season High”
Anticipation: 3/5
I’ve listened to Little Dragon a little bit before, and I’ve liked them. I’m trying to go into this neutral though because I don’t know enough about them to let a couple of songs from before influence my opinion.
During: 3.5/5
Listening to this, I’m constantly taken off-guard, which on one hand is great and a little disorienting on the other. It has a great electronic 80s vibe mixed with some smooth R&B vocals that meld so well. I found myself constantly dancing in my seat lifting to this.
Reflection: 4/5
Overall, this is a solid record that is worth giving a try. This specific genre or genre bending may not appeal to everyone, but the musicality of this record is so impressive. It’s bright and airy but also hits a sort of visceral low that creates a gut reaction. While I wasn’t sure about the constant surprises at first, I’m into it now.
