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Special Event: atrlcritic | Ed Sheeran's new songs after the upgrade
Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 11,808
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Quote:
Originally posted by alexanderao
The Lowdown: Extremely abstract album has startling lack of substance, emotion, and replay value.
LP1, the debut album from British artist FKA Twigs, is a puzzling collection of very, very experimental music. The album inauspiciously starts with Preface, which is a strange introduction. Her vocals are annoyingly high-pitched and unintelligible, and the instrumental is really a misguided jumble of unorthodox sound effects. The piece goes absolutely nowhere and is an extremely strange song unlike any I'd ever heard before. Lights On kicks off with another awkward instrumental. It feels like a haphazard effort, as it is extremely empty and lacks a defined chorus. There are no verses; just vocals while strange instruments pop in here and there. By the time the song ends, I was incredibly bored. Two Weeks is the first song on the album to feature a pop-style (though very minimalistic) beat. Released as the first single from the album, I'd be beyond shocked if this got any radio airplay. Twigs' vocals are far too deliberate as she whisper-sings syllables with pauses in between. The song doesn't contain any variation and bores the listener easily.
Hours, a song with nothing to tap your foot to, epitomizes this album. The drums sound like they are randomly placed with no regard to Twigs' vocals. The falsetto is tiring by now, and it's a welcome reprieve two minutes in when Twigs briefly sings in a lower register. Unfortunately, the music behind her doesn't back up her vocals at all, and her vocals are frequently distorted to the point where it is annoying. I kept checking to see how far I was into the song because I wanted it to end. Pendulum follows, and it is a very calming song. It is very boring for the same reason Two Weeks is very boring; there is no structure to it. It sounds almost improvised at times. By the time Video Girl rolled around, i wanted the album to end. The melodies are mediocre, and the track is very forgettable. Numbers and Closer contained a slightly smaller does of boredom than Hours, but Twigs' vocals are quite uninspired and sound like she wants to finish the album as well. Give Up is the best song on the album, with a nice, chill drum beat and a decent vocal from Twigs. Kicks ensured the album did not go out with a whimper. It had less of a void than other songs on LP1, but it was still boring.
I couldn't even finish my usual track-by-track dissection of an album because there really isn't anything new to say about each coming track. In general, I wrote much less about LP1 than I thought I would. The reason for this is when I was taking notes on the album, I didn't feel much emotion at all. Whether it is the disorienting production or Twigs' constant distorted falsetto, none of these songs made me feel anything. I didn't have a mirror with me, but I don't think the stoic expression on my face ever changed. I was never nodding my head to, becoming fascinated by, or enjoying the album. It seems that I have the minority opinion in this department, but this album was incredibly boring. It got old after 3-4 minutes and nothing ever changed throughout the album. Cohesiveness in an album is great when the production, vocals, and lyrics are thought-provoking and/or good (see 21 and Pure Heroine). Unfortunately, none of those prerequisites apply to LP1.
On a bit of a tangent, this album was the most experimental music I have ever listened to. It is completely genreless, and perhaps that's why it went in one ear and out the other for me. It is not alternative because it is abstract and out of left field even by alternative standards. It sure as hell isn't hip-hop or even R&B with all of that falsetto and emptiness. Dream pop might be the closest genre to LP1, but that tag doesn't seem to fit either. For some reason, this album just could never hold my interest. Each song seemed to drag on infinitely, and the lyrics (which do not stand out) did not help. In fact, I applaud anyone who is able to transcribe Twigs' singing. I could only pick up a line here, and a word there. And I'm usually pretty good at figuring out what singers say.
In conclusion, this album manages to be emotionless, boring, and perplexing. It was a complete snoozefest for me. It's unlike any other genre of music, yet it's still uninteresting and unpleasantly monotonous. This was my hardest atrlcritic review to write by far, and I don't really understand why. Ultimately, I likely won't remember how any of the songs on LP1 go when I wake up tomorrow morning.
Reviews:
Drake - 0 to 100 / The Catch Up (4.0)
La Roux - Trouble In Paradise (2.3)
Azealia Banks - Heavy Metal and Reflective (2.0)
Jessie J, Ariana Grande, & Nicki Minaj - Bang Bang (5.8)
Hilary Duff - Chasing The Sun (0.5)
Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga - Anything Goes (4.9)
Nicki Minaj - Anaconda (2.0)
Beyoncé f/Nicki Minaj - ***Flawless Remix (3.7)
Pixie Lott - Pixie Lott (6.0)
FKA Twigs - LP1 (1.7)
Hilary Duff - All About You (4.1)
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Oh, my
This is brutally honest
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Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 11,808
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Quote:
Originally posted by alexanderao
Your review is not going to count-- it needs to be at least ten sentences long.
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OMG
Do I really need to lengthen it?
I didn't say much because I didn't wanna get dragged for bashing it.
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Member Since: 11/16/2011
Posts: 32,177
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Quote:
Originally posted by Latch
OMG
Do I really need to lengthen it?
I didn't say much because I didn't wanna get dragged for bashing it.
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You're only short by like 1-2 sentences.
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Member Since: 11/16/2011
Posts: 32,177
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Member Since: 2/2/2014
Posts: 7,449
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Quote:
Originally posted by alexanderao
Your review is not going to count-- it needs to be at least ten points.
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fixed
Stan for the trinity though Latch
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Member Since: 9/13/2012
Posts: 29,559
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Quote:
Originally posted by alexanderao
The Lowdown: Extremely abstract album has startling lack of substance, emotion, and replay value.
LP1, the debut album from British artist FKA Twigs, is a puzzling collection of very, very experimental music. The album inauspiciously starts with Preface, which is a strange introduction. Her vocals are annoyingly high-pitched and unintelligible, and the instrumental is really a misguided jumble of unorthodox sound effects. The piece goes absolutely nowhere and is an extremely strange song unlike any I'd ever heard before. Lights On kicks off with another awkward instrumental. It feels like a haphazard effort, as it is extremely empty and lacks a defined chorus. There are no verses; just vocals while strange instruments pop in here and there. By the time the song ends, I was incredibly bored. Two Weeks is the first song on the album to feature a pop-style (though very minimalistic) beat. Released as the first single from the album, I'd be beyond shocked if this got any radio airplay. Twigs' vocals are far too deliberate as she whisper-sings syllables with pauses in between. The song doesn't contain any variation and bores the listener easily.
Hours, a song with nothing to tap your foot to, epitomizes this album. The drums sound like they are randomly placed with no regard to Twigs' vocals. The falsetto is tiring by now, and it's a welcome reprieve two minutes in when Twigs briefly sings in a lower register. Unfortunately, the music behind her doesn't back up her vocals at all, and her vocals are frequently distorted to the point where it is annoying. I kept checking to see how far I was into the song because I wanted it to end. Pendulum follows, and it is a very calming song. It is very boring for the same reason Two Weeks is very boring; there is no structure to it. It sounds almost improvised at times. By the time Video Girl rolled around, i wanted the album to end. The melodies are mediocre, and the track is very forgettable. Numbers and Closer contained a slightly smaller does of boredom than Hours, but Twigs' vocals are quite uninspired and sound like she wants to finish the album as well. Give Up is the best song on the album, with a nice, chill drum beat and a decent vocal from Twigs. Kicks ensured the album did not go out with a whimper. It had less of a void than other songs on LP1, but it was still boring.
I couldn't even finish my usual track-by-track dissection of an album because there really isn't anything new to say about each coming track. In general, I wrote much less about LP1 than I thought I would. The reason for this is when I was taking notes on the album, I didn't feel much emotion at all. Whether it is the disorienting production or Twigs' constant distorted falsetto, none of these songs made me feel anything. I didn't have a mirror with me, but I don't think the stoic expression on my face ever changed. I was never nodding my head to, becoming fascinated by, or enjoying the album. It seems that I have the minority opinion in this department, but this album was incredibly boring. It got old after 3-4 minutes and nothing ever changed throughout the album. Cohesiveness in an album is great when the production, vocals, and lyrics are thought-provoking and/or good (see 21 and Pure Heroine). Unfortunately, none of those prerequisites apply to LP1.
On a bit of a tangent, this album was the most experimental music I have ever listened to. It is completely genreless, and perhaps that's why it went in one ear and out the other for me. It is not alternative because it is abstract and out of left field even by alternative standards. It sure as hell isn't hip-hop or even R&B with all of that falsetto and emptiness. Dream pop might be the closest genre to LP1, but that tag doesn't seem to fit either. For some reason, this album just could never hold my interest. Each song seemed to drag on infinitely, and the lyrics (which do not stand out) did not help. In fact, I applaud anyone who is able to transcribe Twigs' singing. I could only pick up a line here, and a word there. And I'm usually pretty good at figuring out what singers say.
In conclusion, this album manages to be emotionless, boring, and perplexing. It was a complete snoozefest for me. It's unlike any other genre of music, yet it's still uninteresting and unpleasantly monotonous. This was my hardest atrlcritic review to write by far, and I don't really understand why. Ultimately, I likely won't remember how any of the songs on LP1 go when I wake up tomorrow morning.
Reviews:
Drake - 0 to 100 / The Catch Up (4.0)
La Roux - Trouble In Paradise (2.3)
Azealia Banks - Heavy Metal and Reflective (2.0)
Jessie J, Ariana Grande, & Nicki Minaj - Bang Bang (5.8)
Hilary Duff - Chasing The Sun (0.5)
Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga - Anything Goes (4.9)
Nicki Minaj - Anaconda (2.0)
Beyoncé f/Nicki Minaj - ***Flawless Remix (3.7)
Pixie Lott - Pixie Lott (6.0)
FKA Twigs - LP1 (1.7)
Hilary Duff - All About You (4.1)
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I haven't listened to the album yet -- it's on my to-do list. Your review actually makes me want to listen sooner so that I can see what you mean.
My impression from your review is that you're giving it a terrible score largely because the songs sound "strange" and lack traditional structures? That's hardly a good reason to give something such a low score, at least when it's not marketed as a mainstream pop album. Saying a Rihanna song sounds too strange or nontraditional to work as pop music might be valid criticism, but I'm not sure if that is applicable for FKA Twigs too?
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Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 34,855
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Ooh, let me make sure to do these Charli and Taylor reviews. I have choice words for both of them, neither of them positive
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,331
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Quote:
Originally posted by Vespertine
I haven't listened to the album yet -- it's on my to-do list. Your review actually makes me want to listen sooner so that I can see what you mean.
My impression from your review is that you're giving it a terrible score largely because the songs sound "strange" and lack traditional structures? That's hardly a good reason to give something such a low score, at least when it's not marketed as a mainstream pop album. Saying a Rihanna song sounds too strange or nontraditional to work as pop music might be valid criticism, but I'm not sure if that is applicable for FKA Twigs too?
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I shouldn't have to repeat myself, but I gave it a low score largely because it was extremely boring and uninteresting.
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Member Since: 9/13/2012
Posts: 29,559
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Quote:
Originally posted by alexanderao
I shouldn't have to repeat myself, but I gave it a low score largely because it was extremely boring and uninteresting.
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Did you try giving it a second listen? I think a lot of the time people don't appreciate that the listener, not just the artist, needs to actively engage with the music, especially when its eschews traditional structure or melody.
Not saying you're a bad listener or something, lol. Just that there are SO many albums or songs I found "boring" or uninteresting on first listen, but luckily I decided to give them a second chance/closer look and ended up falling in love.
Ribs from Pure Heroine comes to mind. Glory and Gore was initially my favorite just because of how instantly catchy it is, while Ribs' strange structure sort of passed by without me noticing the song at all. Then a few listens later I realized Ribs is truly the best song on the album
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,331
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The Lowdown: Sassy, upbeat pop is very catchy, well-produced, and a good pure-pop debut for Taylor Swift.
Shake It Off, the lead single from Taylor Swift's upcoming album 1989, is a remarkable departure from the singer-songwriter's previous works. It combines many elements of modern pop and fuses them into one feel-good song. The song begins with a funky, R&B-pop instrumental that seems to be directly influenced by Pharrell's Happy. Taylor's vocals are confident throughout the first verse and they draw you into the song, making you anticipate the chorus. The chorus is great; it is instantly catchy and playful while having a nice message to go with it. It is well-structured yet doesn't seem generic. The second verse continues to carry an upbeat vibe, and although Taylor's vocals are a bit overproduced the song is still a pleasant listen. Unfortunately, the song takes a turn for the worse when the cringeworthy bridge hits. Over a drums-and-clapping beat that sounds so much like Happy it's not even funny, Taylor talks and talk-sings. It's very forgettable, but soon the listener is launched back into the chorus.
The production of Max Martin should not be forgotten here. He creates a sassy, funky environment for Taylor to play around in and manages to make the song not overly hard-hitting but not light and fluffy either. He did a very good job on this track.
This song is a promising and telling one for Taylor Swift. Though is a well-done first step into pop music, the verses simply seem unnecessary and are quite unmemorable. The lyrics are fairly clichéd but not overly so, while the instrumental isn't the most original but still sounds fresh. And although the bridge is weak, it doesn't have too much of a negative impact on the song as a whole. Shake It Off isn't groundbreaking, but it is good, polished pop coming from an unexpected source.
Reviews:
Drake - 0 to 100 / The Catch Up (4.0)
La Roux - Trouble In Paradise (2.3)
Azealia Banks - Heavy Metal and Reflective (2.0)
Jessie J, Ariana Grande, & Nicki Minaj - Bang Bang (5.8)
Hilary Duff - Chasing The Sun (0.5)
Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga - Anything Goes (4.9)
Nicki Minaj - Anaconda (2.0)
Beyoncé f/Nicki Minaj - ***Flawless Remix (3.7)
Pixie Lott - Pixie Lott (6.0)
FKA Twigs - LP1 (1.7)
Hilary Duff - All About You (4.1)
Taylor Swift - Shake It Off (7.1)
Charli XCX - Break The Rules (4.6)
Ariana Grande - My Everything (5.2)
Maroon 5 - V (5.4)
Banks - Goddess (8.2)
Calvin Harris f/John Newman - Blame (8.6)
Lorde - Yellow Flicker Beat (8.8)
Fergie - L.A.LOVE (la la) (2.5)
LIGHTS - Little Machines (6.7)
One Direction - Steal My Girl (2.0)
Carrie Underwood - Something In The Water (5.3)
Gwen Stefani - Baby Don't Lie (5.4)
Iggy Azalea f/MØ - Beg For It (7.7)
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,331
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Quote:
Originally posted by Vespertine
Just that there are SO many albums or songs I found "boring" or uninteresting on first listen, but luckily I decided to give them a second chance/closer look and ended up falling in love.
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See, this just doesn't really happen with me.
And I did listen to it twice all the way through.
Quote:
Originally posted by Vespertine
Then a few listens later I realized Ribs is truly the best song on the album
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Member Since: 11/16/2011
Posts: 32,177
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We should review music videos here, too!
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Banned
Member Since: 4/13/2011
Posts: 18,738
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Quote:
Originally posted by alexanderao
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Now I am genuinely concerned
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Member Since: 4/22/2012
Posts: 33,490
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Quote:
Originally posted by maiko
Now I am genuinely concerned
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I knew Taylor would be his highest rated says it all
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 2,054
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FKA twigs - LP1
From the moment I looked at the cover art for this album I was already enamored. Already becoming an artist known for her visuals, she recorded a video for each song for her last two EPs. Each video adding a complex layer to the what we see as FKA twigs. LP1 serves as twigs chance in helping to further introduce us to her world.
The triphop production on the album is what makes each stand out from the last, yet preserving a cohesive flow. Standout single, 'Two Weeks' features large blushing chords, and twigs melodic voice riffing over the track. The Sampha produced track 'Numbers' also stands out due to the near fragile beginning, but grows into a rattling peak for the album. 'Pendulum' is the star emotional piece of LP1, slowly building from a pulsating chorus and melodic production. Invoking some of the same pain and emotion last heard on 'Water Me' allows twigs to deliver another wrenching track. 'Video Girl' allows her to exude some blatant honesty through knocking production as she references her time as a dancer: "Is she the girl that's from the video?/ You lie and you lie and you lie." She uses this moment to make a truth out of a moment of ruse.
FKA twigs does not present herself to be a masterful lyricist on each track on her LP1 making some very jumbled attempts at a rhyme. The same single 'Two Weeks' features lines as blatant as a Weeknd track in it's wants and emotions: "Higher than a mother****er", "I can **** you better than her." Some writing on tracks simply just comes off as quick and sloppy. However, the power of this album is found in FKA twigs vocal emoting and triphop influenced production. LP1 makes her stand out as an impressive indie alternative.
8/10
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Member Since: 1/4/2014
Posts: 3,513
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Quote:
Originally posted by tigerlily13
Let me go back and change my FKA Twigs rating. She didn't deserve such a low score.
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You go do that sis
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 12,760
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Taylor Swift - 'Shake It Off'
2.0
'Shake It Off' is the lead single from country (?) singer, Taylor Swift's upcoming fifth studio album 1989. 'Shake It Off' isn't nearly as impressive as Swift's last single 'We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together'. The song opens with the instrument du jour and like many others recently, is about self-empowerment and loving yourself. You can't fault Swift for trying to encourage a positive message but self empowerment songs have been overdone so much in recent years it's become a pop music cliché.
Any hope of the song being catchy or memorable is killed when we reach the spoken bridge. Meant to come off as cute and funny, it ends up seeming awkward and try hard. Taylor aims for 'Ultraviolence' but instead hits ' This Is How We Do'.
Many people have said Swift is simply experimenting with genres, but how can an experiment be so safe and mundane?
Charli XCX - 'Break The Rules'
9.0
Riding on the success of two top 10 singles, Charli XCX has released the latest cut from her sophomore album and it's an obvious hit. I really like the song, maybe it's because I'm a sucker for guitar based pop songs or maybe it's because Charli is clearly an expert on crafting an infectious hook, as shown on last years hit 'I Love It'.
Not every song has too have deep or clever lyrics so I can forgive Charli for the pretty terrible chorus, (singing about not going to school at 22 years old is veering into Avril Lavigne territory). This is good timing however, as many students are returning to school about now.
Overall, while this is nothing groundbreaking, or something as unique as cuts from her debut like 'Nuclear Seasons' or 'Grins'. it is an excellent pop song an I think many of today's pop stars could learn something from Charli.
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Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 14,988
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ATRL Contributor
Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 59,202
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Taylor Swift - Shake It Off
Taylor's lead single "Shake It Off" is from her upcoming album "1989", It's an infectious, upbeat, Pop song about letting the negative comments slide and to keep being yourself. She's decided to ditch the Country genre and finally go full on Pop star and what better way to do that, but then to create one of the most catchiest songs released in the past year. The bridge resembles her previous #1 hit We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together which was also produced by friend and producer Max Martin. Shake It Off is surely going to hit #1 and it truly deserves it.
Score: 9
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Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 14,988
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