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Special Event: atrlcritic | Ed Sheeran's new songs after the upgrade
Member Since: 2/5/2014
Posts: 29,111
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Quote:
Originally posted by Superpower
Can we review Songs Of Innocence by U2?
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Can we? 
Also,  good score for M5
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,331
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Pretty much a perfect score for V.
I gave a 54 and ATRL gave a 57
EDIT: Only 16 reviews and no modscore for Maroon 5? 
Quote:
Originally posted by Superpower
Can we review Songs Of Innoncence by U2?
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Member Since: 10/1/2011
Posts: 33,423
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Member Since: 3/14/2013
Posts: 19,449
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"V" right on par with ha metacritic score. ATRL getting it right
Can't wait to review Jhené's "Souled Out"
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 41,181
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BANKS - GODDESS
REVIEW
(track by track + overall impression)
Tidbit : Goddess is one of the most cohesive albums of the year. Musically, it flows admirably well and never diverts from Banks' signature sound, which blends alt r&b, soft rock and neo-soul. Lyrically and thematically, it's just as consistent. The whole album is like an autobiography focused on a perplexed love affair with relatable ups and downs, especially downs. The singer's vocals are also impressive, as she effortlessy glides over the production with incredible vocal techniques and emotional deliveries.
SCORE : 8.5 / 10
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Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 27,248
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No modscore 
Tbh, I find the modscore pretty pointless. 
I can't wait to do BANKS
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Member Since: 8/10/2012
Posts: 7,072
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BANKS - Goddess
The experimental PR&B community is a now a heavily populated place in music. FKA twigs, Kelela, The Weeknd and many more have set new standards when it comes to this exciting sub-genre. One of last years most promising new artists, californian Jillian Banks - or BANKS - relased her highly anticipated debut after last years EP's and she sure did not disappoint.
One of the first things to take notice of is Jillians incredible voice, at moments soothing and relaxing and others, she almost screams. Every note she sings bring so much emotion and power and goosebumps are sure to ensue.
The production is rich, textured and flowy. At times it feels like a river running free, or stumbling over rocks on it's way down.
"Give me one excuse", the album starts out with the SOHN produced Alibi, an emotional quiestion mark hovering over the album. It feels like a nice welcome, we get familiar with what BANKS wants to do on this record right away. On the title track she sings "****ing with a Goddess and you get a little colder." As a listener, I almost feel like I have to feel that glitch on my shoulder, her voice directly speaking to me.
On other highlights "Stick" and "Brain", they almost work as counterparts to eachother. Brain is the eclipse, the climax at the end almost feels uncomfortable, but you let it be. You let the voice guide you through emotions, a central theme of the album.
She begs for Thread, she asks us to not find Someone New and wants to come her shell and we let her have all the things, BANKS hypnotizes us, we cannot deny her wishes to let the emotions in.
Of course, the album does not come without flaws. Some tracks do feel flat at points and the hugely overwhelming 18 tracks of the deluxe edition are too much to handle. Still, you're in for a ride if you just let it be.
Crown her, because she is a Goddess.
8/10
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,331
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Quote:
Originally posted by holyground
Tbh, I find the modscore pretty pointless. |
I somewhat agree with you. I do think that if there were 5-6 mods reviewing everything it would be better, though. I stand by the Top Critics idea.
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 55
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Jhené Aiko - 'Souled Out'
Souled Out - Jhené Aiko
Jhené Aiko | Def Jam | Release Date: Sept 9, 2014
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| | dddddddddddddd | Summary: The debut studio album by American
R&B recording artist Jhené Aiko. | Record Label: Def Jam
Genre(s): Alternative R&B / R&B / Hip Hop |
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| Member Reviews | | d | .iPositive: ? | | d | ....iMixed: ? | | d | Negative: ? |
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Member Since: 11/18/2011
Posts: 5,396
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Definitely reviewing Banks. Idk about Jhene I'm not a big fan of her stuff but maybe I shouldn't write her off yet maybe it's a good album.
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Member Since: 3/14/2013
Posts: 19,449
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Souled Out: A Journey worth experiencing.
After collaborating with hip hop heavy weights Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Big Sean and more, singer/songwriter Jhené Aiko finally releases her highly anticipated debut album Souled Out.
Very few artists have the ability to tell a story and take listeners on a journey. Jhené has that rare raw talent.
The "Souled Out" project kicks of on a high with "Limbo Limbo Limbo" complemented by soothing vocals over subtle elements of dubstep compliments of Dot Da Genius. "I am not surprised you always demanded things that I could not supply" the singer explains to a former love interest.
Aiko immediately switches to a more dreamy, soothing sound with "W.A.Y.S." which is an acronym for her late brother, Miyagi's favourite saying "Why Aren't You Smiling". W.A.Y.S further showcases Aiko's impeccable artistry with lines such as "At 44 minutes to 4 an angel walked up to my door / life only gets harder, but you have to get stronger" which signifies the time of death of her brother and the message he left her with. In some instances Aiko sounds like Aaliyah who Aiko has paid homage to several times.
Aiko continues baring her soul with "To Love & Die" which features Cocaine 80s. It is no secret that Aiko is all about peace and love. She sings "Where I'm from we live by the love die by the love". Presumably referring to her city/hometown. The anthemic midtempo ballad sees Aiko encouraging people to choose a side "Love side - hate side never in between. That's what we stand for" The No I.D cut is definitely a stand out lyrical track on "Souled Out".
The story continues as Aiko sings "change is inevitable, why hold onto what you have to let go of?" In the breezy "Spotless Mind". Aiko explores an island type song which is reminiscent of something Pop legend, Rihanna would sing. Although the song starts off on a serious note, it transitions into something light and radio friendly.
Honesty is what Aiko stands for as an artist and she certainly didn't hold back on "It's Cool", a very jazzy and mellow cut where Aiko sings "And I aint even gonna front. At first I was just tryna ****, but you have got me deep in love" which is indicative of feminism as well, because generally women aren't "supposed" to make statements like that. The song continues with Aiko admiring and praising her lover for being "cool".
The "praise" immediately ends when Aiko tells the compelling story of "Lyin King" which is a homophone for "Lion King". "Mr. Serial lover, I wish your mother loved you the way I coulda that way you woulda known how to love a woman" Aiko sings over the Fisticuffs-produced cut. Aiko doesn't hold back on telling her lover off for lying and cheating on her. "Lyin King" is the most radio-ready single on Souled Out and also the best lyrical cut. "Lyin King" further cements Aiko's status as the female Drake of this generation and further on proves that Aiko has more bars than Australian pop rapper, Iggy Azalea.
"Wading" starts off with ascending waves as Aiko asks her potential lover if she should wait for him "Should I be wading? Don't keep me wading, I will turn blue" Aiko sings over the brilliantly produced track courtesy of boyfriend Dot Da Genius. "Wading"'s production is reminiscent to "Shot For Me" on Drake's album "Take Care". Aiko's vocals and unique tone compliments the melody extremely well which translate into feeling every single emotion Aiko felt while telling her story.
Aiko soon moves her attention from her lover(s) to talking about "The Pressure" of life as a celebrity, as a mother and as an artist. With lyrics like "Have you seen my ****s to give? I have none" over a synths, the song is the perfect representation of PBR&B.
Aiko's Key Wane-produced song "Brave" suggests Aiko is an obsessed an infatuated with her lover. So much so, that she warns him "you're so brave / I hope you make it out alive" suggesting that she's hard to be with. "Please don't take my hand if you don't plan to take a stand and be a man" further warn her significant other that Aiko is slightly clingy, but committed.
"Eternal Sunshine" the other half of Aiko's favourite move "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" is a very mellow piano-driven song "Living on Sycamore street, and spending weekends on the beach we were free, to be everything we dreamed" Aiko reminisce about a friendship that didn't have restrictions. The song is light and care-free with a beautiful melody.
"Promises" sees Aiko opening up about her new-found fame "I've been coming home late night, sleeping past day light". Aiko makes a promise to her daughter Namiko that they will be alright regardless. Namiko also sings the chorus "Know that I'll be alright, promise I'll be alright" with her mother. The song is so impressively raw that Beyoncé's song with Blue Ivy seems very mediocre. The second verse sees Aiko sings about her brother Miyagi Chilombo who died of cancer in 2012. She sings about the things he would say in moments where things are too much for her to handle. "Then I hear you say, Nami really needs you and I will never leave you, cos I am in the stars and everywhere you are" this just proves that Aiko has the ability to turn pain into art and constantly pushes herself as an artist.
The final song on the album is "Pretty Bird" featuring rapper Common. Much like her EP "Sail Out" that ended with a freestyle, so does "Souled Out". Aiko doesn't go beyond her songwriting ability to deliver bars, but rather repeats a few lines. That is not a bad thing, because not many artists right now are doing it.
Souled Out is a masterpiece. And though not many people will focus on Aiko' storytelling and teachings, there are people who appreciate Aiko for talking about what and how we feel in certain situations. If you do not think "Souled Out" is one of the best albums of the year, you're not listening with the right ear, with insight, with peace or with LOVE.
Rating: 10/10
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Member Since: 8/6/2012
Posts: 16,779
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My copy of souled out isn't coming for a few days but i'm sure i'll give it a 10/10. 
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Member Since: 5/16/2012
Posts: 12,486
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Giving Souled Out a couple more listens, but I might skip it if I can't think of anything to write about it.
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Member Since: 2/9/2012
Posts: 8,949
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After years of moving throughout the music business and years of building a dedicated niche fanbase, Jhene finally releases her long awaited debut project. 'Souled Out' opens up a new page of Jhene Aiko's personal journal. With the singer's debut, the petite songstress and songwriter details stories of love, life, and philosophy. The album's opening track "Limbo Limbo Limbo" finds Jhene Aiko singing over a deconstructed dub-step inspired beat. On "Promises" and "W.A.Y.S.", which is an acronym for Miyagi's saying "Why Aren't You Smiling?" Jhene reflects on the life of her late brother Miyagi who passed away from a brain tumor in 2012. On the record "Promises", Jhene's daughter NAMIKO Love is featured on a hook that would even bring a tear from Satan's eye himself. Jhene warns her lover that loving her is a challenge on the cinematic "Brave" which has a slight Western vibe. One of the album's lighter moments are found on songs such as "It's Cool" where she lets a guy know that at first she was just trying to **** and whatever the outcome of their relationship is will be cool with her, it's his call. On "Eternal Sunshine" Jhene admits that she wouldn't change a thing and if she was to die today, she has lived well. Other standout tracks are "The Pressure" which is being pushed as the first single from the project, "Spotless Mind" where Jhene sings of a lover that she had to leave behind, "Wading" a slow yet thumping track, and "Pretty Bird Freestyle" which is the standard album's closing track that features her label mate Common. Jhene's journey has already been filled with many ups and downs and to hear her address them on this album so peacefully should give hope to all of humanity. If there's one thing to take away from this album it is to keep going. This is an incredible debut that was written and performed from the heart. You literally can hear the pain and joy in her voice on each track. It would not be a surprise if a Grammy nomination or two is in the near future for the young songstress.
9.5/10
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Member Since: 3/14/2013
Posts: 37,294
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  | One of the most artistic projects of 2014 was finally released, after the fans have waited for a pretty long time. I'm talking about "Goddess" by one of the most hyped artists of the year, Banks. The title is perfect for this album, as it is really presented as something superior to the others. The instrumentation is the key part here. It shines in 75% of the songs and that adds to the magic that this record gives you. But, her voice definitely helps too. Banks has created her own universe with her debut and she did a good thing with it. The only problem I found is that some tracks like "Stick" or "**** Em Only We Know" are not as good as some of the tracks like "Drowning" or "Brain" and this makes the album sound a bit boring. Maybe the length of it as well.
Overall, I feel that Banks gave us some of the best tracks of the year with her three singles "Brain", "Drowning" and "Beggin For Thread", but I really hated that this album was one of those cases when the singles just shine over the album tracks. However, the album is just fantastic as a whole and the tracks are still good, but not...flawless. |
Score: 8.1/10
Other reviews
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Member Since: 4/29/2012
Posts: 15,977
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BANKS - Godess
It was a couple of months ago when I mistakenly clicked a thread titles "Banks - Brain" thinking a new Azealia Banks song was released.My initial disappointment quickly turned into cheers when I heard what I clicked instead. Ever since I was anticipating Banks' debut but I relalised, after listening to the album multiple times that writing a review for this album will be a bit hard.
An opener is meant to set the mood for the whole album and " Alibi" surely does that. Banks asks for forgiveness over hip hop inspired synthesizer beats. The song has a rather unorthodox song structure consisting of only one verse, two choruses and a piano outro.The very strong opener is followed by the so-so song " Godess". While the production is great the lyrics are somewhat cringeworthy and drag the song down a lot." And the "She's a godess" chants get really annoying..Luckily " Waiting Game" instantly makes up for everything. An absolutely amazing song that starts with nothing but Banks and a piano but the beat kicks in during the first chorus and keeps getting more intense thorughout the entire song.Her vocals sound almost bitter when she admits that her love feels like a game. " Brain" picks up where " Waiting game" left off.A brilliantly produced song that lives off Banks honest lyrics and delivery. She jokingly tells her old friend to not hurt his brain while pretending to be someone he's not to fit in with a group. Her strongest song to date."" This is what it feels like" and " You should know where I'm coming from" are both boring and uneventful with the first one containing more synthsizer beats and the second one is more focused on her vocals.Both skippable." Stick" has a classic R&B vibe about it and even though it needs a few listens to click it's a really good song." **** em only we know" is cringeworthy and an obvious filler. " Drowing" shows Banks at her best again. Charming vocals,hoenst lyrics and a great production.Another highlight." Begging for thread" is maybe the poppiest song on the album but doesn't sound generic or cheap at all and is among the stronger tracks of the album." Change" has classic I-will-change-for-you-if-you-stay lyrics but BANKS voice breathes life even into that and makes it a worthwhile listen. " Someone new" is what "Under the table" wish it was. A beautiful and simple piano ballad. Banks again begs her lover to wait for her because she knows she will come back but not now. She asks him to not look for " Someone new" because one day Bankswill come back. " Warm water" stands as a weak track and again screams filler from start to finish.
Final say:Reviewing "Godess" wasn't easy because it makes all the flaws a debut album is allowed to make. A few fillers that drag the whole album down as a whole.But still "Godess" manages to introudce Banks as an artist that seems to know what she wants and how she wants to present herself with a lot of incredibly strong songs but unfortuanatly they come with quite a few dull moments.And while it is easy to fault Banks for what she's done wrong on the album it is much more rewarding to embrace the songs where she gets everything right and proves she is an authentic artist that should be reckoned with.
Best tracks: Brain,Wating game,Drowning,Someone new,Alibi
7/10
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Banned
Member Since: 2/8/2014
Posts: 23,320
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Listening to Jhene rn review coming later 
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Banned
Member Since: 2/8/2014
Posts: 23,320
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After an EP, and some waiting, Jhené finally released her debut album, Souled Out. With smooth production, and calming vocals this album is a treat. With winter coming up and the music turning into more calming and soothing songs, Aiko's album is perfectly released. The songs on the album all flow extremely well into one another, and the features are good and not unnecessary, despite no doubt in my mind that Jhené couldn't've done that song justice on her own though. The warm vocals along with the stunning album cover leave a welcoming impression upon the listeners. If there's one thing that's to be regretted about this album, is that it's not longer. One might find such an album boring but to those people I would recommend this album, along with Lorde's 'Pure Heroine' and Lana Del Rey's 'Ultraviolence' in the hope that they will leave under the impression that no those album's are not boring just because they're slow songs! What I found to be one of the highlights on the album were The Pressure and Eternal Sunshine. I would recommend these 2 songs especially. After her first EP, the standards were high, and Jhené certainly did not disappoint
9.9
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Member Since: 3/14/2013
Posts: 19,449
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Quote:
Originally posted by Slayley
After an EP, and some waiting, Jhené finally released her debut album. With smooth production, and calming vocals this album is a treat. With winter coming up and the music turning into more calming and soothing songs, Aiko's album is perfectly released. The songs on the album all flow extremely well into one another, and the features are good and not unnecessary, despite no doubt in my mind that Jhené couldn't've done that song justice on her own though. The warm vocals along with the stunning album cover leave a welcoming impression upon the listeners. If there's one thing that's to be regretted about this album, is that it's not longer. One might find such an album boring but to those people I would recommend this album, along with Lorde's 'Pure Heroine' and Lana Del Rey's 'Ultraviolence' in the hope that they will leave under the impression that no those album's are not boring just because they're slow songs! What I found to be one of the highlights on the album especially were The Pressure and Eternal Sunshine. I would recommend these 2 songs especially. After her first EP, the standards were high, and Jhené certainly did not disappoint
9.9 |
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Member Since: 8/31/2013
Posts: 6,548
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Jhene Aiko released a really nice EP last year, which I purchased. And I've been looking forward to the full length debut album since then. I got especially excited when I heard this was a concept album- the concept is not exactly groundbreaking, but I love seeing stories being told anyway. The story is of a bad break up that leaves Jhene in an emotional turmoil, following her internal journey to the end, where she starts to move on, and make new connections. My main concern going in was that Jhene's mid-tempo, laid back, RnB style would become boring to listen to after 10+ songs of it. I think Jhene is a solid songwriter with a very pretty voice though, and this was definitely one of my most anticipated albums this year.
Limbo Limbo Limbo: This song is right in the aftermath of the break up- the tone of the song is frustrated, eerie, and a bit confused. Jhene's voice sounds pretty, but I think a more emotional delivery wouldve been better for this song. She sounds a bit detatched. I like the overall melody though and the vocal mix is good, the effects toward the end suited the song.
W.A.Y.S.: This track is definitely a lot less interesting than LLL. It sounds like exactly what you would expect from a Jhene Aiko album. The lyrics sound like Jhene is trying to convince herself to move on from this break up. The melody is a little repetative and boring. Not a terrible song, but pretty forgettable. The production has some nice piano chords but some of the noise effects were distracting.
To Love and Die: One of the catchiest songs on the album. I could see this as a single at some point. The lyrics are well crafted but don't say anything particularly interesting. I keep singing the 'live for the love die for the love' refrain to myself. I like the way the Cocaine 80's feature is incorporated. It's there when it needs to be, and not more. The deeper voice is a nice contrast to Jhene's lilting, light vocals.
Spotless Mind: This song is a movie reference I'm pretty sure. The song talks about the joy of moving on and wanting to wipe the slate clean and forget those bad experiences in the past. The guitars on this song are beautiful. Jhene almost does not even feel like she's singing on this track, her voice sounds like its a part of the instrumental because it blends so well (and also because of minor enunciation issues). Which sounds really nice, but it can be hard to stay focused on,
It's Cool:Another song with good production- the production overall on this album is amazingly solid. I like this song that I would probably consider a bit boring generally, because this is one of the few songs where I can actually hear some emotion in Jhene's vocal delivery. Not and amazing song in itself though.
Lyin King: The snaps on this one remind me of DJ Mustard, and I'm a little burned out on that sound at the moment. But other than that I like the song a lot. The lyrics are some of my favorite so far and and the melody is nice. I like the bitterness in the song. It's pretty potent.
Wading: I like the concept of this song. 'Wading' is a perfect image to conjure for someone who feels stuck and doesnt know exactly what to do next- between life stages
The Pressure: This song was released as a single, and I heard it earlier and thought it was nothing special but its grown on me since then. The subject matter is worthy and I like the personal place it comes from. I don't love the production on this song, but I'm a bit more accustomed to it now, and overall this is a nice track. Still not one of my standouts though.
Brave: This song is really great. This is where Jhene is starting to make a new connection, and has this new person interested in her but yet still sees herself as a mess who might not be ready for a relationship. One of the most interesting character moments on the album. Its incredibly vulnerable and relatable. The production has some really nice instruments in the mix, particularly the horns, and there is a great instrumental swell. Typically pretty vocals. Definitely the best song so far.
Eternal Sunshine: Another movie reference- carry over from the Spotless Mind track. I like the acceptance and optimism in this track. The production really evokes that too. Not the most exciting song on the album, but it definitely has its place and is needed in the story.
Promises: Promises is the song where Jhene officially commits herself to this fresh start and the new connection. The moment of triumph feels earned because we had such an intimate look at her struggle to this point. I'm always a sucker for using children's voices on songs so  Nice enough production. Standard vocals.
Pretty Bird: Jhene definitely saved the best for last with this album. This song is amazing and really stand out from the rest of the album. The production is cool as hell. The sing-talking style sounds awesome in Jhene's voice. The vocals on this song are a lot more dynamic than on the rest of the album and the lyrics might not be spectacular but they do what they need to do for this album. The Common feature works. Another song where I hear emotion, and even more so on this track. Definitely the song I will be going back to most on this album. Great final note.
Overall this album is very strong.The production is good across the board, practically. The story is a little trite but its well crafted and executed so I can't complain too much. I appreciate that Jhene was a bit more ambitious than many are on their debuts. I also appreciate that she didn't overload the album with features, because new artists tend to drown when they do that on debuts.The main criticism I have for this album is that I wish the vocal delivery was a little more varied/dynamic and emotional and it wouldnt hurt to play a bit more with tempos
Highlights: Pretty Bird, Brave, Limbo Limbo Limbo, Promises, To Love and Die
Lowlights: W.A.Y.S., The Pressure
Overall Score: 8.7/10
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