|
Special Event: atrlcritic | Ed Sheeran's new songs after the upgrade
Member Since: 4/30/2011
Posts: 21,827
|
We should really do Marina.
|
|
|
Member Since: 8/27/2011
Posts: 36,557
|
Can we please do FROOT by Marina
|
|
|
Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,331
|
Ending Tove in an hour or so.
|
|
|
Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 37,384
|
Quote:
Originally posted by alexanderao
Are they both out? If so, they'll both be 14th - 17th.
|
Sweet Talker leaked but its officially out in the US this week. I think Froot is the same
|
|
|
Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,331
|
Quote:
Originally posted by alexanderao
| Queen Of The Clouds - Tove Lo
Tove Lo | Island | Release Date: September 24, 2014
|  | dddddddddd
77 | Member Score
Generally Favorable Reviews
based on 16 Reviews | ddddd. | dddddd
}-- | Modscore
N/A
based on 0 Mods |
| dddddddddddddd | Summary: The debut album from the Swedish singer-songwriter. | Record Label: Island
Genre(s): Pop |
|
Member Reviews | d | .iPositive: ████████████████ 15 | d | ....iMixed: █ 1 | d | Negative: 0 |
|
| Mod Reviews | d | .iPositive: 0 | d | ....iMixed: 0 | d | Negative: 0 |
|
|
|
Queen Of The Clouds results. No modscore again.
|
|
|
Member Since: 2/20/2012
Posts: 24,225
|
Tokio Hotel
Kings of Suburbia
On Kings of Suburbia, Tokio Hotel have completed their transition to electronic music. The first two tracks are more than enough evidence of this; "Feel It All" and "Stormy Weather" both feature programmed beats and vocals that are drenched in Auto-Tune. It is a sound that is very distant from the emo alt rock that propelled them to super stardom in Europe and Latin America nearly a decade back. Along with the new sound come lyrics that are simpler than anything the band has done. No prevalent social issues are tackled here ("Don't Jump," "Forgotten Children") and no strong metaphors come up ("Monsoon," "1000 Oceans").
But even with these shortcomings, the album is ultimately a step up from the band's 2009 album Humanoid, which lacked both personality and tunefulness. Kings of Suburbia is an album that actually feels inspired. Although the purely electronic songs sometimes fall flat ("Stormy Weather," "We Found Us"), there are a few that succeed. "Covered in Gold," which features Bill's restrained screams (oxymoron?) over electronic keyboards, and "The Heart Get No Sleep," which has a short dance break, both sound like hits.
However, there are still hints of old school Tokio Hotel present. The stripped down ballad "Invaded" has the protagonist singing of a past relationship that cannot escape his mind; it really is beautifully written. Highlight "Kings of Suburbia" features one of the most melodic choruses on the album (complete with chanting) and a spoken bit during the bridge in which Bill recites The Serenity Prayer. Hopefully on future projects, Tokio Hotel focus solely on incorporating their past elements that made them big into whatever genre of music they wish to make.
Rating: 3/5
Best: "Covered in Gold," "Kings of Suburbia," "Invaded," and "The Heart Get No Sleep"
Worst: "Stormy Weather," "Run, Run, Run," "We Found Us," and "Dancing in the Dark"
|
|
|
ATRL Contributor
Member Since: 9/2/2011
Posts: 21,728
|
Hope i'm not too late.
-
Tinashe - Aquarius ... 9.2 / 10
After listening to various songs from Tinashe taken from her brilliant mixtapes, the clearest indication that I got was that she was pretty much the most exciting and artistically talented up-and-comer in the world of R&B. Her full length album Aquarius plays up on that by alternating between a very ambitious project that ultimately has its roots in just really, really solid music.
Opening with the hauntingly fluid "Aquarius" Tinashe sets up the thematic for the rest of the album. Its emotional, twisted, beautiful and perhaps most importantly - amazingly cinematic. Each and every song stands out on its own in a bold sense yet fits together into an atmospheric listening experience. "Bet" is arguably the best song (well, maybe save for the infectious "2 On"). Dev Hynes' production is great as usual but even still it takes a backseat to Tinashe's bolder vocals and imaginative lyrics - a common occurence throughout the album. Follow ups like "Cold Sweat", "Pretend", and "All Hands On Deck" are equally bold and beautiful.
The clearest inspiration in this album is Janet Jackson. Of course there are obvious indications such as the sample in the sexy throwback jam "How Many Times", but all throughout the album you get the sense that Tinashe was listening and learning exactly how Janet was able to capture that perfect balance in fantastical art in R&B.
The album does not have a weakpoint. Perhaps the interludes may be a little unnecessary at times, and yet at other times they contribute brilliant links between the various components of the story that is this album. I struggle to really find a particular song that I think blows the others out of the water since they're pretty much all on the same level of just sheer awesomeness.
Tinashe seemed promising to me and she not only delivered, but absolutely exceeded my expectations. Among her peers delivering similar ambient R&B (Jhene, Banks, sZa, etc etc.) Tinashe just seems to get it right creating classic after classic. What I liked the most was that it wasn't one area outshining another. Everything - her vocals, the production, the lyrics, the beats all fit together in perfect harmony which is seemingly rare in her genre.
|
|
|
Member Since: 5/9/2009
Posts: 6,397
|
THE Z000 REVIEW
I’m back and this time, I’m reviewing Tinashe’s Aquarius. Like most people, I heard her song and the biggest urban song of the year 2 On and loved it. I was pleasant to hear that she’s 21 years old and has done mixtapes in the past. I have checked one of her older songs called Ecstasy and loved it. Also she’s very lonely and has a fun personality that I want to learn about her and check out her radio interviews, which I will check out soon.
Initially, when I first heard this album I got the image of raining in the club based listening to the album and just listening to it without pay attention to each song and all that. The more I listen to this album, the more I get out of this and appreciate what can Tinashe bring to the table. This album is full of club bangers, sensual slow jams, and breath-taking and awe-inspiring mid-tempos that just brings life and feel the music to let yourself go and have fun with it.
We got 2 On, which emphasis the trendy DJ Mustard beat, but there’s more than just that in the album. If you want to dance or grind in the club, songs like How Many Times and Feels Like Vegas accomplished that because of the emphasized beats and urban club vibe they posses that lets the night loose. Tinashe’s voice would make the club go 2 on and just get lost into the soothing vibe that she brings. Songs like Bet and Pretend are sensual slow jams that the production and the vocals go together to create its own realm that one can be with its soul. Deep breaths. Let the music be in you and soak it all in and feel the vibe of it all. Songs like Far Side of the Moon and Bated Breath will have you in awe as these highlights Tinashe’s vocal range and the soft beats production as together makes the atmosphere of Disney’s magic and wonderland. These could make good opening and closing credits tracks or feel the flow of movie scores. The main component that Tinashe brings that embodies the whole is the fact whenever she sings, the atmosphere of the song is chill. All I want to do when I hear this album is just appreciate the lonely voice of Tinashe and just relax and chill and not worry about nothing and let Tinashe and the music take me away on a journey. I picture Tinashe just sensually dancing to all of these songs. Personally, I really like most of the songs and love to gather my thoughts when I’m listening to the album.
Overall, the album is good and its personifies Tinashe’s body of work. She gives me both Ciara and Cassie vibes that can flirt with both hip-hop and R&B sounds while having the atmosphere of the latter. The album is one of the beauties that can found nowadays in this dead R&B genre. I hope that Tinashe can be more known than just being that 2 On chick. She is off to a nice start with the album and she can improve on things like being more versatility. It’s all good as my overall score is ………85/100
My faves:
Aquarius
Bet
Pretend
Feels Like Vegas
Bated Breath
Score: 85/100
Another album review done with. I have a fun time typing this baby up. Hope you all enjoy this if you bother to read this that is. Alright, I will have Hozier’s album up before the deadline.
|
|
|
Member Since: 2/5/2014
Posts: 29,111
|
Hozier - Hozier & Tinashe - Aquarius
For my review of these two albums, I figured I would combine my thoughts on both into one mega review because both artists and albums are both so similar to me beyond the same release date of course. They are both two of the most promising artists to debut in their genre in some time (Rock for Hozier and Mainstream R&B for Tinashe) and they have both offered up two of the strongest debut albums this year.
The similarities don't stop there. Tinashe used a relatively safe single (the DJ Mustard produced faded anthem 2 On) to introduce us to her and to use the attention from her single to push the sonically cohesive Aquarius, one of the most forward thinking and adventurous debut R&B albums since Janelle Monae's The ArchAndroid. Hozier on the other hand used his debut single, the dark and cavernous Take Me To Church to make a political statement about gay rights. Each of these artists clearly has more on their minds than just radio success.
Tinashe's Aquarius wins the album competition between the two. Aquarius maintains an excellent flow, alternating between radio friendly R&B songs and more experimental pieces with ease; note how the dubby Cold Sweat transitions incredibly smoothly to the jam 2 On. Part of the reason for this is the smart use of interludes, usually the biggest bores on albums, on Aquarius they are among the most experimental and captivating moments on the album (especially the stunning Indigo Child Interlude which goes from menacing vocoder based rap to haunting pulsations only to bring it all together in 89 seconds). The album really does sound like the work of a water bearing Aquarius, the subtle transitions and shifts between tracks (and even from the beginning to end of some tracks) brings to mind light bouncing off the surface of a disturbed body of water causing shifting slight and shadows on whatever surface is nearby (reflected, by smoke on the album cover). In addition, much of the music brings water to mind: the backing vocals and reverb on the title track sounds like it could becoming from the bottom of a calm pool, the reverb and chiming on highlight Bated Breath bring a calming sensation like a warm bath, the synths and flute on All Hands on Deck could be musical metaphors for rain, and all this adds up to make Aquarius a very impressive debut.
Hozier on the other hand, delivered a much more traditional album, but at the same time, he has a definite sound and style already; somewhere between the Lumineers and The National. Hozier is singer-songwriter from Ireland, apparently singed to Columbia based on the strength of Take Me To Church. Hozier does have moments on his debut that approach the heights of Take Me To Church. He was raised on classic R&B, Blues, and Rock and that shows on his album. Many of the songs have a soulful, bluesy, and earthy tone and the album is strongest when these come together, like on choir filled Angel Of Slow Death And The Codeine Scene, In A Week, Work Song, and Cherry Wine. Hozier's album is traditional and almost folky at times, but that doesn't mean it sounds dated. What makes Hozier's album sound fresh is that he doesn't go overboard trying to make the album sound retro; he does not fall victim to using banjo or harmonica or any of the other tricks that some other less innovative bands would use to give their music an old-timey sepia tone; instead, he put the album together in a way that sounds exactly what a rootsy album from 2014 would sound like, inspired by the past, but still from the present which makes the album feel much more real and easier to connect with.
Both albums, while excellent, do have their faults. Tinashe did make the stronger album; it washes over you quickly and without losing the listener's interest, but individual singles are somewhat lacking, the number 24 peaking 2 On, is a good song, but not a killer single; some songs are ruined by certain elements like the how-did-this-leave-the-studio-its-so-awful Future verse on the otherwise excellent Janet Jackson-inspired How Many Times; and other songs like the atmospheric Aquarius are great on the album, but not something to stand out out of context (the Banks reject Bet is particularly awful, all stagnant brooding and no development). Hozier almost has the opposite problem, a couple of his songs stand out head-and-shoulders from the rest of the album that the album doesn't have the greatest flow and cohesiveness. Some of the brighter and happier songs on Hozier's album like Someone New and From Eden are a little jarring inbetween the more dramatic cavernous songs.
Minor faults aside, both albums establish Hozier and Tinashe as artists with something to say. Both albums are incredible debuts that still offer room for growth and improvement and are two of the most exciting albums released in a dull year for music.
__________________________________________________ __________________
Grade For Hozier: B+
Grade For Tinashe: B+
My Reviews
|
|
|
Member Since: 4/7/2009
Posts: 34,961
|
What was Jhene's score? Nothing is there.
|
|
|
Member Since: 4/22/2012
Posts: 33,490
|
Quote:
Originally posted by MP2K
What was Jhene's score? Nothing is there.
|
in the OP it says 87 out of 11 reviews 
|
|
|
Member Since: 4/7/2009
Posts: 34,961
|
Quote:
Originally posted by borntodie
in the OP it says 87 out of 11 reviews 
|
Thanks. I was just looking through the thread posts. Mods must have not updated before alex took over.
|
|
|
Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 27,248
|
holyground: music in review


7.3
"imperfect album but has it's own charms"
highlights
aquarius
2 on (feat. schoolboy q)
cold sweat
feels like vegas
| Aquarius
Tinashe
I don't know if it's just me that's not observant, but is 2014 the year of PBR&B ladies? Okay while some of these ladies have some issues with the genre, I'm just using it as an easy way to classify them. I'm no genius in the genre, but at least each lady offer something different with their albums. Tinashe's album isn't exactly like anything else out there and adequately plays around with different sounds to produce a quality album. However, there are several kinks which keep me from being in love with the album.
Let's talk the good stuff first. Tinashe's brand of experimental, modern R&B is smooth. She has some experimental moments, like in the first few tracks such as Aquarius and Bet which can't help but make me think of FKA twigs. But there are also elements of more traditional R&B that dominates the latter half of the album. Yet, there is a modern sound to it that differentiates itself clearly with other kinds of R&B, essentially creating a blend of R&B that sits comfortably in the middle of the scale between experimental and traditional.
Also, Tinashe runs through a wide array of emotions throughout the album. Most of the songs are centered around love and heartbreak but she goes through each one of them brimming with feelings. Paired with her soft and silky voice, this brings a personal touch to the album even though the production may give an impersonal impression.
However, the lengths are a problem. The album almost comes in at 1 hour long and consists of 18 tracks. This may feel like the album is being stretched out a little. Also, some songs feel like they're being overstuffed, like Bet with that lengthy guitar solo at the end which sort of feels pointless, probably in there for atmospheric purposes.
Not only do those make the album feel airy and less tight, the interludes segment the album and create spaces that make me feel like I'm losing the vibe. Hence I always seem to tune out when I reach the second half of the album. Tinashe is probably going at something with these interludes and spaciness, but I'm just not getting it at the moment.
Overall, I think Tinashe is a very promising artist, being able to craft good songs with a moderate sense of innovation and has a chock-full of talent. Maybe she could try making things feel tighter, hone her vision and experiment more because at this moment, this album doesn't feel as bold as I think it should be. But in the end, the album has a couple of stunning stand-outs which slays everything else, so surely greater things are about to come.
|
previous reviews
archives
...
l.a. love (la la) - fergie - 5.0
something in the water - carrie underwood - 8.5
little machines - lights - 7.8
queen of the clouds - tove lo - 7.4
hozier - hozier - 9.0
|
|
|
Member Since: 4/29/2012
Posts: 15,977
|
Tinashe - Aquarius

Mixing R&B with Pop seems to be a thing this year with artists like Banks,FKA Twigs and more getting a significant amount of attention this year.The latest edition to these albums is " Aquarius" by Tinashe which fits into the same genre as the other ladies yet sounds very different and more classic R&b oriented.
The album starts off rather slow with the title track. The track never seems to go anywhere and the chrous consisting of Tinashe singing nothing but " Aquarius" gets boring fast. Luckily the album picks up with "" Bet" and its almost trance inspired verses constrasting the strong urban chrous. The highlight is definitely the outro guitar where Tinashe seesm to aim for her own "Pyramids". Not quite there but definitely one of the best songs on the album. " Cold Sweat" is very sensual and midtempo at most. It's very captivating and you barely realise the song is over because it's almost hypnotizing
"2 on" is the most popular song of the album so far. With its DJ Mustard beat and a very very catchy chorus the song is definitely the most radiofriendly song on the album. The song is instantely catchy despite realitevely weak lyrics especially in the verses. From now on the album reaches its biggest low " How many times" and " Pretend" are both the kind of R&b songs you've heard a million times already. Future's unbearable shouting earns the former the title for the worst song on the album." All Hands on deck" is a fun uptempo but not as good as " 2 On" " Indigo Child" is by far the best and most experimental song on the album.Starting off with disorted and autotuned vocals,leading up to a distant piano driven middle part until a subtle pulsating beat kicks in. The eerie middle part,ends with a loud bang which is followed by a big beat drop.Lyrically it's also the most interesting song on the album.Tinashe proclaims herself as a "beacon of light" for the R&B world "reqriting the scripture" of R&B.Definitely a big departure from the rest of the album which mostly deals with love and parties. It's also the song that sounds the most like FKA Twigs(not sure if that's why it's the best song)." Indigo Child" serves as the interlude to another amazing song " Far Side Of The Moon" .Great lyrics and vocals make this one of the easiest songs to love on the album." Feels like Vegas" is another very poppy track that again doesn't live up to " 2 On" but is the second best uptempo on the album. Afterwards the album becomes relatively unspectacular. The Mike-Will-Made it track is instantely forgotten and so are " Bated Breath" and " Wildfire"
Final Say:So did Tinashe "rewrite the scripture" of modern R&B bringing major changes?Unfortuanatly no. "Aquarius" rarely shows the ambition that seems to be hidden in Tinashe somewhere. She definitely has the talent to really influence modern R&B alongside artists like FKA Twigs but she doesn't dare to move away from classic R&B on too many songs.So we are left with an average album with great promise,lack of ambition and very strong highlights.
Best songs: Indigo Child,2 On,Far Side of the moon,Bet
6,5/10
|
|
|
Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 27,248
|
Do we review promo singles? 
|
|
|
Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 12,760
|
Tinashe - 'Aquarius'
8.5

In the last couple of years, there has been a real surplus of women emerging in the alt-RnB genre, some have succeeded in making an excellent debut (see: FKA twigs, Kelela) while some are more of a work in progress (see: SZA, Jhene Aiko). I was initially expecting Tinashe to fall into the latter category. Well, she shouldn't really be grouped with those girls anyway, her lead single was produced by DJ Mustard after all. '2 On' was a catchy, enjoyable track but it lacked substance and I was expecting her album to be filled with 2-On lites and plenty of filler. Then she dropped 'Feels Like Vegas'. Captivating and seductive, this track showed a different side to her and made me intrigued to see how her album would turn out.
She didn't disappoint. The album is strong from beginning to end, lacking any filler. A common complaint is that, at 55 minutes long, the album drags on too much. The interludes only add to the length and sometimes feel superfluous, however they work well to weave the album together. The longer tracks are definitely some of the strongest on the album. 'Cold Sweat' throws a curve ball with it's second half being much different than it's first. While 'Bet' and 'Bated Breath' show off Tinashe's vocals and feature stunning guitar and piano outros respectively.
The album is diverse and shows off TInashe's strengths well; we have radio-ready '2 On' clones :'All Hands on Deck', interesting and unique production: ' Far Side of the Moon' and sexy slow jams: 'How Many Times'. Tinashe's features don't feel unnecessary and she works well with her partners (although Future's verse in the aforementioned 'How Many Times' certainly takes getting used to). Overall, 'Aquarius' is a pleasure to listen to from beginning to end and proves that you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover.
Must listen: 'Cold Sweat' 'Far Side of the Moon' 'Feels Like Vegas' 'Thug Cry' 'Bated Breath'
Hozier - Self Titled
7.0

Influenced by the likes of Nina Simone and Muddy Waters Hozier has a rich, soulful voice, that sounds beyond his years. His lyrics are well thought out and poetic, demonstrated perfectly by his lead single 'Take Me To Church'. A soaring song that immediately commands attention. It makes sense that this track should lead Andrew Hozier-Byrne's debut LP, but it sets the bar high. Nonetheless, then follows a string of highlights, the moody 'Jackie and Wilson' , the playful 'Someone New' and the more stripped back 'From Eden'.
But these highs don't make up for the languid second half. 'In a Week' certainly has the most compelling story of all the tracks, a story of two lovers becoming corpses. Painted vividly by Hozier's ever descriptive lyrics, the song is strangely romantic: “After the insects have made their claim / I’d be home with you.” Unfortunately, the song drags for far to long for such an uninteresting melody.'Work Song' and 'Like Real People Do' are forgettable while 'Sedated' remains true to it's name. 'Foreigner's God' does add some much needed bite into the second half, but it's too little too late. Despite this, Hozier has crafted a strong debut album, and certainly established himself as an interesting and unique artist.
Must listen: 'Take Me To Church' 'Angel of Small Death and the Codeine Scene' 'Someone New' 'From Eden'
|
|
|
Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,331
|
Hozier - Hozier AND Tinashe - Aquarius - 20 HOUR NOTICE
You have approximately 20 hours to review Hozier and Aquarius if you have not already.
|
|
|
Member Since: 2/5/2014
Posts: 29,111
|
Are we going to do Out Of The Woods?
|
|
|
Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 27,248
|
Quote:
Originally posted by Bloomers
Are we going to do Out Of The Woods?
|
Yes please. 
|
|
|
Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,973
|
Please. Let's not review the promo singles 
The album comes out in 2 weeks.
|
|
|
|
|