Member Since: 8/10/2012
Posts: 7,072
|
50. On January 8 David Bowie released Blackstar. On January 10 it was announced that he had died. In real Bowie fashion, he thought ahead of the time and released it as his swan song, a final testiment to his great talent and how it will be missed. Throughout 7 songs he showcases some of his finest songwriting to date, elevated by production that highlights his feelings of chaos and calm, the inevitability of death and the beauty of life.
Highlights: Blackstar, Lazarus, Dollar Days
49. Looking back, there was never a doubt that the debut of NAO would be a fine delivery, considering her strong work displayed on EPs. Instead of reinventing the wheel, Neo Jessica Joshua decieds to play with the convention of R&B and creates textured and unique beats over which her wonderful voice dances a quite impressive showcase. The production is punchy, on the next song it's smooth but it never feels forced or out of her comfort zone.
Highlights: Inhale Exhale, In the Morning, Trophy
48. The fact that AIM was released the way it was is surprising, Maya Arulpragasam has been done with the album format since Matangi, her fourth LP. She hates her label and threatend to leak the album completely (which is probably the only reason it's out today). Instead of the focused, sharp and brazzy songs of her first four LPs (MAYA excluded), she goes for a looser sounds and feelings, and taps more into contemporary R&B and pop influences. Out comes her sometimes most frustrating and sometimes most enjoyable records to date. She is not fully in the light yet, but it's her middle point and this might be that last step.
Highlights: Bird Song, Ali R U Ok?, Finally
47. I have to say that I was not familiar with Tim Heckers previous work but this album really took me by surprise. It's probably one of the most daring records of the year and just when you think you know where it's going, it take you to another place completely. The clash of beauty and darkness, soft sounds and melodies and noisy samples compose most of the record and the structure feels like a stream indeed.
Highlights: Obsidian Counterpoint, Bijie Dream, Castrati Stack
46. Color is morbid. There is a certain element of fun throughout the album and a surprising amout of catchy melodies but it's all underlined with a certain amount of gloom. Still, Katie's voice almost hovers over the songs intense structures, and she manages to stay within a certain type of playground while still covering a lot of ground.
Highlights: Lift, Tuck, Rive
|
|
|