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Special Event: atrlcritic | Ed Sheeran's new songs after the upgrade
ATRL Contributor
Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 43,104
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Quote:
Rihanna's 8th studio album ANTI has been infamously plagued by a number of setbacks and delays: the relative underperformance of the albums first three singles that in a strange turn of events didn't make the album they were supposed to promote (the #4 "FourFiveSeconds," #13 "Bitch Better Have My Money," and #78 "American Oxygen"), the approximate release date being pushed back month after month starting in May, and the often complete silence from team Rihanna. Finally, a year after the release of its MIA lead single, ANTI has reached the hands of an unsuspecting public.
The album is notable departure from Rihanna's previous stylings (hence the "anti"), with the production being notably restrained, Rihanna's Caribbean accent freely flowing, and explicit, unrestrained drug references (notably to crack and of course, marijuana). There's no buoyant synths like in "We Found Love," slamming piano chords like "Diamonds," or even infectious hooks ala "Umbrella." The album is strikingly minimalist, and rarely steps out of its relaxed flow.
Songs like Kiss It Better embrace Rihanna's inner-Miguel, with a solo electric guitar emphasizing Rihanna's thirst for sexual release, while Rihanna works a double entendre in the Drake backed "Work," with the song also asking for sexual fulfillment, but after a year of headlines swirling around ANTI, it could also be addressed to her fans and the media: "What can I say? / Please recognize I'm tryin', babe! / I have to / Work, work, work, work, work, work."
In all of this, the album feels remarkably rushed. The first half of the record sets an electronic-r&b atmosphere, while the latter half seems to fall into a mix of styles unidentifiable to Rihanna, and feel much more like an effort to recreate sounds found on critic's 2015 year-end lists. Take for instance "Never Ending," which could (ignoring the weaker lyrics) find a placement on Lord Huron's Strange Trails, and even emulates a happier twist on Sufjan Steven's Carrie and Lowell. Or the lackluster organ backed blues ballad "Love On The Brain," which showcases Rihanna's inexperience at the form. The most blatant sin however, is the Tame Impala cover creatively hidden under the title of "Sale Ol' Lies" (as opposed to the song's actual title "New People, Same Old Lies"), which is a blatant exposure of ANTI attempting to recreate the critical success of Impala's hailed album Currents.
Oddly enough, the album shines when it's the least "anti" anything, with the spectacular closing ballad "Close To You" crushing 2012's "Stay" with its emotional weight and understated instrumentation.
ANTI is at its best when Rihanna isn't trying to impress the audience she hasn't tapped into yet in her decade long career, and falls flat in its most desperate attempts to gain new fans. When Rihanna doesn't care, she's the most genuine. When she exposes her weaknesses and insecurities while simultaneously trying to hide them, ANTI loses its bravado.
Overall: 6.6/10
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Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 58,053
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Quote:
First off I actually had high expectations coming into this and I actually liked FourFiveSeconds and Bitch Better Have My Money while I was also extremely entertained by the snippets of Higher and Only For A Night, which was later renamed Goodnight Gotham so hearing that the singles from the previous year had not been put on the final product of ANTi I was kinda disappointed, but also excited for new songs -- even though immediately after hearing this news a new lead single was released and I was stunned by how lackluster the Drake featured track "Work" was compared to their several other collaborations (and the scrapped singles) the chemistry they once had seemed to vanish.
So let's get into this ... ANTi is not good and I don't need big words or long drawn out sentences to say that or maybe I do.. After a wait of 3.5 years as a huge Rihanna fan and supporter this is the worst thing I've heard in years. The album doesn't breathe and the songs don't last long so you don't really get the chance to even like them. Listening to ANTi feels like suffocating in a wall scratching trying to get out. The only redeemable tracks like Kiss It Better and Higher don't save it, but luckily on the deluxe edition Rihanna gets back to her essence and serves actual bops and the music we wanted.. Sex With Me might be the best track on this album as it is not grating and serves that cockiness we've been lacking in music. After Pills N Potions and 45S flopped you would think she would get that the world is not here for that personal side of you unless you are ADELE stop doing half-assed ballads and moody music. Stick to what we've been neglected of and give raunchy bops and realize who your fan base it we don't only smoke weed y'know... We wanna pop and gyrate our asses too.
Maybe I'm being a little dramatic, but hey... who cares.
4/10 #Pray4R9
this is just my opinion.
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ATRL Contributor
Member Since: 4/24/2011
Posts: 8,547
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We should have been doing Bowie's Blackstar since last week, or earlier, though.
Honestly, TRF.
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Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 68,548
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I also request Pillow Talk!
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,331
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Everything but Anti is ending tonight.
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Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 19,167
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Will post my ANTi review tomorrow, I hope it's okay if I include FFS, AO2 and BBHMM in it too ?
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Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 68,548
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This Is Acting please
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Member Since: 8/7/2015
Posts: 16,101
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This Is Acting please [2]
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,331
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Just extended the deadline to tomorrow night.
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Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 19,167
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"ANTi"
RIHANNA
After three years leaving the fans thirsty and hungry for the new music, Rihanna shook the world with her suprise release called “ANTi” which is also her eigth album, there has been a huge mixed reaction towards the album, some hate it, some like it, so now, it’s my turn to talk about my opinion for it. In this review, for the deluxe part, I’ll include three of her songs released during 2015 which is “American Oxygen”, “FourFiveSeconds” and “Bitch Better Have My Money” because I think it’s also a big part into the making of the album.
1. Consideration (featuring. SZA) : A really solid opening track, also, having SZA’s voice into the track brings a really special and fresh as she is new to mainstream and her voice blends so well with Rihanna. 9.5/10
2. James Joint : In the beginning, you think it’d be a great track, but then, nothing happens. Basically because it’s too short that it didn’t leave any memory. It’s so hypnotizing and doesn’t fit the album at all. 5/10
3. Kiss It Better : Unarguably one of the most hyped tracks coming from the album and it doesn’t disappoint me at all. You can hear her voice clearly with really nice guitar instrument. 10/10
4. Work (featuring. Drake) : I have to be different with some of people saying this is a bad song. I instantly love this, so catchy and so on point. However, the fact that adding Drake to this song is a little bit lazy as he sounds really bored and unexcited for such an upbeat track like this. But, I’ll appreciate Rihanna’s voice in this track bcause it gives me a really sexy and dreamy vibe in this track. 9/10
5. Desperado : A really strong and heavy track. But, I do love it, it gives me a really badass Rihanna, a side that she has always tried to do but unsuccessful until this song. 8.5/10
6. Woo : You might hate it, but I like it. Although Rih leaves a lot of free space for the instrument, it doesn’t sound tiring and long at all. Giving me chills with all the rock vibe and I’ll have to give her props for experimenting a different sound with this track. 10/10
7. Needed Me : A really basic, normal urban song that could have pulled off by any other artist. It just doesn’t scream out any of Rihanna’s personality and I think that’s really bad because an artist, personally, shouldn’t have released a song that can’t define his/her originality. 7.5/10
8. Yeah, I Said It : A slow sex song. Once again, just like “Woo”, Rih leaves space for this song to shine on its own, but it can’t pull off itself. The instrument is so long that it makes the track sounds a bit weird. However, I do admire with her vocal in this track, sounds really hot and atractive. 7/10
9. Same Ol’ Mistakes : Finally, after two boring tracks, this cover track has brought this album back. I usually against lengthy songs, but not this one. Every single second comes, a new thing happens and always better than the previous second. 10/10
10. Never Ending : After tons of urban tracks, she has come back to the slow, indie-esque, acoustic track and it sounds perfect. So relaxed and chill. 10/10
11. Love On The Brain : One of the strongest tracks in her discography and it sounds really different from the others by her. It’s so soulful and her vocal is up to par. 10/10
12. Higher : Although it’s short, I think I will look it as an interlude, and it’s great. I mean, some might say her vocal is screechy but I don’t think so, it’s a bit overdramatic but still listenable and full of emotion. 8.5/10
13. Close To You : Once again, Rih decides to close the album with a ballad and it works so perfect. It’s a solid ballad. 8.5/10
14. Goodnight Gotham : I don’t know why people hate it, it’s such a great intro for the beginning of the deluxe edition, the beat, the instrument, it’s so perfect, sure, it doesn’t have Rih’s vocal, but than can’t stop me from lovin’ this and I think this is one of the best intros in a long time. 9.5/10
15. American Oxygen : Now onto this track, like I said, I will also say about the songs which aren’t officially added into the tracklist. I love this. Somehow it’s dramatic but not overdramatic, her vocal, I mean, it’s so beautiful in this track and suits this track so well. 9.5/10
16. Pose : It’s really weird, I mean, it’s catchy, but nothing really special, sounds like a messy mess that randomly picked for this almost-perfect album. 5/10
17. Bitch Better Have My Money : Bitchy, catchy, and sassy. This is the Rihanna that I’ve been looking for a long time, really sad this didn’t make the cut. 10/10
18. Sex With Me : After huge amount of songs she wants to showcase her vocal, this is the song that she tends to slow down while still being catchy. 9/10
19. FourFiveSeconds (featuring. Kanye West & Paul McCartney) : Another perfect song that didn’t make the cut. I don’t know why, but I really love this song, from Rihanna’s vocal, to the lyrics, to the acoustic vibe, even Kanye’s voice sometimes annoyed me sounds perfect in this track. They all together create a really cute and sad story. 10/10
Overall, even though it’s weaker than her last album “Unapologetic” which is her second best
album ever, it’s still her third best album. I really like how she tries different type of music, out of her comfort zone and experiences things, these are not the things that most mainstream artists nowaday dare to try. Also, I’m sad that she cut the three tracks I reviewed because they, somehow, are stronger tracks in the album.
__________________________
8.8/10
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Member Since: 8/17/2013
Posts: 7,248
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Troye Sivan: Blue Neighbourhood
For many young gay men, Troye Sivan offers a new experience: unlike many of his contemporaries, Troye does not shy away from exploring gay themes openly in his lyrics and refrains from using characters and gender neutral pronouns. In doing so, we are able to experience something that we are so deprived of - music and lyrics that we can actually relate too. And boy is it refreshing.
Sonically, 'Blue Neighbourhood' clearly takes inspiration from Troye's young female contemporaries, the most obvious comparison being Lorde to whom who he owes much. However, here Troye convincingly proves that you don't have to be musically trailblazing to produce a solid and memorable body of work. The opening track 'Wild'' and current single 'Youth' were clearly written with mainstream radio in mind, and are both tremendous successes in this regard, and are obvious singles even on early impressions. This album's greatest strength lies not with its potential hit singles however, but rather with its overall cohesiveness. 'Fools' 'Cool' 'Suburbia' 'Lost Boy' and 'Too Good' form a core of inoffensive, solid tracks that define Troye's sound and explore a myriad of lyrical themes. Troye explores a more laid back sound with Broods' feature 'Ease', and a more atmospheric production in 'Heaven' ft Betty Who, both of which make excellent use of their featured artists. Less well utilized is Adelaide rapper Tkay Maidza, who's great verse seems somewhat out of place on the dark, production-centred 'DKLA'.
Sadly, the album is not without flaws. The worst point on the album is undoubtedly Allday's rap section on the otherwise pleasant 'for him.', which features terrible lyrics and an extremely thick Australian accent that even I as a born and raised Australian could not understand without reading the lyrics. Another weakness comes from Troye's limited range. Troye certainly falls into the category of a 'tone' singer, rather than a technical one, and he generally manages to avoid problems by staying in his mid-to-low range where he excels. Occasionally however, he does venture a little higher on songs such as 'Talk Me Down', and unfortunately does not wholly succeed with some weakness being shown.
Overall, 'Blue Neighborhood' is a very strong and convincing debut, and one of my personal favourite albums of 2015. Troye has certainly given the gays of our home-town Perth something to be proud of.
8.5/10
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Member Since: 8/7/2015
Posts: 16,101
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Finishing up my Cam review now.
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Member Since: 8/7/2015
Posts: 16,101
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Cam - Untamed
1. Untamed - This song is very catchy. Great opening to the album. I love when the first songs on albums have a dramatic intro. 8/10
2. Hungover on Heartache - Another catchy song, and I find myself oddly surprised at how much I'm enjoying this album. 7.5/10
3. Mayday - This is a different sound than I would expect from country, with the hard hitting drum line. This song kind of drags a bit, and I was hoping it would pick up at the end. It didn't, unfortunately. 5/10
4. Burning House - Her melodies are beautiful, and the verses of this song really highlight that. With a simple instrumental, we really see her voice shine on this song. 8/10
5. Cold in California - Drag LA, I guess. I love the burst into the chorus, and the coda after the bridge was a nice way to take this song to another level. This song also contains a beautiful line about wind in the soul, which slapped me in the face. 8.5/10
6. My Mistake - This song is my personal favorite on the album. The opening is fantastic. The lyrics and general theme of the song is very up my alley. It's a fun, tongue-in-cheek vibe, which I love. 9/10
7. Runaway Train - Great progression as the song goes on, which mirrors the title of the song. Very smart, and well written. This is another favorite of mine on the album. 8.5/10
8. Half Broke Heart - This song lowkey reminds me of Kelly's "Good Goes the Bye" as far as the lyrical content, which is a good thing. It's a clever writing technique. and one that I personally like. Overall a very solid song. 8/10
9. Want It All - This song has a few cute lines, like the "rocking chair regrets," but the verses aren't very impressive. And her voice can't really carry the song in the chorus. 4/10
10. Country Ain't Ever Been Pretty - You can just tell from the title that this song is going to one of those classically country sounding songs. In this case, though, it doesn't really have that "it" factor that made songs like Redneck Woman, Man I Feel Like A Woman, and others instant country classics. It's cute to line dance to maybe. 2/10
11. Village - This is a sweet song to the end the album with. With a cool, but soft, guitar powering through the verses, she really allows her melody and voice to carry the song through. The growing instrumental works perfectly with the message of the song, the heart being built by the village of people you've had in your life. 7.5/10
I really didn't know of Cam until deciding to review this album, and I was a little trepidatious about listening to a country album. It ended up being a pleasant surprise, and might be the start of my foray into the country scene. Cam really knows how to deliver catchy melodies, and her strengths lie in simple instrumentals where her voice has the ability to show off its sweetness. She also can deliver some uptempo, fun country songs that have some crossover appeal.
OVERALL SCORE: 6.9
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ATRL Contributor
Member Since: 9/2/2011
Posts: 21,728
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Haven't done a review in ages.
I think I'm going to draw one up for ANTI soon.
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Member Since: 6/25/2011
Posts: 28,853
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After years of delays and scraps, I can honestly say I'm glad Rihanna took her time. The dismissal of the previous three tracks is a bit disappointing, but the argument could be made that if they were still there - they wouldn't "fit" - but neither do some of the songs that replaced them. She takes some chances. Some pay off big time (a beautiful cover of one of my favorite bands Tame Impala), others don't (the almost painful Higher), yet you can hear a sense of relief, and excitement, in her. This may not be a perfect album - there aren't many of those - but this is an encouraging effort that only makes me wonder, where will this Bajan beauty go next?
Consideration ft. SZA - chill mood with great lyrics and vocal delivery. Their voices compliment one another very well. Rih singing "Give him no peace" is heavenly. 10/10
James Joint - otherworldly and melancholy. Bittersweet in the best way. Takes me back to my childhood in a dreamlike fashion that I really appreciate. Perfect! 10/10
Kiss It Better - a nod to love ballads of the late 80's. Great chorus, vocal delivery, and production. 9/10
Work ft. Drake - the vibe is so perfect and palpable. So much fun to sing along to. Drake and Rih have great chemistry and even though he doesn't really push himself as much as she does, it still works. 9/10
Desperado - her voice is the best thing about the song. It's very reminiscent of past songs she's done. Would've been right at home on Rated R. Doesn't really go anywhere. 6/10
Woo - grungy in the best way. Sounds almost incomplete with the purposeful distortions. 7.5/10
Needed Me - the chorus is infectious and enjoyable to sing along to. Her delivery throughout the song is perfect. 8/10
Yeah. I Said It - lovely. Her vocals are so effortless and pure. 9/10
Same Ol' Mistakes - on another level. All I get are images of the 90's and people loving being alive. So ethereal and unexpected. She and Tame Impala can possibly do something great in the future. 10/10
Never Ending - Beautiful. Potential to be used for Film and TV for years to come possibly. 9/10
Love on the Brain - Geez! Can little Bey get some praise!? This is a song that you would find on one of her albums and with such a similar vocal delivery! Rihanna takes on such a funky persona, and it works. 8/10
Higher - I really hope she doesn't sing this too much live. I understand what she trying to do here, but it seems too forced. Another song that would fit perfectly, and be delivered without overdoing it, on an album with someone who can emote in such a fashion without it seeming so overdone. 5.5/10
Close To You pretty piano ballad. Reminds me of the sad songs played during reflective moments in films. 8/10
Goodnight Gotham - Schizophrenic, eerie, and effective. 7.5/10
Pose - A certified BOP. If she releases this, it's going to blow up. This album's ***Flawless. I can already see epic remixes with some great additions. Perfect. 10/10
Sex With Me - an enjoyable tongue-in-cheek sex anthem. The lyrics, and her delivery of them, are blush inducing. 8/10
I could've gone deeper into my thoughts of each song, but I wrote the first things that came to mind instead. I didn't want this to be some extra long review.
8.0
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Member Since: 5/22/2011
Posts: 21,227
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I'll be doing 'Anti' as soon as I find some time.
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ATRL Contributor
Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 43,104
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I want to see Rachel, ha score!
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,331
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Final extension to tomorrow afternoon, when I 100% will be able to update this.
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Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 68,548
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Troye Sivan
Blue Neighbourhood
9/10
The fact that Troye started his career as a YouTube personality didn't give anyone much hope in Troye's musical debut and in the quality of his material, as many YouTubers tend to be... well, musically untalented. His debut EP, released in 2014, and the follow-up, 2015, were a huge surprise. And his debut full-length album has left many of us surprised.
First of all, the originality of the theme. Troye is the first openly gay young artist to make songs about homosexual love. For the first time, the gay teens of the world can have an entire album they can completely relate to, and we can only admire Troye for that. Then, the songs are all pretty great! Mainstream sounds were put apart to use more indie sonorities, but the album doesn't come off as tryhard or forced at all. There's really no filler at all. Finally, despite not being having one of the strongest voices out there, he manages to use his vocals to sound emotional, sad, carefree, or even sexy, when needed. It's all about the way he uses her voice rather than its power.
| 1. Wild
The album opens with a song that perfectly presents its main theme. With a strong chorus featuring children's voices repeating the title's name, this is definitely a catchy opener. 8.5/10
2. Fools
This song has the most interesting music in the entire album. It opens up with a slow piano base, and as the chorus kicks in, a hypnotizing synth melody starts. 9.5/10
3. Ease
A track that, unlike the first two, has a more relaxing vibe to it. The soft vocals in the chorus are exactly what we needed to get ready for the less relaxed songs to come. Broods' vocals fit perfectly. 8.5/10
4. Talk Me Down
A very emotional song with wonderfully honest lyrics. The minimal vocal effort translates into the very effective "dying inside" feeling that the song wants to convey. 9/10
5. Cool
This song perfectly describes the struggle many teens go through. Extremely relatable, and quite catchy. 7.5/10
6. Heaven
A rather forgettable song with a way too generic base. Betty Who's vocals are stunning. 6/10
7. Youth
The "basic" song of the album is actually pretty great and not even generic at all. Carefree lyrics, a post-chorus breakdown, and a repetitive chorus that all work perfectly. 9.5/10
8. Lost Boy
The post-chorus really reminds me of 80s music ("Girls Just Want to Have Fun" has similar sonorities), and the "I'm just a lost boy ready to be found" is arguably the best known of the album already. The magic atmosphere the song creates is unique. 10/10
9. For Him
I expected this to be a sad song, but it's actually a super cute teen love song. The whistle-ish sounds make it even sweeter, and more relaxing and carefree. 9/10
10. Suburbia
The song itself is quite forgettable, but with the lyrics, once again, Troye manages to describe the typical young person's situation of moving out. I can feel the nostalgia already even though I still live at home! 7.5/10 |
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,331
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Troye Sivan - Blue Neighbourhood
Members
Score 83
4 reviews (4 positive)
Top Critics
Score 77
2 reviews (2 positive)
Overall Score
80.7
6 reviews (6 positive)
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