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B.o.B. - Strange Clouds
by EdgySurveys B.o.B is a multi-talented rapper and musician (he plays multiple instruments) and I've been a fan of him since I first heard some of his fantastic mixtape material back in 2008. I could immediately tell this guy was a rare talent, the kind of talent I hadn't heard in hip-hop since Eminem, he had that spark. == His Debut ... == I'm obviously not going to review his prior album, in the review of this album, but just to give a little background to make this review resonate further; I will say that I think his debut was a little disappointing. And I think its effect and end result is comparable to this album (his second). == Strange Clouds == This album opens with a stomper, the song "Bombs Away" features a cinematic intro from Morgan Freeman followed by an epic (I know, sorry) chorus and brilliant verses by B.o.B. There's some real sparkles of dazzling flow on display, and his lyrics are a step-up. We go from a brilliant opener to a less artistically satisfying but ultimately very catchy and enjoyable song called "Ray Bands". This song has what you could sum-up as a bit of a silly concept, but its musical format and B.o.B's chorus and delivery are interesting, and different. This is a good song. On to our third track then, called "So Hard to Breathe". This song is one for his core fans (although, he was always hard to pin down to a style or particular sound) who were used to his soulful singing and smooth, introspective rhyming. He didn't actually rhyme this introspectively much on a consistent basis prior to this song, he would actually just sort of 'glance' introspective content within verses or concepts that implied emotional depth but weren't ever too specific. This song deals with his rise to the top and attempt to 'keep his head above water', so there's a nice psuedo-concept to the emotion too. Next we go to "Both of Us", and here is the appearance of the first truly musical collaboration on the album, with - Taylor Swift. On the surface it may look like some vague attempt to replicate the sound and effect of "Airplanes" and, maybe on some level it was (as he's clearly aiming for hits) but if you look past that, you'll hear a fairly beautiful song that's dedicate d to the 'average joe' who listens to his music and struggles like he struggled. The chorus of this song literally warrants a duet, whcih is what makes this collaboration feel justified, and why it resonates like it does. A touching, honest record. Coming straight off the 'deep end', we get to "Strange Clouds", a collaboration with Lil Wayne (who is possibly the worst rapper... ever?); this song is nothing to write home about, it's not particularly engrossing or original, but it has a noticeably GIGANTIC bass line that shudders your brain cells. Lil Wayne's verse is typically annoying, but not as much as usual, he fits the song; whilst B.o.B rides the beat with a charming flow and endearing one liners. This song is an ode to what it sounds like, it's the title track, and somewhat of a throaway track, but oddly... doesn't feel out of place. "So Good" is the track that follows, and this is essentially a romance track with a bit of a concept - that being: his in-character partner in love can basically 'spin the globe' and point as B.o.B is going to take her wherever. This song is an ode to traveling but more-so of course romance, exploration and love; traveling is simply a light conceptual backdrop to explore these themes inadvertently and to deliver some lines that seem to step outside the box with Bobby Ray name-dropping notable modern day artists and country landmarks and tourist attractions. So far, 'so good'! up until this point I'd say the album is very solid, and very enjoyable. These tracks all differ in quality but are all of a different nature; but so much so (in theme and style) that it's quite impressive that they mesh so well. I think B.o.B has made that look easier than it is. The reason I paused to analyze is due to the fact that the next two tracks feel like a pair of duds to me. They're not all that bad but I always find myself skipping them. The first of which, "Play for Keeps" is essentially like a freestyle song where B.o.B gets some lyrical gusto off his chest; and the other "Arena" has a chorus and intent that just feel too manufactured to feel authentic. "Play for Keeps" isn't a compromise, it's just a little boring, and I'm actually a lyrical fiend, but it just doesn't feel right here. Luckily things pick back up and next up is a splendid collaboration with Nicki Minaj. You may have felt like you've heard her name a little too much lately, and she's certainly compromised to high heaven in terms of her solo work, but she more than proves her mic skills yet again here. She certainly steals the show (though doesn't DESTROY B.o.B like she did everybody on "Monster" (Kanye West track) back two years ago) by delivering a self-aware, oddball verse that makes the song what it is. This song, "Out of My Mind" is a racey, bouncy, spazzy track that is fairly entertaining. After some crazy spitting, we get to what is probably now one of my favourite B.o.B tracks to date: "Never Let You Go". This track is essentially another romance track but within the theme of romance and mutual struggle, B.o.B blends the themes of redemption, a lack of need for materialism and the idea of living by your word. You could say this is a contradiction given his earlier bragging and lyrics which pretty much contradict what he's implying are his true (and I feel they are) feelings here, but I also feel that contradiction in an artist's views can sometimes make an album more interesting. This song has a luscious chorus and musical composition and heartfelt verses that resonate well. "Chandelier" is what comes next, and this is another great song. The chorus is sung by Lauriana Mae, who I personally hadn't heard of until this song, but she does a fantastic job. Being a fan of rap myself - I usually don't get overly impressed with singing within itself, as I rarely listen to music for 'just a voice', but Mae's soulful and unique tone, and huge vocal abilities are very notable here, they give the song a blistering drive that I doubt would exist without her, or something similar. As for themes and verses: B.o.B again steps it up and aims for a higher level of substance, attempting to rap positively and encourage the listener to embrace life and each moment as it comes. This may sound simplistic on the outset, but so few are able to pull this off, it's harder to sell positivity, and make it sound cool. Another love interest song follows, and it's called "Circles". I think, though I'm not sure, that I hear some musical influence of Coldplay within the composition here, and given that B.o.B is a huge Coldplay fan, that would make sense. What's very interesting about this song in particular is its hook. I sadden myself a little with this review in seeming to always be obsessing with hooks when in fact; I am a lyrics and concepts man, it's just that B.o.B can be so damn good at hooks, and they elevate his songs to a new level. This chorus is a two-part chorus, which feels a little longer, and more enjoyable, and the rapping is fun. Another light concept to support the underlying themes is the attempt here; and it works well. Now we come to quite an amazing track, so I can presume why they left it this late in the tracklist, it certainly could be seen as a closing curtain in my eyes and it's maybe a shame that's it's not. In this song B.o.B reaches a little further, he widens his scope and this is one gigantic melody - what's so interesting is, this song is as catchy as it is slow. A lot of catchy music is fast, with short, memorable choruses or structures... where as this song, is like a game of chess, it's long-lasting and rich. Listen closely to this song and what B.o.B is singing, and I'm sure you'll appreciate his ambition. This song also sounds beautiful, even irrespective of theme, it sounds like a harmony. What comes next is "Castles", this is another light conceptual emotional track and it's intended to be uplifting and to promote ambition, but the concept feels a little formulated, which is a problem with parts of this album - it's almost like a room full of five debated on how to most effectively reach x demographic or how to phrase or conceptualize obvious emotion... overall it's an okay song, but just a little anticlimactic after the awesomeness of "Just a Sign". We finish off with something quite classy, a song called "Where Are You Now". When I call this song classy - I am referring mainly to its music. This is a musical composition by B.o.B himself, and the authentic piano is welcomed, and towers above some of the digital beats that come before it. On this track, B.o.B takes the imagined view of annoyed fans and attempts to analyze his own career and progression thus far a little with a sideways glance. This song has enjoyable verses, and a very enjoyable hook, all done by B.o.B; a welcomed relief from the array of guest artists. == Overall == This album has some fairly amazing songs and high-points, but it's a little frustrating as it feels B.o.B just missed the mark of a classic by compromising or 'thinking about his audience' or TRYING to aim for a demographic, which I think personally, is a mistake for any artist to do. They should do it for themselves, and whoever likes it: likes it. Why would you pander to people who don't like or get what you're truly doing anyway... it does feel like there are elements of compromise here and there's no real excuses for Bo.B, unless they weren't compromises and people just assume they be. Anyway, I enjoyed and still enjoy most of the songs from this album, It's a solid effort. Read the complete review |
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B.o.b Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray - B.o.B
by EdgySurveys I first heard of B.o.B by catching glimpse of his brilliant 'B.o.B vs. Bobby Ray' mixtape from 2008. B.o.B also released many others mixtapes housing some incredible music. What was evident to me immediately was that B.o.B had the ability to mix and match genres and musical styles with complete ease, and he had an ear more ... melody. And, was a good lyricist. == The Adventures of Bobby Ray == This album's title is an homage to Slick Rick's classic debut 'The Adventures of Slick Rick' - but that's where the comparisons end; this album sounds very little like anything else in the genre to that point actually. B.o.B is an oddity in the hip-hop genre due to the fact he's a real 'musician' and by that I mean: he can play instruments, and his interests do not end with the pen and the rhyme. Most good rappers are just good lyricists; they are musicians in the sense that they can create and define melody to a certain extent, with rappers like Eminem especially prolific in this area, but they rarely play instruments. Bobby Ray has a vast musical appreciation, especially at such a young age and loves music from all walks of life, with one of his favourite bands being Coldplay. His influences are evident but not overpowering. You can certainly see hear the fusion of past rappers and current rock bands, but it still feels fresh and different. So far then - all I seem to have done is praised B.o.B, so why then did I expect more? Whilst this album is a solid album top to bottom, for one thing; its eclectic spirit does make the album a little uneven, with a not always cohesive balance of hard rap vs. soulful lyrics and singing. I used the word soulful very intentionally there mind you, as that is one thing B.o.B does have. Considering his age especially (not like I'm much older, but still) - I do feel he has very self-aware lyrics and strong artistic integrity (which he hasn't entirely stuck to, but, his intent is evident); B.o.B raps from the struggles of his youth, to the depths of his mind to his present day state - but he sort of bounces off each topic line for line, without ever committing too much to theme. My personal favourite track from this album is "Ghost in the Machine" and I think this song displays B.o.B at his genre-mashing best, and is a high-point of the set. There isn't too many dull moments on the album but it just felt like he was going to come with more conceptual gusto. The songs here are good, but fairly simplistic for the most part; with little beneath the surface - despite the often commendable lyricism and musical structures. Overall then: good music, great melodies and good lyrics, but a little lacking on true concepts or commitment to overall theme, and a little messy and uneven. I don't feel B.o.B came up entirely short as there's enough good material here to make this a valid debut, I just feel he could have done better. Read the complete review |
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Bridging The Gap - Black Eyed Peas
by Chloboshoka Looking back, I will say there was some pretty funky things that happened in the early 2000s. This album being one of them. I think that bringing Fergie into the band is one of the best decisions they ever did. However, the first two albums they did before Fergie joined are spectacular. It really contradicts my opinion. At least I liked ... Elephunk and Monkey Business. I think it would be really interesting if they re-recorded the album with Fergie. I know it probably won't have the same effect as the originals. Most of the time, originals are always the best, but I think it would be a good way to introduce the old music to the new fans that are a bit skeptical of the lack of Fergie. I think Fergie's vocals could blend really well with a lot of tracks on this album. But I guess the band are out with the old and in with the new. This album follows a similar route to their first album, Behind The Font. The album has a chilled-out hip hop route. I really love this album, but I think I love the first album a lot more. I think that this album is sweet. I haven't listened to the album in a while, but I still think it sounds as fresh and imaginable as I thought when I first heard the album. Because these this album was before they were with Fergie, who eventually became one of the most dominant members of the band, and because these are ones aren't very well known, They're not as cheap or as available to buy as some of their later albums that made them churn success. I know that every artist has to evolve and change in the music industry, but I wish they maintained the intelligence and cool beats from the first two albums. Sadly overtime they swapped their fresh raps and pure beats for autotune and generic electronic music. Sadly the lyrics have had an overall decline since their commercial success. But at the same time, it makes Black Eyed Peas' first four albums a lot more special. So if you've been following their career since Fergie joined, you may be in for a shock. My favourite tracks on the album are Weekend and Hot. They're both really catchy and one of those songs that make me want to press the repeat button when it's on. Go Go is another standout track for me, I love the beginning of the song. It's sound synthetic and creepy, but in a really cool way. Apl.de.ap and Taboo are a lot more vocally active on this album compared to the later albums. They sound like they're in their comfort zone on this album whilst in the later albums are defiantly more of Will.I.Am's comfort zone. I know it's because they're not yet a quartet, but this albums makes me feel that the three guys are sharing the leadership whilst in the current line up, Fergie and Will.I.AM are obviously the leaders of the group. This album makes me both happy and sad at the same time. Happy because I think the music is really relaxing, and the very same band eventually lost respect for becoming dependent on computer software and not in their own pure talent such as their infamous performance at Superbowl. I think if they want back to their old styles they might earn a little more credibility. 1) BEP Empire - 5/5 2) Weekend- 5/5 3) Get Original - 5/5 4) Hot - 5/5 5) Cali To New York- 5/5 6) Lil' Lil'- 5/5 7) On My Own- 5/5 8) Release- 5/5 9) Bridging The Gaps- 5/5 10) Go Go - 5/5 11) Rap Song- 5/5 12) Bringing It Back - 5/5 13) Tell Your Mama Come - 5/5 14) Request + Line - 5/5 Read the complete review |
Hip-Hop & Rap Music Album |
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Genre: Hip-Hop & Rap / Music Album / Artist: De La Soul's Plug 1 & Plug 2 / CD / Audio CD released 2012-04-02 at Pias Recordings - Disc #1 Tracklisting 1 Opening Credits 2 Pushin Aside, Pushin Along 3 The Work 4 Small Disasters 5 We Made It 6 We Made It (Interlude) 7 Must B The Musi... |
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Genre: Hip-Hop & Rap / Music Album / Artist: Dj Format / Audio CD released 2012-02-20 at Project Blue Book |
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Genre: Hip-Hop & Rap / Music Album / Artist: Mf Doom / CD / Audio CD released 2011-10-24 at Metal Face |
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1 review Artist: Various / Music Album / Released: 7 Nov 2002 / Label: Epic |
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1 review Artist: Gorilla Zoe / Music Album / Released: 11 July 2011 / Label: eOne Music |
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