Ryan Beatty 'Boy In Jeans' (2018)

Perhaps not the most popular style of artists or genres but one which took me by surprise. Pop records have always had a bad connotation behind them and aswell as an artist like Ryan Beatty who started his career at a very young age becoming a YouTube music star. He released an EP at the age of just 17 which sky rocketed to the top of the US pop chart and US album chart on the Itunes store in just 24 hours. The EP shown glimpses of his musical talents, having a similar vibe to the likes of Justin Beiber but also including a wide variety of experimental instruments.

But it was when he came out as gay when his career took a massive turn. He started to release songs which lead to this album, the whole story of his life became his motivation. In a world of the majority being straight, he had a very different life which he could explain, in which he did. The album title itself describes the whole record well and Ryan describes it as a painting for the album. Speeking on the topic of  queer much like the Brockhampton song 'Queer' he features in on the Saturation II album released in late 2017 just before this album. His popularity on the Brockhampton Saturation Trilogy is a massive hit for him because band members like Kevin Abstract writes in a similar fasion which i can imagine motivated and influenced him to create and release this record.

Ryan's songwriting in this record is from his perspective as he talks about love, poverty, drugs and coming out. He adds clever one liners which could be later quoted. For example 'You have to give before you get' on the track 'Haircut'. 'Make a decision, is he your lover or boyfriend' from the track 'Party's Over'. This record was made hopefully for people to relate to. Simple writing but efficient and accessable. Also with the songwriting, as you read the lyrics from paper they sound just like a conversation or a string of thoughts but in the songs his cadence is surprising and he uses the production to his advantage, much like Frank Oceon does across his records, to create different characters and inflections in his voice.

The whole record uses catchy hooks like a traditional pop record would but there is something about this record that stands out. Although he does have a very impressive voice, it is less him showing it off or adding too many layers to the production. It's like he's just been given an 808 to work with. Plenty of sounds and styles without doing too much. It's simple but effective. For example the production on the track 'Money', he uses a well known technique of background voices after each bar. Like i said before, it's adding layers to the character behind the story.

'Pink Floyd' is arguably his most touching track as he slows the whole pace of the album down to come to a reality. The line 'They say there's nothing to lose, but i lose it everyday', is a line everyone can relate to even if you don't fit in the same shoes as Ryan. The topic obviously is about him cominig out how difficult it was but you can flip the topic into anything else and the lines would suit them just as much. That is the genius of the album. Mixing catchy hooks, experimental styles, with a mixture of jumping out your seat tracks to making you think about what he just said. The topic can be diverse to whatever you may find your state of mind to be. It's just got the whole package. I can guarentee you will find one song you will like. This a pop record not to be ashamed of liking. It defines pop but takes all the bad over produced etc elements out the bowl. A real classic and underrated album in my eyes.

Rating: 10/10

Fav Tracks: Powerslide, Camo, Rhinestone, Haircut

Album JAY Z is not as good as Feature JAY Z

Jay's albums have been recognised as some of the best in it's genre and any Hip-Hop fan would easily say at least 2 are classics. Whether your a fan of his music or not there is no doubt on his quality and impact on his era. However, his features have gone unrecognised and most would come to say it has ruined his music career. Not to say the songs were not popular and he's also no unknown. He's a bloody billionaire and has gotten platinum on every he has produced post American Gangster.

But i can listen so many songs which i consider as classics, for example: Suit And Tie, Poundcake, Renegade, Light Up and that's just to name a few. He's featured on pretty much all the big albums, Kendrick Lamar's GKMC, Lil Wayne's The Carter III plus more and all his verses are fire. He always has the best verse. He's known for his swagger and style and showing off his skill and how rich he is. But it just doesn't cut it for me having all his albums about that. However when it is in just a single verse on a track every now and again it is great to hear, mixed with his lyrical skill and amazing flow he is known for.

It's very difficult in Hip-Hop to make classic albums becomes you need a brilliant concept and some substance but also be able to hit the mainstream audience with a few songs. Jay obviously has the skill sets to do this but his albums are just not great concept albums. And that's what the genre is known for.

Let me know if you agree or disagree and why?

The Weeknd 'Blinding Lights' and 'Heartless' (2019)

The Weeknd is back. And he has a new look. As he always does for each major album he releases. But the direction he is taking this time seems to be a very mature one which is unlike him. Putting aside all his addictions, dark mindset and starting to change things. These 2 records have a heavy 80s synth pop influence and the electronic sounds are just amazing. I can also see the influence of Michael Jackson which everyone could see from his discography as a whole. They are 2 very similar artists, in the way they perform and sound.

The first single of the 2 to be released was Heartless, the title is no surprise from him, he always spoke on these sort of topics but these songs seemed to be aimed to be played in the clubs. Similar to Kanye's 'Heartless' track, the chorus is mixed with slight auto tune to mix with the electronic sound and creates less soul sounding track hence the title heartless. This track isn't the best I've heard from Abel but you can hear sounds from his early album 'Trilogy', the darker atmospheric sound which I'm a massive fan of.I would have expected this to be further down the line as a filler track on the album not a lead single but nether the less it is a decent track.

Blinding Lights on the other hand blew me away and i will say straight off the bat you need to listen to it and it has been on repeat for me since the release. Unlike his last few albums, this track isn't over produced with 1000 different instruments and changes in the song. And i can see the direction in the song, not trying to polish a classic pop record. The chorus in this track is so addictive especially when he goes high pitch at the start. Mixing this with the fast tempo beat it gets you moving and immediately puts you in a good mood. Also after watching him perform this live i can see how much fun people have listening to this track. After the chorus, the electronic riff is just superb and has the same rhythm as the rest of the song. I can see this being a very popular song and after hearing this track i can't wait for the album next year.

Rating: 8/10

XXXTENTACION 'Bad Vibes Forever' (2019)

X is a music artist who has had moments of greatness but surrounds the question of is he a serious artist or not? His 2 album ‘17’ was one of my favourite of the decade, not because of how much it blew me away in terms of quality and it didn’t even have a lot of substance. It just felt like a perfect album, everything was polished and felt smooth. Since then he has looked much like his original self and a lot like the criticised ‘mumble rappers’. With no serious creativity or quality in their music. 

Nether the less coming into this album I didn’t expect anything since all his music from now on will be little scraps which the label are trying to make money from. I was hoping for maybe a catchy melody and a really good feature verse with some solid production. That would satisfy me for some new X music. The label certainly tried this but I was unsure to start with. Just repeating the title of the song over and over again. At parts of the songs I couldn’t even understand what he was saying because he barely opened his mouth. I know he’s been known for doing this did the producer really think it sounded good?

All of the songs were different as we would come to expect from a varied artist like X, but ‘LIMBO’ was one that surprised me. Just before the track played I thought to myself ‘okay killststation might get the best out of him because of his background with X’ and they sure did their thing. This track actually sounded really good to the ear. Definitely a song I want to listen to again. The mix of the soft guitar notes and X’s melody then out of no where, a raspy rock sounding voice and the best keeps stopping and starting for his shouting. I definitely did rate this track and it was a surprise. 

The next few tracks were a real dead space on the album. Felt like songs which just were thrown in to make up the numbers but yet it was about 7 of them in a row. Until the song ‘Daemons’ with Joey Badass and Kemba and before this song I’d never have heard of Kemba but Joey Badass I was expecting nothing but the best verse but Kemba blew me away. He had the most clarity out of the 3 and felt confident on the mic and had a good subject to talk about. Technically not the greatest but was very interesting to listen to with his voice changes to express his feelings. Very similar to Kendrick Lamar. X on the other hand had a go at a boom bap style flow but for some reason sounded like he had hit puberty another 5 times with how deep his voice was. Whoever mixed his verse did a very bad job. Overall the track was a meh but Kemba verse was worth the listen. 

HEARTEATER and NUMB THE PAIN, were 2 tracks which sounded a lot like my favourite X, just a simple melody but so soft and beautiful to listen to. He just needs an acoustic guitar and he can pull together a hook with ease. It’s amazing and his greatest talent by far. 

The final track on this record featured Blink-182 which I can imagine will be the most popular. I’m a big fan of Travis Barker but not the band as a whole. However they did suit X on this song and they blended very well. Travis as always creating an excellent instrumental on the drums. This song on a normal album would be hidden and classed as an average song but it stands out on this record unfortunately because of the lack of good tracks. I can’t be disappointed because of the tragedy that happened. But overall this album is a terrible album. Genuinely just makes no sense and is just the label trying to make money.

Rating: 3/10 

Fav Tracks: ITS ALL FADING TO BLACK, LIMBO, numb the pain, Daemons, 

How I Rate My Albums

How I Rate My Albums

0 - This will pretty much never happen because i will know in advance if an album is going to be this bad, but you can guess how i would feel about the album with this rating. I wouldn't be able to finish the album, every song would just be annoying and i can't pick out a single positive. Imagine someone who has never created music before and tried to piece something together for fun. 

1 - I was able to get through the album but it was a struggle. But pretty much the same as the rating before. Impossible to pick out anything good.

2 -  Now we can talk about something, mostly this rated album will be someone without the professional production but will have a little spark in their potential. Or possibly it's a known artist with the worst day at their office.

3 - Much like the previously rating but I'm feeling a little more generous.

4 - This is like a pass GCSE grade and i can consider this album as an album, i can see where people will like it but it just isn't for me, im not going to come back to it however its worth the listen. 

5 - The definition of average, a hand full of good things but also a hand full of bad things, just not my cup of tea and i will pretty much never come back to this album. 

6 - Now things start to get interesting, maybe their is a song that reaches out to you every now and again, you will remember this album as parts of it but not the whole picture. 

7 - At 7 there is alot of things to talk about, way more songs which are on your bucket list to listen to for the day but it is will depend on the mood. 

8 - This is where little tweaks are needed to make this album amazing, maybe there are too many songs, maybe the songs are too long or too short, just little things that bug you but you can always come back to this record. Definitely there are playlist worthy songs included. 

9 - Considered one of the best albums of the year for sure, a game changing record for you and a breath of fresh air. If someone was to ask you what your favourite albums are this would be one of them and the songs included are some of the most played songs on your playlists. 

10 -Absolute classic, as a critic your struggling to find something bad to say, everything is just so impressive and your sat wondering how it is this good. In 20 years time you will not forget it and you wish you had bought a vinyl of it.

Kanye West "JESUS IS KING" (2019)

'Which Kanye are we going to get', pretty much what every fan has been saying. But he is someone who blows my mind every time he is mentioned, always got something to say and doesn't mind being in the spotlight one bit; Kanye West, with Jesus Is King. Only just under a year since his last 2 records which were phenomenal and some of his best piece of music. He seems to have found his feet and i felt this way 10 years ago but he always finds a way to expand his creativity. Forever looking for something different and that is something I have to respect. 

This gospel album is a different direction in his career. Definitely not what we expected as he never spoke about these topics in depth before and as a person who isn't very educated in this subject it was interesting to see what he had to say. However, he didn't say much. Like I said before we don't know which one we are going to get, the lyrical Ye or the one who has catchy auto tune hooks but innovative instrumentals. To be honest it is a bit of both. Some of these tracks felt like a Graduation song but some sounded like something new. For example, I love 'Follow God' which is sampling Whole Truth’s 1974 track, “Can You Lose By Following God" and is reminiscent of a previous track by Kanye West and Kid Cudi "Father Stretch My Hands, Pt. 1" in which he describes an argument he had with a girl he loves but eventually realises all that does matter is waking up next to her every morning and he is also expressing a desire to submit to God’s will despite his own pride. But the sample is produced in a Kanye fashion where he repeats it after every bar. It creates a fast pace track along with the bass.

The first 2 tracks on this record uses a choir which once again is creative and also ties to the gospel theme very well. Aiming to give a sense of chills. He also incorporates very hard hitting drums to show he's trying to express his feelings to god. In terms of production he isn't disappointing at all across this record. But I’m struggling to find his other side, the lyrical side. Lupe Fiasco for example has expressed similar emotions across some of his piece of work and the detail he describes, squeezing in double entendre and not just simple corny techniques and wordplay which Kanye uses in this album, for example he says 'push your buttons like typewrite' which plays on the expression of pushing someone’s buttons (annoyance) and in my eyes it's very simple and lame. He also has a lack of lyrics across his songs and for a person who is known for his interesting lyrics, it’s just not enough especially for a small album and a gospel album. 

Although he makes up for some of the bad choices with good features such as the legendary ‘Clipse’ and he could've just got one of the rappers but decided to bring them back together on the track and they stole the show, they shown Kanye how to say little but with a big mouth. Although this doesn’t shadow away from the exceptional chorus which does sound like classic YE with his melody riding the beat so well and the mixing is just perfect. 

After several listens to the album there were some songs which never grew on me and I actually began to dislike them even more. But there were a small bunch which were playlist worthy and if they are that good then he has done something right, right? This isn't his best piece of work and I am a little disappointed to not come away from and thinking about will it be in the conversation of his classics. It's far from that but it was worth the listen and I’m excited as always to listen to whatever he has next to release.

Rating: 5/10

Fav Tracks: Follow God, Use This Gospel 

Brent Faiyaz “Lost” (2018)

Brent Faiyaz, personally i think is very underrated, is a new R&B artist that i have been listening to for a while now and he continues to impress me. He just seems to create the music you need at the right time. I know he has a very good fan base and they support all his albums a tremendous amount because he creates touching music for the tough times which will always be appreciated. Especially when he has been through them himself while creating this art piece.

It is a very small album having only being just under 19 mins. But that doesn’t seem to bother me at all. No tracks are wasted. He’s taken his time to polish and create a real feeling when listening to this record. You have to be prepared also because it will surprise you and put you in a real state of mind. It’s special and not many artists can do it. 

Brent isn’t the most talented vocalists compared to most R&B artists but every now and then he switches to an impressive high humming note. Similar to what Kid Cudi does but much higher. For some reason it’s so addicted and sounds so smooth over the beat and you can listen to it for hours. 

Until you realise your 10 mins into the album and not 30 mins. And next comes the more stereotypical mainstream style songs such as Around Me. The catchy hook which he sings differently every time. It’s genius. Aswell with the progression of the song he gets more passionate in his vocals and it eventually switches to a choir singing.

The record finishes with 2 different style songs. ‘Poundz’ being the best of the 2, having a bouncy happy vibe to it. Lifting up the mood of the album but with the juxtaposition of the lyrics. But then later switches to a completely different beat within the same song as he shows off his impressive vocals and his true talent. 

Overall this was and will be a great album to listen to. Not one that will be replayed all the time but a classic my eyes that’s short and can be listened to when you need that type of music. A special album and one which is very hard to create. Personally I love Brent’s music and is a very underrated artist. If you want to listen to more of him he also has a group called 'Sonder' which is him and 2 producers.

Fav Tracks: All of them 

Rating: 9/10

Ed Sheeran “No.6 Collaboration Project” (2019)

The King of catchy songs, Ed Sheeran is back with another album but a very different album. Not a record which he will be performing on tour anytime soon because it’s an all collab album hence the title. And wow what a collection of songs this is. Banger after banger. Every song suits eachother and complement so well together without having any background to them.

The only background of the album I can give is that it was released during the summer which is perfect timing for the album, as it was the start for the great music to come for the year 2019. And since this is aimed towards the mainstream audience it was smart to release it at the start of the summer. As it is the most memorable time of the year, music played on the radio will be remembered for years to come as classics of the generation. Genius by Ed. 

Another smart move was adding features across a range of genres including Chris Stapleton, Eminem, Khalid, Travis Scott. Every feature is spot on. Every feature isn’t overshadowed by Ed’s verses and hooks. It’s similar to what Eminem does when he features a song, he makes sure he has the best verse and it will be remembered as his song even though it isn’t. And Ed has done that here except it is his song. With catchy hooks across every song.

I personally love “BLOW” as it features 2 other artist of different genres being country/rock and R&B/Pop. So the collobo was obviously going to be interesting and each one of them have different vocal ranges and styles. But they pulled it off brilliantly with a rock pop style. The short riff at the start is so addictive and gets you hyped for the song especially when the “oh” scream comes in. 

Also the track ‘I Don’t Want Your Money’ deserves a special mention because Ed and H.E.R compliment each other so well with their similar vocals. He describes the type of person he is, just a normal person not overhyped about money and lives just the way non famous people do and it’s why he is such a liked person. It’s a touching and relatable song as Ed always delivers every now and again. 

The only bad track is 1000 Nights, it just feels like a mess. A combination that shouldn’t be put together. An American trap style with soul pop. But it doesn’t take away from the album as a whole. Which was very enjoyable to listen to and although didn’t include the best individual songs of Ed’s in my opinion. Each song has a massive replay value and to release them all at the same time at such an important time is what scores it so high.

 Fav Tracks: I Don’t Want Your Money, BLOW, Take Me Back To London, Antisocial 

Rating: 9/10