The article reviews Zach Bryan's album 'With Heaven On Top,' noting its mix of good and forgettable songs, his raw vocal talent, and the ongoing debate about his authenticity and public persona, ultimately concluding that despite his flaws, he continues to produce compelling music.
A longtime Swiftie expresses disappointment with Taylor Swift's recent music and public persona, criticizing her for losing relatability, focusing on her mythology, and becoming a billionaire whose work feels inauthentic, leading to the author's decision to stop being a fan.
Taylor Swift's latest album, The Life of a Showgirl, marks a shift towards a more performative, showgirl persona, which contrasts with her traditional emphasis on authentic songwriting. Critics have noted a decline in her lyricism, with some lines perceived as cringeworthy or overly literal, especially with modern internet slang. Despite this, the album contains moments of her characteristic lyrical brilliance, though they are less frequent, possibly due to her busy touring schedule and personal life. The tension between her showmanship and songwriting remains a central theme in her current artistic phase.
Originally Published 4 months ago — by Rolling Stone
The article reviews Justin Bieber's album 'Swag II', criticizing it for being safe, generic, and less innovative than his previous work, while highlighting a few standout tracks and the album's bizarre religious closing track. Overall, it suggests the album is a disappointing sequel that doesn't live up to the original's adventurous spirit.
Kendrick Lamar's surprise-released album "GNX" is a complex and intense exploration of themes like influence, legacy, and duality, drawing parallels with historical music figures and modern rap dynamics. The album, featuring collaborations with artists like Sounwave and Kamasi Washington, blends aggressive regional sounds with introspective lyrics, reflecting Lamar's position in the rap hierarchy and his response to contemporary challenges. While "GNX" is a bumpy listen, it showcases Lamar's ability to navigate between love and war, tradition and innovation, making it a significant addition to his discography.
Eminem's "The Death of Slim Shady" is a concept album depicting a final showdown between his personas, Marshall Mathers and Slim Shady. The album features offensive and dated content, with moments of genuine inspiration, but ultimately flounders in its message. The climax, "Guilty Conscience 2," sees Marshall killing off Slim Shady, symbolizing an attempt at absolution.
Eminem's new album, "The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grace)," attempts to revive his former glory but falls short, recycling old jokes and lacking fresh ideas. Despite some standout tracks produced by Dr. Dre and features from JID, Ez Mil, Babytron, and Jelly Roll, the album feels like a collection of participation trophies rather than a significant comeback. Eminem's struggle to stay relevant is evident, as he clings to outdated themes and fails to innovate.