Author: Miranda

Bird On The Wing by Shy Girls

Artist: Shy Girls

Album: Bird On The Wing

Record Label: RCA Records

Recommended Tracks: Track 2 – “Hallelujah”, Track 10 – “What Do You Do When You’ve Found Love?”

Dan Vidmar, also known by his stage name of Shy Girls, released his new album on March 1, 2019. Shy Girls is known for his alternative R&B music that blended with lo-fi beats. This 11-track album is crafted with smooth rhythms and warm tones both vocally and instrumentally. Shy Girls put this album together with full creative control, as he recorded and mixed the music himself. This unique facet of Shy Girls gives their sound a more personal feel because it captures the full artistic vision of his craft. The album’s mood is very relaxed and it’s pleasant to listen to, especially when you’re in the mood for some easy-going music. The overall production of the album is solid, earning it a four-out-of-five rating.

At the forefront of Bird On The Wing is Shy Girl’s soft vocals that float above the deeper lo-fi beats. The execution of the beats are well-balanced and don’t come off overbearing Shy Girl’s voice. The first recommended song, “Hallelujah,” opens with soft keys that match the higher tone of the vocals before added lo-fi beats contrast, adding a layer of richness and depth. The tempo is slow throughout the entire song, reestablishing the laid back tone of the album as a whole.

Track-10 on the album, “What Do You Do When You’ve Found Love?” and is one of the most enjoyable songs on the album. From a creative standpoint, everything about it flows cohesively. Lyrically, vocally, and instrumentally, it shows the capabilities of Shy Girls’ musical talent. The song is placed toward the end of the album’s tracklist, and, by this point, Bird On The Wing simmers down to the perfect pace. If you were to listen to one song off of this record, I would suggest this one. It opens with drum machine beats and a subtle bassline in the background. The orchestration creates an atmospheric quality that the other tracks on the album sometimes achieve, but this one lands perfectly. One highlight is during the last 54 seconds of the song, when there’s a brief pause making it seem like the song is over, but then the lo-fi beats fade back in for the remainder of the song, providing the perfect payoff.

Shy Girls delivers a well-made sophomore album Bird On The Wing, experimenting with different styles of sound. If you find yourself gravitating toward lo-fi or soft R&B, give this album a chance.

While We Wait by Kehlani

Artist: Kehlani

Album: While We Wait

Genre: R&B, hip-hop

Record Label(s): Atlantic and Tsunami Mob

Recommended Tracks: Track 3- Nunya and Track 7- RPG

Kehlani is a female R&B artist that prides herself on being from the Bay Area, and more specifically Oakland as well as her strong ties to the LGBTQA+ community. She began singing and dancing both at very young ages but focused on singing after hurting her leg in middle school. In 2009 she became the lead singer of a group called Poplyfe and the group auditioned for America’s Got Talent in 2011 and finished in fourth place. Here she gained recognition in the media and was told she didn’t need a group to back up her vocals. In 2013 Nick Cannon took her under his wing after seeing her potential on the show and moved her to LA where she released her first single “ANTISUMMERLUV”. In 2014 Kehlani released her first mixtape “Cloud 9”, followed by a second mixtape called “You should be here” in 2015. Her first studio album “SweetSexySavage” was released on January 27, 2017 and remains the only album she has released to date. Her newest music release is a mixtape called “While We Wait” that came out on February 22nd featuring 9 new tracks, and 4 of those tracks having big named features. Although I may be biased for being a huge Kehlani fan I would definitely rate this mixtape a 5 because of how in her feeling and emotional she gets and how relatable and catchy other tracks are..

Nunya was the third single released on February 19th prior to the mixtape drop and features rapper Dom Kennedy. The song is about Kehlani’s jealous significant other, and her saying that what she is doing at every waking moment is anyone else’s business but her own. Nunya has catchy beats and makes you want to get up and dance. It’s a relatable R&B song about not caring about what your ex thinks they’re entitled to. She talks about people in her life who are stuck in the past and expect to stay in her life when she has clearly moved on. This song is basically telling anyone who’s no longer in her life that she has moved on and doesn’t have time for these people to be trying too come back into her life. She’s saying you would know if she wanted you back around and she isn’t making those efforts because she has moved on.

RPG featuring 6lack is a much slower song than Nunya and starts out with a soothing jazzy hip-hop sounding beat. She is singing about her insecurities and how her significant other is only doing the things they think she wants to be done. It’s about this act being put on to attempt to make a relationship healthy. The reality is that things are messed up in this relationship and she wants the person to be honest with her. The rhythm of the song is slow and fits the message of the song well using primarily drums and piano. The song is very real and I think a lot of people can relate to this feeling.

Kehlani is no stranger to releasing mixtapes, but it has been a while since a full length album. Since the release of SweetSexySavage the only releases have been singles, and fans have long awaited new music, but knew that may be on hold until she has her baby, but this album was released while she was 8 months pregnant. If you enjoy this mixtape then I’d recommend looking into the featured artists as well as people like SZA, Jhene Aiko, Jorja Smith, or Kali Uchis.

OK, I’M SICK by Badflower

Artist: Badflower

Album: OK, I’M SICK

Record Label: Big Machine Records

Recommended Tracks: Track 2 – “The Jester”, Track 8 – “Heroin”

Four piece band Badflower released their debut album OK, I’M SICK on February 22, 2019. The L.A. based alternative rock band mixes Emo influences from the early 2000’s into these thirteen songs. They’re drenched with angst and darker undertones as they comment on subjects like mental health, politics, and abuse. They’re a band that has a lot to say and they’re using their music to shed light upon topics that many artists stray from. Each song has intense lyrical themes, entertaining instrumentation, and rich vocal delivery. Singer Josh Katz’s performance is so emotionally-driven that every lyric that he sings elicits impassioned urgency. Collectively, the album earns a 4/5 rating for its honest artistic approach and the impressive musical momentum.

Even though Badflower is clearly influenced by other artists in the industry, as they share similar qualities with bands like My Chemical Romance, they still manage to stand out. This is because of their their undeniable talent and the fact that they don’t hold anything back on this album. Track two, “The Jester,” is a high-energy song with lyrics that paint an image of nobles in a medieval ballroom being entertained by a jester. Katz sings about feeling like an outsider among “kings” at “the dinner table.” He sings with a tone of desperation while questioning, “Is anybody out there looking out for me?” His voice gradually builds as the song progresses and the narrative is revealed. The last minute of the song is where Katz’s vocals soar to a hard-hitting crescendo, creating a moody atmosphere with the support of textured drums and strings. This track is well-made and you can really feel the frustration behind Katz’s voice, making it a visceral listening experience.

Track eight, titled “Heroin,” is brutally honest as the lyrics compare a love interest to having a similar effect as a heroin addiction. The song is a metaphor that points to an unhealthy relationship that one has a hard time moving on from. He acknowledges the negative feelings that they end up creating as he sings, “she’s in my veins again…my bones are caving in.” This song highlights Katz’s ability to shift from soft and vulnerable melodies to gut-wrenching screaming within the same song. The guitars stand out on this track, adding a distorted element that juxtaposes the clean vocals. The distorted guitars emphasize the idea of one’s life being clouded by a toxic person or substance.

Badflower’s debut album OK, I’M SICK is a body of work that carries you through various emotions and themes that are well-integrated throughout. Even if their style isn’t your usual musical preference, it’s worth checking out because this fairly new band has a lot of potentials.

Head Above Water by Avril Lavigne

Artist: Avril Lavigne

Album: Head Above Water

Record Label: BMG

Recommended Tracks: Track 1 “Head Above Water”, Track 8, “Crush”

After a six year album-releasing drought, Avril Lavigne dropped her newest album, Head Above Water on February 15, 2019. Unfortunately, at some points she seems to miss the target. Avril has built a massive fan base since her debut album in 2002 where she established her pop-punk sound that made her popular. Of course everyone loves or is at least familiar with her catchy songs “Complicated” and “Sk8er Boi,” all which instantly transport you back to your childhood. With Head Above Water, it seems as though she is trying to channel that same energy that brought her success earlier in her career, but with a soft rock flair. This album shows that her music has evolved with more mature lyrics and is inspired by different life experiences from her adulthood. However, it appears that she’s struggling to find her niche at this point in her career. Nevertheless, there are some notable aspects in her comeback album that remind why so many people were anticipating this album.

Sonically, the 12 tracks on this record make for a moody rollercoaster ride with unexpected twists and turns. The most shocking twist would be the unexpected collab with Nicki Minaj on the song “Dumb Blonde,” which sits completely out of place among the rest of the songs. It has a cringey sound and is overly produced, making it feel dizzying to the point where you’re trying to figure out what is going on. It falls flat in all areas of production and is the most skippable track on the album.

The first recommended song, “Head Above Water” sets the tone for an album that shifts dramatically as you get to the last song. It creates high expectations for the rest of the songs because it’s so well-crafted production wise. Vocally, instrumentally, and lyrically the song is intriguing and drenched with emotion. It’s more of a ballad with its heavy keys and passionate vocals. This track highlights her personal struggles of being diagnosed with Lyme disease and feeling like she is drowning with her declining health. Avril begs for a moment of relief while expressing her desperation to stay afloat. The chorus builds with her vocals gaining strength in each note, even in a song where she’s very vulnerable.  From beginning to end, her voice is powerful while the piano and strings support her sincere vulnerability with their softer tones. Overall, the payoff is satisfying and this song will make you root for Avril.

The eighth track on this album titled “Crush,” is Avril finding herself loving again after being in a toxic relationship. The lyrics point to her having her guard up in fear of being hurt again, and hoping that this new person in her life won’t break her heart. It has a sweet sounding melody and smooth rhythm. The violin strings in the beginning add a nice touch to the song and the upbeat drums support her lighter toned vocals. The title and lyrics of the song are clever as they reference having a crush, as well as the idea of feeling “crushed” in pain or heartache.Avril Lavigne’s Head Above Water has its triumphs and falls short in some areas, but thematically, it’s an empowering release for the artist herself. The album’s narrative begins with her barely hanging onto life and ends with her really living, rather than just merely surviving. There are definitely some gems on this album but it’s shaky at times, earning it a ⅗ rating.

Wicked (15th Anniversary Special Edition) by Original Broadway Cast (feat. various artists)

Artist: Original Broadway Cast (feat. various artists)

Album: Wicked (15th Anniversary Special Edition)


Record Label: UMG Recordings

Recommended Tracks: Track 1 “For Good” Live (Side 2) , Track 3 “The Wizard and I” Live (Side 2)

In celebration of the the cult classic musical, “Wicked” debuting fifteen years ago on Broadway, the UMG label released a special edition of the iconic original cast recording.  This anniversary album also includes live version bonus tracks featuring artists like Ariana Grande and Pentatonix who performed on A Very Wicked Halloween: Celebrating Fifteen Years on Broadway. On October 29, 2018 NBC broadcasted this televised concert with hosts Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, the original Elphaba and Glinda, who also performed songs from the album.

There’s no question that Idina and Kristin had impeccable chemistry during their run on Broadway in spite of having voices that contrast each other since their character’s are opposites. Idina’s powerful and emotional vocals strike with such exhilarating energy in every note that she belts. Kristin’s playful portrayal of Glinda is heightened with her soprano vocals and charming personality that she effortlessly exudes. Even fifteen years later when they return to the stage together to celebrate the anniversary, their voices are as incredible as ever. They sang a live duet of the musical’s “For Good” which is one of the bonus tracks on the re-released 23 track album. It’s a song where the two main characters express how the other person has made an impact on their life, and how their connection will forever be imprinted in their memory even when they part ways. Their performance oozes with sentimentality and genuine passion for the musical that served as an iconic milestone for their careers. Idina and Kristin open the song together right before they are joined by actresses who have played Elphaba and Glinda in the past and present. Kristin’s melodious voice shines alongside Idina’s rich and velvety vocals. They exhibit the same heartfelt emotions while performing the song as they did on the original cast recording. The orchestra in the background allows their voices to be at the forefront of the song as the percussion and piano plays softly. The last minute of the song showcases the voices of all of the Elphaba’s and Glinda’s who harmonize beautifully together. Next, Ariana Grande covers a fun rendition of “The Wizard and I.” She adds a unique twist to the song by adding a pop flair for her own interpretation. This solo song is about Elphaba’s newfound motivation to change herself when she finds out that she will meet the Wizard. Ariana makes it sound more playful compared to the original by singing at a faster tempo with breathy hushed tones before hitting the high notes. She has an incredible vocal range which is apparent in her performance as she shifts from warm low notes to high notes, such as the impressive final 25 seconds of the song.

The Wicked (15th Anniversary Special Edition) honors one of the most popular musicals that first hit the stage in the early 2000s. As the years have passed, it has remained a commercial success because of its appeal to people of all ages and its memorable music written by Stephen Schwartz. This re-released album provides a theatrical experience full of wit and charm, earning it a 5/5 rating.

What Chaos Is Imaginary by Girlpool

Artist: Girlpool

Album: What Chaos Is Imaginary

Record Label: Anti  

Recommended tracks: Track 4, “Hire,” Track 14, “Roses”

Girlpool’s newest album, released Feb. 1, 2019, dives into themes of entering adulthood and navigates a journey inward. Each song feels like being immersed in a different world rather than a continuous narrative weaved throughout. It’s like listening to fragments of distant memories or stories that the two members of Girlpool audibly shape into a 14-track album. Both of the lead vocalists contrast and compliment each other with one singing in their lower vocal range and the other with a higher vocal range. What Chaos Is Imaginary is a colorful project that pulls from synth-rock to indie rock influences. The vocals, which are at the focus, are layered over drum machines and synthesizers, but maintains guitar lines that remain true to the indie rock genre.

Girlpool holds their rock sound and more melancholic tones by alternating each of these approaches in the album. “Hire” enhances more of their rock side with its distorted guitars and vocals that build up and create tension. Cleo Tucker’s baritone voice is rich and powerful as they sing in a steady tone until a shift occurs right before the two minute mark. Tucker’s voice rises to an intense crescendo. The layered guitars add to the rich texture of “Hire” during the last few seconds, creating a triumphant ending. This song is placed at the beginning of the album, while the song, “Roses” is the last track.

When “Roses” closes the album, it creates a more soft and ethereal atmosphere. This track’s lyrics keep it very simple with nature imagery and only has a few words during the three minute and thirty three second duration. Tucker’s voice drags out each word in a dreamy haze that makes the entire song feel like a daydream. The lyrics are abstract and seem to be personal, making it difficult to depict a straightforward meaning. Nevertheless it’s one of the best tracks off the record and solidly marks the end of the new album. It’s very serene with Tucker’s husky vocals and the slow drumbeat underneath the growling tones coming from the guitar. When “Roses” fades out, it leaves you wanting to listen to it all over again.

Girlpool’s What Chaos Is Imaginary delivers an impressive release that encompasses a variety of tones and artistic experimentation. Cleo Tucker and Harmony Tividad’s honesty pierces through the album’s overall production. This album is a solid collection of songs, earning it a 4/5 rating.

All Inclusive Romantic Getaway by Spendtime Palace

Artist: Spendtime Palace

Album: All Inclusive Romantic Getaway

Record Label: Spendtime Records

Recommended Tracks: Track 1, “Romantic Getaway”, Track 2, “Blackout Control”

The indie-rock band Spendtime Palace from Costa Mesa, California released their second album on January 25, 2019. They’re known for their relaxed sound that’s reminiscent of California surf rock with their gritty guitars and smooth vocals. All Inclusive Romantic Getaway strikes a chord with 70’s inspired rock all while making it sound their own. The album has its strongest moments early on in the eleven track collection of songs with “Romantic Getaway” and “Blackout Control.” There’s a nostalgic flavor that’s intertwined in these songs with hints of heartbreak and bittersweet moments.

The album opens with a four minute song, “Romantic Getaway.” They quickly impress with their warm and welcoming sound that sets the tone for the theme of the album. The dreamy guitars give the illusion of being on a real getaway. The smoothness of the instruments and vocals are easy to listen to and drive the idea of a serene experience. They experimented with the song by placing a twenty two second introduction of only the voice of a flight attendant speaking in the distance, reminding passengers to secure their seatbelts. This is a clever way of starting the album, especially considering the name of the song and the fact that listening to the entirety of the album is like a journey in itself.  The instrumentation fades in which is the most captivating part of the song. Although the chords are repetitive, the guitars sound melodious and dreamlike, perfectly capturing the concept of someone traveling on an airplane and admiring the view from a window seat.

However, Spendtime Palace quickly shifts in tone with the second song “Blackout Control.” The song tackles the struggle of a long-distance relationship due to two people prioritizing different things in their lives. This track is fast-paced and the lead vocals show how versatile lead singer Dan Fowlie’s voice is. During the chorus, you can hear the bittersweet sentiments in his voice as he tells the story from a real life experience. The bass guitar underneath his voice and lead strings should also be recognized for its low basslines that balance the upbeat tones the sound evokes in spite of the lyrics.

All Inclusive Romantic Getaway is a solid sophomore album for Spendtime Palace. They prove that their sound is becoming more polished and they have a long road of success in their future.

Songs of Her’s by Her’s

Artist: Her’s

Album: Songs of Her’s

Record Label: Heist or Hit

Recommended Tracks: Track 3 – “Marcel”, Track 7 – “What Once Was”

Songs of Her’s by the Liverpool band Her’s was released on May 12, 2017. The duo consists of Stephen Fitzpatrick on vocals/guitar and Audun Laading on bass/backing vocals. Her’s considers this to be more of a collection of songs rather than a calculated and cohesive debut album. Nevertheless, it’s packed with catchy beats and rhythms that are the perfect soundtrack for a relaxed summer’s day. The jangle-pop songs are injected with warm tones coming from Stephen’s low pitched and emotion drenched vocals. His voice is paired perfectly with Audun’s rich basslines, and it’s impressive how well they compliment each other. One unique aspect about the band is the fact that they use a drum machine rather than a live drummer.

Song’s of Her’s has a total of nine songs that are fused with darker overtones, making them sound simultaneously dreamy and somber. All of the songs have an infectious energy that comes from both members of the band who have evident chemistry when it comes to writing and performing their music. Their sound strikes a satisfying balance between fuzzy strings and clean vocals. Two songs that stand out are track three, “Marcel,” and track seven, “What Once Was.”

“Marcel” has a bit of a melancholy feel to it when listening to the lyrics, but they are juxtaposed with upbeat instrumentation. The song starts off with lighthearted waves of electronic beats that sound reminiscent of a sunny day at the beach. Stephen’s voice is at its best on this track with each note rising and falling in pitch, reflecting the theme of the song. He sings about the highs and lows of a relationship.

“What Once Was” is an addicting track that will have listeners in awe. It punches with the theme of nostalgia as Stephen yearns for an idealized past. The song opens with strings that immediately spark intrigue from the first few notes coming from Audun’s bass and Stephen’s guitar. Overall, it’s definitely a song that will have new listeners eager to add this to their playlists.      Her’s has deservedly earned a solid fan base in the U.K. and they are quickly growing in the states. Song’s of Her’s captures the essence of a band who will surely continue to impress with their talent and unique sound.

Longwave by Bonny Doon

Artist: Bonny Doon

Album: Longwave

Record Label: Woodsist

Recommended Tracks:  Track 3 “I Am Here (I Am Alive)”, Track 5 “Where Do You Go?”

The four member band Bonny Doon released their album Longwave on March 23, 2018. It’s a relaxing collection of songs that fit nicely under the folk rock genre. In total, the album has ten songs, each exuding a dreamy warmth that feels inviting.  There’s a sweet simplicity to each track that makes them blend cohesively as a whole. Bonny Doon made the instrumentation of strings and drums the forefront of their sound with the vocals complimenting the laid back tones. Longwave creates a relaxing atmosphere that makes it easy to imagine listening to this album while going on a scenic road trip or playing in the background while doing homework. Lead singers and guitarists Bill Lennox and Bobby Colombo showcase their ability to sound effortless when they sing, adding to the already serene mood that the instruments establish. Joshua Brooks (bass guitar) and Jake Kmiecik (drums) help set a solid foundation for each track with melodic drum beats and low bass tones.

There are many notable highlights from Longwave since it is such a well orchestrated album instrumentally and lyrically.  Despite their laidback sound, Bonny Doon does not come across as lazy or underwhelming.  Rather than incorporating the use of autotune and overly produced engineering, the band tends to lean toward a more stripped down approach when making their music. Two songs that stand out on this record are track three “I Am Here (I Am Alive)” and track five “Where Do You Go?”

Track three starts off with a smooth introduction coming from soft guitar strumming before being met by vocals from Lennox. Lyrically, the song is full of nature imagery as well as acknowledgment of one’s existence. It establishes the themes of introspection and wanting to find one’s place in the world. The song is almost five and half minutes long and listening to it feels like a journey in itself as you begin to visualize the imagery that Lennox sings about.  This creates a parallel to the internal journey of someone trying to find their way.

Track five fades in with mellow guitars and a slow and repetitive drum beat.  It’s the shortest song on the album as it is only two minutes long, but even within that short amount of time, Bonny Doon manages to demonstrate their talent. It should be noted that this song is essentially the same two lines repeated with breaks in between allowing the guitar to shine.  “Where Do You Go?” gives off a melancholy yet calming mood that leaves you wanting more because it’s so dreamy, and the overall simplicity of the song is soothing.

Longwave by Bonny Doon demonstrates the idea that ornamentation isn’t necessary when it comes to creating art. Their authentic approach and overall skills as musicians carry enough weight to make their music really nice to listen to.  Anyone who is interested in a change of pace in the music they gravitate toward will enjoy this album.