Category: Album Reviews

Saintmoteltelevision by Saint Motel

Record Label: Elektra

Recommended Tracks: 4- “Born Again”  7- “For Elise”

Saintmoteltelevision is an album by indie pop band Saint Motel. Despite this album being released almost 3 years ago, it is an immortal album and has not aged. The album includes upbeat and fun songs that posses some pretty important lyrics. The themes of the songs span from self discovery to discovery of something greater, taking the listener on not only an auditory but  mental tour inside the minds of Saint Motel.

Born Again seems to be the stand out song of the album. It begins with slight gospel vibes due to the opening of a choir but then descends into the soft vocals of lead singer, A/J Jackson. This song alludes to the album cover of the female diving into water which symbolizes rebirth, a standout theme of the album. The ability of this song to incorporate the choir and instrumentals allow the song to distinguish itself from the others, but still fit the cohesive, cheerful vibe of the album.

For Elise is my favorite song of the album and as someone who considers themselves to have good music taste I have no clue how I have not added this song to a playlist yet. This song begins slow, with smooth background vocals but soon conforms to the upbeat tune of the album. The song references iconic female artists such as Norma Jean and Carole King, but my favorite part of this song is that somehow Saint Motel seamlessly incorporates Beethoven’s “Fur Elise” into the song. Someone explain what Beethoven is doing in an indie pop song and how it sounds so good. The strong instrumentals and cheerful lyrics allow for this song to be way too catchy.

The most respectable part of the album is that although each of the 10 songs are different, they have one thing in common- they make you want to dance, sing along and just smile. This album is the perfect sing along album, seemingly made to be added to a road trip playlist.  Anyone looking for something to get them on their feet and singing, this is the album for you.

“Awaken, My Love!” by Childish Gambino

Janelle Guzman

Album: “Awaken, My Love!”

Artist: Childish Gambino

Record Label: Glassnote Records, RCA Records, Liberation Music, Universal Island Records

Recommended Tracks: 6- “Redbone”, 11- “Stand Tall”

American rapper Donald Glover, who refers to himself as Childish Gambino released his album “Awaken, My Love!” on December 2, 2016. In this album he explored something other than just rapping, which was an album with funk and R&B influences. “Awaken, My Love!” contains 11 tracks that individually express a different side to what Gambino’s music is typically about and usually portrays. Within the album, you will experience all of the different unique melodies which may include a grungy and even gospel feel.

In track 6, “Redbone”, has an interesting beat with an even more interesting message within the lyrics. The meaning of the word Redbone is a colloquial term that is used to refer to a Black person of a fair complexion, or a mixed- race person and specifically in this song he is speaking about a female. The interpretation of this song is how Gambino has this need towards a woman, which she is not giving to him and ultimately leaves him unsatisfied. The only way their relationship together will work out is if she “stays woke”.

In track 11, “Stand Tall”, which happens to be the concluding song in this album is sending a specific message. Since in earlier tracks with the titles of the songs being “Riot, Terrified, and Zombies”, the song “Standing Tall” is sending the message that no matter what you may encounter along your journey in life, to always “stand tall” and to not let things interfere with your goals. As the song itself says “keep all your dreams, keep standing tall, if you are strong you cannot fail, there is a voice inside us all, so smile when you can”.

As each song sends a unique individual message, they all seem to have a connection within the lyrics deeper meanings. With Childish Gambino straying away from the music he is typically used to making, considering his past albums, the album “Awaken, My Love!” was executed in a sense where he brought to the table a new perspective about the music he makes. If you are a fan of Childish Gambino’s previous music and would like to venture off into another side of music he has to offer, then I recommend that you listen to this album.

After Laughter by Paramore

Diana Sarabia  

Record Label: Fueled by Ramen

Recommended Tracks: 3- “Told You So”,  11- “No Friend”

After Laughter is an album by Paramore, an Alternative Rock, Power Pop, and Emo-Pop band, that was released in May of 2017.  A distinct element of this album is that it is different from the band’s previous collection; After Laughter adds electropop to the band’s original style. The electropop is a homage to today’s rise in indies 80’s inspired music. When listening to the album’s tracks in constructed order, the first few songs start off lively and upbeat. As you go through the tracks, the tone changes by becoming dismayed and heartbreaking. The reasons for this change of sound is due to the lyrics being filled with disheartening feelings. By delving deeper into the lyrics, the powerful punch of emotions that the singer, Hayley Williams, presents is almost soul crushing. However, this emotional rollercoaster of lyrics does not overpower the diversity of the sound. Each song is memorable in their own way either by lyrics, rhythmic structure, tone, mood, vocals, or instrumentals.

Told You So is a very playful song in its demeanor due to the percussions and electropop. The song begins with an extremely short a cappella voice by the lead singer Hayley Williams. The melody of the soloist, in the beginning, sets the tone for the string and percussion instruments following shortly afterward. The repetition of lyrics helps support the upbeat melody. Although the track is remarkably mesmerizing because of the tone, the lyrics composed in the song have a harsh meaning surrounded around the harmony. The vocalist tells a story about how people undermine her and the decisions she chooses. The emotions behind this theme conveys an atmosphere of uncertainty by the singer and anger from others the singer speaks about.

No Friend is the most fascinating out of place song in the entire album. The track starts with a robust beat by the drums, bass guitar and a nostalgic harmony by the electric guitar. The introduction sets a tone of a hypnotic and nostalgic accent. This tone is repetitive throughout the entire song; which constructs a melody that seems to be never-ending. The vocals, sung by Aaron Weiss, of the track are very discreet. This creates a sensation of someone whispering. The fact that vocals are vastly soft, with a slight sound of frustration, emphasizes the instruments to be overwhelming. However, there are parts in the song where the melody of the instrumentals become mellow and the lyrics begin to shine through. The lyrics of the song is a narration of the painful emotions and events that a friend has caused that the narrator is tired of dealing with. The lyrics and the tone of the song work hand in hand to create a raw cut heart to heart sound.

After Laughter, as an album, is not a bucket of laughs, in the means of the lyrics. However, the upbeat and optimistic rhythm challenges the emotions; which make for an absolutely one of a kind album. Anyone interested in listening to a heartfelt and upbeat album should give this a try. Overall, the band has executed this album effectively.