Frank Ocean delivers an incredible blend of R&B and hip-hop in his debut album. (Album cover of the Island Def Jam Music Group.)
By: Jacob Elyachar
Welcome to the latest edition of New Music Tuesday!
In this edition, I will review the latest albums from Frank Ocean and Matisyahu and the newest singles from Jason Aldean, No Doubt and the Killers.
Channel Orange by Frank Ocean
Frank Ocean’s debut album is filled with Ocean’s trademark hip-hop meets R&B songs. The album is a joy to listen to as he perfectly masters slow-tempo songs. Ocean had help to co-write a majority of Channel Orange’s tracks with collaborator James Ho and members of his L.A. based alternative hip-hop band Odd Future. In addition, be on the lookout for cameos from Earl Sweatshirt, John Mayer and André 3000, who support Ocean in his awesome first album. Grade: A-
Songs to Download: “Thinkin Bout You,” “Pyramids,” “Monks” and “Bad Religion.”
To listen to “Bad Religion,” click here: http://youtu.be/NdYK8n9G_Gs
Spark Seeker by Matisyahu
While he shaved off his signature beard and died his hair blonde, Matisyahu continues to take his listeners on a spiritual journey. Spark Seeker shows off a diverse group of musical genres including reggae, hip-hop and pop rock that will inspire fans during a long and hot summer’s day. Grade: A-
Songs to Download: “Sunrise,” “Buffalo Soldier (feat. Shyne),” “Bal Shem Tov” and “Breathe Easy.”
To watch the “Sunrise” music video, click here: http://youtu.be/fWZaKn3EWnc
“Take A Little Ride” by Jason Aldean
This is the first single off of Aldean’s upcoming fifth studio album that drops in the fall. “Take A Little Ride” is an excellent country rock single that brilliant illustrates a story that will make Aldean’s fans scream in joy. Hopefully, fans will be able to get the chance to listen to singles like throughout the summer. Grade: B+
“Settle Down” by No Doubt
For the first time in 11 years, No Doubt, one of the best alternative-punk rock bands of all time, will be releasing a new studio album. “Settle Down” has a great background track, lead singer Gwen Stefani’s voice sounds stronger than ever and this sounds like old school No Doubt. Fans will have to wait two more months until the band’s sixth album drops and it sounds like music lovers will be in for a treat. Grade: A
“Runaways” by the Killers
The Las Vegas-based rock band known as the Killers return to the music scene with their new single: “Runaways.” This song could be this band’s “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” because “Runaways” has the same sound that U2 did when they recorded their epic hit back in 1987. The song is a perfect choice for the first single of the new album. Grade: B+
I do now own any of the images or links that are part of this article. They belong to the artists and their respective record companies.
