Midnight Sun – Zara Larsson – 4/5 stars
Swedish singer-songwriter Zara Larsson released her seventh studio album, “Midnight Sun.” Larsson is widely known for her song “Symphony,” which was released in 2017 and saw a huge resurgence last year. This album is perfect for any fans of the dolphin jumping song. The album is short, only clocking in at 31 minutes with 10 songs, but it delivers just the right amount. The album’s opening track, “Midnight Sun,” is my personal song of the summer despite it being released in September. Larsson herself says in the song, “Summer isn’t over yet, ” and makes me wish this album had been released earlier to coincide with the continuous summer motif present in the album. Another favorite of mine is “Hot & Sexy,” which showcases the album’s production and is a staple for fans of electronic pop. Finally, Larsson opens up in the vulnerable pop ballad “Saturn’s Return,” which puts her vocal display on full blast, just as the song should be played on your headphones.
In all, “Midnight Sun” makes you want summer to last forever, and brings some unbelievably catchy and entertaining songs, creating a standout album in Larsson’s discography.
Vie – Doja Cat – 3/5 stars
Crowned “Queen of Pop-Rap” by Billboard, Doja Cat released her fifth studio album, “Vie.” Doja Cat is most widely recognized for songs like “Kiss Me More (feat. SZA)”, “Say So” and “Agora Hills.” Doja takes a drastic turn with “Vie” from her previous album, “Scarlet.” Still congruent with infectious pop-raps, Doja has traded the trap beats for 80s synths and critically-acclaimed producer Jack Antonoff.
While the overall album became repetitive at times with the method of singing, rap, then singing more all in one song, songs like “Gorgeous” stand out from the rest. “Gorgeous” works because it is clean, smooth and cohesive. Often, the rap verses in the album can feel jarring, but “Gorgeous” fits amazingly well, partly due to the incredible production, saxophones and drums. Another song that rises from the bunch is “Stranger,” which works for the same reasons that “Gorgeous” does.
However, as a song I was highly anticipating, “Take Me Dancing (feat. SZA),” was a disappointment. Many had high hopes for the song following the global successes of Doja’s and SZA’s last collaboration, “Kiss Me More,” but unfortunately did not meet those expectations. SZA’s verse felt last-minute, as well as her background vocals feeling misplaced. SZA’s contribution adds to the song a little, but ultimately falls short.
In conclusion, “Vie” overstays its welcome and becomes a little repetitive and predictable by the final track. However, “Vie” is still very much worth a listen and delivers some songs that perfectly highlight Doja Cat’s talent and why she is still the “Queen of Pop-Rap”.
Sincerely: P.S. – Kali Uchis – 5/5 stars
Singer-songwriter Karly Marina Loaiza, known globally as Kali Uchis, released a deluxe version of her sixth studio album “Sincerely” titled “Sincerely: P.S.” The album follows up with four additional tracks on top of the previous fifteen. “Sincerely: P.S.” explores themes of strong love and devotion for another and masterfully blends elements of R&B and pop.
“Sincerely: P.S.” opens up with “Heaven is a Home….” Uchis’s vocals instantly blow you away and create an ethereal vibe, perfect for sleepless nights. The second track on the album “Sugar! Honey! Love!” is filled with astounding whistle notes and will make yo
u fall in love with Uchis’s vocal range. Songs like “Loose My Cool,” “Silk Lingerie” and “Pretty Promises, (feat. Mariah the Scientist)” deliver slow and sultry R&B, while “All I Can Say,” “Cry about it! (feat. Ravyn Lenae)” and “Cherry on Top” bring catchy and whimsical melodies.
Overall, “Sincerely: P.S.” builds off of its predecessor, worthy of the “deluxe” title, and Uchis delivers some of her best work.
Deadbeat – Tame Impala – 4.5/5 stars
Kevin Parker, Australian singer-songwriter and producer, commonly known as Tame Impala, has released his fifth studio album, “Deadbeat.” The album delivers on what fans have been waiting for since Parker’s last release in 2020. The album blends elements of indie and psychedelic rock as well as sounds of techno and Electronic Dance Music (EDM). Overall, “Deadbeat” delivers an entertaining listening experience that keeps you engaged and tapping your foot throughout the 55-minute run-time.
The album opener “My Old Ways” drags the listener in with a seemingly unedited sound of Parker playing the piano and singing before adding in the beat and iconic synths that he layers over his voice. The third single off the album, “Dracula,” is another standout as it delivers a catchy hook similar to Parker’s most well-known songs, “The Less I Know The Better” and “Borderline.” It provides a perfect modern Halloween song that doesn’t feel out of place in the album, all while leaving you singing it for the rest of the year. The album’s standouts include the trance-like “Loser” and “Not My World,” while songs like “Ethereal Connection” and “End of Summer” deliver more upbeat and EDM sounds.
In all, “Deadbeat” is a solid addition to Tame Impala’s discography and deserves a listen from fans who have listened to him before, to any casual new listeners.
