Rotation 09.13.19
Here’s another weekly dose of the Rotation.
This week’s new releases were light in number but great in terms of content. This week’s featured albums and EPs are international heavy as well featuring artists from the UK and Australia alike. Let’s get into it, shall we?
Featured album out this week:
Real Life by Emeli Sande
Real Life is a solid return for singer/songwriter, Emeli Sande. This album does fit into the Sande formula of haunting ballads and bigger gospel pop arrangements so it has been criticized for not being experimental enough, but I reject the idea that something good has to change every album. I loved Long Live the Angels since it shifted more into the R&B arena from her debut album Our Version of Events, but I have to say Real Life may be her best work yet lyrically. This album tells the story of love, hope, and redemption. These themes are highlighted in tracks like “You Are Not Alone,” “Honest,” “Survivor,” and “Real Life.” This album also features big choral tracks and some disco and Motown influences that are a good mix up from the heavy content. I can this is a non-skip album that takes you on a beautiful ride.
The Return by Sampa The Great
The Return is the featured full-length album from Australian singer/songwriter/ rapper Sampa the Great. It is a long 19 track album that is an honest depiction of the journey of self-discovery, realizing worth, and getting into the music industry as a young black immigrant woman. You can see the these themes explored in tracks like “Times Up,” “Final Form,” and “Brand New.” There are quite a few interludes and tracks that span close to nine minutes long but it worth the listen. The musc texture is vibrant but can at time feel like a lot is going on. This album is good, but it feels very long at times.
Featured EPs out this week:
Free Time by Ruel
If you haven’t heard of Rule I wouldn’t be surprised. He is new the scene and is a youngin’ at jus 16, and Free Time is the second EP from the Australian singer/songwriter. He is an on the rise right now earning praise from Elton John he is just starting to fully tour. This EP, much like his last Ready, is soul sounding alternative pop record. He co-wrote every song on this EP, is just generally good from start to finish. This is another non-skip album, but also no songs necessarily stood out to me. I could vibe to pretty much the whole thing. He in some ways reminds me of Justin Beiber and yall can say what you want, but Beiber put out nothing but hits. I have high hopes from Ruel and look forward to a future full-length project.
Cashmere Tears by Kojey Radical
Cashmere Tears is that rap EP. This is Kojey Radical’s fourth EP and you can tell he took his time with this one. This is the first project that has a full instrumental background, and it stood out. The bassline on most of the album slaps, but my favorite is on the title track “Cashmere Tears.” Kojey Radical also features some of his spoken-word to start out this EP but also has the traditional intense rap verses and some clever wordplay. This is another non-skip project for the week but that’s because this was musically great, not just good, but great.
Featured singles of the week:
“Big Girls” by Masego
“Wiley Flow” by Stormzy
“Dance With You” by Bluey Robinson
“Glorious” by Ella Henderson
“Somebody to Love” by OneRepbulic
Featured visuals for the week:
Another week of me trying to only give you one video, but if you watched last weeks video you know, I believe in abundance, so here you are with two great videos for the week.
“What You Did” featuring Mahalia is a favorite from Mahalia’s album LOVE AND COMPROMISE that dropped last week, the visuals are no different. The deep 90s R&B vibes her and Ella Mai give us in this video were none other than amazing, but also are very on-trend for this fall.
Next up is “Love You Too Much” by Lucky Daye. This song is a single from the debut album
Painted by Lucky is one of my favorites of the year. This video gives me old school D’Angleo “Untitled” vibes and is the perfect R&B track for fall. Yall R&B is back in full force.
There are some real gems this week in terms of albums and singles, and the playlist is updated, so let’s get into it! Let me know what your favorite tracks are, and until next week, peace!
