ALBUMS REVIEWS
Vince Staples
2021 • HIP-HOP/RAP • BLACKSMITH/MOTOWN/EMI
Vince Staples’ new self-titled album is his least compelling project so far, yet its authenticity sheds a light on one of the most important names in today’s experimental hip hop landscape, uncovering an honest self-portrait of the Long Beach rapper.
Inhaler
2021 • ALTERNATIVE/ROCK • POLYDOR
The Dublin band’s debut album is generic, dull, and lacks an edge. But at least they manage to deliver a few catchy songs.
Last Year Was Weird, Vol. 3 EP
Tkay Maidza
2021 • POP/RAP • 4AD
The final piece in the trilogy of EPs by the Zimbabwean-born Australian rapper isn’t quite as good as the other two but manages to prove the singer’s unquestionable talent.
Spellling
BEST NEW MUSIC
2021 • POP/EXPERIMENTAL • SACRED BONES
Revealing a shift from her last projects, Cabral seems to fully embrace the baroque pop genre in The Turning Wheel. This is a record filled with orchestral instruments generating intersecting melodies, featuring emotion-evoking, and striking breathy vocals on top of triumphant melodies.
TRACK REVIEW
Katy Perry – “Smile”
“Smile” does not sound so intimate and deep, however, that does not mean that this is not a fun BOP.
Katy Perry – “Daisies”
Despite its difficulty in expressing itself, “Daisies” is a good song.
Sufjan Stevens – “America”
The world make Stevens lose his hope in America and “America” represents this in the best possible way.
