NEWS4U APRIL 2022 | MUSIC REVIEWS
APRIL MUSIC REVIEWS ALESSIA CARA Broken Heart Universal Music Group These 11 tracks stand out. “Drama Queen” hits the sweet spot with sugary lyrics: “They tell us love done the right way is draining/ Kissing and arguing and crying when it's raining/ In that case you and I got it made/ Always on the ropes / We need a standing ovation.” ”Bluebird” has scintillating Brazilian bossa nova vibes. It cuts deep with, “Bluebird in the spring/ Told me that your new girl makes you sing/ Guess my loving only clipped your wings/ So, I let you go.” “Box in the Ocean” is self-reflective about her role as a young woman blossoming into stardom with, “I don't want to grow old, I don't want to be square/ What if I'm a bad role model, what if I'm scared?" Her vocals are silky. She’s poetic the way she sings to us. She gives us an intoxicating music video for “Shapeshifter,” in which she plays several roles around a gorgeous mansion from woman of the house to gardener. Alessia Cara is both a great singer and a chameleon. - Marisa Patwa
DIPLO Diplo Higher Ground Productions/Mad Decent The DJ/producer immerses himself into glamorous house music with his self-titled album. “Humble” with Lil Yachty is a mindbending beat. The lyrics are catchy and quick, taking you on a trip with, “We got dead friends, it’s all the same/ Promise I'll remember your face, just can’t remember your name.” “Don’t Forget My Love” is a gorgeous beat with a psychedelic club music video that turns into a fun horror show to accompany it. You’ll be on your feet dancing for all three minutes and 19 seconds of the song. There are features on nearly every track - a sign that Diplo likes to highlight other people’s talents and make some creative magic. In addition to Lil Yachty, collaborators include Amtrac, Leon Bridges, Ry X, Elberbrook, Andhim, Paul Woolford, Kareen Lomax, Sidepiece, Damian Lazarus, Jungle, TSHA, Aluna, Durante, Seth Troxler and Desire. The stars are all aligned for Diplo's out of this world mix of hypnotic beats. - Marisa Patwa
AVRIL LAVIGNE Love Sux DTA/Electric Records
SLASH FEAT. MYLES KENNEDY & THE CONSPIRATORS 4 Gibson Records
I have been a fan of this skater girl
I’m a huge fan of Slash’s work with Myles
since my awkward middle school days, and I’ll always stand by the poppunk rocker. From ballads to pop sensations, Lavigne's voice is so catchy and signature - something immediately apparent on her seventh studio album. “Bois Lie” with Machine Gun Kelly is the perfect song to belt out your inner teen romance. The pair duets perfectly, singing, “I heard your little story (story)/ And you talk way too much/ Why don't you say, "I'm sorry"? (Sorry)/ Is it asking way too much?/ Okay, I'm losing all my patience/ God, you make me anxious.” “Love It When You Hate Me” with Blackbear is a heartbreaker while “Kiss Me Like the World is Ending” is a grungy head-banger. This album is truly for all of Lavigne's fans who’ve loved her since “Complicated.” Each track is high energy. She’s her true classic self in these songs. She’s not trying to keep up with trends - she’s her own trend. All hail our skater pop-punk rock princess. - Marisa Patwa
54 | APRIL 2022
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Kennedy and the Conspirators. They have produced some great material over the last decade. For example, the debut Apocalyptic Love rivals anything that Slash did with Axl, Duff and the gang back in the 80s. However, the new release 4 leaves something to be desired. It feels like an album searching for ideas. While there are a few creative and original moments, there are just as many rehashed riffs and familiar tropes we’ve heard on the previous trio of albums. I suppose this happens with most bands - it’s not easy to reinvent your sound or progress musically as a whole. Having said that, it’s a straightforward, blues-based rock album that is well-produced and contains a few catchy songs with some hooks. As with all their music, the guitar work is solid, Myles is a melodic singer, and there are some tasty guitar solos. Check out “C’est la vie” and “The River is Rising.” - Matt Alschbach
