NEWS4U JANUARY 2022 | MUSIC REVIEWS
DARREN CRISS A Very Darren Crissmas Decca Records
TAYLOR SWIFT Red: Taylor’s Version Republic Records After years of fighting with record companies,
record-breaking,
award-
winning artist Taylor Swift is shaking up the music industry. If she can’t have control over her previously released music, she’s going to record brand new versions. Taylor has shown she is an icon and a trailblazer time and time again, and the impassioned way she sings through these old songs with a new fire is absolutely gorgeous. You’ll hear new renditions of “All Too Well,” “State of Grace,” “22,” “Begin Again,” “Starlight,” and “Everything Has Changed.” This is the second time she has re-recorded an album after Fearless, released in April 2021. I love that she is taking back her power and teaching a whole generation of women and girls to never back down. I hope she re-records many of her other previous albums. It’s also beautiful to see the growth she has had from a teenage girl with her guitar to taking over the stage worldwide. She’s matured into a fierce leader in the music industry and I am “Red” with passion for this album. - Marisa Patwa
While the holidays are already over, with the pandemic and the horrific toll last month's tornados have taken on our Kentucky counties, I thought we could stretch that Christmas cheer just a little longer. Santa may be taking a needed break, but that doesn't mean we can't still enjoy the spirit and magic of the giving season. Glee’s Darren Criss is following in the footsteps of cast member Lea Michele with his own album dedicated entirely to making us feel merry and bright. From “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” to "The Christmas Song," he offers up so many seasonal classics, bringing his sweet, insatiable vibrato to each one. While Criss has made a name for himself with American Crime Story and Hollywood, too, his talents in music are just undeniable. I’d listen to this on repeat while you’re finally putting those Christmas lights back in the closet. Besides, if you can start putting skeletons up on your house in September, why not keep the happy holiday feeling going just a little longer? What makes this the ultimate goat gingerbread is the icing of songs you wouldn’t expect like “New Year” and “St. Patrick's Day.” - Marisa Patwa
ALICIA KEYS Keys RCA Records Alicia Keys is the girl on fire once again with her eighth studio album. These explosive tracks come just 14 months after she dropped the lowkey Alicia. Like many artists, she used the time away from events and the limelight to really tap into her creative juices. And we’re the lucky ones getting a taste. Keys features an array of new songs and remixes. It’s the perfect combination for a true fan. “Billions” and “Love When You Call My Name” are brand new songs that still have that classic, silky smooth Alicia Keys flair. “Daffodils,” “Old Memories,” and “Lala” are older songs that she spices up with new feature artists, giving them that 2021 vibe, while still keeping the integrity of the original versions. It’s beautiful to hear the melodies of this legend accompanied by the likes
of
Khalid
and
Kanye West. Although, let’s be honest, she doesn’t need any help to keep that fire going. Marisa Patwa
54 | JANUARY 2022
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
JERRY CANTRELL Brighten Double J Music Alice In Chains guitarist/co-vocalist Jerry Cantrell waited 17 years before gifting us with Brighten, the follow-up to his solo records Boggy Depot (1996) and Degradation Trip (2004). Those earlier albums were brooding grungealt metal, but uneven efforts from an artist contemplating life without AIC. This new release, however, showcases a seasoned musician and vocalist focused on self-expression rather than appeasing 90's-era AIC fans jonesing for new AIC material. Two things stand out about this album: melody, and the absence of down-tuned trudge riffs so synonymous with AIC’s sound. Surprisingly, it's an eclectic mix of wellcrafted tunes, including the title track which borders on country-rock. The single is “Atone,” an homage to spaghetti westerns that most resembles an AIC song. Other standouts are “Black Hearts and Evil Done,” “Prism of Doubt” and “Siren Song.” Solo efforts usually lack something, proving that the whole is greater than its parts. Cantrell, on the other hand, manages to find his voice with songs that feel adventurous and fresh. - Matt Alschbach
