NEWS4U FEBRUARY 2022 | MUSIC REVIEWS
FEBRUARY MUSIC REVIEWS
CHECK OUT THESE HONEST REVIEWS OF SOME OF THE HOTTEST NEW ALBUMS IN MUSIC!
NAS Magic Mass Appeal Records
THE WEEKND Dawn FM XO and Republic Records
The legendary Nas is slaying with silky
The Weeknd's fifth studio album is nothing
smooth vocals once again on his 15th
short of a masterpiece. Comedian Jim
studio album. The 48-year-old rapper's
Carrey helps narrate throughout, in a
tenacity and success in the music
signature move I haven’t seen before,
industry proves his transcending talent. “Speechless” is coated in a
but love. Tyler the Creator and Lil Wayne also feature, sprinkled with
hauntingly beautiful mandolin instrumental. His writing is out of this
spoken word from Quincy Jones. The rapper-singer says this album is
world, with pop culture references littered in “Dedicated.” He gives
a representation of purgatory where the listener is making their way
us the honest hardcore truth in “Meet Joe Black” with “Why would
to the everlasting light beyond the tunnel. If it is the stage between
I ever have to cop a chain again/ When the QB chain birthed most
Heaven and Hell, he sure makes you want to ruminate in limbo. “Take
the chains in the game?/ No post office we stampin' time/ Took out
My Breath” became an instant chart-topper, followed by “Sacrifice.”
a slice out of the Big Apple, made apple pies." In “The Truth,” he
While his lyrics are simple, it’s the way he croons them with sensual
delivers addictive tongue twisters with “Like food grilled with wood
ease that makes his songs truly stand out. Lil Wayne gives us some
chips/ Woolrich, button-up flannel/ Lookin' wolfish my hair wolfin'/
dirty pop-rap in “I Heard You’re Married,” with “You put my love on the
Central bookings, simple lessons/ One foot on the curb, one foot
line and hang up on you/ That's a long kiss goodbye, I gotta tongue
in the Lexus.” I’ll take a lesson from this rap historian any day.
kiss you/ And when doves cry, we ain't got enough tissue.” It’s the
- Marisa Patwa
perfect accompaniment to The Weeknd’s sultry, sweet vocals. While the gloomy “Gasoline” will give you chills and thrills. - Marisa Patwa
INNA Champagne Problems Global Records This world-wide superstar is proving her prowess again with her eighth studio album. The Romanian singer delivers the perfect pop collection of electric club dance beats with eight slick tracks. She brings the bubble, the electricity and the sizzle. Standouts include “Fire and Ice,” “Always on My Mind,” and “Baby.” “Lonely” has an addictive, hypnotic hook that will have you gliding over the dance floor in smiles and sweat. “Love Bizarre” is filled with intense passion. I’d save that one for your crush. “Solo” has a gorgeous melody. “Always on My Mind” is lyrically gorgeous with “I swear I've been down this street before/ I recognize all of the red lights (the red lights)/ Why I keep on coming back for more.” Electro dance-pop is not usually what I order but Inna has changed the whole menu. A second batch of songs that stemmed from the Champagne Problems creative sessions will be released later this year. The juices are overflowing with Inna and we’re here to sip up what she’s serving. - Marisa Patwa
54 | FEBRUARY 2022
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
MASTODON Hushed and Grim BMG/Trampled Under Hoof Music After the album Emperor of Sand won the Grammy for best rock album of 2017, Atlanta quartet Mastodon had to up their game. That album raised the bar, brought them critical acclaim, and marked a departure from their earlier sound. Their response? 2021’s Hushed and Grim, a double album, and at 90 minutes and 15 tracks, their longest to date. The album is a “sludge and trudge” replete with thundering drop-D chuggers and haunting melodies. However, I found it refreshing how they worked in more subdued moments of melancholy and light with several mid-tempo numbers. Hushed and Grim is a musical journey that immediately found heavy rotation on my playlist. With song titles like “Savage Lands,” “Teardrinker” (the surprisingly pop-sounding single), and “Gobbler of Dregs,” longtime fans won’t be disappointed with the album. Standouts are “The Crux,” “Sickle and Peace,” “Pushing the Tides” and “The Beast,” but there isn’t a bad song on this one! - Matt Alschbach
