NEWS4U MAY 2022 | MUSIC REVIEWS
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THESE HONEST
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REVIEWS OF SOME THESE HONEST REVIEWS OF SOME OF THE HOTTEST OF THE HOTTEST NEW ALBUMS IN NEW ALBUMS IN MUSIC MUSIC!
CAMILA CABELLO Familia Epic Records
a new genre with an alien Hollywood music video. Barker doesn't just
Latina pop star Camila Cabello is bringing
of musicality even higher. “Make Up Sex” with Blackbear is a fun track.
the sultry and sexy sounds of Cuba to a worldwide audience with her third studio album. Written during lockdown, Cabello taps into her roots by celebrating her family and culture. Hot single “Don’t Go Yet” dominated as a chart-topper before the spicy tracks were released. Ed Sheeran adds some flavor to “Bam Bam” while
take a backseat. Each set in every song is intentional and hypes the level Willow also adds some catchy vocals to “Emo Girl” while Lil Wayne blazes fire in “Ay!” and “Drug Dealer.” MGK truly bares his soul. He’s sensitive and sweet while still giving us all the teen punk angst of our dreams. I’d check out the colorful music videos released when checking out this album. The creativity radiates throughout. - Marisa Patwa
Willow packs a punch in “Psychofreak.” The real highlight here is the love and passion Cabello pours into the Hispanic songs, including “La Buena Vida” and “Hasta Los Dientes.” Her talents are just as masterful in either language. The emotion she infuses makes you feel all of the love and heartbreak simultaneously. This album is rich - a true revelation. Cinderella doesn’t need those glass slippers when she’s got the world as her kingdom. - Marisa Patwa
CHARLI XCX Crash Atlantic Records There is something so powerful about Charli XCX’s lyrics that instantly gets you hooked. Globally, she’s most famous for absolutely dominating the second half of Iggy Azalea’s “Fancy." But she’s a standout all on her own. Her fifth studio album is filled with dance-pop songs that could have been hits in the 80s and 90s. However, there's also a darker, saucier side to the album - songs with flares of femme fatale energy. “Beg for You” is pure 2000 bubblegum pop. “Baby,” “Yuck” and “Lighting” will get stuck in your head. “New Shapes” featuring Christine & the Queens and Caroline
MICHAEL ROMEO War of the Worlds // Pt. 2 Sony/Insideoutmusic Guitar virtuoso Michael Romeo is best known for his work with Symphony X, a symphonic prog-metal outfit revered by fans of the genre. His new solo offering, War of the Worlds // Pt. 2, comes four years after part one, and I’m glad he saved the best for last. Romeo and his band create a broader range of moods using piano, a horn section, and orchestral instruments. There are moments of beauty, introspection and... Oh, who am I kidding? The draw here is Romeo’s blistering solos, sweeppicking, and melody-driven arrangements. His band beautifully complements his variegated compositions with exquisite timing and feel. At times I thought I was listening to the opening score for some epic sci-fi film, while other tracks reminded me of Romeo’s metal roots. The track “Destroyer” features the guitarist on a downtuned 7-string, and it is a skull-crusher. Likewise, “Machinenmensch” is nine minutes of breakneck, relentless, face-melting ferocity. Not a bad track on this one. - Matt Alschbach
Polacheck is an indie electro-punk banger. Put this album on any dance floor and people won’t stop moving until all 16 tracks - including four deluxe cuts - are over. - Marisa Patwa
MACHINE GUN KELLY Mainstreet Sellout Bad Boy/Interscope Records Travis Barker and the rapper-turned-punkrocker are back at it again. Following the immensely popular Tickets to My Downfall, this album is just as fun and fresh. Lead single “Paper Cuts” is a raw look into MGK’s treacherous transition into
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STABBING WESTWARD Chasing Ghosts COP International Records Those who remember Stabbing Westward were likely into industrial/goth metal in the early 90s. The Illinois-based band found commercial success with Wither, Blister, Burn and Peel in 1996, and a modest but devoted fanbase followed. Times change, however, and SW disbanded in 2002. Longtime fans were stunned when a resurrected version of SW announced their first studio album in over 20 years, Chasing Ghosts. Incredibly, this new
