April 2018 Music Recap
April has been incredibly complicated in politics but also rather fun in terms of music, even if "April is the cruellest month". Here are my top 5 favourite albums and songs from the month:
ALBUMS:
5
Steve Angello - HUMAN
The singles leading up to this were phenomenal, in particular 'Breaking Kind', 'Freedom' and 'Dopamine' but as a whole the album has been a bit of a let down. It delves into late 70s electronic music but keeps a foot in modern EDM and (interestingly) centres lots around religious themes.
Steve Angello was of course a DJ in the supergroup Swedish House Mafia that recently rejoined then split up again and his previous album was much more rooted in modern EDM so this sophomore has been much more interesting but still a bit lacking. 7/10
4
The Aces - When My Heart Felt Volcanic
The debut album from the American indie 'girl band' might be seen as just a knock-off Haim but there's definitely flavour in some of their choruses, particularly in songs like 'Volcanic Love' and 'Fake Nice'.
It's a nice first effort from a new band and I'm interested in the direction they might take their sound for the future. Although this album is one of the weakest in my top 5 it definitely deserves its place here. 7/10
3
Isaac Gracie - isaac gracie
This singer/songwriter has been slowly gaining a following in the indie scene these past years with acoustic tracks and gorgeous vocals but on his debut really lets loose with some grand guitars and natural instrumentation. On some songs he might take it a bit far (*cough* 'the death of you & i'), but the majority of songs are folk-pop and indie jams.
Highlights are definitely the singles 'terrified' and 'last words' as well as 'running on empty' and 'telescope'. 8/10
2
Janelle Monáe - Dirty Computer
5 years have passed since her sophomore release 'Electric Lady' but for this album it was definitely worth the wait. With excellent production throughout and fantastic hooks and interesting verses it makes for one great comeback album. Being very modern and clever in the lyrical themes, the album is certainly the best thing Janelle has ever written. Songs like 'Make Me Feel' and 'Crazy, Classic Life' are so catchy they're infectious (in a positive way) and 'Django Jane' has some of the most empowering lyrics ever delivered in Janelle's masterful flow.
The title track 'Dirty Computer' is an absolutely brilliant opener and perhaps my favourite song on the album. Its slower more gradual and melodic approach is perfect.
There aren't many flaws I find with this album, 9/10.
1
Blossoms - Cool Like You
Synthpop galore.
After hearing the lead single 'I Can't Stand It' I was slightly nervous that this album wouldn't be nearly as good as their debut but hearing it within the album it all makes sense and is perhaps Blossoms' best song. Start to finish the album is upbeat and successful, every song being immediately catchy and excellent synth-driven spectaculars. 'How Long Will This Last?' has such obvious hit potential, but I can see any of the songs being singles. 'Lying Again' sounds like a Temples song which can only be a compliment and 'Stranger Still' is a gem that is perhaps the most "different" song on the whole album, having a slower tempo and more progressing and building instrumentation.
Perhaps the album isn't as diverse as Blossoms' debut and it lacks the psychedelic and indie rock tendencies of that first album but it's definitely en par with it or maybe even better. 9/10. Check out my full review of the album, also on this blog.
SONGS:
5
Ariana Grande - No Tears Left To Cry
Her most recent single, definitely one of the best songs she's ever put out. I've reviewed it on this blog but I'd maybe lower it to an 8.5/10
4
Janelle Monáe ft. Brian Wilson - Dirty Computer
The opener and title track from her album and a fantastic song in every way. 8.5/10
3
Dactyl & Aquilo - 6 Letters
A collaborative single I didn't anticipate but one that I'm so glad came into being. The electronic elements mix so well with Aquilo's dream pop sound and especially the vocals. It's very chilled and definitely something I'll keep coming back to in the future. 8.5/10
2
Florence + The Machine - Sky Full of Song
The lead single from their upcoming 4th album 'High As Hope', its a tearful song with sparse instrumentation and sincere lyrics delivered beautifully as ever by Florence. 9/10
1
Blossoms - Stranger Still/Lying Again
I couldn't stand it. I had to give both songs a joint no. 1 spot. They're both such excellent synthpop songs and some of the best material Blossoms have ever released, easily rivalling 'Honey Sweet' and perhaps 'Charlemagne' too. I would've given 'I Can't Stand It' the no.1 spot but it was released in March... These two tracks are still amazing and both a strong 9/10.
Check out my Deezer and Spotify playlists to see what else I'm listening to right now.
ALBUMS:
5
Steve Angello - HUMAN
The singles leading up to this were phenomenal, in particular 'Breaking Kind', 'Freedom' and 'Dopamine' but as a whole the album has been a bit of a let down. It delves into late 70s electronic music but keeps a foot in modern EDM and (interestingly) centres lots around religious themes.
Steve Angello was of course a DJ in the supergroup Swedish House Mafia that recently rejoined then split up again and his previous album was much more rooted in modern EDM so this sophomore has been much more interesting but still a bit lacking. 7/10
4
The Aces - When My Heart Felt Volcanic
The debut album from the American indie 'girl band' might be seen as just a knock-off Haim but there's definitely flavour in some of their choruses, particularly in songs like 'Volcanic Love' and 'Fake Nice'.
It's a nice first effort from a new band and I'm interested in the direction they might take their sound for the future. Although this album is one of the weakest in my top 5 it definitely deserves its place here. 7/10
3
Isaac Gracie - isaac gracie
This singer/songwriter has been slowly gaining a following in the indie scene these past years with acoustic tracks and gorgeous vocals but on his debut really lets loose with some grand guitars and natural instrumentation. On some songs he might take it a bit far (*cough* 'the death of you & i'), but the majority of songs are folk-pop and indie jams.
Highlights are definitely the singles 'terrified' and 'last words' as well as 'running on empty' and 'telescope'. 8/10
2
Janelle Monáe - Dirty Computer
5 years have passed since her sophomore release 'Electric Lady' but for this album it was definitely worth the wait. With excellent production throughout and fantastic hooks and interesting verses it makes for one great comeback album. Being very modern and clever in the lyrical themes, the album is certainly the best thing Janelle has ever written. Songs like 'Make Me Feel' and 'Crazy, Classic Life' are so catchy they're infectious (in a positive way) and 'Django Jane' has some of the most empowering lyrics ever delivered in Janelle's masterful flow.
The title track 'Dirty Computer' is an absolutely brilliant opener and perhaps my favourite song on the album. Its slower more gradual and melodic approach is perfect.
There aren't many flaws I find with this album, 9/10.
1
Blossoms - Cool Like You
Synthpop galore.
After hearing the lead single 'I Can't Stand It' I was slightly nervous that this album wouldn't be nearly as good as their debut but hearing it within the album it all makes sense and is perhaps Blossoms' best song. Start to finish the album is upbeat and successful, every song being immediately catchy and excellent synth-driven spectaculars. 'How Long Will This Last?' has such obvious hit potential, but I can see any of the songs being singles. 'Lying Again' sounds like a Temples song which can only be a compliment and 'Stranger Still' is a gem that is perhaps the most "different" song on the whole album, having a slower tempo and more progressing and building instrumentation.
Perhaps the album isn't as diverse as Blossoms' debut and it lacks the psychedelic and indie rock tendencies of that first album but it's definitely en par with it or maybe even better. 9/10. Check out my full review of the album, also on this blog.
SONGS:
5
Ariana Grande - No Tears Left To Cry
Her most recent single, definitely one of the best songs she's ever put out. I've reviewed it on this blog but I'd maybe lower it to an 8.5/10
4
Janelle Monáe ft. Brian Wilson - Dirty Computer
The opener and title track from her album and a fantastic song in every way. 8.5/10
3
Dactyl & Aquilo - 6 Letters
A collaborative single I didn't anticipate but one that I'm so glad came into being. The electronic elements mix so well with Aquilo's dream pop sound and especially the vocals. It's very chilled and definitely something I'll keep coming back to in the future. 8.5/10
2
Florence + The Machine - Sky Full of Song
The lead single from their upcoming 4th album 'High As Hope', its a tearful song with sparse instrumentation and sincere lyrics delivered beautifully as ever by Florence. 9/10
1
Blossoms - Stranger Still/Lying Again
I couldn't stand it. I had to give both songs a joint no. 1 spot. They're both such excellent synthpop songs and some of the best material Blossoms have ever released, easily rivalling 'Honey Sweet' and perhaps 'Charlemagne' too. I would've given 'I Can't Stand It' the no.1 spot but it was released in March... These two tracks are still amazing and both a strong 9/10.
Check out my Deezer and Spotify playlists to see what else I'm listening to right now.
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