Cher: Closer to the Truth
Cher released her 24th studio album this week. Closer to the Truth features incredibly synthesized tracks that are reminiscent of the disco dance hall anthems she has relied on for much of her career. The music itself is less than impressive; the vocals have been heavily patched up with autotune and corrective post-production touch-ups. That being said, credit has to be given to someone who is 67 years old and still producing studio albums and going on tour.
Rating: 1.5/5 stars
Elton John: The Diving Board
Elton John, one of the most recognizable names in music, released his 30th studio album The Diving Board this week. The album takes an unplugged, stripped-down approach, and most of the songs are led and fueled by Elton’s piano and vocals. Upon release, it didn’t receive a lot of positive review, but honestly, at this stage in his career, he has absolutely nothing left to prove to anyone.
Rating: 2/5 stars
Kings of Leon: Mechanical Bull
Kings of Leon, well-known for their raw, unpolished, Southern boogie-rock sound released their sixth studio album, Mechanical Bull, this week. The sound of the album is signature Kings of Leon and combines garage-band rock and Southern rock with touches of influence from gospel and blues. In comparison to previous efforts, the band sounds more polished, more energetic and presents a fresh sense of authenticity. The band’s recent two-year hiatus seems to have been exponentially beneficial.
Rating: 4/5 stars
Drake: Nothing was the Same
Drake, the rapper responsible for producing anthem-like yet migraine-inducing singles such as “The Motto,” has dropped his third studio album Nothing Was The Same. One of Drake’s distinctions from other rappers of his time has always been his deep emotion. He has established himself as a self-aware, introspective artist. The songs are about loneliness, regret; yet Drake presents an undeniable sense of pride that borders on arrogance. He runs the gambit between R&B and hip-hop and does a rather successful job of blending the two.
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
