January in Review | 2022

 January In Review

    January has been quite the month for music. in fact over the years I'm starting to believe some of the strongest music comes out during January, Either people Feel most inspired or music is being held captive to be put out at this time to set a standard. It January is just one of those months in the year that really tends to impress. There has been a slight shift in music. It’s a bit unclear in what direction the next major wave will come across to be. Some artists are still very adamant in utilizing our current disco trend. Something that may seemingly be heading down as not so popular any longer. It could also be me but I’m looking for something extremely fresh and mind blowing again in music. I understand that all forms of originality come inspired from someone else and that music is just a progression of sounds. But I know something is brewing in store may it come this year or not , there are still extremely fun and tracks that are attention grabbing. 

Dawn FM | The Weeknd

    The years first major album release came with a paramount momentum. It was months before that Abel had been teasing the dawn. With teasers and tweets to keep audiences engaged. He also mentioned he would be taking up this mantle of synths that was something he’s been so eagerly yet patiently been waiting for so his record was exactly as expected to the right listener. Most audiences that haven’t engaged I find were not pre aware of this fact. This doesn’t mean their opinions are wrong either. As far as the dawn goes. The album is extremely well bodied. It’s no doubt cohesive as all hell. This doesn’t mean that synths allow too many emotions in music or variety. And I think this is where that album can come across as repetitive in sound. However for the talent that The Weeknd possesses, the voice that so easily pairs with a range of sounds and the capability to produce such a body of work that only very recently broken up duo, "Daft Punk” could have pulled off. The Weeknd sure does know what he’s doing and doing it very well. Simply the visuals are what sells this record so well, The aesthetic and vibes an pairing music videos are all whats creating this highly engaging world. The album in particular for me has to grow a bit further but there were immediate tracks that I knew this was something special. A true standout is none other than “less that zero”. Something that’s reminiscent of save your tears, yet entirely brand new. It emits that same nostalgia and freshness that is a must have to be on repeat. As does each further listen feel like, that’s when after hours feels it’s most complete when ur pressing play again. 

7.5/10

Caprisongs | FKA Twigs

    Caprisongs Is a rare type of album that doesn't come around often. It's a genuine project that very reflectively meant something to the artist. It wasn't an album that wasn't unsure of itself. It's funny how it's considered a mixtape, and it is it definitely has this underground vibe that shouldn't be so accessible but we live in a time where thankfully it is. For FKA, her music is definitely not for everyone. It is quality it is production but it is a style that not every person truly can enjoy. What She succeeds in is that each track is a vibe that is shareable to everyone. At the same time each track pairs closely and fluidly with the next song. As a fan of FKA herself as a person I was thoroughly intrigued to give this record its listen and I had completely enjoyed it. Not every track is truly for me but as an unofficial album this record really surpassed my expectation's this month and is definitely January's true surprise release. Not to mention her insanely enjoyable videos that pair with the album. She is defining what it means to give everything into an album. In February it isn't as much but the moment was extremely enjoyable and wont be forgotten. 

8/10

Nonante-Cinq | Angèle

This album was particularly special because it was completely random for me. I do try my best to listen to as much as I can. Occasionally I branch our so far in directions like this that its exactly what I needed to hear and add to my library. Now I do realize most records I wont completely want to save or listen to. Its the privilege of living in our streaming world we can get an album and clean it up to how we like best and it's exactly what i do unless i get the rare album in which I save every song. This still is not one of those cases but I did save a majority of this record regardless of my knowledge to translate it. You can hear the emotion of her voice especially in one of the albums final tracks, "Mauvais rêves" a true standout. The album has songs that were clearly pop based but the album is just overall fun to listen to and regardless of your outside activity. plus a killer album cover! Its so unique and absolutely beautiful. 

7/10

Night Call | Years and Years

The unfortunate thing is that Olly is alone. And this does affect him and the future of years and years. I think with the suddenness of how much the other members backed away Olly's insight is the only input. Olly is no doubt talented as hell. But there's not quite an organized vibe of what night call really means. more than this record is an example of an album thats out to be out. There are too many songs that are examples of what we already have come to expect from Olly. It's definitely an album that needs a few revisits before a final thought is made. But for what this record has to off we have only a true handful of songs that are impressive and enjoyable. High level dance such as this record is a hard thing to emote with because as it is needed from time to time it isn't always needed and for this time I don't think we're living in one that needed this project right now. The other thing is, Palo Santo had such an original concept and vision that I didn't expect any less for the next Years & Years era and we did not receive that. Singles being so far apart really created a rift and the vibe of the record was unclear from the choice of singles released. This does not deny the albums highlight's either. Tracks like the opening really highlight the Funk that Olly has sparked currently. And his obvious talent for finding beats that work and are super creative. The ending of the record is his strongest in the last trio of songs. Overall successful in areas but lacks in major important ones. 

5/10

As for the rest of January arose case a few very intense singles that truly highlight what we can expect from a part of this year. We really have a list of artists that are shocking, unexpected ad least likely to hold a strong mantle, but do create such an interest and excitement nonetheless. Bloc party, a very nostalgic band released a second single to their next record and it doesn't hold as strongly as their first but it is still super engaging. This record is easily going to be super fun. Euphoria pumps out two tracks by Lana, and Tove lo. One artist whose at the end of her major pump of music and another whose just starting up again. This creates such a major interest for any fan of Tove Lo and brings a conclusion to Lana fans. Muse drops a major track for an assuming next record, along with a rush of a music video bringing all the reasons why we love muse. 

However Best of all this month was Grimes next and major single from her double album anticipated this year. Based on interviews Book 1 may be a record that is split into EP's first and then combined into albums a concept that is not so easily successful or enjoyable. It's a messy way of releasing a fuller bodied record as it can be a bit unorganized. thankfully we are pre aware that this is a potential. The best part is the music is good. "Shinigami Eyes", as repetitive on TikTok and long awaited it was it did not fail in the slightest. If anything I wish the track was longer but it builds and the video to it may be along the best music videos we will see this year. I have not been so impressed visually like that in quite some time. Her era is one that comes quick after her last record, but the first in her new label and one that I simply can not wait for. For that January intelligently lays out a perspective of how this year will play out in music. Though I do not think that there's a specific sound this year will have I do think that we will have some very special takeaways and I am left more excited to see whats in store than last. 

Thank you For reading and until my next, much love 

~Rockwell.

January Playlist