Rapid Review – 1/7/22

The Weeknd – Dawn FM: Coming off a rampage of well-received projects, it's like Abel can do no wrong, and he continues that on Dawn FM. In short, I do not think much of this album like most of his records, but I do understand the appeal. There are some nice, groovy and vibe-worthy cuts but it's nothing special or new. It is a case where the influences were better than the influenced. The Weeknd’s own changes are sparse and come off as weak modernization with many hints of illusory grandiosity. However, the album is still enjoyable, and Abel’s singing is undeniably good, the project just lacks the artistry that is usually attached to his name. The almost paradoxical use of Tyler’s raspy voice on his soft, intimate singing verse is amazing, though. ~6

RuPaul – MAMARU: The legendary queen of drag releases her fourteenth studio album that will presumably be used on her fourteenth season of Drag Race. It begins with two iconic songs that are very Ru with their older dance influences, transitioning to Smile which is remarkably contemporary. The short thirty-minute album is such a warm, bubbly culmination of electronic production, joyous rapping, and a clearly polished use of singing. Naturally, the lyricism surrounds the conventions and topics in the drag community, which will only help the progression and normalization of queerness. The music only further cements Ru’s importance in pop culture in the last few decades. 7-8

Burial – Antidawn: The controversial UK-based electronic musician releases another EP, spanning five songs in forty-five minutes. As always, he builds an interesting aura with his now recognizable production style along with an eerie narrative on this project specifically. Antidawn is an experience one must sit through and grasp all the details in order to appreciate it. In layman terms, it’s like a movie for the ears yet it is very distinct from a soundtrack. It has me wondering and imagining the cover-art character as either the protagonist or the confronter that the dialogue is echoing back off. A breath-taking record with so many details that I cannot fit in a mere rapid review. A great way to start the year off. 8-9.

Cradle of Judah – Self-titled: A phenomenal debut project by this neo-folk artist last year. Amazing atmospheric instrumentals, amazing singing, and amazing songwriting.