Rapid Review – 11/27/20

Smashing Pumpkins releases the long, poetic CYR album, spanning a lengthy twenty tracks. Leadman Billy Corgan continues his unique vocals on this slightly cosmic and layered psychedelic and progressive rock project. This album particularly uses synthesizers to fuse with their usual guitar-heavy sound. Accompanied by the thoughtful metaphorical love lyrics, all elements of the record contribute to a cinematic experience of a truly unique alt-rock band. I love CYR and Ramona on here. ~8.5

Lil Boat 3.5 is a musical equivalent of an epilogue for his former Lil Boat 3. Lil Yachty adds eight new songs to a truckload of former songs. Playboi Carti’s feature on Flex Up is notable as his fans have been disappointed countlessly this year with his lack of music output. The song hits hard with good chemistry with Future and a simple trap beat that gives major focus to the sound of the artists. After Carti’s shortcomings, I believe this was a success in his “baby voice” delivery. Yachty’s singles are short and sweet. There is an interesting, comedic Oliver Tree collaboration on A*****e. I would give the collection of eight tracks a 7.

Miley Cyrus channels her personal struggles in a surprisingly enjoyable and slightly cliché album. Plastic Hearts is a pop-rock or pop-metal record with earworm-level hooks and instrument riffs. Cyrus’ vocal performance shines through on this project even with a solid Dua Lipa feature and appearances from Billy Idol and Joan Jett. I love the metal feel of the first track and track two is great. Everything feels as perfect as Miley Cyrus can get. Zombie is a great, immersive ending. Her best by far. ~8

THE HUSTLE CONTINUES is Juicy J’s fifth individual studio record. The LP looked promising on paper, but it disappointed me heavily. The album struggles with annoyingly redundant choruses, succeeding in nothing but subpar southern rap. On the tracks, Lil Baby at least sounds like he has his own sound. PO UP is a listenable track with A$AP Rocky carrying it. Logic was relatively forgettable. 5-6