Justin Timberlake: The 20/20 Experience
I’ve been waiting for JT to come out with new music for months, and when The 20/20 Experience was finally released it more than met my expectations. The album contains the well-known singles “Suit & Tie,” featuring Jay-Z, and “Mirrors,” which is my personal favorite of its tracks. However, I can listen to this album all the way through without skipping songs. I like every single track, and each one tells a story. Timberlake seems to have endless creativity when it comes to his music, and his growth as an artist is clear when comparing this album to his previous two (Justified and FutureSex/LoveSounds). Complex instrumentals, poetic lyrics and Timberlake’s smooth vocals make this album a hit! My other favorite songs from this CD include “Tunnel Vision,” where Timberlake utilizes his beat boxing skills, the more slow and emotional “Blue Ocean Floor,” and the eight-minute funky and energetic opening song, “Pusher Love Girl.”
Lil Wayne: I Am Not A Human Being II
I had built up false expectations for Lil Wayne’s newest album judging by the singles “No Worries” and “Love Me” that were released in anticipation of I Am Not A Human Being II. Although there are a few songs on the album that I do enjoy, for the most part I am not a fan of this work. Although Lil Wayne creates non-stop clever rhymes throughout the album, his lyrics are raunchier than usual. The CD features artists including Nicki Minaj, 2 Chainz, Soulja Boy, Drake, Future, Big Sean, and many others. However, these artists do not seem to revive what is ultimately a mess of singing, electric guitars, and dubstep. One song I would recommend listening to from this album is “Rich As F**k” featuring 2 Chainz and “IANAHB,” which is the opening track, characterized by intense piano instrumentals.
A$AP Rocky: Long.Live.A$AP
Long.Live.A$AP has been playing on my iPod since the day of its release because it is an incredible album worth purchasing. The album features the well-known single, “F*ckin’ Problems” along with tons of great artists including Florence Welch, A$AP Ferg, Joey Bada$$, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and many more. This album has just ensured A$AP’s one-way trip to the top of the rap charts, exhibiting his skills as a newer artist in hip-hop. My favorite songs off of this CD are “PMW (All I Really Need)” featuring Schoolboy Q, the upbeat electronic song, “Wild for the Night” featuring Skrillex and Birdy Nam Nam, and the epic opener, “Long Live a$AP.”
OneRepublic: Native
Native seems to build on OneRepublic’s previous album, Waking Up (one of my favorite albums). Before this album was released, the singles “If I Lose Myself” and “Feel Again” gave listeners a preview of what was to come from this dynamic band. Their new work can be described as “colorful,” containing songs that are upbeat and happy. I will definitely be listening to Native a lot this spring. Ryan Tedder sings each song beautifully, painting them with his pop sound and adding a dreamlike quality to the music. Native incorporates various instruments, focusing more on percussion than the orchestral strings that filled Waking Up. I personally enjoy “Counting Stars,” “Burning Bridges” and “What You Wanted.”