Barbara Carbonell/Contributing Writer “Offering,” an album released in early October by indie-pop duo Cults, appeals to fans with a universal theme that cuts across cultures and nationalities: that no one is spared from hardship and despair, and that hope can thrive regardless of how dire the circumstances. One need only look at the signs. While […]
Andrea Diaz-Ariza / Contributing Writer On Aug. 25, 2017, Ozuna released his debut album “Odisea,” which has taken the #1 spot on the Billboard Latin Albums. In many ways, releasing an album and opening track titled Odisea seems appropriate for a first album. The title track seems to carry a double meaning, introducing the listener […]
Martha Perez-Mendez/Assistant Entertainment Director On Aug. 21, 2017 the Internet shook when Taylor Swift dropped the first of three short clips featuring snakes. Popularly associated as an ode to her feud with Kanye West, snakes were a staple in the fight between the two stars. As a response to Kim Kardashian releasing audio recordings of […]
Megan Mosquera/Contributing Writer If ever there was an album dedicated to self improvement, Kesha’s latest album, “Rainbow,” would be it. Not only is it painfully emotional but it’s also bold, without holding back or hiding behind any boundaries. This album reveals Kesha, who was previously known as Ke$ha but now has reinvented herself, real feelings […]
Nazareth Izada/Contributing Writer Tyler, The Creator has made a career out of being a detached observer. His prior releases, from 2011’s “Bastard” to 2015’s “Cherry Bomb,” have been channels for different personas, offering glimpses of who Tyler Okonma is. It’s on his latest release, “Flower Boy,” that we see Tyler at his most upfront and […]
Carina Vo/Contributing Writer Healing is a process that’s far from perfect– it’s usually personal and there isn’t a formula that works for everyone. Michelle Zauner, the singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist operating under the moniker of Japanese Breakfast, realizes her own recovery on “Soft Sounds from Another Planet,” reaching as far as the cosmos for ways […]
Nazareth Izada/Contributing Writer After a long four years since their debut “Days Are Gone,” critically revered band of sisters HAIM return with “Something to Tell You,” an album much more introspective than its predecessor. “Something to Tell You” works almost as a concept album about heartbreak. It’s a testament to things left unsaid and feelings […]
Nazareth Izada/Contributing Writer Vince Staples follows his highly-acclaimed 2015 release Summertime ‘06 with Big Fish Theory, a dance-influenced, club-banging attack on the transience of fame and rap hierarchy. Big Fish Theory is a wildcard follow-up at first listen. It’s dance beats and sleek basslines are miles away from the abrasive Summertime ‘06 that took tips […]
Nazareth Izada/Contributing Writer With four years since her debut “Pure Heroine,” Lorde returns with “Melodrama,” a brilliant album that embraces all the highs and lows of heartbreak and growing pains. On “Melodrama,” Lorde is no longer the detached observer she was on her debut. She’s celebrating her teenage impulsiveness and emotionality, and she is all […]
Carina Vo/Contributing Writer Photo albums are usually meant to preserve the good – blurred polaroids of early birthdays, pictures of the first family dog, semi-faded images of a college graduation. Yet Big Thief’s latest, titled “Capacity,” is a sepia-toned filmstrip that chronicles less nostalgia-worthy moments. The album was released on June 9 via Saddle Creek […]
Nazareth Izada/Contributing Writer Alternative R&B songwriter SZA, born Solána Rowe, finds strength and control within vulnerability on her long-awaited debut “Ctrl”. “Ctrl” is an exploration of the complexity of loneliness, sex and romantic relationships. These are all themes that have been present on SZA’s previous releases, like 2013’s mixtape “S” and 2014’s “Z,” but this […]
Martha Perez-Mendez/Staff Writer A simplistic ode to electronic music, Sylvan Esso has infiltrated the music scene gracefully within the past few years. Composed of a sound melding angst with an upbeat charisma, this duo brings to us a type of juxtaposition that many artists strive for. It is the kind of music that allows you […]
