Caribbean - Ninety9 (R&B/Rap) Ninety9 brings a sultry track about infatuation in latest track “Caribbean.” Ninety9 rides the beat with ease, delivering a soothing trap wave midtempo. The production is sharp, with tight percussion over an intoxicating guitar and flute arrangement—very “Indian Flute” vibes. Ninety9 blends the sexual with the emotional, describing a relationship equal parts love and lust, which is mirrored in a ruby tinged music video. What strikes us most about the track is just how smooth and mellow it is—we think this number would pair nicely with a low key evening and an edible. It washes over you while also slipping into your ear like a snake charming siren song.
Anoush - Brave Girl
Brave Girl - Anoush (Pop) Anoush returns to us with latest track “Brave Girl”, an Amy Winehouse feeling jazz infused pop track about a woman preaching the good word about Christianity to a broken world, who at times herself falls into sin. It appears the message is externalizing Anoush’s own journey, switching from the third person to first person throughout, as a melancholy muted trumpet lilts in the backing. It’s definitely a departure from prior track “Cherry On Top”—a reggae cut about reigniting the fire of young love—though the accents on the 2s and 4s keep an element of reggae. This track is for anyone who’s been on their own, or begun their own, spiritual journey.
Alexia Vegas - At First
At First - Alexia Vegas (Pop). Returning for the third time on this blog, Alexia Vegas’ latest cut, “At First”, tells the tale of meeting someone for a one night endeavor only to find herself unintentionally falling in love and starting a relationship. “At First” features an 80s-inspired production, from the analog synths to the gated snares, giving an overall lush production. Alexia’s vocals are soft and soothing, the sweet spot for a nostalgic love song. It’s a departure from the other tracks we’ve reviewed, as “There’s No Way” gave us a jilted lover who’s holding onto pain, and “Feel This Way” describes sweet love turning sour. It’s thus nice to hear that after previous relationship turmoil, Alexia is blissfully in love.
Dax - Dear Alcohol (Mega Mix)
Dear Alcohol (Mega Remix)- Dax (Pop) Dax returns to us with the Mega Remix of track “Dear Alcohol”, along with yet another superbly produced music video, and joined by a supergroup of 12 different artists. In “Dear Alcohol”, Dax and friends treat alcohol like a former lover in a toxic relationship, relating the theme of substance abuse often beginning used as a way to self medicate for racing thoughts and internal struggles. What strikes us the most about this track is how each artist comes with their own style—from R&B tinged vocals to pop to a good dose of country. Aside from the universal appeal of the track and relatability, we think this crossover of styles will also help reach a very broad audience.
Best Lyric: “I keep drinking until I’m someone I don’t recognize.”
Edie Yvonne - Sometimes
Sometimes- Edie Yvonne (Pop) Edie Yvonne, a favorite on our blog, returns to us with latest track “Sometimes”, a No Doubt cover. The 15-year-old prolific artist notes that the song speaks to her mother and mother’s friends from ‘back in the day’ which we have to say triggers this blog as this writer’s first CD purchase was “Tragic Kingdom”, lol. In her cover, Edie retains the 90s alt rock/pop feel of the record, before transitioning into a funk infused bridge, painting a much more lush picture than the original. Dousing her lead in a warbly verb, this fresh reinvention adds far more melancholy, bringing a classic cut to the modern era.
Marc Rangel - Good Riddance (EP)
Good Riddance (EP) - Marc Rangel (R&B) Marc Rangel returns to our blog for the fourth time with their long awaited EP “Good Riddance”—a follow up to 2021’s EP “all’s well that ends well”. In their latest effort, Marc delivers a cohesive project with a clear message and throughline that had us thoroughly impressed. We’ve had the opportunity to review three of the tracks from this EP previously, and we’re happy to say that the remaining tracks are just as strong as those that came before, fleshing out the storyline of someone toying with the idea of rekindling things with a former lover, only to realize they are too damn pretty to be dealing with that mess and moving on. In a prior review, we closed by telling Marc “go off!”. With “Good Riddance” we repeat: go off!
LA-based singer/songwriter Marc Rangel hails from West Covina, California, delivering R&B music that offers a fresh perspective through detailed songwriting. “Good Riddance” highlights Marc’s skills as a lyricist, having written every track, telling a tell described by Marc as a topic of betrayal and self confidence.
Throughout, the lyrics are stellar, memorable and deliver a clear point of view. Further, aside from just storytelling in the track, the overall sequence of the project also tells a story, starting with missing a lover, to toying around with getting back with them, then being disappointed in what they have\ to offer, before finally leaving them. This overall story arch, in combination with those excellent lyrics and infectious beats, makes this R&B project a straight through listen.
Kicking off with “Song Cry” we start with bitterness, as Marc tells this former lover to basically f**k all the way off. Like the rest of the project, “Song Cry” delivers lyrical excellence that makes this cut a repeat listen.
“Not My Business” takes things into a bit of soul, led by a melancholy piano where Marc starts to recognize that their former lover is actually still interested. Forever in their power, Marc decides to let them come over. This is our favorite track.
In “Love You Down”, the former lover has indeed come over and Marc is ready to get down. “If You Miss Me” shows that this love making has now gotten into Marc’s head—they are catching feelings. It’s a bittersweet song of regret and forgiveness, where Marc drops the confidence and bravado for just a moment to see the raw emotion—the cracks in the armor.
The hazy and sultry “Closure” remains vulnerable, as Marc suggests that they and their lover bookend the relationship with some resolve. Marc needs it, and hopes that their lover can provide it. This is a Jazmine Sullivan feeling cut. In “Knew Better” we learn that the lover couldn’t deliver that closure, in a track that feels like a requiem. In album closer “Too Damn Pretty”, we continue those Jazmine vibes with a return to confidence, where Marc realizes they are too good to be dealing with this mess.
A relatable opus, we find it fitting that Marc tells us they need closure, and ultimately supplies it themselves.
Dr Dawsound - Universal Love (LP)
Universal Love (LP) - Dr Dawsound (Pop) Dr Dawsound features a bevy of artists for his first album, “Universal Love”, a 12-track upbeat pop record with a retro synth flair, which is accompanied by an instrumental version of the album. Before we dig into the tracks, let’s take a look at our artist.
Based out of Marseille, France, Dr Dawsound produces his tracks from his home studio, which are then mixed by Atlanta-based Daniela Rivera. For his vocalists, Dr Dawsound works with artists from around the world in order to bring his tracks to life.
On “Universal Love”, Dr Dawsound uses club percussion production and rich retro synths to create a soundscape that reminds us a lot of 00s/10s Rhianna—think “Only Girl In The World”, “Please Don’t Stop The Music” and “S&M” era. The mixing is stellar, with each track sounding like it would fit right in with the Top 40 of that era. In focusing on his positive message of invoking the love of the universe to heal a world of sadness, most of his tracks are upbeat, dancey numbers with a pop core, occasionally dipping into EDM or house inspired sounds.
“Stellar Pulse” introduces the soundscape with a Chris Brown-esque male vocalist, introducing the fuzzy analog synths and plucky production. EQ’d and distorted vocal punches add to the ear candy and overall paints on a vast canvas. “Electric heartbeat” dives deeper into 80s synths with a track that was made for the Stranger Things soundtrack. The lyrics themselves also evoke the era, references to neon dreams, circuits, synthesizers, shockwaves and electricity.
Our favorite track, “Amor De Verano”, is a reggaeton inspired cut with a minimalist production that feels right out of the Rhianna songbook, with a lead synth that reminds us of Katy Perry’s “Bon Appetite.” It’s a hip winder for sure and of all the numbers feels the most current. “In My House (Good Vibes)” returns us to EDM with a punchy kick and theatrical female vocal.
“Girl In a Hurry - D.R. Mix” is back to the 80s with a driving beat that gives the feeling of cruising down the highway, while “Blue” feels like it was inspired by the track of the same name from the 90s by Eiffel 65. There’s something about the melodic line that reminds us of the track, but not so much to become distracting.
As we head into the latter half of the album, “Music - D.R. Mix” has an element of danger to it, reminding us of aforementioned “Only Girl In The World”, with a rich production driven by a rhythm guitar. “U (Universal Love) D.R. Mix” is another departure, as the strumming of an acoustic guitar pulls us into a different sound. The track is anthemic in scope and feels very Top 40.
“Little Girl - D.R. Mix” gives us our first break in tempo, slowing things down into a lush mid tempo. The song has a great movement to it, building steady with tension throughout. “Deadline” returns us to our retro EDM vibe mostly reminding us of the aforementioned “S&M”, especially with those distorted c’mons. It’s a sultry track for sure.
“No Gravity - D.R. Mix” gives us our last uptempo dance cut, lead by the punch of a driving kick, there’s a nu disco feel to the track, and definitely a dancefloor spinner. Finally, we conclude with our only ballad, “Perfect Time”, introduced by a lush pad and soulful piano. It’s a great “lighters up” close to a well crafted project, and certainly an impressive one considering it is Dr Dawsound’s first outing.
ANTi - Glass House
Glass House - ANTi (Pop) ANTi reflects on memories of the destruction of a volatile relationship in latest track “Glass House.” We got a lot of Nick Jonas “Jealous” vibes from this production, which borrows a few elements from the 80s era. Complete with a guitar feature—oh how we miss these—big retro synths and those Phil Collins gated snares, the track is an infectious earworm with memorable and evocative lyrics. The track also has some great movement, not afraid to bring things down a bit right before the close to allow for a powerful ramp up to the finish line. Well produced with a perfect pop vocal, this one has Top 40 written all over it.
Best Lyric: “Memories of fighting fair.“
Kelsie Kimberlin - Parking Lot
Parking Lot - Kelsie Kimberlin (Latin Pop) Kelsie Kimberlin has a hip winder on her hands as she beckons her love interest to dance with her in the parking lot with the aptly titled latin infused “Parking Lot.” With a plucky percussion production and seductive latin guitar, Kelsie bounces between sung and spoken vocals as she’s backed by a male vocal chant which soon levels up into a spanish language rap feature. With a Rhianna sounding “oh na na na”, the entire track is an infectious earworm that will certainly get you out of your seat. In addition to adding this to your playlist, don’t miss out on the vibrant music video, filmed in Cartagena, Colombia.
Proklaim - SCARS
SCARS - Proklaim (Rap) This week’s Proklaim track is “SCARS”, a broodier cut than what we typically expect from the prolific artist. Over an old school R&B tinged beat—think early Lil’ Kim like “Drugs”—Proklaim beckons for his listeners to be vulnerable and show him their secrets, in exchange for returning that vulnerability by showing them his own. We enjoyed the warped vocal sample in the backing adding to his typical layered vocal hook, complimented by a trap percussion arrangement that has a great knock. Whether socially conscious or about the interpersonal, Proklaim always delivers something special.
Best Lyric: “Money make the world go round, money make the women go down.“
Xenia - SUNSHINE IN JULY
SUNSHINE IN JULY - Xenia (Pop) Xenia is feeling nostalgic for former love in her latest track, the punchy “SUNSHINE IN JULY”. With a soulful and wistful guitar setting the scene, the song quickly picks up into a mid tempo summertime jam destined for DJ sets. The vocal performance is intimate and passionate, longing for a former lover and the power of their love that still sits fresh in Xenia’s memory. She paints a lush picture, conjuring images of nature from sunsets to waves in her serenade. Xenia crafted the song for road trips, pool parties, and days spent basking the summer sun, and we think she achieved that goal perfectly.
Best Lyric: “The sun may set, the waves may come, but our love will stay strong.“
La'Monte - What I Came For (EP)
What I Came For (EP) - La’Monte (HipHop) Retro and lo-fi vibes abound in La’Monte’s five-track EP “What I Came For” with its midtempo grooves designed for the house party. With complex arrangements, smooth rap flows and an easy-breezy attitude, the chillness of the record pulls listeners into its current, making for an excellent ‘listen all the way through’ experience. Below we dig into La’Monte and his work.
A native of Philadelphia, La’Monte focuses on groove driven funk and soul elements combined with modern drum arrangements for his particular aesthetic. There’s an old-school sensibility to La’Monte, reminding us of a fusion between early Outkast and early Pharrell productions, taking us back to the 00s and 10s. The artist specifically lists The Neptunes, Tyler the Creator, Ye, Curtis Mayfiled, Cameo and Timbaland among his influences, which all shine through on the EP. This retro feel is combined with a modern production that makes a La’Monte track as fresh as it is nostalgic.
On “What I Came For”, La’Monte hopes for a soul stirring experience, utilizing melodic soul and organic flows and sprinkling in some low key trap elements. He does this as a one-man band and jack-of-all-trades, producing, singing, rapping and playing guitar and piano.
The EP kicks off with “Afterparty”, introducing his listeners to the soundscape that will permeate the rest of the EP. The kick is round and full as old school synths set a dreamy vibe. Layered vocals introduce our artist before his smooth rap flow rides the beat. The lyrics are clever and full of references to the music of yesteryear. Hazy and relaxed, it’s a great track to settle into.
“Rage / Therapy” introduces some 8-bit video game-esque sounds for a very Neptunes feel, including a Pharrell like rap flow. His vocal performances are understated so that they meld into the music, and his melodies are earworms and easy to sing along and slip into.
“These Dream$” carries The Neptunes feel, specifically their early work with Kelis. La’Monte’s flow takes a more center stage approach here, sitting apart from the music to deliver a message about pursuing success and maintaining optimism. He will do this again in “Trophies”.
Title track “What I Came For” breaks up the EP by picking up the pace a bit—it’s a livelier track than the prior songs amplified by the tight trap tops. But when album closer “Trophies” kicks in, we get our biggest changeup in style—the flow moves to a more early Ye styling. It’s a darker track full of tension, shorter and punchier than the other songs—far more centered on the message than the overall groove.
Overall, we are impressed with La’Monte’s exploration of his nostalgic influences. The tracks have unique identities, and while the inspirations are clearly communicated, they do not feel like imitations of what came before, but rather new songs in an overall lineage. The tracks also display musicality, which can often fall to the wayside in modern hiphop productions that focus on lyrics and messaging over tight, but predictable, beats. Not to say that La’Monte doesn’t have interesting and memorable lyrics, he certainly does, but he seems much more focused on creating atmosphere and vibes that wash over his listeners and suck them into his world. We certainly were.
Alexa Perez - Dear Future Me (LP)
Dear Future Me (LP) - Alexa Perez (Pop) With her 6-track EP “Dear Future Me”, Alexa Perez mixes sweet and sadness with a collection of melancholy tunes primed to hit you in your feels. Boasting an impressive production, sparkling vocals and catchy hooks, “Dear Future Me” is a collection of pop gems. We dig into the tracks and the artist below.
Alexa Perez is a latina songwriter turned artist hailing from in Huntsville, AL. Her artistry centers on cohesive storytelling with diary-style lyrics conveyed through dense vocal layering. Alexa marks this project as a chronicle of her evolution over the past four years, each track telling a chapter in the story of her life. Romantic baggage, loneliness, whimsy and longing, the collection’s emotions are set to perfectly crafted and ear candy laden beats. WIth this work, Alexa hopes you will dance, cry and connect.
The overall feel of the album is heaviness. Alexa carries a burden, many in fact, and in “Dear Future Me” she lets the listener in on all that weighs on her. Centered in heartfelt ballads and driving mid tempos, there is a Taylor Swift-ness to the stylings here. Along with the vocal performance and production, Alexa shines throughout as a songwriter, with captivating lyrics that stuck with us long after we finished listening to the project. “Cliche” probably exemplifies this the most.
The production is expertly done, both understated while complex. allowing Alexa’s vocals to shine throughout as the instrumentation fills the space and provides accompanying tension to Alexa’s angst. Instrument separation and clarity are perfection while still melding into a cohesive tracks. With Alexa’s vocals often intimately close, the instrumentation thrums along as if it is her heartbeat.
“ROCKETSHIP” begins the project with a slinky tango—a slippery lead bass winding through the backing as Alexa broods with darkness. The track reaches its crescendo in the choruses, culminating in a rousing anthem that has great sing-along-ability. The baton is handed to “Cliche”, which we think is the star of the project. The lyrics come to the forefront here, with dense vocal layering hitting you right in the chest as the sparkling instrumentation exemplifies the sorrow therein. This track is a standout.
“Virgo Moon” is where we feel the most Taylor, as Alexa yearns for the bliss of ignorance, burned by the curse of introspectiveness and self-awareness. “Obsessive” gives us Lorde—a bit more edge than the other tracks. But when we finally reach “On My Own” we no longer just simmer in our feelings, the drive returns with some clear forward momentum as the pace picks up. The journey that track beings culminates in “Wondering”, a perfect project closer that touches on some 80s influences in the way that Carly Rae Jepsen often does.
Overall, we are most impressed with the storytelling on “Dear Future Me.” Alexa is clearly a woman at the beginning of an emotional journey. She has carefully evaluated, weighed and unpacked the baggage that she has carried through her 20s. And now after that self assessment, we’re left wondering where she will go next. We’ve enjoyed this chapter in Alexa’s story and anxiously await the next.
Belle Lundon - Space Cadet (Remix)
Space Cadet (Remix) - Belle Lundon (Pop) Belle Lundon remixes her track “Space Cadet” to give us a minimalist dance floor banger. It’s a powerful pop vocal, with some ear candy touches of tuning with some fun distorted verb punches. Overall the performances feel Rhianna inspired—a ”Bitch Better Have My Money” feeling. As noted, the instrumentation is minimal, leaving lots of space for the vocal to fill the track, giving a melancholy piano line to set a foreboding tone, as punchy percussion and bass leads give the dance floor flavor. We especially like how the track closes, adding an extra movement that slows things down and takes a surprising left turn that inspires you to put the track on repeat.
Best Lyric: “Feels like I’m drowning, grab my hands and lift me up.“
Love Ghost - Time Travel
TIME TRAVEL - Love Ghost (Emo) Love Ghost’s romantic partner is going through some turmoil, and in “TIME TRAVEL” our artist wishes to travel back in time in order to fight the demons that are threatening the strength of their relationship. It’s a big track—foreboding in tone—and epic and cavernous in size. A collaboration with Mexican artist Yung Dupe, and produced by Mexico's Shantra, the use of verbed synths and a haunting piano line sets the tone. There’s danger in the track, as Love Ghost warns that in fighting someone else’s demons, they could become your own. Put this on your karaoke list.
Best Lyric: “The scars on your thighs look like the scars in your eyes to night.“
Sam Dickinson - Flex
Flex - Sam Dickinson (Pop) Sam Dickinson brings some post-disco funk vibes with dancefloor spinner “Flex”, which seems primed for the summer tea dance scene. Sam has a strong and clear pop vocal rooted in 70s stylings, often popping up into that BeeGees falsetto. The song takes the theme of showing off your physicality to deliver a message about loving yourself and showing off your confidence. Inspired by a conversation with Sam’s partner about hiding themselves from people by painting a picture over their true selves, “Flex” is an aspirational song telling the listener to drink their own Kool Aid and show the public who they are.
Best Lyric: “Your mind, your fire your confidence. The power is yours you don’t need to pretend.“