Music Review: Drake, “More Life”

Music Review: Drake, “More Life”

Share

Drake wants you to know that “More Life” is not an album. With it’s staggering 22 tracks – a handful of which do not even feature Drake’s hypnotic-melodic inflection – it is, in fact, a playlist. It’s no secret that Drake (and critics) were disappointed with “Views,” his 2016 album which featured radio hits like “One Dance” and “Hotline Bling.” Despite being a commercial success, the album itself was labeled as lacking in creativity and a cohesive subject (think: tiny, sad Drake sitting atop the CN Tower). So it’s no wonder that the Toronto native wants to steer his artistic expression away from the suffocating effects of a studio album, moving instead into the realm of “playlist,” a buzzword here implying a collection of stand-alone, significant tracks. “More Life” bursts at the seams with it’s deluge of talent: from Kanye on “Glow,” to Sampha’s “4422” and Black Coffee and Jorja on “Get It Together,” the playlist plays host to a world-wide conspiracy to make Drake sound good. And dagnabbit, it worked. For the most successful rapper in the biz with the least amount of street cred, Drake must situate himself close to those that can give him broader appeal. “More Life” is all we’ll get from Drake this year. At the end of closing track, “Do Not Disturb,” Drake announces that he’ll be taking a break from new music until 2018. Until then, I’m sure the Internet will provide us with a surplus of Drake memes in his absence.

 

Bay Area Concert Buzz: April

Bay Area Concert Buzz: April

Share

For us at Blackfire Research, April is shaping up to be a music lover’s dream. From newly-minted breakout stars to the return of 60’s psychedelic rock, the San Francisco Bay Area is playing host to a number of highly anticipated concerts this month.

 

On Saturday, April 15, English indie pop group, The xx, comes to the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in downtown San Francisco as part of their North American tour promoting their latest album, “I See You.” Accompanying them is breakout artist, Sampha, who just recently released his debut album, “Process” to rave reviews and stunning critical acclaim. For tickets, click here.

 

 

Radiohead returns to The Greek Theatre in Berkeley for a two night, sold out engagement on April 17 & 18. The beautiful outdoor amphitheater, located at the start of the Berkeley Foothills, adjacent to The University of California campus, is the perfect venue to reconnect with everyone’s favorite 90’s rock band.

 

Also making an appearance in Berkeley this month: The Zombies. Journey back in time as the iconic 60’s psychedelic rock band performs at The UC Theatre on April 25 as part of the First Anniversary Show celebrating the remodeling and reopening of this historic venue. Tickets are on sale now.

 

Winner of Best Rap Album at the 2017 Grammy Awards, Chicago native, Chance the Rapper, takes his critically acclaimed “Coloring Book,” on the road, performing to an already sold out crowd at the Oracle Arena in Oakland on April 26. In addition to his massively successful solo career, Chance lends his talents on other influential albums, such as Kanye West’s “The Life of Pablo.” Recently, Chance made headlines when he donated $1 Million to the Chicago Public School system, garnering high praise from another well-known CPS alum, Michelle Obama, who took to Twitter to thank Chance for his generosity, branding him as a leading “example of the power of arts education.”

 

R&B chart topper, The Weeknd, will be making a stop at San Jose’s SAP Center on Friday, April 28 for part of his first World Tour, Starboy: Legend of the Fall. The award winner’s sophomore album, “Starboy,” was released last November and chronicles the aftermath of the artist’s newfound fame. Tickets are on sale now.

 

British folk singer, Laura Marling, who just released her sixth studio album, “Semper Femina,” to rave reviews, will be gracing The Fillmore stage in San Francisco on April 30. Marling’s placid stage demeanor, coupled with the richly poetic language of her lyrics, accentuates the hypnotic effect she holds over an audience. Experience the magic, you won’t regret it.

 

On that same night, iconic American folk singer and two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, David Crosby, will be performing at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood. In addition to his classic hits, Crosby will be performing songs from his latest solo album, “Croz,” as well as pieces from an upcoming album titled “Sky Trails.” For more information, click here.  

 

What concerts or events are you most excited for this April? Let us know in the comments section!

Music Review: Sampha Sisay, “Process”

Music Review: Sampha Sisay, “Process”

Share

Very rarely is a debut album as powerful as “Process.” For the soft-spoken, English born Sampha Sisay, who was introduced to the piano at the age of three, music creates for him a means of self-expression. For Sampha, whose wavering voice commands sober sovereignty in “(No One Knows Me) Like the Piano” a masterfully stripped down ballad about finding one’s voice and coping with grief through the comfort of music, tragedy strikes at every turn. Both of his parents were taken by cancer, and their absence fills the lyrics and quiet spaces of the album. Sampha too, was faced with his own mortality when he suffered a cancer scare not too long ago, discovering a lump in his throat, which he chronicles in “Plastic 100°C.” Previously, Sampha had lent his talent to big name artists, like Drake, Kanye, Solange and Frank Ocean, but with his debut album, Sampha begins anew. The album’s title can be seen as shorthand for “the grieving process,” or can refer to Sampha’s ongoing journey of self discovery. Either way, we’ll be right there with him.