lhdang2000 Posted January 6, 2019 Author Posted January 6, 2019 REPLIES: 14 hours ago, Lazuli said: Bloom is a slay I agree. 11 hours ago, Green said: Man of the Woods is easily JT's worst album (I only liked a few songs that I don't even remember that much ) Supplies is his worst song ever It's so hard to accept that MoTW is his worst project because I've grown to love him so much ever since The 20/20, but this is just disappointing. 8 hours ago, kelly-clarkson said: nnnn that was exactly my reaction The only song I liked from that album is Higher Higher Glad you like my writeup. 5 hours ago, Legend E said: Waiting for some more albums Hope I won't disappoint you with my next few picks. 3 hours ago, Remmy said: I skipped over the Worst Albums banner and thought MOTW was on the best list, then I read the writeup and was like ??? why is this above Bloom Yeah it is pretty overlong and Supplies is easily my least favorite, she's ugly for the most part. I'm not gonna complain about how Troye is this low because I'd be a broken record at this point Oh okay at the This This shoutout That one is really underrated, for sure the superior bonus track. My My My! is the explosive moment It was just positioned too early on the tracklist. This This is so underrated. Had I listened to the Target edition earlier, it would've cracked my top 100 for sure. My My My! is cute, but I still feel like it's not the breakout moment I thought the album needed. 3 hours ago, potent said: I didn't think JT's album was that bad but maybe it's just cause my expectations were low, lol. Bloom is a great choice though. Oh man, I had a lot of expectations for JT. Filthy got released, and I knew something was off if Justin believes that was the representative of the album.
lhdang2000 Posted January 6, 2019 Author Posted January 6, 2019 (edited) 18. Rita Ora – Phoenix Quote “Rita Ora comes back to the music industry after five long years with her sophomore album, “Phoenix.” Props to her because after everything she has been through, this album is really a remarkable milestone. Following the trend of most European artists, Rita’s album is full of bangers that pander to the listeners/audience. Fortunately for her, she has a very suitable voice for this type of music, which does not make the production overpowers her, something that we would normally see with other female European artists’ albums in the past few years. The problem with the album is that the tracks were all over the place. We have “Anywhere” and “Your Song,” which were released last year. Then, we have “For You,” which was the lead soundtrack for Fifty Shades Freed. And Rita also includes “Lonely Together,” which was a collaboration with Avicii last year. It was interesting to see these songs not only made the track list but even the standard one which questions the real creative direction behind the album.” HIGHLIGHTS: “Let You Love Me,” “Lonely Together,” “Your Song” 17. Cardi B – Invasion of Privacy Quote "Hello to the GP’s new “Queen of Rap.” With “Invasion of Privacy,” Cardi really came through over the thoughts of her being a one-hit wonder. The album is a journey of overcoming the odds and loving yourself. What I like about this album is that Cardi did not try to overstay her welcome with the track list. We have seen so many rap artists try to pump up their streaming numbers by adding as many tracks as possible, and that did not end well with how many fillers the listeners go through. Instead, Cardi has a vision, and she only focuses on what she wants to say, so she puts out in what a call one of the most cohesive rap albums of the decade.” HIGHLIGHTS: “I Like It,” “Bodak Yellow,” “Ring” 09. Loote – single. Quote “I didn’t do drugs. I didn’t get high. But I thought I did do both of those when I put this one in the Top Best Albums at first. I guess my love for “Your Side of the Bed” blinds me to love all the tracks when I first listened to the EP. In case you didn’t know, Loote is a pop duo who contribute to Cheat Codes’ “No Promises” last year. I think that’s one of the reasons why I love “Bed” so much from my first listen as they share some similarities. But gosh, everything else is a pain to get through. Have you ever imagined listened to the same thing again and again for half an hour? I mean, that’s okay for a track you really love. For an EP, it’s an experience. A bad experience, may I add. Even though they constantly change the main vocal (the duo consists of one guy and one girl) between the tracks, I can’t fathom the fact that the production sounds the same the more I listen to them. For a DJ group, I expect way better than uninspiring production, which is the reason why we need new, fresh producers in the first place. Fortunately, they put one of my most favorite songs of the year. Other than that, it is a no from me.” Edited January 6, 2019 by lhdang2000
potent Posted January 7, 2019 Posted January 7, 2019 I didn’t listen to those albums, I like LYLM from Rita but I’m kinda worried that as you say the album is too over the place.
ATRL Moderator kelly-clarkson Posted January 7, 2019 ATRL Moderator Posted January 7, 2019 I'm not a fan of Rita, but Phoenix has some bops
Ghostlysnaker Posted January 7, 2019 Posted January 7, 2019 I don't like Cardi B as a solo artist tbh.
Dom Posted January 7, 2019 Posted January 7, 2019 phoenix is such a good album, i love miss reetz , mogul did that.
Remmy Posted January 7, 2019 Posted January 7, 2019 Not into C**di at all and I can't see myself ever getting into her "Girls" is her only appearance in my musical library, and that wasn't even a quality verse. Rita got my attention with the megabop Anywhere but I wasn't caring for anything else so I didn't listen to the album.
ATRL Moderator Legend E Posted January 7, 2019 ATRL Moderator Posted January 7, 2019 Phoenix is really decent ?
Green Posted January 8, 2019 Posted January 8, 2019 Invasion of Privacy is really good. I honestly like all the songs from the album.
lhdang2000 Posted January 8, 2019 Author Posted January 8, 2019 REPLIES: On 1/6/2019 at 7:13 PM, potent said: I didn’t listen to those albums, I like LYLM from Rita but I’m kinda worried that as you say the album is too over the place. I knew how tough it was for her to release the album, but I feel like the recording session for the album was too long. The collabs making the standard edition is a choice. On 1/6/2019 at 7:32 PM, kelly-clarkson said: I'm not a fan of Rita, but Phoenix has some bops 12 hours ago, Dom said: phoenix is such a good album, i love miss reetz , mogul did that. 6 hours ago, Legend E said: Phoenix is really decent ? I agree. On 1/6/2019 at 8:52 PM, Ghostlysnaker said: I don't like Cardi B as a solo artist tbh. I was skeptical to hear the album at first, but I gave it a try and it wasn't that bad honestly. 15 hours ago, Lazuli said: Invasion of Privacy is a debut 4 hours ago, Green said: Invasion of Privacy is really good. I honestly like all the songs from the album. The acclaim!
lhdang2000 Posted January 8, 2019 Author Posted January 8, 2019 (edited) 16. Eminem – Kamikaze Quote “Let’s be honest, “Revival” was a flop. I believe Eminem would not even object to that statement. Fortunately, the man realized soon enough, and he dropped “Kamikaze.” The album showcases what Eminem is known for: catchy hooks and aggressive approach. And I am glad he keeps it true to himself. In a world where rappers mumble and read the lyrics, Eminem still does flows and rhymes, and that is the charm I fell for him in the past albums. The album was meant to be controversial with the name-dropping and the homophobic slurs. It is not new, but it does make me question: Is he that much of a one-trick pony?” HIGHLIGHTS: “Not Alike,” “The Ringer,” “Em Calls Paul (Skit)” 15. Various Artists – The Greatest Showman OST Quote “The Greatest Showman” was a big success, and I believe most of that came from this beautiful soundtrack. Honestly, I will still be drawn into this album even if there is no movie. It is a beautiful piece of work and by far the best soundtrack album of the year. Every song tells a story. You have two men negotiating deals, a woman who wants to take the spotlight, people who are standing up for themselves, a romantic relationship, etc. The theme itself sounds cheesy, but I love how everything falls together to make this album sounds inspiring and beautiful. I will praise the production for that, every song has a different story, and most of them are sung by different people. The distinctive sound for each of the track while keeping them ties together as a cohesive album is very impressive. There are impressive moments like ‘fifteen/I’d do eight/twelve/maybe nine/ten’ as the conversation between Hugh Jackman and Zac Efron. It is something rarely done because it is very hard to do it justice, but the moment was done beautifully. “Never Enough” and “This Is Me” are two biggest hits coming out from the album, and there were no big stars participating in them. With “Never Enough,” the explosive chorus harmonizing with Loren’s beautiful vocal creates such a memorable song that rarely can anyone replicate. While “This Is Me” is Keala Settle’s moment to shine, and she finished the job with perfection. They might have been no one before this movie, but I believe they are not only inspiring as movie characters but also in real life that once you put your heart and soul into something, you will get the recognition you deserve.” HIGHLIGHTS: “This Is Me,” “Never Enough,” “The Other Side” 08. Clean Bandit – What Is Love? Quote “A second producers’ album made into my list this year. One thing differs Clean Bandit from Loote is they do not contribute their vocals to the track. Instead, they invite pop stars (and a wannabe-star) to join their album, which is worse. You know the album is bad when I say the vocals are the best part of the album except for “Symphony” and “Solo,” two singles that were released months (and years) before the album got released. Speaking about that, yes, “Tears” featuring Louisa Johnson, was released as the album’s first single in May 2016. So, if you feel like it has been forever for them to put out this album, your feeling is not wrong. They did take forever. And after two years, what they put out was an uninspiring generic pop that could have been mistaken with any other producers. There is no uniqueness in the album, there is no Clean Bandit in the album beside the singles we have heard before. If anything, “Last Goodbye” sounds like it was made in 2016 under a different name, “Side to Side” by Ariana Grande. While I do think they have the potential to release quality music, they have proven me for two albums in a row that they only care about their singles. Instead of trying to understand “What is Love?”, they should figure out “What is An Album?” first. Edited January 8, 2019 by lhdang2000
Green Posted January 8, 2019 Posted January 8, 2019 Kamikaze was an improvement over Revival for sure.
ATRL Moderator kelly-clarkson Posted January 8, 2019 ATRL Moderator Posted January 8, 2019 Well... I'm glad I didn't listen to 'What Is Love?'. From your description the album is a waste of time But at least Solo, Symphony and Tears are bops
Remmy Posted January 8, 2019 Posted January 8, 2019 I listened to a Clean Bandit album before, can't remember the name, pretty sure it was the one with Rather Be on it. Anyway, I remember being bored and I'm sure What Is Love? would've left me feeling the same way The Greatest Showman oh yes Really amazing, definitely my favorite from this soundtrack-filled year. A Million Dreams getting no mention, she deserves more love
lhdang2000 Posted January 8, 2019 Author Posted January 8, 2019 REPLIES: 12 hours ago, Brandon said: Eminem 8 hours ago, Green said: Kamikaze was an improvement over Revival for sure. Glad people give the album a try, it was not a bad effort at all. 7 hours ago, Lazuli said: Kamikaze 5 hours ago, kelly-clarkson said: Well... I'm glad I didn't listen to 'What Is Love?'. From your description the album is a waste of time But at least Solo, Symphony and Tears are bops I love the singles so much that I pre-ordered the deluxe physical all the way from UK, they disappointed me so much. And I don't want to return cause I'm so lazy to get to the post office. 4 hours ago, Remmy said: I listened to a Clean Bandit album before, can't remember the name, pretty sure it was the one with Rather Be on it. Anyway, I remember being bored and I'm sure What Is Love? would've left me feeling the same way The Greatest Showman oh yes Really amazing, definitely my favorite from this soundtrack-filled year. A Million Dreams getting no mention, she deserves more love A Million Dreams is a close 4th place.
lhdang2000 Posted January 8, 2019 Author Posted January 8, 2019 (edited) 14. Ariana Grande – sweetener Quote “Back when we were at the beginning of this year, I really thought “sweetener” would be a strong contender for ‘Album of the Year.’ But it is not, and there are many reasons why. Pharrell Williams produced 7 tracks in the album, and surprisingly enough, I did not mind at all. I believe they have created something memorable together. Pharrell’s production has never made everybody happy, so I understand why people would want to delete those tracks. However, I think he brings out another side of Ariana that I rarely see, she was playing around, being naughty, and the production helps her showcasing that side of her personality. There is no doubt “God is a woman” is the career-highlight for Ariana with the choir and her vocals towards the end. But let’s spend a minute to appreciate “successful,” a song that seemingly gets a lot of hate. The song bears a resemblance to Britney Spears’ “Lucky,” when the singer mocks herself but with a much more danceable tune to it. While that, lyrics like “it feels so good to be this young/ and have this fun and be successful” are goofy but very Ariana Grande, and the line “it’s a surprise” keeps on going to remind people how beautiful Ariana’s tone is. The problem with me and this album is that it could have been a shorter album. It reminds me of Katy Perry’s “Prism” where I could delete the second half of the album, and it still sounds great. Everything after track 10 in “sweetener” does not contribute to this album lyrically and sonically. It could have been cut, and I will not mind at all.” HIGHLIGHTS: “God is a woman,” “successful,” “no tears left to cry” 13. Christina Aguilera – Liberation Quote “Shout out to Youtuber AJayII with her reaction to “Accelerate” because I did have the same reaction with her when I first finished the track, but we will talk about that on an another day. “Liberation” is Christina’s eight effort after a long hiatus. In those five years, I expect her to play with sounds and experiment with different type of music genres and producers. And she really did. The album has pop, R&B, rock, soul, hip hop, reggaeton, and some beautiful ballads. Through out her career, Christina rarely plays safe, and this album is no exception. The problem I have with this album is I am not a fan of interludes. I believe artist and producers should have the ability to connect the stories from songs to songs without using interludes. It is so boring and uncreative to go that route, and Christina has three in this album. However, the album still sounds great, and Christina once again reminds everyone why she is a diva.” HIGHLIGHTS: “Fall in Line,” “Unless It’s with You,” “Twice” 07. Imagine Dragons – Origins Quote “Have you ever loved a band so much but haven’t bought their record, then, you decided to go all out and bought a CD because you thought they would serve quality as always just to be disappointed that they scammed you for a faceless record? I was that person. I have always loved Imagine Dragons, but for some reasons, I never buy their CD at all (even though I am a collector). When “Origins” came out, I drove to Target and got the first copy (they haven’t put it on the shelf yet), and good God, I made one of the biggest mistakes in my 18th year. When they announced the album, I knew it was too fast. “Evolve” was released last year, and they spent most of their time on tour this year. How can they put all their effort into this record? And they have proved me right. The album serves the definition for so many different vocabularies: incohesive, forgettable, messy, and vague.” Edited January 8, 2019 by lhdang2000
ATRL Moderator Legend E Posted January 8, 2019 ATRL Moderator Posted January 8, 2019 at the homophobe making it Liberation yas Legend X
Remmy Posted January 9, 2019 Posted January 9, 2019 OMG not you buying Origins out of all their albums, oh nooo I almost never buy things without hearing it first, I don't wanna take that risk. Plus I usually listen to stuff the day before it's officially out so I know how it sounds before it's available to purchase. Yeah, she's forgettable and vague indeed Sweetener was weaker than Origins in my opinion But it has stronger highlights by faaar, it's just some of the Pharrell tracks bring my score down significantly... successful being one of them Liberation was nice and better than expected, your highlights are actually my #4-6 favorites. I agree the interludes are irrelevant and Accelerate still isn't cute.
Lazuli Posted January 9, 2019 Posted January 9, 2019 Sweetener and Liberation ID albums in general are just not it But I found more bops in Origins than Evolve tho!
potent Posted January 9, 2019 Posted January 9, 2019 Xtina served quality on Liberation, I wasn’t expecting that Origins has enough highlights for me to avoid putting it on a worst list, but I can definitely see why people were disappointed.
lhdang2000 Posted January 9, 2019 Author Posted January 9, 2019 REPLIES: 23 hours ago, Legend E said: at the homophobe making it Liberation yas Legend X #hatemyself I guess... 20 hours ago, Remmy said: OMG not you buying Origins out of all their albums, oh nooo I almost never buy things without hearing it first, I don't wanna take that risk. Plus I usually listen to stuff the day before it's officially out so I know how it sounds before it's available to purchase. Yeah, she's forgettable and vague indeed Sweetener was weaker than Origins in my opinion But it has stronger highlights by faaar, it's just some of the Pharrell tracks bring my score down significantly... successful being one of them Liberation was nice and better than expected, your highlights are actually my #4-6 favorites. I agree the interludes are irrelevant and Accelerate still isn't cute. I used to listen before I bought the album, but now that I start working, all those pre-orders stuff make me feel special. Still, shouldn't have done that with Origins tho. sweetener's stronger highlights saved the album A LOT. One day you will love successful. 11 hours ago, Lazuli said: Sweetener and Liberation ID albums in general are just not it But I found more bops in Origins than Evolve tho! I find Origins very faceless. Any band can do those, even OneRepublic. 11 hours ago, Brandon said: Christina & Ariana 1 hour ago, potent said: Xtina served quality on Liberation, I wasn’t expecting that Origins has enough highlights for me to avoid putting it on a worst list, but I can definitely see why people were disappointed. After Lotus and Accelerate, Xtina really did that with this album.
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