Hallowed haunting masculine vocals morph into Banks’ cat call to a man who would “love her better if she couldn’t screw.” Her third single off sophomore album The Altar proves to be just as honest as the rest. Banks writes on Twitter, saying, “I’m excited to share this with you. Writing it was a really important step for me in making this album…It makes me feel exposed putting it into the universe but see me now.” Her final words hint at the chorus of “Games” where the angst-y crooner sings, “Do you see me now?” Empowering electronics blend the harsh themes into a beautiful ballad you can’t help but love.
“CRZY” kicked off the summer of Kehlani. I found myself playing it over and over. The sassy verses; “Everything I do, I do it with a passion, if I gotta be a bitch, I’mma be a bad one,” and thudding beat make you crank the bass and roll the windows down. The single artwork features what looks to be a cartoon version of the singer with one hand grabbing her opposite shoulder. A pair of brass knuckles is seen on her fingers. A grappling sense of independence makes Kehlani a bad ass in the R&B genre.
She later released the sultry and sweet, “Distraction” where she asks the question, “Are you down to be a distraction, baby?” Then accompanies hip/hop-rapper Belly on his track, “You.” A saucy duet between two lovers as they talk about sex, passion, and getting faded thinking about each other. Belly recites, “All about you, all about you…” over and over as Kehlani serves some serious sauce.
Just when you thought she couldn’t get hotter, a contribution to the Suicide Squad soundtrack put her back on the charts again. “Gangsta” is a hauntingly beautiful song about the intoxicating love that blinds two people. Her fairy-like vocals sing, “I need a gangsta, to love me better, than all the others do, to always forgive me, ride or die with me.” The lyrics are evil villain-worthy, while theĀ backing musicĀ keeps the same dark powerful theme.
Bieber fever is coming back in full swing. This time it’s with DJ Snake for his new album Encore. The pop stars’ sensual voice sways into a pulsing chorus, reminiscent of Snake’s collab with Major Lazer, “Lean On.” Bieber sings, “Don’t you give up now, I won’t give up now, let me love you, let me love you,” in a pleading voice you can’t help but succumb to. The solid mix of relaxation and snap happy undertones make you feel glowed and happy. DJ Snake has mixed “Let Me Love You” to succeed across several genres.
Michael Blume is a pure sensation. His debutĀ EP When I Get It Right is a rose in a world full of thorns. Piano medleys, clear-cut harmonies, and impeccable musical composition are drizzled and dripping off each song.
Image: randyreport.blogspot.com
Blume has a new renaissance way about him. Preaching about love, almost always swaying in a shift dress/robe-like get-up with his hair somewhat tied in a knot on his head. He has a “no f***s given” attitude that makes him extremely likable. His lyrics can be poetic at times and honestly harsh at others.
Opening song, “Relationships” is a modern day “Confessions” focusing on the importance of relationships to a spunky R&B backbeat. “I swear I’m kind, I swear I’m real, I’m not the kind who’s tryin to steal.” Blume’s specialty is keeping it real. He speaks his mind, but does it in a way that makes you wanna clap your hands in acknowledgement. “Relationships” is an important song to listen to. It revives old-school R&B that we should be praising; long verses paired with skip-beats that make you catch your breath.
Image: facebook.com/MichaelBlumeMusic
“How High” is a stained glass church. You kneel down and Blume’s harmonies saturate your soul, while an organ highlights some of the best moments of your life. The first two and a half minutes make you feel at ease, then he spits a couple raps while the backup vocals keep it cool. The transitions are seamless in classic R&B fashion; Blume keeps it captivating.
“Manufactured Love” is his biggest hit, defining the album as a whole. Blume tells Broadwayworld.com, “The song introduces a basic concept of myself and my attitude about music and love: trusting the process, knowing that your path is there for you, holding onto your faith in yourself despite any and all outside noise.” Michael Blume is a modern-dayĀ guru we all need to believe in.
Music blogger 