By Denise Santana California State University, San Bernardino, student and musician Andy Paisley wrote and composed an album inspired by the January 6, 2020 insurrection. Paisley embarked on a two-year journey that led him to compose a rock album for those fighting for social justice. California State University, San Bernardino, student and musician Andy Paisley wrote Year of the Rat, an album inspired by the insurrection that took place on January 6, 2020, at the U.S. Capitol. Year of the Rat references the Chinese zodiac animal for 2020, the rat. In the album's songs, Paisley highlighted 45th President Donald Trump, capitalism, and police brutality. “The title is … [Read more...] about CSUSB student composes album inspired by January insurrection
album review
Moses Sumney Album Review: Aromanticism is one of the best albums of 2017
Establishing his position as the next up and coming artist to watch for, singer-songwriter Moses Sumney's debut is a stunner and one of the year's best. Thanks to world renown singer and songwriter Solange, Moses has gained mass attention with his latest release from Jagjaguwar Records. The record is packed with calm and cool tracks that showcase his unique falsetto vocals and cool acoustic riffs that can be heard on popular tracks like "Plastic." Sumney was born in San Bernardino, California but he moved with his family to Ghana when he was 10 years old. And it was only when Sumney moved back to California to attend UCLA that he taught himself to play guitar. I first heard his … [Read more...] about Moses Sumney Album Review: Aromanticism is one of the best albums of 2017
Kendrick Lamar “DAMN.” album review
By Yesica Gonzalez lStaff Writer| Hip-Hop artist Kendrick Lamar’s new album “DAMN.” was just released on Friday, April 14. Lamar's album was very different from other artists that usually focus on this type of field and I found it to be enjoyable. "DAMN." would most likely be suitable for young adults and any hip-hop lover out there. The album has14 tracks that each have various ranges of beats and melody that distinguishes it from each other. This is Lamar’s fourth hip-hop album and has been receiving various reviews from many online and magazine sources. Online Magazine, Pitchfork, has rated a nine out of ten stars and has considered it to be a "master … [Read more...] about Kendrick Lamar “DAMN.” album review
Kings Of Leon Releases A New Album
By Yena Hong |Staff Writer| Kings Of Leon released their seventh studio, 10-track album "WALLS" on Oct. 14. "Walls" is a collaboration of calming acoustic guitar and a lead singer Caleb’s soulful voice, creating plaintive feelings throughout a slow tempo. “I really liked the song 'Walls' by Kings of Leon, even though it made me feel depressed," said student Marissa Ramiret. "It has a nice, slow rhythmic beat and peaceful message,” continued Ramiret. "Waste A Moment," is suggestive of their first single released "Sex On Fire". They both have similar tempo and melody. "Around The World" entices listeners to dance with the reggae rhythmic drum sounds and lively harmony. The … [Read more...] about Kings Of Leon Releases A New Album
Blake Shelton album review
By Rebekah Deponte |Staff Writer| Blake Shelton was the center of many tabloids in 2015, a year of relationship drama and rumors for the artist, starting with his divorce and ending with his new relationship. "If I'm Honest," Shelton's ninth studio album was released May 20 and was inspired by the events that have happened in his life during the past year. The country album features songs about heartbreak, new found love, and a few typical country songs about beer, farms, and religious faith. The album opens up with a party song, "Straight Outta Cold Beer," which reflects on the good times and the artist's country roots. It then moves into multiple songs about heartbreak, … [Read more...] about Blake Shelton album review
Fifth Harmony Album Review
By Lupe Perez |Staff Writer| The girls of Fifth Harmony released their empowering sophomore album titled "7/27"on May 27, assuring women can do anything if they work hard at it. The second season contestants of The X Factor, Lauren Jauregui, Dinah Jane, Camila Cabello, Normani Hamilton and Ally Hernandez make up the power combo of Fifth Harmony. Best known for their hits "Worth it" and "Work From Home," Harmony are back with a more mature sound. The meaning behind the album "7/27" is the date the girls were formed on The X factor which they received third place in 2012. Since then the band had their first album "Reflection" debut at number five on Billboard 200 and included … [Read more...] about Fifth Harmony Album Review
“Cleopatra” Finds History Album Review
By Rebekah Deponte | Staff Writer | The Lumineers released their second album "Cleopatra" on April 8. Singles from this album include “Ophelia,” “Cleopatra,” and “Angela” respectively. The folk-rock band is most popularly known for their 2012 hit “Ho Hey,” which peaked at number three on Billboard’s Hot 100 for the U.S. in April 2013. “Ho Hey” took the number one slot during that same period on the U.S. Alternative and U.S. Rock charts. "Cleopatra" differs from the group’s first self-titled long play album in that it relies on a more electronic sound than they had used in the past, but the change has little affect on the band’s original sound. The album kept the trio’s basic … [Read more...] about “Cleopatra” Finds History Album Review
Animal Collective’s “Painting With” Album Review
By Arthur Medrano |Staff Writer| A 4-year-long journey awaited the music industry for Animal Collective's new studio album, "Painting With" which was released Feb. 19. It is their 10th studio album, following the success of their last album "Centipede Hz." They hold a creative aspect in their art, drawing multiple influences from both electronic and pop music. Following the success from their song "My Girl," the band of old high school friends have mastered synthesizers and using harmonic vocals to create modern folk songs. "You can never have enough funky, unique music come from acoustic and synthetic sounds. They should add much more to intensify the expressions," expresses … [Read more...] about Animal Collective’s “Painting With” Album Review
“California Nights” sounds like background noise
Tiffany Moyes |Staff Writer| Best Coast, a band created in 2009 from Los Angeles, consists of two members, songwriter and lead vocalist, Bethany Cosentino, and guitar and multi-instrumentalist, Bobb Bruno. “California Nights” lacks any originality and does not live up to its previous success. From the beginning, you are in a trance, and it seems peaceful, but as it progresses from track to track, you begin to wonder if you accidentally hit repeat on the same song. The variety is lackluster, and the sound is the generic hipster, indie-rock sound. “I’m not disappointed, but it is like something they have released,” said student Justin Wolcott. The sounds and tunes of the … [Read more...] about “California Nights” sounds like background noise
Bringing beauty to the psycho
By Bree Reyes |Staff Writer| Fall Out Boy has managed to keep their lyrical talents and instrumental expertise, officially shedding their rock/hardcore vibes for the synthesized and pop/techno scene in their new album, “American Beauty/American Psycho.” The new album has elements from their previous album, “Save Rock & Roll,” such as the theatrical introduction to “Centuries,” with the powerful thrumming of a piano and a Roman or gladiator battle-themed music video to aid in the dramatizations. Powerful lyrics such as, “You’re second hand smoke, second hand smoke/ I breathe you in, but honey I don’t know what you’re doing to me,” in the song “Irresistible” metaphorically and … [Read more...] about Bringing beauty to the psycho