Albums:

“Trip” – Jhene Aiko:

The problem often times with Jhene Aiko’s music is the fact that her songs are slow. It’s not that they’re not enjoyable because I, for one, am an avid follower of both Jhene Aiko and Big Sean, paying more attention to the duo with the release of the group, TWENTY88. However, her music is soothing to the point of boredom, and it’s hard to differentiate between song titles, as with this new album too. “OLLA” is probably the most upbeat song not only on the album but in Jhene Aiko’s discography. The album gives off an eccentric vintage vibe, and her intoxicating vocals and aura still manage to reign you in despite of this.

“The Hype” – Hoodie Allen:

Personally speaking, I was reluctant to listen to Hoodie Allen. With a long trauma of rappers who fail to bring anything to the table that isn’t already mainstream, I refused to listen to him for that basic reason. Clearly I was in the wrong. While he includes trap with “Fakin” that’s almost cringey if the beat wasn’t dance worthy. He has a very mixed genre, easy-going vibe for the most part. That’s what will attract people, similar to myself, to him. He even includes his subpar vocals in some songs for split seconds as if he’s Post Malone, but it works just like for the latter. In short, “The Hype” lives up to its name.

“Double Dutchess” – Fergie:

Fergie hasn’t released a new album in 11 years, and if that doesn’t shock you then I don’t know what will. Ever since her return with “L.A. Love”, Fergie hasn’t released a single since 2014. This album is, sadly, only iconic in the way that it’s her first released album in over a decade. There’s a lack of standout songs that haven’t been released or that already don’t sound like something released by another artist. Fergie has so many iconic songs that the potential “Double Dutchess” had wasn’t on par with the singles.

“Younger Now” – Miley Cyrus:

Disney star Miley Cyrus went through drastic changes throughout her career starting from Hannah Montana and  the most eye-popping one to be her twerking obsession. However, with the release of her single, “Malibu,” Cyrus returns to her pop-country roots that the masses grew up with. This album is almost like a welcome back album to the real her, and it displays not only her growth in musicality but also as a person.

“Bluebird of Happiness” – Tamar Braxton:

Coming back with a fifth album, the singer declares that this will be her last album for a while in an interview with Wendy Williams. This is due to having a difficult  last year with being fired from the daytime talk show “The Real” and surrounded by drama regarding other artists. This album showcases her personal growth and familiarity with herself, hence the name of the album. Rather than catering to the slow R&B songs she’s typically known for, Tamar Braxton incorporates some lighthearted songs to balance the melodramatic sound of songs such as “My Man” or “How I Feel”.

Songs:

“On My Mind” – Jorja Smith x Preditah:

After successfully gaining popularity from her collaboration with Kali Uchis in “Tyrant” this past summer, Jorja Smith becomes a rising star on my radar. Playing with the popular 90s genre of syncopated rhythms that are garage from her country, the United Kingdom, Jorja Smith leads listeners to feel nostalgic for the 90s. It has an old school feel to it with the beat being hard hitting while the vocals are smooth like honey, reflecting the “I don’t want or need you anymore” message of the song.

“Underdog” – Banks:

The dark alternative singer returns with just a single as she is currently on tour. This song will have longtime fans turning their heads, confused, since it’s oddly upbeat for Banks. Normally, the synth that she incorporates into many of her songs would be heavier and ambiguous, along with equally heavy bass. However, “Underdog” still has her synth sound, but it’s a lot lighter and easy-going in contrast to her discography. In the end, it’s a nice surprise regardless.

“Buzzin” – Alina Baraz:

This song is very simplistic in composition, which lets Alina Baraz’s vocals shine through. A lot of the song is repetitive as well, especially the chorus, so it puts you in this very mellow state of mind. While it’s not a sound that is new, especially in this day and age, it’s still much appreciated to soothe the hardcore beats that encompass most of our top 100 music charts.

“Skrt Skrt” – Tory Lanez:

The onomatopoeia of this title immediately threw me for a loop. Tory Lanez, to put it shortly, hasn’t had quite of a hit single since “Say It”, and this latest release, in comparison, is subpar. The island theme that encompassed this past summer’s many singles is apparent in the song. The melody is addictive, but, it’s nothing new. If this song were to be sung by someone else then it would have the same effect, but his debut single provided so much to his career that it’s now hard to top it.

“Mi Gente” – J Balvin & Willy William ft. Beyonce:

Following the trend of “Despacito” with the feature from Beyonce, this single provides another platform for talent that aren’t well known in America like J Balvin and Willy William. Teaming up with the musical powerhouse, Beyonce, allows for this song to become more mainstream. The mother of three hasn’t been seen, musically, since the end of award season with the conclusion of the Lemonade era. The hispanic dancehall feel of the song makes for this to be a fun collaboration of two different cultures.