Its time to get back to my annual review of the Album of the Year nominees. As before, I'll review each track, giving it either a "checkmark", and "O" (for a good, not great song), or an "X". To come up with a raw score, I'll multiply the "checkmark" percentage by 2, add it to the "O" %, and then subtract the "X" %. The best possible score is a 200.
(All video/audio rights go to Alabama Shakes/ATO records)
1) "Sound + Color"
It starts off with a very tranquil opening, but still with a lot going on in the backing instrumentals.Just a nice and simple introduction to the album of the same name. (✔)
2) "Don't Wanna Fight"
Starts off with a nice guitar intro. Has some really strong lyrics; "My hand into your hand, fruit of my grief". This track provides some big vocals for Brittany Howard to close out the song. Overall, this track quickly finds its groove and keeps it throughout. (✔)
3) "Dunes"
This song has a slow groove to it with an old-school sound. The guitar rift slide is a little jarring. I appreciate the blues sound they were going for here, but it feels disconnected at times. Just a little off-putting coming off of "Don't Wanna Fight". (O)
4) "Future People"
Has a nice fusion sound. This track uses the upper register of Brittany's voice. Just a big track where everything fits just right. (✔)
5) "Gimme All Your Love"
Track has a nice call & response instrumental opening. There's a good use of spacing in the vocals that helps to bring out the message of the song. Has a nice building guitar rift about mid-way in. This song really emotes what its conveying. (✔)
6) "This Feeling"
This feels like a continuation of "Gimme All Your Love". Its trying to give off a more tranquil sound in contrast from the more heavy tracks, but it just feels too sleepy. (X)
7) "Guess Who"
Starts off with an interesting bass intro. It has a bit of a disco-fusion sound. This has that same tranquil feel as "This Feeling", but with more conviction in the lyrics; "I didn't see the sky as blue as you do/ Should I fantasize? There must be some way to love again". (✔)
8) "The Greatest"
Has an old-school "Brit" rock feel. Shows off a different lighter side of Brittany's vocals. This is just a really fun track. (✔)
9) "Shoegaze"
Has a bit of a country feel. Nothing really stands out or differentiates itself with this track. (X)
10) "Miss You"
It has a real intimate intro. Lyrically, its a very personal song. Of all the tracks, you could make the case that this one has the best use of the blues theme featured throughout the album. (✔)
11) "Gemini"
Starts off with a slow-spaced intro. Has a new-age sound. A real personal song, on how a couple could truly see each other in their eyes. Lyrically its beautiful, but it tends to drag at times. Doesn't quite fit with the rest of the album. (O)
12) "Over My Head"
A rock-soul feel, this meshes some different sounds heard on the album. Its vocally similar to "Miss You", with soft vocals. A good closing track. (✔)
Alabama Shakes show real growth here, with more of a blues feel. All in all, that feel is a better use of Brittany Howard's vocals. I'd like to see them go for more of a "soul" feel next, much like "Over My Head".
✔ = 67%
O = 17%
X = 17%
Raw = 134
Alabama Shakes: 134
No comments:
Post a Comment