Grammy's Album of The Year Review: Jon Batiste - "World Music Radio"

 

"World Music Radio" - Jon Batiste

(Verve/Interscope Records)

1) "Hello, Billy Bob"

A spoken word intro, this acts as a start-up.

2) "Raindance" (ft/Native Soul)

This is a reggae inspired with Native American roots; "When you gon' arrive in the sky to let your love down". There are some smooth transitions.

3) "Be Who You Are" (ft/JID, New Jeans & Camilo)

There's a blending of styles, but this track feels like its all over the place. Its lyrically weak.

4) "Worship"

"Worship" acts as a call to prayer. There's a tonal shift about halfway in. While I like the production, lyrically it seems repetitive and simplistic.

5) "My Heart" (ft/Rita Paye`s)

This is a more intimate track.

6) "Drink Water" (ft/Jon Bellion and Fireboy DML)

A very calming track; "So take a deep breath, drink water. You know that these streets just loud, calm down". 

7) "Calling Your Name"

I'm not really a fan of the production on this track; it's a little 'muzak' for my taste.

8) "Clair de Lune" (ft/Kenny G)

An instrumental track.

9) "Butterfly"

This comes from Jon being by his wife's side. The piano is very lovely.

10) "17th Ward Prelude"

11) "Uneasy" (ft/Lil Wayne)

This connects to New Orleans; "Close the shower door on my city, it's steamin'". The guitar is really nice towards the back half.

12) "Call Now (504-305-8269)" (ft/Michael Batiste)

With a funk feel, this is a fairly deep lyrical track; "When this fame is gone, I'll state my same old song".

13) "Chassol"

14) "Boom For Real"

Lyrically this drags.

15) "Movement 18' (Heroes)"

With some brilliant piano playing, this is a reflection on some of Jon's musical influences.

16) "Master Power"

This samples different religious prayers. Instrumentally this feels like its going in circles at times.

17) "Running Away" (ft/Leigh-Anne)

This revolves around power and the feeling behind this; "When the weight is on your shoulders, I'll take it off of you". 

18) "Goodbye, Billy Bob"

This acts as a sign-off for this radio-like experience. 

19) "White Space"

A piano forward track.

20) "Wherever You Are"

A culmination of sorts, this falls somewhat flat for me.

21) "Life Lesson" (ft/Lana Del Rey)

Coming off of their work on Lana's album with "Candy Necklace", this duo continues to work well here. Quite a strong closing.

Jon Batiste is trying out something unique with "World Music Radio", quite literally creating a radio program. We see a blending of sounds and styles, but I'd argue this album could have been scaled down. Overall I enjoyed a majority of the album, but it could have been something incredibly special. (82.4)

Taylor Swift: "Midnights" - 93.6

boygenius: "The Record" - 92.1

Lana Del Rey: "Did You Know That There's A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd." - 87.1

Miley Cyrus: "Endless Summer Vacation" - 84.4

Jon Batiste: "World Music Radio" - 82.4

Janelle Monae: "The Age Of Pleasure" - 78.4