By Joseph Chremon
Blink 182 – Neighborhoods
“Blink’s Respectable Return”
It has been nearly a decade since Tom DeLonge, Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker released an album together as Blink-182.
In their new album “Neighborhoods” the influence of DeLonge & Hoppus’ band’s Angels & Airwaves and +44 are apparent.
Blink has not drastically reinvented themselves after so much time apart.
The bands chemistry on record says they’re back like never before while the maturity in subject matter in comparison to albums such as “Enema of the State” and songs like “Whats My Age Again?” conveys that the band who never took themselves too seriously has indeed grown up.
For die-hard Blink fans who miss the sexual double-entendras and penis jokes, I encourage you to give the album more listens than one.
More than likely it’ll grow on you.
The initial drum pattern and guitar lick that begin “Ghost on the Dance Floor,” will send a huge rush of nostalgia and disbelief through fans, though gritty and fast-paced guitar is replaced by clean high energy riffs for most of the album.
Surprising enough, Mark Hoppus isn’t featured very much on this record, but when he is, his signature deep vocals compliment Delonge’s more midrange vocals.
On the intimate “After Midnight,” both Delonge and Hoppus deliver top notch vocal performance and a sharp catchy chorus.
From the La di dah’s of “Wishing Well,” to the faster paced “MH 4.18.2011,” and the “TOYPAJ” sounding album closer, “Even If She Falls,” fans will love this album.
Though there a few weak tracks on it, the stronger ones make the album worth the money and the wait.
Blink-182 is now back, with elements of maturity that may not take you back to your childhood but definitely show the wisecracking band’s maturity.
Notable Tracks: Hearts All Gone, MH 4.18.2011, Natives, Up All Night, After Midnight
8 Spins out of 10
Demi Lovato – Unbroken
“Demi’s Redemption”
Demi Lovato most recognized for her Disney Channel fame is not afraid to separate herself from the pack in her new versatile album “Unbroken”.
Rather than playing it safe and going to her accomplished friend and Disney co-star Selena Gomez, Demi includes Jason Derulo, Timbaland and Missy Elliot.
With such a diverse and talented team of writers and producers, Ms. Lovato’s newest piece of work can’t help but be unconventional.
Musically, the album ranges from reggae and pop-rock to R&B and electronic.
Demi has definitely grown into her voice and developed the strength to show vulnerability.
“Unbroken” not only marks her return to the stage after beating her “unhealthy addiction to food” but her maturity and retort to all the gossip surrounding her recent issues. Laced with victorious anthems (Skyscraper), poetic confessional ballads (For the Love of a Daughter) and plenty of radio- ready dance tracks, “Unbroken” keeps it upbeat using this album as another vehicle to prove that even after all she has been through, optimism is still her weapon of choice.
Notable tracks: All Night Long, Skyscraper, My Love Is Like A Star, For the Love of a Daughter
7 Spins out of 10
J. Cole – Cole World: The Sideline Story
“Make Way for the Chosen One”
After releasing three solid, critically acclaimed mixtapes between 2007 and 2010 each increasing expectations and anticipation for his polished retail debut, the sometimes elusive Jermaine Cole has finally delivered on his promise to his hard-core fans.
The Jay-Z protégé and first signed to the Roc-Nation label shows that he’s learned plenty about the business and refined his craft in the two years since his signing.
Cole delivers this heartfelt album with a genuine juxtaposition of veteran stride and freshman sincerity…but that’s what happens when you’re track list couples tweaked songs you recorded prior to the fame and acclaim with others finished a week before the final mastering process.
With that being said, Cole World: The Sideline Story, does capture a wide range of vibes although Cole has his hand in nearly 90 percent of the production.
Where it sonically lacks the cohesion of an instant classic it finds its appeal to a wider range of audiences than just hip-hop fans (dub step influence is apparent).
Cole doesn’t fit into your stereotypes of street-credited or conscious rappers.
Never leaning too far to either side of the spectrum, J. Cole who’s logo includes both horns and a halo over the letters of his name vents truthfully throughout the album.
He acknowledged his own as well as mankind’s paradoxes, reminding us that even champions have demons.
Sure “Sideline Story’s” undertone is a heavy one but in the meantime Cole provides jams that listeners can nod their heads, boast along and sweet talk their woman to.
Though initially reluctant to include features, Jermaine recruited an impressive list of guest for his first effort.
The first up is Trey Songz on the hook of Cole’s own “Big Pimpin,” reiteration “Can’t Get Enough,” next, Jay-Z assists his protégé in plenty of flash talk and chest beating on “Mr. Nice Watch.”
Following that, Drake fits well into his R&B element on the sultry “In The Morning” and Missy Elliot even shows up as a pleasant surprise to sing the chorus on the grooving Timbaland inspired track, “Nobody’s Perfect”.
Overall, Cole World: The Sideline Story is an outstanding piece of work.
It has a high replay value to be the first in this 26-year-old saga and is a collection of his best material to date.
Notable tracks: Can’t Get Enough, Sideline Story, Lost Ones, Nobody’s Perfect, Breakdown
8.5 Spins out of 10
