These albums have already been out for a while, but it always takes me quite a few listens to really form a true opinion when it comes to music. My initial reaction can always change for the better and a song I may have skipped at first may turn into one of my favorites.
Ellie Goulding’s Delirium:
Halcyon, Ellie Goulding’s last full album that came out in 2012, was a dark departure from her bright debut album Lights. Her wispy voice, with a sometimes folksy vibe, worked well on both though, with a mixture of catchy, distinct, and fun pop songs. She had a unique type of depth and I still find myself regularly listing to songs from both Halcyon and Lights to this day. As for her most recent effort, Delirium, I just haven’t connected to it like I did the first two albums. I like aspects about it and a selection of the songs, but it is overly focused on a straight radio-friendly pop sound, and while some of the songs do work, others fall flat or just simply sound familiar. I do respect Goulding for again trying something new and I suppose it is a good idea to produce tunes similar to her most popular hits like “Lights”, “Outside”, “I Need Your Love”, and “Burn.” Goulding’s biggest hit though, and probably my personal least favorite song, was “Love Me Like You Do”, which is featured on Delirium. Maybe that was a bad sign for me in terms of if I would enjoy her newest sound, but I can’t escape the fact that the album does disappoint me. Her lead single off the album “On My Mind” is slick, punchy, and a bit salty, but doesn’t really stand out of the pack. For those who like something very pop, electronic, and club-like, there is a lot to like. It just isn’t what this fan was hoping for. I hope her next collection sets her aside more from other female pop voices on on the radio, and really lets her unique voice shine through the production.
Must-hear tracks:
Something In The Way You Move
Lost and Found
Scream It Out
Adele’s 25:
When Adele announced her newest album, I was one of the many who couldn’t wait to hear what she had come up with this time. It was a long wait between 2011’s 21 and 2015’s 25, but I felt like it would be worth it and I respected her for waiting for when she was ready. The morning “Hello” premiered in the UK, I stayed up late listening to BBC Radio 1 anxiously anticipating what she had been working on. I was very pleased with what I heard. It was different from 21, but still held those strong and memorable vocals that Adele brings. Once the full album arrived, I felt like it was very signature Adele. While it doesn’t necessarily bring anything new to the table, the songs are all pleasant, vocally beautiful, and almost comforting. There aren’t necessarily many songs that I consider to be on the caliber of “Rolling In The Deep” or 21’s other huge hits, but I don’t think Adele really needs those anymore to be successful. It feels like a special experience listening to each song together, even though millions of people are also listening to the same songs. She really is one of a kind at this point and doesn’t need to try to be different. The song “Send My Love (To Your New Lover) does offer and unexpectedly fresh pop sound from her and stands out as the most notable. Whether Adele takes another 4 years or more until her next album, I will be looking forward to her warm voice, hilarious personality, and her very uniquely “Adele” presence.
Must-hear tracks:
Hello
Send My Love (To Your New Lover)
Remedy
Water Under The Bridge
Troye Sivan’s Blue Neighborhood:
This is one of the rare times I bought an album purely on reading a few good comments about an artist. I was unaware of really anything about Troye Sivan, so I went in really open and not sure what to expect. My initial reaction was that the collection of songs weren’t something I would typically think I would like, maybe a bit too electronic/synth sounding, but the more I listened, the more I liked what I was hearing. Sivan’s voice is soft and pleasing and the music feels almost ethereal. The delicate sound of his voice provides a tranquil listening experience, and I am glad I picked up the album. “Wild” and “Youth” became the first two I had on replay, because of their upbeat sound and catchy hook. My new favorite lately has been the song “Cool.” The Lyrics are earnest and sincere, with each song smoothly leading well into the next. I have slowly been hearing Sivan’s music in more places and learning more about his background, all of which makes me excited to see what he has in store in the future.
Must-hear tracks:
Wild
Youth
Cool
Lost Boy
Coldplay’s A Head Full of Dreams:
Similar to the Ellie Goulding review above, Coldplay’s newest undertaking isn’t quite connecting with me. The music is positive, Chris Martin’s voice is pleasant, and the lyrics are colorful, but I was expecting something different. It wasn’t too long ago that Coldplay released 2014’s Ghost Stories, which I was very happy with. A Head Full of Dreams is almost a mixture of two of their previous albums, Mylo Xyloto and Viva La Vida. There are moments on the album that seem just a little too similar to previous songs they have had. In general, the album does seem to work better listening to it from beginning to end instead of listening to the songs randomly. A few notable songs feature collaborations, including “Hymn For The Weekend” with Beyonce (which I wasn’t too fond of at first listen, but it grew on me and became one of my favorites off the album) and “Fun” featuring Tove Lo. The whole album is just fine, but I wish it offered something a bit more. I tend to listen to their Closing out the album is “Up&Up” though, which is a hopeful and bright song which rounds out everything nicely.
Must-hear tracks:
Adventure of a Lifetime
Hymn For The Weekend
Everglow
Fun
Up&Up
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