The Daily Reveille
page 6
REV
Thursday, November 19, 2015
STUDIO SPOTLIGHT
RANKS KNOW-IT-ALL
Alessia Cara
Canadian contemporary R&B singer Alessia Cara proudly calls herself an “antisocial pessimist” on “Here,” the song that has launched her career. That rebellious outsider spirit resonates throughout her debut album “Know-It-All.”
— KAYLA RANDALL
GLAMOROUS DAMAGE
Jay Watson
Even with multiple instruments and multiple projects under his belt, Watson continues to maintain his familiar psychedelic sound with “Glamorous Damage.” But GUM distinguishes itself with increasingly experimental sounds, taking listeners on an acid-trip-like experience that transcends decades throughout the album.
— SARAH LEBOEUF
WEST KIRBY COUNTY
Bill Ryder-Jones
Bill Ryder-Jones takes listeners on a well-balanced trek through clean chords and winding riffs that display an observant portrait of love in his latest album release, “West Kirby County Primary.”
Adele’s ‘25’ a modern masterpiece JENNY FROM THE BLOCK JENNIFER VANCE Co-managing Editor “Hello, it’s me” — or so says superstar Adele after coming back to the music scene following a four-year break since her last album. But a baby and long-term boyfriend haven’t stifled the creative flow of the Grammy Awardwinning artist. The anticipation for her third album, “25,” was so great, it leaked two days before it’s Friday release. “Hello,” Adele’s first single off the album, debuted to recordbreaking numbers and millions of lovers reminiscing on heartbroken pasts. The rest is history — or at least it will be. The songstress is back with an even stronger voice than the one showcased on her sophomore album, “21.” Besides “Hello,” she takes advantage of her ability to belt it out in “When We Were Young.” The second track, “Send My Love (To Your New Lover),” is arguably the most pop song on the album — and rightfully so as it was produced by Max Martin, the mastermind behind Taylor Swift’s “I Knew You Were Trouble” and Katy Perry’s “I Kissed a Girl.” The track is a big “f- - - you”
photo courtesy of XL RECORDINGS
to the man behind inspiration of “21,” and the overarching theme of growing older and growing up is more apparent in this song than any other on the album. If you’re looking for a classic Adele tearjerker, look no further than “Remedy.” But unlike past tracks, this love song will have you crying happy tears. She croons, “But when the pain cuts you deep/ when the night keeps you from sleeping/just look and you will see/ that I will be your remedy,” which should make every single person want to go out and find their soulmate then and there. “All I Ask” is hands-down the best song on the album. Cowritten with Bruno Mars, Adele sings like it’s the last song she’ll
ever perform. Her vocal ability is unparalleled to any other song on the album, and when you learn it’s been written about her son Angelo, it makes the song even more emotional. The only song that seems out of place on the album is “River Lea.” But if that’s the biggest criticism of “25,” it’s too insignificant to matter. This album eclipses her last just barely because even in all it’s glory, “21” is a breakup album. Adele’s latest puts listeners on a rollercoaster ride through breakups, redemption, actualization and love. I predict when it officially releases on Friday, fans will flock to purchase the undisputed album of the year.
STUDIO SPOTLIGHT
“Purpose” gives something to swoon over FERNGULLY
— JOSHUA BARTHOLOMEW
FERNANDA ZAMUDIOSUAREZ Editor-in-Chief
LOVE THE COOPERS
Kiss the lovestruck teen-pop goodbye, Justin Bieber is back after a two-year hiatus and though he doesn’t completely nail the album at least he finally hit puberty. Bieber’s latest album “Purpose” is his redemption story. He’s moved on from egging houses and urinating in public to making club anthems to redeem his tarnished image. He took these two years to do more than just get a few mugshots and arrest warrants. He grew up. As for the Selena Gomez breakup, Bieber’s done some thinking on that too. “Purpose” is an unlikely mix with love-lamenting tracks like “Sorry” and “Love Yourself” paired with songs begging listeners for forgiveness like “Life is Worth Living” and “Children.” This album not only proves Bieber is coming of age, but that he’s a worthy listen. Songs like “Company” and his single “Where Are Ü Now” aren’t only fun and masterfully produced, they are thoughtful songs about love lost and unrequited.
CBS Films
Although this isn’t a Tim Allen classic that we all grew up with, there’s a way that any viewer can watch this and take a life lesson.vvv
— BRITTANY HAGOORT
THE INCREDIBLE TRUE STORY
Logic
“The Incredible True Story” is a message of a young man saying he’s coming for the top using everything he’s absorbed over his short time in the game — all while solving a rubix cube.
— JOSHUA JACKSON
Read the full reviews online at lsureveille.com/daily.
photo courtesy of DEF JAM RECORDINGS
Don’t worry, those innocent lyrical trappings Bieber was once famous for during his teenpop phase are still on “Purpose.” Bieber now sparingly uses clever lines, like in the track “Love Yourself,” Bieber disses his girl singing, “My mama don’t like you and she likes everyone.” Hit us where it hurts, Biebs. When Bieber slows down, he isn’t as convincing. He aims to prove his maturity with philosophical lyrics, but the songs are reaching. Sorry Biebs, but the half-done songs are much like your failed selfie app in 2013. It doesn’t work and no one is
buying it. Paired with other EDM-influenced tracks, Bieber’s other seemingly mature songs pale in comparison. These ballads are a snooze-fest. It’s the biggest flaw of his redemption album — Bieber asks listeners to love him again. These songs aren’t as genuine as the other upbeat tracks, but more importantly, fans should forgive Bieber on their own for his new music, and not be coaxed into reconciliation with lame lyrics. Still let’s raise our glass to Bieber. Despite some shortcomings, he got the Bieliebers back.