Album Review: how i'm feeling now - Charli XCX

After the release of her 2019 magnum opus Charli, futurist pop-star Charli XCX earned herself much-deserved time away from creating and releasing music if she needed to step away. Instead, amidst what has been an unprecedented and challenging year in many regards, Charli XCX continued to spoil her fans by writing, recording, and producing a new full-length album in its entirety while in quarantine. While this album isn’t as influential or polished as Charli, how i’m feeling now encapsulates and reflects this year’s pandemic quarantine perfectly.

Experimentation tends to pique my interest when listening to new music, which is in large part why Charli XCX’s 2019 album was one of my favorites of the year. Simply put, her music sounds like it is coming from the future, and it is very possible that music to come will be influenced by what she’s doing now. how i’m feeling now continues this trend from track to track, pairing genuine and compelling lyrics with aggressive, highly condensed production which communicates a sort of cabin fever words just can’t convey. The heavy and industrial production contrasts with Charli’s robotic but loving vocals. The themes and topics covered aren’t nearly as abrasive as the sometimes punching bass and synth leads which Charli employs masterfully.

The themes of love and devotion used throughout this album are catchy and sweet, but are sometimes challenged by tracks which portray her in a different light, such as “detonate”. By expressing the wide range of emotions and personality traits which her relationships bring out of her, Charli’s lyricism becomes instantly more compelling and relatable than what would’ve come out of songs conveying perfect love stories. Self-reflection is common in times of isolation, which I’m glad this album acknowledges and accepts.

Charli’s honesty and genuineness are what make me such a fan of her recent music. The stellar production doesn’t hurt, either. While this album isn’t as perfect as it likely could’ve been given more time in an environment more conducive for music production, it captures a lot of the emotions which these dark times have shown us. Not every track is compelling, but the majority of the songs on this project are inventive, impressive, and hopeful. Definitely give this album a listen. Thanks for reading.

Favorite tracks: “pink diamond”, “forever”, “claws”, “detonate”, “c2.0”, “party 4 u”, “visions”

SCORE: 8/10

Best Foot Forward: A Sneaker Series (Part 11)

After what has been an unseasonably cool springtime in Georgia, the temperature is beginning to increase every day, and not every shoe in my collection is viable without risk of heat stroke anymore. I’ve sold some of my shoes recently and purchased more summer-friendly pairs which I’ve coveted for a long time. Part of these purchases were also rewarding myself for earning all As at school during the Spring 2020 semester, a feat I’m proud of given the circumstances and challenges presented by the pandemic. Let’s break down two of my collection’s most recent additions.

Pair 1 (Left): Air Jordan 5 Retro “Fire Red”

Nike’s SNKRS app which utilizes a raffle system to randomly give users the chance to purchase a pair of shoes hasn’t historically been kind to me. I can count the amount of pairs I’ve secured through this app on one hand, while the Ls I’ve collected using it are endless. Recently, however, I was lucky enough to pick up a pair of the classic “Fire Red" Air Jordan 5, one of my favorite colorways of this particular silhouette of all time. Black, white, and red are some of my favorite colors, and the details on this pair such as the reflective tongue and translucent icy outsole made this a must-cop in my opinion. Can’t wait to give these the wear and tear they deserve.

Pair 2 (Right): Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2 “Zebra”

One of the most highly-coveted Adidas Yeezy colorways of all time, the “Zebra” has been an elusive pair which I’ve been meaning to add to my collection since they originally released in 2017. The design here is both loud and lowkey, the perfect option to pair with distressed jeans or sweat shorts during hot summer days. While I don’t agree with Kanye’s current political views, I stand for the systemic change he promoted in his early days of rapping and producing. I guess you could say I miss the old Kanye.

And there we have it. Two of the newest pairs in my collection. I’m very grateful for the sneakers that I have, and for the amazing athlete and musician who made them as amazing as they did. Luckily, I’ll have another “Best Foot Forward” post coming soon, as these two pairs aren’t the only ones I’ve snagged recently. Stay tuned, and thanks for reading.

We Need Change, Now

This is a remarkably scary time in American history. In the midst of navigating a novel global pandemic, we’re being reminded time and time again of the systemic injustices which burden and terrorize black Americans every day. I wish there was more I could do, and I understand that my perspective is limited due to my experience in this country. I just can’t go on like things are normal. So instead of turning away and going about business as usual on this blog, I’m going to try to make sense of all that has happened recently in hopes that things finally change for the better for this nation. We need it.

Atlanta has historically been the capital of peaceful protest, especially led by Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement. Yesterday, this form of protest was upheld beautifully by thousands in Centennial Olympic Park, as protestors called for justice for people like George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless others who have been murdered in cold blood by police who then face no consequences. Unfortunately, these peaceful protests were co-opted by opportunists who sought to cause mayhem by burning, pillaging, and looting the same streets occupied by those seeking peaceful justice. I’m not sure all of the looter’s intents were nefarious, but perhaps they were misguided. This same phenomenon has been taking place in cities across the country, sparking debate as to what the best form of protest is, if there even is a single best form of protest.

I was thoroughly impressed by the leadership demonstrated by Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, activist Killer Mike, and daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., Bernice King during last night’s events. It was refreshing to hear from an authority figure who isn’t explicitly racist and manipulative. These leaders passionately made their case advocating for peaceful protest, reminding their audience that Atlanta has historically pushed progressive movements forward in a peaceful manner. The police force in the city was extremely cooperative, as well. Anyone looting or destroying storefronts or college campuses are doing nothing for the movement being created except disparaging its effectiveness. Police brutality and racism are cancerous elements of American society which need to be eradicated immediately. I fully supported when Colin Kaepernick peacefully knelt during the national anthem in protest of these injustices, and I fully support the nonviolent protests which are taking place across the country. We need change.

I understand and recognize that my perspective is limited on these issues, but I can’t complicity and silently sit on the sidelines while there is so much injustice in this country. We all deserve fair and equal treatment. So I call on you to try to be the change you want to see in the world. Treat others the way you want to be treated. Demand justice. Vote. Our system needs to change, and I hope it does immediately. Thanks for reading.

Album Review: Reunions - Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit

My taste in music has changed fairly significantly over the years. Unlike how I used to listen almost exclusively to hip-hop and rap music, I now try to branch out and listen to other genres. I’ve found that folk, Americana, and blues are more substantive and emotionally provoking than a majority of the popular rap which dominates the charts. Put simply, my taste is as balanced now as it has ever been. One of the main artists that has caused this transition in my musical preferences is Jason Isbell and his accompanying band the 400 Unit. I was introduced to Isbell through his 2017 release The Nashville Sound, which paired crushing sentimentality with relevant and topical political statements. I have also gone back and listened to most of Isbell’s discography, holding Southeastern as the standard to beat for all future projects of his. After almost three years, Isbell and the 400 Unit are back with their newest album Reunions, which did not disappoint.

The lead single for Reunions, “Be Afraid”, alarmed some longtime Isbell fans. This track is a departure from Jason’s typical homegrown and heartfelt sound which so many have come to love. Instead, this folk-rock track relies on its production more than it does its lyrical content. That isn’t to say that it is a bad track by any means, but many hoped that the rest of the album’s songs were a return to form for Isbell. They certainly were. The next singles to release, “What’ve I Done To Help”, “Only Children”, and “Dreamsicle”, featured the brilliant storytelling which is expected in Jason Isbell’s music. These tracks brought tears to my eyes with cutting sentimentality, arrangement, and delivery. I knew I was in for a treat with this project.

Come the time of its release, I had tissues nearby and candles lit to enjoy the experience for whatever it was going to be. Some of the new tracks were especially emotional first listens, but there was a healthy balance of energy which didn’t make this too somber of a listen, increasing its replayability for me. The magnetic guitar lick on “Overseas”, the poetic lyrics featured on “River”, and the playful but poignant reflection found on “It Gets Easier” are Isbell at his best. The project ends with the touching “Letting You Go”, a demonstration of Isbell’s love and commitment to his daughter, which will likely be played at every wedding for decades to come. Most of the tracks on this projects have held up through many, many listens for me.

Most of them have. There are some issues I have with this project, but I’d generally describe this album as great. That being said, “What’ve I Done To Help” seems unnecessarily long, “Running With Our Eyes Closed” is a love song which is unfortunately forgettable for me, and the tone of this album fluctuates wildly from track to track. These are the only problems I have with an otherwise addictive, nostalgic, and wonderful project.

I found the New York Times’ story about Isbell and his amazingly talented singer-songwriter wife Amanda Shires very interesting. It seems that this album was difficult for the couple to create, but had I not known that beforehand, nothing in the album would’ve indicated any sort of struggle between the two. I sincerely hope that they have settled any disagreements which may have arisen when making this project, and it seems that is the case after their Brooklyn Bowl Nashville MusiCares relief performance of the album. I highly recommend checking out Reunions. Thanks for reading.

Favorite tracks: “Dreamsicle”, “Only Children”, “Overseas”, “River”, “Letting You Go”

SCORE: 7/10

Why The Last Dance Was Everything I Wanted It To Be

Growing up in Illinois, I felt the lasting effect of Michael Jordan’s legacy every day. All of my basketball-loving friends tried to emulate his style, confidence, and performance on and off the court. His sneakers were status symbols indicative of an awareness to both sports and streetwear culture, signaling to others that you knew all about the greatest player of all time. Jordan’s reign ended after winning his sixth NBA championship just months before I was born. I was able to watch Derrick Rose’s historic MVP season with the Chicago Bulls, but nothing he did came close to the greatness and dominance Jordan consistently delivered. Highlight reels and research taught me who Jordan was as a player to some extent, but it wasn’t until the long-awaited documentary The Last Dance that I got a real sense of the magnitude Jordan’s career and legacy carried. The Last Dance was everything I wanted it to be.

It’s easy to forget athletes are people, too, when they’re performing at a nonhuman level. For all of the MVP seasons, scoring titles, championship rings, and “How did he just do that?!” moments which made up Jordan’s career, it’s easy to forget that he was also an emotionally complex individual trying to navigate uncharted territory for an NBA player, because no one had ever achieved his level of success and stardom up until his career. The Last Dance offered a rare and insightful peak behind the curtain, explaining Jordan’s mentality, decision-making process, and personal reflections for the amazing career he had. I wound up appreciating him more not only as a player, but also as a man.

The interpersonal relationships NBA players, coaches, and managers have with each other have always fascinated me. There’s a certain level of politics involved in the moves made by organizations, and creating a legacy requires a multifaceted, coordinated effort from many highly skilled individuals. The Last Dance revealed how Jordan pushed his teammates to greatness, respected his opponents, and dealt with coaches, owners, and the press all at the same time. It’s interesting to me that Jordan seems to maintain good relationships with most of his colleagues and competitors over the years despite their intense rivalries on the court.

This documentary also filled the holes and gaps of knowledge I had about Jordan’s career. His early playoff losses, his stint playing minor league baseball in-between threepeats, and his personal struggles with gambling and the death of his father were all explained very well by The Last Dance. The highlight reels and never-before-seen footage were spectacular, as well, frequently sending shivers down my spine.

To me, it’s simple. Michael Jordan is, undisputedly, the greatest NBA basketball player to ever step foot on court. His undefeated finals record, his larger-than-life celebrity status off the court, and the professionalism which matched his unmatchable skill speak for themselves. In the time of crisis we find ourselves in, it is great to reflect on greatness. The Last Dance allowed us all to do just that, and that is why it was everything I wanted it to be. Thanks for reading.