Et Musique Pour Tous

Delacey captivated me with her precise, incisive approach to both lyrics and sound on her debut singles, a rare case of a songwriter making the jump to standout artist in her own right. Each release has subsequently expanded the layered imagery of her pop-r&b world, from the introspection of earlier cuts to the massive heat of her newest release with G-Eazy. “Cruel Intentions” is both ready for radio and ready for genuine music fans looking for innovation in the pop genre as Delacey’s voice is utterly captivating, carrying the learned wisdom of Lana Del Rey with more seductive touches that make it a visceral experience. G-Eazy takes this one to a whole new hip-hop level as his verses have such an effortless swagger to them, intertwining with Delacey’s intoxicating world.

I have to go on a rare appreciation of album art here, because the artwork is almost as stunning as the music itself. It reminds me of my favorite work from the ’80s as those neon colors pop off the page while maintaining a mysterious mystique with the silhouettes of Delacey and G-Eazy on opposite sides of a muscle car, a symbol of fiery passion that transcends time and space. In an age where an overwhelming amount of visuals bombard you every time you log onto your preferred streaming service, it’s essential as ever to make sure your material is eye-catching, a notion that someone like Delacey deeply understands.

updog’s new single is a major mission statement that puts him in a distinguished category of artists who have figured out the perfect intersection between raw throwback vocals and super current electronic sounds. “dying breath” is a colossal heavy hitter in every sense of the word, feeling like the perfect soundtrack to your latest epic highlight video as the drop arrives with thunderous grandiosity, rippling through the airwaves without restraint. That said, it’s a precise, calculated venture where no sound is wasted – it’s tailor made and meticulously crafted, showing an attention to detail that elevates “dying breath” above its sonic contemporaries.

What will you take to the grave? Is there anything within you that is impossible to speak, impossible to vocalize, impossible to relay to another human? It might feel that way, but it doesn’t have to be – 99% of our innermost secrets aren’t isolated or unique – they’re shared sentiments, that when discussed with another human being, provide the beginning of infinite relief. If you believe this human form is just one cycle of our cosmic journey, then why not prepare yourself as deeply as possible for the next step? Clear your mind, clear your heart, and become the best version of you!

Rich Delinquent returns to our pages with an emotional ballad that’s classic in its sentiments yet forward-thinking in sound, calling upon introspective vocals spread atop an externalized electronic beat that wobbles as each heart-string is tugged. “It’s Cold Where I’m From” begins with a sparse atmosphere spliced with keys as Rich Delinquent’s vocals exist front and center, exactly where they should be as he’s fittingly rich in tone and bursting with emotion. That monologue eventually gives way to the aforementioned electronic stylings as synths are stretched like rubber bands, shifting form but always existing within the limits of the song’s carefully curated atmosphere. There’s no doubt that this is Rich Delinquent’s best release yet.

There were points in my life where I reveled in the darkness – the blanket of grey is a comfortable state indeed. Much like Rich Delinquent setting his piano on fire in an act of an emotional rebuttal, I eventually saw the utter monotony and uselessness of being trapped by the cold of the heart. It is poetic and makes for fascinating art, but I simply couldn’t live like that anymore. I needed the fires of passion and love to burn inside me, to feel fulfilled and feel a sense of purpose beyond those frosty moments. “It’s Cold Where I’m From” reminds me of where I came from and where I’m going.

Sulkin’ Raven reminds me deeply of a similarly-named aves, Blackbird Blackbird, for his kaleidoscopic landscapes. That’s about where the similarities end though as “Oxygen” proves itself to be a time-traveling delight that channels ’80s synth music and modern chip-tune sprinkles alike. His instrumentals are masterful, showcasing a decadent approach to layers upon layers swirling together into one colorful agglomeration that’s best described as the stunning paint splattered across the artwork. Sulkin’ Raven’s vocals are equally alluring, hiding behind a seductive haze of effects-laden croons. “Oxygen” is an utter beauty that truly demands your attention.

Oxygen is obviously a physical necessity for life, but I think we have spiritual needs too. Meditation, reading, all of these things sustain my every-day existence as care for the mind is as essential as care for the body. It’s not as widely understood in society as I’d like, but it is promising to see commercials with the likes of LeBron James promoting meditation as something equally important as his deep dedication to training his body for peak performance in the NBA. Anyways, those are just my associated thoughts for the day – hope everyone enjoys the rest of their week!