ALBUM REVIEWS
Eminem Revival Interscope
The A-list collaborators on Eminem’s new album scream “I want a radio hit.” They include appearances by Beyoncé, Ed Sheeran, Pink and Alicia Keys.
It wouldn’t be hard to believe, especially since Eminem’s last major hits have relied heavily on Rihanna, from Love the Way You Lie to The Monster. But thankfully on Revival, Eminem returns as the star of his show.
Beyoncé sounds beautiful on opener Walk On Water, but Em’s words are even better, as he delivers honest lyrics that sound, and feel, true to him.
“Every album song I was spazzin’ the f--- out on/And now I’m gettin’ clowned and frowned on,” he raps.
Eminem is no longer hip hop’s most prized wordsmith and the adjustment is tough for any performer once known as one of music’s most celebrated acts.
But on Revival, his ninth studio album, Eminem makes himself relevant with his smart rhymes. The album artwork is of the American flag, with race and U.S. President Donald Trump recurring topics throughout the 19 tracks.
N.E.R.D. No-One Ever Really Dies Columbia
Carve out some time and be prepared to put in some work. N.E.R.D. albums are not background dinner music, folks.
The 11-track No-One Ever Really Dies by the trio — Pharrell Williams, Chad Hugo and Shay Haley — is equal parts experimental, intriguing, frustrating and captivating. In other words, very true to its side-project DNA.
Many of the songs don’t seem quite finished and some are completely overcooked, and many of the lyrics are wacky.
But there’s also great richness here, sometimes hiding in the layered swaths of upbeat computer synth, distorted sounds, endless repetition and random electronic shards.
As a testament to Williams’ stature, he has attracted Rihanna, Gucci Mane, Kendrick Lamar, Future, M.I.A., Andre 3000 and Ed Sheeran to make appearances, while A$AP Rocky and Mary J. Blige offer backing vocals on Kites.
Robert Finley Goin’ Platinum! Easy Eye Sound
History repeating, Robert Finley is another exceptional blues and soul musician getting well-deserved attention at an age when talent contests aren’t likely to consider him.
Which is a real pity, since the 64-year-old Louisiana native is a gem of a singer — both rough and refined — who lends instant credibility to any song.
A truncated Mrs. Robinsonlike riff drives opener Get It While You Can and drafts the tonal blueprint for Finley’s second record — reverbed, scratchy guitars, handsome horns, sweet backup vocals, perfectly deft percussion and tasteful piano and organ sounds.
Produced and co-written by Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys, Goin’ Platinum! includes legendary Memphis Boys Bobby Wood and Gene Chrisman, who backed Elvis Presley, Dusty Springfield and Aretha Franklin. Recorded at Auerbach’s Nashville studio, the freshness of the grooves on the 10 tunes is infectious.