Review: Little Dragon- Machine Dreams.

The swedish group, Little Dragon, has been known for creating music with a futuristic/electronic sound. A sound that many are not used to, but once they take a listen to this group's music, they end up enjoying it. Their debut album, Little Dragon, opened people's ears with songs such as "Twice," "Test," and "No Love." Yukimi Nagano's vocals are unlike any other artist's. However, her unique voice seems to be a favorite among soul and hip-hop fans.

When information on a new album hit the web, Little Dragon's fans became eager. Most were curious as to how the group would top their debut album. Would they fail or would they succeed? Would the new album exceed expectations or would it just be a flop?

With this new album, Machine Dreams, fans will not lose their love for this group or their music, for that matter. The Little Dragon sound is very distinct and it is along the same lines as their first album. Yukimi Nagano's vocals over the electronic-style beats is a thing that an LD fan can never get tired of. Up-tempo songs like "Runabout" and "Looking Glass" will keep you listening. And as usual, there are a few slow-tempo songs, such as the song "Thunder Love." No matter what kind of song the group creates, they always seem to deliver.

To sum it up, if you were a Little Dragon fan before, I believe you will remain a Little Dragon fan. If you are new to the group, this album is a great beginning.

The album will officially be available August 31st. Support good music, people.

"Runabout"


"Looking Glass"


"Thunder Love"

Review: John Legend- Evolver.

Well, well, well, the agonizing wait for Evolver is finally over. As you all know, the album leaked a couple of weeks ago but I did not listen to it. As bad as I wanted to, I didn't. I've heard a lot of good things about it, but at the same time, I've heard a lot of bad things. I've been so anxious to hear it and I was pretty sure that it would be one of my top three albums of the year.


Boy was I wrong.


Okay, the album is not horrible, but it's definitely not a Get Lifted. I understand that he was trying to do something a little different for this album, but I wish he didn't. There's something I have against John's voice over a produced track and many of the tracks are produced, but a couple of my favorites are "No Other Love," and "Quickly."

Even though Mr. Legend tried to switch things up for us, you see that he couldn't shy away from his Once Again and Get Lifted days. "I Love, You Love"* is a prime example of that. His voice on that track is just fantastic and it is definitely getting the most plays out of all the other tracks right now. Also, "This Time,"* and "If You're Out There" are other examples. I don't know about you, but I would have liked to hear more songs like that on the album. If that was the case, Evolver would have been battling with Get Lifted for the title of my favorite John Legend album.


Overall, the album is very unpredictable and unexpected, and he is clearly "evolving" into something different. If you like change, this album is for you. If you don't...well, you're in for a surprise.

**I'm going to upload these once zshare stops acting up.

Mini-Review: Ayọ- Gravity at Last.

Most of you may already be familiar with the singer, Ayọ. If not, here's a little info: Ayọ born Joy Olasunmibo Ogunmakin, is an Afro-German singer/song writer. Her debut album, Joyful, was released in 2006 in Europe, and 2007 in the states. She released her first single, "Down on My Knees" in 2006 which is an emotional track about someone begging the love of their life not to leave them. Now on to the mini-review...

If you mix a wonderful voice, a beautiful woman, soul, R&B, blues, reggae, a guitar, and Ayọ, what do you get? Gravity at Last. The album was released October 7th, 2008, was recorded in March of 2008, and just like her first album, was recorded within five days. The track, "Slow Slow (Run Run)" was chosen as the first single from the album, and what a great choice it was(watch the video at the end). "Better Days" should become the second single. It's one of those tracks that must be put on repeat. It's truly a gem. Other gems are "Love and Hate" and "Lonely." Overall, the album is excellent. She didn't seem to deviate too far from what one would call her sound, which is a very good thing.

Purchase on Amazon(import). The album is not yet available on iTunes.

Slow Slow (Run Run)