Kamryn Thomas

Steve Lacy’s new album “Gemini Rights” is an R&B album that tells the story of falling in and out of love and the conflicting thoughts that come with it.  

“Gemini Rights” was released on July 15, quickly after Lacy’s second album “Apollo XXI” on May 24th. The album features 10 songs varying from only fifty one seconds to four minutes and fifty four seconds. The song “Bad Habit” started a trend on tiktok relating to people’s bad habits. 

This overall album, while good, definitely isn’t something I’m going to be listening to on a regular basis. I am getting tired of the classic breakup album. There’s no doubt this theme has given us some classic songs but at this point it’s been overdone. The story starts with a song about moving on and goes through what it’s like to fall in love and then lose that person. 

Lacy has a stand out voice but he could better use his talent by changing his tone of voice during the serious songs. While the songs are all good and tend to stick in my head, they’re missing something to set them apart from each other. 

Although the album is one of the better new releases I’ve heard, it blends together. That said, I’m excited for the future of Lacy’s career. With only two albums he’s already gained a following of 2.6 million on Instagram.  I hope to listen to his next album and give it an even better review. 

Caitlyn Wohlford

Brent Faiyaz’s new album “ Wasteland” is a dark run through of the struggles that a young man faces when his life is abruptly changed by a call from his girlfriend declaring that she is pregnant and lonely. This album has a skit midway introducing a phone call concerning the mental health of the woman Faiyaz is “involved” with. “Wasteland,”  has deep meanings behind the music of this album which could alarm young listeners. 

His album first got its attention through TikTok as his fans released “spoilers” hyping up his new upcoming songs. Since Faiyaz’s last few albums, “Wasteland” is practically the same in the genre area, but still musically diverse throughout the album. However, this album should provide a content warning for the meaning behind the lyrics. 

The first listen I gave to this album I didn’t think much behind it, but after hearing the dialogue in between songs a second time it shocked me how manipulative the lyrics are. The R&B vibes distract me from how toxic this fantasy relationship is. Although many of the songs on “Wasteland” are already growing in popularity, mostly through TikTok. 

Overall the album has songs that could potentially be out on the radio such as “Gravity” which was shared on many broadcasting services. These songs are great for long car rides, because Faiyaz’s voice has such a soothing tone. So disregarding the lyrics of this album it has such great songs with many popular artists featured throughout this album.

Rowan Clang

“Mr Morale and The Big Steppers”

Kendrick Lamar released his fifth double album this May defining his return back into the art of ‘conscious’ rap. “Mr. Morale and The Big Steppers” is an 18 track split album consisting of two intimate pieces of work, each song intro-ed by scratch tracks.

Separating it from previous albums, “Mr Morale and The Big Steppers” is more poetic based, and focuses on Lamar’s personal issues, and dark thoughts, as well as sensitive topics. The track “Worldwide Steppers” is a good example of Lamar’s incorporating issues into the song. “Germophobic, hetero, and homophobic– photoshopping lies and motives, Hide your eyes, then pose for the pic.” 

This album also mixes well between really loud pieces and calm. In “We Cry Together” Lamar physically becomes louder, and the song reflects that “noise” being expressed in the lyrics. Something that helps create this musical balance in his album, so it’s not just the same sound.

As this preludes the summer season, “Mr. Morale and The Big Steppers” is very well produced, the sound and lyrics work well to live up to Lamar’s reputation. Featuring multiple famous artists, such as Kodak Black, and continuing Lamra’s journey into depth; “Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers” overall is an amazing album, and I recommend it to rap and hip-hop listeners.