Album Review: Jungle - Jungle

As a perhaps more recent review, I've been listening to Jungle's new album. Who are Jungle? I don't think anyone really knows. Redefining the very meaning of the word hipster, I don't think even Jungle's parents know who Jungle are.

But their name comes with a lot of weight; Jungle have been steadily releasing some pretty good tracks over the course of the year, and getting a fair bit of radio play. Their self-titled debut album, Jungle, is both weighty and worthy of their initial praise.

What does it sound like?
Jungle is a neo-soul album, through and through. However, Jungle's own unique brand of neo-soul takes a lot of influence from the latest trends in 'edgy' dance music, bringing a fresh, warm sound. As a result, Jungle sometimes sounds halfway between James Blake and Bill Withers. But their re-invention is so perfect, that you sometimes wonder if soul ever did sound any different.

Think future garage if it went back to it's funk roots. Kinda like what Daft Punk did with Random Access Memories.

Best tracks:
- 'Crumbler', 'Busy Earnin''

It's pretty hard to pick the best tracks on the album, considering that the album is a joy from end to end. 'Crumbler' has some wonderful beachy vibes though, and is definitely my favourite song, alongside the warm 70s feel of 'Busy Earnin''. 'Julia' is a close third though. And 'Time'. Heck, the whole album is full of bangers.

Worst tracks:
- n/a

I genuinely don't think the album drops at any point in both style and quality. Flawless end to end.

Overall: 8/10

Jungle is a spectacular debut album. However, in a twisted mockery of success, Jungle have perfected their sound, possibly too well. After a while, one starts to notice that Jungle have a little bit of a formula going. It's not exactly a cast iron mould per se, but the production duo definitely have found what works (really damn well) and stuck to it like glue.

As a result, Jungle are a victim of their own success; the album does not continuously push any boundaries, leaving you satisfied, but not astounded. It's perhaps the lack of this shock factor that limits me to an 8.

It also makes me worry for the pair. Will they top this first effort? Or have they just found the sweet spot between soul and modern dance music?

That aside, the album is fantastic, and even though the album isn't vastly different to their singles (which is in a way a refreshing change from some other albums) it definitely is a breath of fresh air. Good on you guys.

Album Review: Aloe Blacc - Lift Your Spirit

Yeah I know this is a bit late, but here's my review of Aloe Blacc's new album Lift Your Spirit.

Aloe Blacc's been around for a while, with his song 'I Need A Dollar' perhaps being his best known song. However, he's been floating around on the sidelines mostly, largely eclipsed by better known R&B/soul artists like John Legend.

That is not to say that Aloe Blacc hasn't made some great stuff though, and Lift Your Spirit is no exception.

How does it sound?
A truly lovely smelting pot of soul and folk; two genres that are heart are definitely kindred spirits, but lead down two different musical roads.

Aloe Blacc has definitely taken inspiration from his work with Avicii (who has recently been making his own unique brand of folk inspired EDM), infusing European folk rhythms and instrumentation into modern R&B/soul. The result is uplifting, entertaining, and generally a great listen.

Best tracks:
- 'The Man' and 'Love Is The Answer'

To be honest, all of the songs are pretty good, but these two are my favourite. 'Eyes of a Child' is a close third.

Worst tracks:
- n/a

I really can't complain about any of the songs on this album. Sure, songs like 'Here Today' are possibly a little bit too sugary-sweet for my liking, but they're not bad songs. Plus, that's the whole feel of this album; unadulterated, pure joy.

Overall: 8/10

This album really is great, and I think it definitely will bring Aloe Blacc flying into the spotlight. A much cleaner, smoother, and generally inventive album than Pharrell Williams' G I R L, I feel that Lift Your Spirit is definitely one of the better records of the year.

Unfortunately, it's not quite amazing enough for me to give above an 8; while it really is pretty faultless, it lacks that special something in both creativeness and shine to bring it up to the dizzying heights of a 9 or 10. That's not to say that Aloe doesn't bring a lot of ideas to the album, it's just more of a variation on a famous meal than a completely new dish.

Definitely worth a listen though.

Track Review: Jungle - Busy Earnin'

Recommended to me by my friend Cam are the truly special Jungle.

Jungle are growing into something big. The mysterious duo have been producing great track after great track, and Busy Earnin' is no exception.

They seem to have the perfect sound, balancing between 70s vocals, and warm new wave vibes. Possibly best described as electro-soul, Jungle have managed to get an incredibly strong following with almost no information about who they are.

Are they going to be the next big thing?
Maybe, maybe not. All I know is that I'm incredibly excited for their debut album, which will probably come out in 2014. If everyone is excited as I am, then they probably will get big.

Not that it matters. If they keep producing tunes on the down low, that's fine by me. I hope they spend time making their album, and don't just rush it because of the hot anticipation.

What's so great about Busy Earnin'?
What makes Busy Earnin' special is the crispy melodies, and just the sheer warmth. Both catchy and musically great, Jungle really have found something good.

Overall: 8/10

Definitely worth a listen if you love your 70s soul with a dash of modern smooth electro.

Album Review: Pharrell Williams - G I R L

Pharrell Williams released his second album (G I R L) last Monday, through his i Am Other label on Columbia Records.

His song 'Happy' from the album was originally featured in Despicable Me 2, winning a Grammy for Best Original Song. How good is that?

What should I expect?
G I R L is a smooth, modern album. It's pretty soulful, and has a lot of warmth. If you liked Frank Ocean's 2011 album Channel Orange, you'll probably like this.

How does it sound?
The album has a really full sound. Pharrell sounds a little auto-tuned in places, but I think it adds to the soft electro vibe on the album nicely.

The album comes across as more of an extension of 'Get Lucky' (Daft Punk) than 'Happy', which is pretty refreshing.

Best songs:
- 'Gust of Wind' and 'Marilyn Monroe'

'Gust of Wind' is definitely my favourite. Daft Punk's vocals are great on the track, and it's just pretty nice to listen to. Although I love 'Happy', purely because it wasn't made for the album, I'd say that 'Marilyn Monroe' is a close second. There's definitely some interesting stuff though, with 'Lost Queen' being one of the highlights.

Worst songs:
- 'Hunter' and 'Come Get It Bae'

'Hunter' is the weakest song on the album for me. I personally find the vocals a little bit odd, but it's still an alright song. 'Come Get It Bae' isn't so much of a bad song, but just that it sounds a little bit derivative; it sounds pretty similar to "Blurred Lines' (Robin Thicke).

Overall: 6/10

Overall, it's a good album. The mixing is nice on the ears, and the album does have some very very good songs, however the album isn't filled to the brim with instant classics; some of the songs do pale in comparison.

The album doesn't really pass the skip test. On a listen through I do get tempted to skip songs and go to the ones I like. As such, I'm going to give it a decent 6. I feel a bit mean, but I don't think it's quite a 7-er.