Adele and James Arthur had some of November’s best music releases for this reporter. PHOTO CREDIT: bbc.com
This past month was not only a time for Taylor Swift and Silk Sonic. There were plenty of other artists that reached impressive heights in the month of November with their music releases. Here are some of my highlights.
Adele’s highly-anticipated album “30” finally dropped on Nov. 19 and lived up to critical expectations. She intimately portrays her life as an artist, mother and divorcée through her recognizable ballad sequences. The smashing single “Easy On Me” only laid the foundation for this album’s success. Adele incorporates a swing-feel as well as techno flare throughout the 12-track collection, broadening her range while still exhibiting her classic sound.
My favorite tune off of “30” would have to be “My Little Love.” Adele tells the heart-wrenching tale of balancing her own well-being and that of her 9-year-old son. Candid voiceovers add to the emotional appeal of this song and she incorporates heavenly harmonies. This song is one of my favorites from this year, without a doubt.
British singer-songwriter James Arthur was discovered on “The X Factor” in 2012. Now, his music tops international charts, including his recent release entitled “It’ll All Make Sense In The End.” Arthur has a remarkable vocal range and even introduces rap in this collection. When compared to his tender past releases, this album’s R&B feel is gripping and flaunts how Arthur can handle a variety of styles.
“Déjà Vu” is a perfect sample of Arthur’s versatility, landing at the top of my ranked list. I get lost in his layered vocal rasp and grimes-styled rhyming. Plus, the lyrics are some of his best in this track. “When I just need a taste, you’re the red wine and the white lines / When I need my escape, you’re my wartime with a peace sign.” He pulls at my heartstrings on all fronts.
Punk rock band Citizen Soldier released “This is Your Sign (Part 1),” which consists of 12 tracks. Before discovering this album, I had never heard of the up-and-coming group. Now, they’re already integrated into my daily rotation. Citizen Soldier serves heartfelt, emotional lyrics with similar instrumentals to Panic! at the Disco’s earlier years. This album speaks directly to issues regarding mental health awareness and recovery. The band executes this theme with grace and beautifully narrates a 45-minute story of struggle and strength.
“Always December” takes first place in my book. The instrumentals are stripped down to acoustics with limited vocals and simple harmonies. Sometimes, less is more. Lead singer Jake Segura takes over with a strong melodic line to make this track my favorite.
Solo guitarist and singer-songwriter Lindsey Jordan, currently recording under the name Snail Mail, released her second studio-length album called “Valentine.” She exemplifies the voice and swagger of an indie-pop star through and through. In terms of musicality, Snail Mail flourishes on each instrumental element that she incorporates. Between acoustic and electric guitar, piano, percussion and more, “Valentine” is the total package.
Being a sucker for simplicity, “Mia” would have to be my top pick. It’s the perfect tune to wrap up such a multifaceted album. She sings, “Lost love, so strange / And heaven’s not real babe, but I wish that I could lay down next to you.” Yeah … I’ll be addicted to this one for a while.
As always, make sure to check out these releases, as well as the Good Five Cent Cigar’s weekly podcast, “Our Five Cents.”