2016 Albums by Rihanna, James, and Dream Theater (FJ 2016 SUNM 2)

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Sa Ugoy ng Musika
by aLfie vera mella

New Albums to Check Out This Year 
(part 2)

In the previous issue, you've seen previews of the new albums released this year by the legendary English artist David Bowie, the iconic Metal band Megadeth, and the pioneering Britpop group Suede. However, these are just the tip of the so-called sonic iceberg. If you're a music buff who does not discriminate on music--meaning, you are the type of a music enthusiast who appreciates any genre of music--then you should know that every year is a good year in music. Whatever kind of music you dig, there should be something for you in any given year. All you need are a pair of open ears and the guide of music journalists who are always on top of whatever's new in the music world. Don't just rely only on what commercial radio has been churning. Have a little bit more of initiative and resourcefulness. So now, let me recommend to you another batch of new albums released this year that are worth checking out.

Rihanna - Anti

By now, the one-word moniker Rihanna is already a household name. Well, why not? After all, the U.S.-based Barbadian singer has become one of the popular singers in the recent years who has achieved celebrity status. Thanks to her international Pop hits that include "Umbrella," "Disturbia," and "Birthday Cake," all of which have become regular radio staples. If you're regularly tuned in on the radio, then the R'n'B-flavored Hip-hop song "Work" must by now have become a worm to you ears. That song is actually a single off Rihanna's eighth studio album, entitled Anti. Released in January, Rihanna's latest offering is a powerhouse of dancey, upbeat, groovy, and sexy songs that will certainly adorn any dancefloor or dimly lit entertainment basement. Aside from "Work," other catchy songs from the album include the sinister-sounding "Kiss It Better," the midtempo bass-heavy "Same Ol' Mistakes," the big-hall ballad "Love on the Brain," and the provocative "Sex with Me."

James - Girl at the End of the World

For fans of Indie Pop music, the English band James is no longer unheard of; after all, James has been in the Alternative music circuit since 1982, now armed with 14 studio albums' worth of discography, not counting various non-album releases. James's list of classic hits include "What For," Ya Ho," "Stripmining," "Come Home," "Born of Frustration," and the commercial favorite "Say Something." Last March, the prolific band released its 14th work, entitled Girl at the End of the World. True to the band's trademark sonic style, the sound of the album is unmistakable--jangly and chiming guitars, rolling basslines, upbeat tempo, trumpet flourishes, and of course vocalist Tim Booth's distinct yelpy voice. Recommended songs are the guitar stomper "To My Surprise," the piano-led, Gospel-flavored "Nothing but Love," the eerie-sounding, carnivalesque "Dear John," the driving and engaging "Surfer's Song," and the album's ballad title track.

Dream Theater - Astonishing

Inarguably, Dream Theater is one of the most revered bands in the Progressive Metal arena. Every album that the American band releases is worth the wait--well-conceived, well-arranged, and well-produced. That should be unsurprising, considering the musical background and instrument proficiency of each of the band's members. Formed in 1985, Dream Theater released its 13th studio album in January. Entitled Astonishing, this latest oeuvre is a concept album divided into two acts comprised by 34 songs and instrumentals, musically expressed in varying sonic styles.

Final Note
In the next issue, join me again in this exciting trip to sonic suburbia. Expect the new releases by the English Synthpop duo Pet Shop Boys, the pioneering Britpop band Kula Shaker, and the Greek New Age composer Yanni.

2016 Albums by David Bowie, Megadeth, and Suede (FJ 2016 SUNM 1)

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Sa Ugoy ng Musika
by aLfie vera mella

New Albums to Check Out This Year (part 1)

It's only the first quarter of 2016 but the list of newly released albums to check out is already long. Here are just some of them.

David Bowie - Blackstar

"Look up here, I'm in heaven...."
I've got scars that can't be seen
I've got drama, can't be stolen
Everybody knows me now...."

Inarguably, David Bowie was one of, if not the most, influential artists of all times, from his Space Oddity years in the 1970s on through the final decade of his life. His music and unique sense of fashion continue to cast a spell on countless old and new artists and musicians of different genres. Sadly, Bowie died on January 10, 2016, two days after his 69th birthday and after releasing his 25th studio album. Entitled Blackstar, this oeuvre is indeed the final masterstroke from Bowie, a perfect closer for a long, fruitful, and enduring career. Recommended songs include the lyrically prophetic "Lazarus," the Jazz-flavored "Sue (Or in a Season of Crime)," and the nostalgic "I Can't Give Everything Away," which harks to the sonic coolness of many of Bowie's '80s-released songs such as "China Girl," "Modern Love," and "This Is Not America."

Megadeth - Dystopia

"How much pain do you need to feel?
How much shame do you have to conceal?
There is no sunshine, just endless nights...."

In the arena of Metal music, Megadeth is certainly one of the pioneers and prolific musicmakers. In its 30-year existence, it has released 15 studio albums of uncompromising heavy music. Some of its classic hits include "Mary Jane," "Holy Wars...the Punishment Due," and "Symphony of Destruction." Megadeth's latest album, entitled Dystopia, is yet another highly charged powerhouse of a guitar album that sounds unmistakably Megadeth right on to the first track. In fact, Dystopia may be regarded as a sort of an updating of Megadeth's classic Thrash Metal sound, as represented by the employment of twin lead-guitar attack; crunchy guitar rhythm; and lots of tempo changes, symphonic shots, and sonic textures. Recommended songs include the galloping Thrash piece "Death from Within," the Classical-flavored "Poisonous Shadows," and the march-introed and tempo-changing "Bullet to the Brain."

Suede - Night Thoughts

"Pale are the snowflakes that fall for us
Pale are the peonies you grew, my love...."

This English band was one of the instigators and forerunners of the Britpop music scene in the 1990s. Along with fellow Britpoppers Pulp, Oasis, Blur, The Boo Radleys, and Elastica, Suede dominated not only the airwaves but also the charts during the genre's commercial heyday. The band's classic hits include "Animal Nitrate," "New Generation," and "Beautiful Ones." Now, Suede has just released its latest, seventh studio album; the band's second offering for the 2010s. Entitled Night Thoughts, it is the followup to 2013's Bloodsports. To anyone who is familiar with the sound of Suede and who has loved the band because of this, the new album will not disappoint. The grating, saccharine guitar parts of longtime guitarist Richard Oakes as well as the vocal swagger of Brett Anderson remain as ubiquitous as always. Recommended songs from Night Thoughts include the driving and sinister-sounding "Outsiders," the dark and haunting ballad "I Don't Know How to Reach You," the slow and eerie melodic sheen of "Pale Snow," and the upbeat and poppy "Like Kids."

Final Note
These are just three of the worthy releases for 2016. In the next issues, expect some more recommendations, which will include new albums by the US-based Barbadian Pop singer Rihanna, the English New Wave band James, the American Progressive Metal band Dream Theater, US-based Greek New Age artist Yanni, and the English Raga Britpop band Kula Shaker.

April 6, 2016
article for "Sa Ugoy ng Musika"
Filipino Journal, April 2016 issue #1