Calvin Durag

Genre: Pop Label: Darkroom, Interscope Released: May 17, 2024 “Eilish's third LP is more than just a compilation of songs; it offers an enjoyable listening experience that cannot be duplicated, as its production is tailored for a specific mood.” The 22-year-old singer-songwriter, has returned with another blockbuster album that commands attention. With a runtime of 43 minutes, it emphasizes quality over quantity and possesses significant replay value. This album represents her bold and unapologetic emergence. Her vocals are simple yet strikingly effective, while her succinct lyrics leave a lasting impact . Some moments, particularly at the onset of the second-half, Billie Eilish seem uncomfortable, but she retains her composure and reasserts control. HIT ME HARD AND SOFT is an album about the pop icon reclaiming her power. It is a groundbreaking work that pushes her boundaries, propelling her out of her comfort zone, and allowing her to unveil and integrate lost facets of herself...

Genre: Rap Label: YSL, 300 Entertainment Released: May 10, 2024 “While Gunna aims to deliver a standout record, he fails to produce a memorable and cohesive body of work. Most of these songs lack the depth and introspection necessary for replay value and radio appeal.” Gunna's fifth LP, One of Wun , marks a lackluster and somnolent approach. The album mirrors his previous works, with many tracks sounding familiar; however, this time they appear more polished. Unfortunately, some songs feel soulless and uninspired, resembling filler tracks . Tracks like "treesh" and "on one night" could have been omitted without loss. The album would have benefited from a more concise tracklist, ideally reduced to 14 or 16 songs. Its current 20 tracks, spanning 57 minutes, is excessive. While Gunna aims to deliver a standout record, he fails to produce a memorable and cohesive body of work. Most of these songs lack the depth and introspection necessary for replay value and radio ...

Genre: R&B/Soul Label: OVO Sound, Santa Anna Released: April 26, 2024 “P4 is an R&B album that resonates with the youth by addressing common issues we face in our daily lives. Even the album art itself symbolizes a sex position, reflecting the intimacy we experience in love.” PARTYNEXTDOOR makes a highly anticipated and delightful return with his fourth LP, P4 . This album delivers exactly what one would expect from the incredibly talented Canadian singer-songwriter and record producer. P4 is a steamy and sensuous aural journey. The cover art complements the album's sonic direction perfectly. To avoid repetition, I will refer to PARTYNEXTDOOR by his real name, Jahron Anthony Brathwaite, primarily using "Jahron." This approach is especially fitting since the album shares his stage name. P4 appeals to the R&B audience with its relatable themes of heartbreak, guilt, melancholy, and occasional feelings of nostalgia and sadness. The album pushes the boundaries o...