ALBUM REVIEW: The Lost Boy by YBN Cordae

second best rap album of this year

The Lost Boy is the debut studio album from American rapper YBN Cordae and jesus fucking christ it slaps. I did not expect to enjoy this as much as I did, but damn was it a great one. Personally, I can describe it as a modern day College Dropout, with some diverse and very out there topics talked about on the album. One highlight was on the track "Thanksgiving", where Cordae talked about his future with a girl by meeting his family, something that I rarely see in modern rap. Everything fits together so well and it is incredible that this is a debut album. Plus, the features are a great addition too, especially Bad Idea with Chance The Rapper, RNP with Anderson .Paak and Family Matters with Arin Ray. Overall, this is absolutely incredible and is probably up on my top albums of 2019 list.

Devil's Score: 9

ALBUM REVIEW: Atlanta Millionaires Club by Faye Webster

well, that was very chill

Atlanta Millionaires Club is the third studio album from American artist Faye Webster. Honestly, I was in the dark going into this album as I have never heard of Faye Webster before. It started off with what sounded like banjos and I was a bit apprehensive, but the album led to some good background music as I worked. Nothing too memorable, but it was solid.

Devil's Score: 7

ALBUM REVIEW: Modal Soul by Nujabes

holy. fuck.

Modal Soul is the second studio album from Japanese hip-hop artist Nujabes. I was incredibly surprised at how ahead of the curve this album is for 2005. For how popular lo-fi hip hop beats are today, this was 14 years ahead of its time. Feather was such a good opening track that it has actually become my 1000th liked song on Spotify. Honestly, the whole album is absolutely great and I think this is gonna go down as a high score from me.

Devil's Score: 9

ALBUM REVIEW: Blend Inn by Hockey Dad

wow this had some variety

Blend Inn is the second studio album from Australian pop-punk duo Hockey Dad. I didn't really know what to expect heading into this album, but I was thoroughly impressed. The songs were all class and there was quite a bit of variety between songs, keeping me on my toes. Personally, I have nothing bad to say about this album. The whole album was solid and I'd recommend giving it a listen.

Devil's Score: 8

ALBUM REVIEW: GO:OD AM by Mac Miller

oh hey Mac, it's you again

Welcome back to Devil reviews, now for one of my most polarizing artists during this reviewing career, Mac Miller. GO:OD AM is Miller's third studio album and was released in 2015. My first opinions of this album were that at first, it fucking slapped. Brand Name is probably my favourite track from this album and if that says something about me, please leave it in the comments below. The rest of it was all great, however, some of the lyricism at points weren't up to my favour and some beats weren't as tight as others. Overall though, it's a really great album that I can see why it was suggested.

Devil's Score: 8

ALBUM REVIEW: DISPOSE by The Plot In You

oh boy this is heavy

DISPOSE is the fourth studio album from The Plot In You, an American metalcore band. I am generally in favour of metalcore, liking such stuff as Dance Gavin Dance and Bring Me The Horizon('s earlier stuff), so everything was pretty great. It did slightly drag but I did enjoy the album overall. It could have been a bit better, but overall I think this was a solid album and a great recommendation.

Devil's Score: 7

ALBUM REVIEW: Abbey Road by The Beatles

wow The Beatles were actually a rock band

So this is like the first Beatles album I've ever actually listened to. You probably don't need an intro to The Beatles either. I'll just move on to the review. Personally, some tracks on this record were great, such as the classic Come Together and Here Comes The Sun, as well as some tracks I hadn't heard before like I Want You (She's So Heavy). However, there is also a small disliking to something about the album. The first half of the album drags slightly, and it feels like it's taking forever, and then the second half speeds past as fast as Christmas Day. It's literally like a collection of 1-minute tracks at the end that just speeds through. Altogether, it's fairly good, but it's not something I'd listen to again.

Devil's Score: 6

ALBUM REVIEW: Tetsuo & Youth by Lupe Fiasco

a bit long this one

Tetsuo & Youth is the fifth studio album from American rapper Lupe Fiasco. Didn't really know what I was getting into when I first clicked play, but it formed into an image pretty quickly. The album has 4 intermission style tracks, aptly named after the seasons. It was pretty sick for the last one to be Spring, as it worked pretty well. As for the rest of the album, I did enjoy it. The rap was good, the features complemented the style and overall, I think it was a pretty good release. The only downside that brings this down is the length. For some reason, I didn't notice the 8-minute length of "Prisoner 1 & 2" but the length of "Chopper" was blatantly obvious at a 9-minute length that started dragging around 3 minutes in. Overall, it's fairly good but it's not something I'd find myself running back to, bar a couple of tracks.

Devil's Score: 7

ALBUM REVIEW: All Is Vanity by Christina Grimmie

oh boy make or break time

All Is Vanity is the third studio album from American singer/songwriter Christina Grimmie. I knew I'd have to review a Grimmie album sooner or later, and it looks like today is the day. My main point is that it is pretty good. The music is poppy and entertaining. The downside is that it isn't too interesting and kinda meshes into one. Some songs stood out, such as Echo, Sublime, Crowded Room and Pressure, but the rest didn't stand out really. Overall it's a good listen for pop fans and I'd recommend giving it a go.

Devil's Score: 7

ALBUM REVIEW: Madvillainy by Madvillain

this came out in 2004???

Madvillainy was the debut studio album from American hip hop duo Madvillain. This felt like a hip hop album which felt more in the vein of a Frank Ocean or older Tyler, The Creator albums. I have to admit that it isn't bad at all. There were tracks that I didn't hate. Overall, however, I didn't really enjoy the experience, despite knowing that fans of this rap style could enjoy it a lot more.

Devil's Score: 6

ALBUM REVIEW: Endless by Frank Ocean

thankfully not endless

Endless was originally a video album from American artist Frank Ocean. I have a poor track record with the artist, having formerly reviewed Channel Orange and *shudder* Blonde. But I did enjoy this album. Some of the music did feel a bit out of the left-field, and not all of it was memorable, but I did find myself enjoying this record, and for that reason, I hope this score suffices.

Devil's Score: 7

ALBUM REVIEW: Run The Jewels 3 by Run The Jewels

that's a spicy meatball

I've gone over what Run The Jewels is, and this is the most recent album from the duo. I honestly think this is one of the better albums of the trio. I could even argue it's better than RTJ2, but not by much. All the songs are great, especially some faves in 2100 and Call Ticketron. I'd honestly say that RTJ is a must-see duo and I would honestly suggest listening to all three albums.

Devil's Score: 9

ALBUM REVIEW: Run The Jewels by Run The Jewels

good ol' RTJ

Run The Jewels is the debut album from American rap duo Run The Jewels. I've already listened to the second instalment of the Run The Jewels trilogy, and I've got to say that this album is also amazing. Great raps and some great tracks as well, specifically 'Sea Legs',  '36" Chain' and 'Job Well Done'. I wouldn't rank it higher than RTJ2, but it is still a really good album.

Devil's Score: 8

ALBUM REVIEW: AmeriKKKan Korruption by Capital STEEZ

there i did it, you happy?

AmeriKKKan Korruption is a 2012 mixtape from late American hip hop artist Capital STEEZ. I've been begged to do this review for a long time and now that I've listened to the 14-track mixtape, I can see why it was offered. It offers some really good rap at the front of the album. Like I honestly fell back into my chair and just chilled to this album. As it gets closer to the end of the mixtape, there are some tracks that are less-defined but overall it's good. Pretty good suggestion.

Devil's Score: 8

ALBUM REVIEW: Permanent Hermit by Ruby Fields

well, this is very aussie

Permanent Hermit is the sophomore EP from Australian singer-songwriter Ruby Fields. At first, I expected this to be a perhaps slower and mellow album, filled with ballads and what not, and Dinosaurs did lead me to perhaps believe that. That is until the guitars came in and I realised this album had a bit more to it. The singing is good and the album is fairly nice but it isn't really as polished as other albums that I have listened to before, especially EPs. Overall it's a nice listen and something I'd suggest you have a listen to. (She ain't as good as Eves Karydas)

Devil's Score: 7

ALBUM REVIEW: A Day at the Races by Queen

because who else would suggest Queen

A Day at the Races is the fifth studio album from British rock band Queen. The only song that I recognised from this album was "Somebody To Love", so a lot of the album was me going in blind, which is very strange for an artist I know quite a lot from. Overall, it's a pretty good rock album and I'd assume great for its time, the instrumentation is lovely and Freddie Mercury has a golden voice. The only thing that pulls me away from this album is that it isn't that exciting. Everything feels a bit familiar and I want a bit more spark and diversity. Either way, it's a pretty good album regardless.

Devil's Score: 7

ALBUM REVIEW: TRAUMA by I Prevail

okay nooow i've finished the album

TRAUMA is the third studio album from American rock band I Prevail. It took 2 attempts to listen to the whole thing, mainly because I had other things to do with obstructed my first listen to the album. Now that I have completed a full listen, I can tell you that it is a very entertaining rock album. The music is great, the vocals are on point and I didn't hate it at all. It's not on my list of best rock albums, but it's a solid album. Nice suggestion mate

Devil's Score: 8

ALBUM REVIEW: IGOR by Tyler, The Creator

i listened to carly rae jepsen's new album before this

IGOR is the fifth studio album from American rapper Tyler, The Creator. I have reviewed Flower Boy and Wolf before, so I was going to have mixed feelings before this album. However, IGOR was pretty fucking sick. It's great rap, and it didn't really put me off at all, which is something Wolf failed to do. My favourite track from the album has to be I THINK, which has uncredited vocals from Kali Uchis. Overall, I'd suggest you have a listen to the new Tyler album as soon as you can.

Devil's Score: 9

(EDITOR'S NOTE: This might be a 10. Either way, it's one of the best of 2019)

ALBUM REVIEW: Holiday by Jakubi

oh god damn. god damn. GOD DAMN!

Holiday is what I believe to be the debut singles from Australian quintet Jakubi. If I told you I hated this, I'd be the biggest fucking liar in the world. Everything about these tracks was so great. It gave me pure vibes of Daft Punk. I honestly was clapping and dancing along to this shit, and I really shouldn't have been because I have a report to work on. All in all, it is an amazing batch of singles and I honestly suggest you listen to all four.

Devil's Score: 9

ALBUM REVIEW: Speedin' Bullet 2 Heaven by Kid Cudi

oh look, i want to die

Speedin' Bullet 2 Heaven is the fifth studio album from American rapper alternative rock artist Kid Cudi. I listened to Man on the Moon: The End of Day recently and that was pretty great. What the fuck Kid Cudi. Where the fuck did that go? SB2H is honestly one of the worst albums I've listened to if I exclude the albums that are meant to be shitty. The first song goes on for way too long and it just sounds bad. Like real bad. It's trying to hit lo-fi but it sounds more like someone crumpled up some paper and threw it into a void. Also, fuck Beavis & Butthead. Don't give me a track and then have it finish with a 2 MINUTE B&B SEGMENT OF THEM JUST TALKING TO EACH OTHER IN THEIR STUPID FUCKING VOICES FUCK YOU KID CUDI AND FUCK YOU REPUBLIC FOR EVEN SIGNING OFF ON THIS SHIT. Excuse me, I really need to find something to cleanse my soul.

Devil's Score: 2

ALBUM REVIEW: Sheer Heart Attack by Queen

because who else would suggest queen here?

Sheer Heart Attack is the third studio album from British rock band Queen, released in 1974. The only track I had heard from this album prior is the international hit "Killer Queen", which is a brilliant song if I dare say so myself. The rest of the album is pretty good and it's a good showing of what rock is. Even though some of the songs didn't really interest me that much, all in all, I enjoyed it.

Devil's Score: 7

ALBUM REVIEW: Because the Internet by Childish Gambino

somehow my first time listening to the full album

Because the Internet is the second studio album from American artist/actor Childish Gambino AKA Donald Glover. When I listened to this album, I had completely forgotten "Crawl" was a track, and it is was a great opener in setting up the album. Other hits of the album "Sweatpants" and "3005" are absolute great hits, and overall this album was really great. I know it may be a weird comparison, but it made me feel the same way as when I listened to Joji's debut EP In Tongues. Either way, it's a brilliant album.

Devil's Score: 9

ALBUM REVIEW: Summerskin by Eves Karydas

finally, devil has got to eves

Summerskin is the debut studio album from Australian indie-pop singer Eves Karydas. I gained the notice of this album after two people on a server I'm on wouldn't be quiet about Eves in the music chat, so I guess now is the best time to review this. And to be fair, it's pretty great. My favourite track from the album is definitely Couch, and there are some other highlights as well. Overall, I wouldn't say no to listening to Summerskin again, but it isn't in my top rankings for albums.

Devil's Score: 8

ALBUM REVIEW: Floral Shoppe by Macintosh Plus

lisa frank 420/modern computing sounds familiar ;)

Floral Shoppe is a studio album from American electronic musician Vektroid under the one-time alias Macintosh Plus. The album's cover is synonymous with vaporwave, and the track that I mentioned in my witty subtitle is probably one of the most well-recognised songs in vaporwave history. I will say that it was pretty great. The version I listened to was the 8-track version that ends with Standby, probably a version of the 2011 digital release. Even though some of the tracks didn't really butter my eggrolls, it was a nice experience, to say the least.

Devil's Score: 7

ALBUM REVIEW: I Don't Like Shit, I Don't Go Outside by Earl Sweatshirt

oh so that's who that image was of

IDLSIDGO is the 2nd studio album from American rapper Earl Sweatshirt. Although the album was okay to get through, as I didn't have to stop mid-way, it's not really my cup of tea. I think it's just an artist that I'm not that into. Like, it's not bad rap, but it's not interesting to me.

Devil's Score: 6

ALBUM REVIEW: Outsider by Three Days Grace

yeah this one is pretty good

Outsider is the sixth studio album from Canadian rock band Three Days Grace. I've listened to two TDG albums prior to this (Self-Titled and One-X) and I've got to say that this is pretty good. The rock is easy to listen to and reminds me of a Shinedown feel. I got through the whole album quite easily too, with nothing really taking me out of it. However, it did go quite quickly and nothing was that of note, so I've decided to give it an average score.

Devil's Score: 7

ALBUM REVIEW: Man On The Moon: The End Of Day

MOTM: TEOD is the debut studio album from American rapper Kid Cudi. The only track from this album that I've heard before is "Day 'n' Nite", but the Crookers remix that is included in this album. I've got to say that I actually really enjoyed this album. The tracks were all pretty good, in particular, the original "Day 'n' Nite", "Make Her Say" and "Up, Up & Away". All in all, it is a pretty great rap album, and those three tracks are probably going to be listened to again.

Devil's Score: 7

ALBUM REVIEW: LATE NIGHT DELIGHT by LUXURY ELITE // SAINT PEPSI

damn that was some good shit

Late Night Delight is a 2013 vaporwave album, released by Luxury Elite and Saint Pepsi. I'll be honest, I didn't know what to expect when coming into this album. I've listened to other vaporwave albums before, such as Black Banshee 0, and I didn't really enjoy the genre. However, I actually seriously enjoyed this collaboration. The use of sampling and just general great production of music make this album a can't-miss. Honestly, I went into it expecting the worst but came out thinking that vaporwave was a lot better than I thought. There are so many great songs on this album, but I'd honestly just tell you to go through the album yourself because they're all great.

Devil's Score: 8

ALBUM REVIEW: Super Ghostbusters by Vargskelethor

fuck you fuck you fuck you fuck you fuck...

Super Ghostbusters is the 2018 comedy/parody album from Vargskelethor. Now, I've listened to many comedy/parody albums during my time, and some of them have been good (see: Mouth Moods). Super Ghostbusters manages to unravel the entirety of the comedy/parody genre and somehow makes me want to rip out my ears. Thank you, suggester, for shortening my lifespan by 5 months.

Devil's Score: 1

ALBUM REVIEW: 2014 Forest Hills Drive by J. Cole

he's bloody redeemed himself


2014 Forest Hills Drive is the third studio album from American rapper J. Cole. Way back, I reviewed KOD to an unfavourable review. I didn't really enjoy it that much and in honesty, the aftertaste of KOD made me hesitant to listen to this album. But god damn should I have listened to this way earlier. The whole album is really good and has some amazing tracks, especially Wet Dreamz. Heck, this fucking man made a 14-minute credits track entertaining. 2014 Forest Hills Drive has honestly changed my mind about J. Cole and it feels like a Kendrick situation where he hit an amazing album before (TPAB), but his most recent wasn't as good at all (DAMN.)

Devil's Score: 8