The chill of fall is in the air and things just feel right for the first time in a mighty long time. 2020 is damn near in our rearview window and the only thing needed for the ride is a great playlist. This week brings some great new releases from all over the world of music. There are new releases from a K-Pop supergroup, an ‘80s hair band, the lead singer of masked metal and the R&B diva of all R&B divas among others.
BLACKPINK The Album
After releasing their debut single “Boombayah” in 2016, it was very clear that the ladies of BLACKPINK were destined for world domination. The infectious genre that is K-Pop has been slowly invading the U.S. for well over a decade now and with the dedicated fan bases of groups like BLACKPINK and BTS the aforementioned world domination is in full swing and close to fruition.
The Album comes out the gate fast and doesn’t let up. Before you know it, you’ve listened to the 8-track album about five times and you know more Korean than you possibly ever thought you would. The very in-your-face “Pretty Savage” is one of the highlights of the album and “Ice Cream” featuring Selena Gomez and co-written by Ariana Grande is destined to repeat on the hour on radio stations all over the world.
BLACKPINK has been asked to collaborate with some of pop music’s biggest names including Lady Gaga and Dua Lipa and decided to return the invitation to arguably the hottest name in music today, Cardi B. Cardi B joins Jennie, Lisa, Rose and Jisoo on the fun “Bet You Wanna.” “Lovesick Girls” is that girl power singalong song you could easily see Icona Pop, Charli XCX or Zara Larsson singing as it echoes through the speakers.
The quartet is finally releasing their debut album after being on the scene for four years and as Jennie boast in the opening of “Boombayah” BLACKPINK is in your area. @BLACKPINK
Bon Jovi 2020
Despite the opening track to their latest release, New Jersey rockers Bon Jovi are very in touch with the dire straits that the world is in in 2020. Life does indeed not feel very “Limitless” right now and it is easy to believe that Tommy may have had to put his 6-string back in hock and Gina is working doubles at the diner so they can live on something more than a prayer.
The remaining songs that make up 2020 are very in touch with the pulse of the world. “Do What You Can” tackles the struggles we all face in trying to survive the pandemic and “American Reckoning” finds Jon Bon Jovi tackling the racial tensions across the country following the aftermath of the killing of George Floyd. There are no arena rock standards like “Bad Medicine” on the new album but rather a collection of songs one would expect from another John, John Mellencamp.
Jon’s voice on some of the more somber numbers comes across very raw and twangy leaving one wondering if a country duet album between him and fellow rocker turned wannabe country star Steven Tyler could be in the works. 2020 is a solid album overall, but the absence of Richie Sambora even after seven years, keeps it from being an outstanding Bon Jovi album. @bonjovi
Aloe Blacc All Love Everything
With so much pain, despair, and division amongst us today, it is high time an album was presented that could help spread love and bring us closer together. R&B singer Aloe Blacc has delivered an album that stands a great chance of doing something so many of us turn to music for and that’s making us feel good.
All Love Everything is all about togetherness and the opening track “Family” immediately puts the theme on display. Throughout the entire album it is apparent that the “Wake Me Up” singer is setting out to sing songs that can really touch someone from afar and lend a helping hand when one is in need. “Wherever You Go” is a reminder that no matter how bleak things may seem that there is someone always in your corner there ready to help.
“Glory Days” is one that shows you how important it is to treat today and every day after as your glory days instead of spending time reminiscing about days gone. Understandably, it is hard while living in a pandemic to keep that kind of positive outlook, but it is a little easier when singing along with the song and the other 9 tracks on the album.
Aloe Blacc’s new album is the uplifting, positive record 2020 needs so bad and the world can only hope it doesn’t have to wait another seven years before his next one. @aloeblacc
Also push play on some other great albums out this week…..
- YG – My Live 4Hunnid
- Jonsi – Shiver
- 21 Savage & Metro Boomin – Savage Mode 2
- Mariah Carey – The Rarities
- Melanie C – Melanie C
- Bryson Tiller – ANNIVERSARY
Steven McCash is the Music Columnist for SoBros Network. He is the pioneer of New Music Friday, highlighting each week’s new releases in the world of music, in addition to the occasional live show review. Follow on Twitter: @MC_Cash75
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