REVIEW: ELTON JOHN & BRANDI CARLILE - WHO BELIEVES IN ANGELS?

4/5

Angels In Americana

Reginald, we thought you were retired?! Think again. After saying farewell to the yellow brick road, like Dorothy, with a movie, documentary, autobiography and one final victory lap of a wicked world tour, Elton John always vowed to continue making music. You only have to hear the masked up 'Lockdown Sessions' to see that the b#### is back...and never really left. Those sessions yielded the 'Simple Things' single with top American heartland singer Brandi Carlile, who also had her own post-COVID album out that year, 'In These Silent Days'. Now, four years later, they've given us even more. 'Who Believes In Angels'? Well, maybe those who also have faith in the best of both worlds (not Jay-Z and R. Kelly...sheesh!) of classic collaborative LP's. Just a fortnight after young lovers Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco did it for 'I Said I Love You First'.

Now it's time for Sir Elton and Brandi Carlile (not Belinda Carlisle, fellow 90s kids!), to get their 'Don't Go Breaking My Heart', KiKi Dee on. And they're really trying as they 'Swing For The Fences' with big-hitting singles like that and the title track. Not to mention the 'Never Too Late' theme to the Disney documentary of the same name, for the life of John. After his 'Duets' and 'The Lockdown Sessions' collaborative compilations, this is another group project for Elton, following work with Leon Russell ('The Union') and Pnau ('Good Morning To The Night'). It's also his first album since 'Lockdown' or the release of 'Regimental Sgt. Zippo' (which was originally meant to be his debut album back in the 70s) in 2021. Before that, his most recent original, solo studio album was the 'Wonderful Crazy Night' of 2016. Brandi's first album since those 'Silent Days' is also another great, like 'By The Way, I Forgive You'. Forget this not.

As gaudy and as great as the candy-coated album artwork that accompanies this record, and it's self-titled lead single's music video, coming to life, 'Who Believes In Angels?' restores your faith in the pop album. From the epic, cinematic opening of 'The Rose Of Laura Nyro' (for a man who has scored movies from 'The Lion King' to 'Gnomeo and Juliet'), to the Lord have mercy bluster of 'Little Richard's Bible', passing a plate around the congregation whilst the keys heat up like great balls of fire for this maverick top gun and his American woman. Recorded in Hollywood's Sunset Sound Recorders in Los Angeles with prolific producer Andrew Watt. He, and of course, the legendary Bernie Taupin help pen the new hits. Starting from scratch and recording a brand-new album in just twenty days, the perfect pair "pushed each other out of their comfort zones" and the result is not only "one of the toughest" albums Elton John has made, but also "one of the greatest musical experiences" of his life.

English man. American woman. The across the pond collaboration is also joined by Red Hot Chili Pepper drummer Will Fer... Chad Smith, and former Pepper Josh Klinghoffer. Making it a band, almost like when Norah Jones and Jack White joined Danger Mouse and Daniele Luppi in 'Rome'. 'A Little Light' really shines on this neon, vibrant LP. Even when the new dynamic duo go it alone, it still works cohesively. Whether it be Carlile's best take on the album (the beautiful ballad 'You Without Me'), or John's own 'My Way' in the curtain's 'When This Old World Is Done With Me'. On 'The River Man', which would make Springsteen proud, they sing together "All the weekend warriors touching down/Leaving a black stain on the sacred ground/Ready and willing to feel wild/Even the traffic sings in tune and perfect time", in sync and harmony. But it's when they harmonize the words of "Your voice is ringing in my mind/You are tattooed on my soul/From the never-ending highway/To the strings of my piano", that you really realize there is 'Someone To Belong To'. Each other. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Swing For The Fences', 'You Without Me', 'When This Old World Is Done With Me'.

Spin This: Elton John - 'The Lockdown Sessions' / Brandi Carlile - 'In These Silent Days' 

REVIEW: MELANIE FIONA: SAY YES EP

4/5

Say Less 

Yes, Queen. These days, real R&B might be dominated by the likes of SZA and Solange, making their legend like the aforementioned's sister, or Rihanna, but let's not forget about Melanie Fiona and what 'The Bridge' of her debut did back in 2009. 'It Kills Me' and 'Teach Him'...my God, what a way to end an album for the record. It may have been a long time since 'The MF Life', 2012 to be exact, but Melanie Fiona is still the apple of music's ear, motherf#####s! Even if we haven't had an album, like The Renaissance of the Canadian's group project with fellow Toronto star Drake, which has yet to yield an album, but can probably wait.

Even now, in here return, it's not album grand, but it really is something as the 'Say Yes' EP is the extended play that will have you affirming her talent once more. From the very second she sets the incense alight to the sexy as hell red room video of the titular track, you just know it's back on, like f#####g after a fight with the one you love through thick and thin. "No more fighting/I want love without the war/I'm inviting/You to even up the score/If l lay my cards out on the table/Showing hearts like never before/Tell me, will you be ready, willing and able/When I come knocking at your door?", Melanie muses over a beautiful Andre Harris beat. As sexy and as sultry as the dance hall video of fellow single 'I Choose You' that you will make your selection.

This is the remix, an extended jam of 'Say Yes' featuring Harris, Charlie Bereal, Chris Dave, SiR and the great, instrumental Thundercat. An inspired, classic collaboration like the LaRussell feature on 'Make Me Feel' that will have you yearning for more on what feels like an album that's just getting started. Perhaps it is, as the 'Bang, Bang' dramatic soprano singer gives us more on 'Do That'. But it's the formidable Fiona's perfect portrait (like the song's or album artwork) on the cinematic 'Mona Lisa Smile' singer that really resonates. Singing, "Perfect picture in a broken frame and/No one ever sees the broken pieces of the painting/I know you're lying, I'm lying, it's crazy/I don't really know why in the hell I'm tryna save this/If I didn't love you, I'd walk out that door/If a man can have his pride, well, a girl could have more/I'd rather go to war, before I let a teardrop hit this floor", feeling like a precursor to an actual album. If this is a litmus test for that, you know what we say? Yes! TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Say Yes', 'Make Me Feel (Feat. LaRussell)', 'Mona Lisa Smile'.

REVIEW: MUMFORD & SONS - RUSHMERE

4/5

Mount Rushmere

Mumford are back, my sons...and daughters. And it's been the longest time. The folks from London return with their first album since 2018's 'Delta', and we still can't 'Believe' the electric change of a 'Wilder Mind'. Yet, Mumford & Sons are back to their Barack's best band roots like 'Babel', but not with haste, so sigh no more. Even if, following their 'Delta Tour' EP released during COVID, this marks the band first album without guitarist and banjo player Winston Marshall, who left a year later in a cloud of controversy. 'Rushmere' is the new peak for the group in big, bold, red for dead letters, and classic album artwork photography with all their friends. This Island and Glassnote record for the grassroots British band is their longest gap between albums, but they haven't lost a step, even if they have lost a member.

Recorded in RCA's Studio A in Nashville, Tennessee, as well as Mumford and Sons' home studio in delightful Devon. 'Rushmere' also serves as the album's opening single, whilst the opening track 'Malibu' makes for the second, like California. From the United Kingdom to the Hollywood of the United States like Marcus Mumford's marriage to fellow Brit Carey Mulligan, the Cali' born, British raised singer says, "And I feel a spirit move in me again/I know it's the same spirit that still moves in you/I don’t know how it took so long to shed this skin/Live under the shadow of your wings", on a track that builds beautifully. On this New Music Friday of smooth Santana's like Carlos, black stars, most definitely, a Fresh Prince and a Boygenius, Mumford & Sons' Rushmere also features Madison Cunningham on the track 'Blood On The Page', just like Cunningham compels Lucy Dacus' new album of the week, 'Forever Is A Feeling'.

Named after a pond in London's Wimbledon Common, Marcus Mumford and his band of brothers and somebody's sons give us the first real release since Marcus' self-tilted solo set and his 'Good People' collaboration with great music nerd, Pharrell Williams. Rousing anthems hold 'Anchor' in the bay of their signature sound they dive, not dip, back into. All the way until this top ten half hour of power urges us to 'Carry On' with the memories of the darkest days still holding dear. 'Monochrome' like the artwork, Mumford adds 'Caroline' to that muses biblical chapter like songbook. Whilst 'Surrender' gives up even more in the form of the words, "Defeat and surrender always feel the same to me/But what does it matter? They both bring me to my knees. Yet this best of British band will not be broken like a Ben Harper classic.

 And that's the 'Truth' with lines like, "You cannot complain if you don't throw a dice yourself/Sit outside the lines, blame everybody else/I refuse to offer myself up to men who lie/Spit and sell and smirk, out the corner of their eye." This band is back 'Where It Belongs', singing, "When you speak, do you think you could do it kindly/Or does your anger overwhelm?/When you're weak, do you ever think of livin' wildly/And let your anger go to hell? Bringing words that feel like they should be taken as gospel to their chapter and verse. The banjos are back, with hints of synths, even though Marshall is missing, as he stepped down, so the band didn't have to share in the cancelling he was facing. He'll always be a part of this band, like the family that their name suggests. But now after a big break, and an even longer one, it's time for a new day for the band who will wait no more. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Malibu', 'Caroline', 'Blood On The Page (Featuring Madison Cunningham)'.

REVIEW: WILL SMITH - BASED ON A TRUE STORY

3.5/5

Will's Way

Ready for another hit from what was once Hollywood's most marketable star, who banked number one records to underscore his movies of the same name (here comes and cues the 'Men In Black')? The 'King Richard' Oscar winning Best Actor turned 'Bad Boy'. Did he really have to turn it in? Well, judging from the skit of the scene setting 'Int. Barbershop-Day' intro to Will Smith's brand-new album, featuring DJ Jazzy Jeff and B. Simone in soundbite, he did. With a rush of receipts like news clippings hitting the floor with all that hair, as those who like to chatter talk that gossip. Those used to this family guy's nice, clean raps, may be averse to the curse dropped here, but they shouldn't forget the bleeped out F-word on his criminally underrated protest anthem 'Tell Me Why' with the great Mary J. Blige. That was an unbelievable twenty years ago on Smith's last album 'Lost and Found', showcasing the skills of the good old, first rap Grammy days. Now for his fifth solo album (after the aforementioned and the Hollywood big-three of 'Big Willie Style', 'Willeniuum' and 'Born To Reign'), tenth if you count his classics with Jeff, the comeback is complete.

After the intro, 'Based On A True Story' moves on from the Chirs Rock slap and back to our regular scheduled programming. And we should too. Especially when Will Smith takes it back to the Fresh Prince days of his rhyming skills with 'You Lookin' For Me?' Just like turning his school blazer inside out for that lava lamp lining, even Seinfeld would be proud of and heading back to the future with a Mr. Ben costume change. W.S's. 'B.O.A.T.S.' Season 1 ('R.I.T.W.'), like Queen Latifah, even looks like a throwback, right down to the fresh 'Code Red' artwork as Philadelphia's own who rang the Liberty Bell at the latest Sixer game is decked out in Phillies gear. The big-hitter bringing it back at the same time when LL Cool J has been rocking them bells again to show us who's the real G.O.A.T. Smith brings out the big guns too. A holy Rave, YCMI and WOA Sermon for 'The Reverend' interludes of inspiration. Jac Ross' vest on his chest for 'Bulletproof'. Teyana Taylor, helping him get through 'Hard Times'. Joyner Lucas throwing a 'Tantrum'. India Martinez and Marcin's 'First Love'. And Fridayy and the Sunday Service Choir for the beautiful standout 'You Can Make It', with not a dry eye in the congregation.

Yet it's the 'Beautiful Scars' single with OBanga and Detroit's own Big Sean that really hits harder. Especially when it comes to the movie of a music video that the now Instagram famous Will teased on his social media platforms, finding new life after the cancellation from his cultures. Back in the day, before Keanu Reeves, Will Smith was meant to be the one to play Neo in 'The Matrix'. Yet, he did 'Wild Wild West' instead. And you thought that other thing was the biggest mistake he made (it really was). This wild west duel is as crazy as the time he almost played 'Django', before Jamie Foxx showed how unchained he really was. Fun fact, Foxx actually appears multiple-times on the 'Big Willie Style' of the 'Independence Day' and 'Six Degrees Of Separation' star Smith's debut album as Keith B Real in those legendary interludes and even gets slapped...by Jada. Willie tells us to keep all that business out of our mouths before a 'Rave In The Wasteland' that feels like the party Pinkett went to in 'The Matrix 2', but reloaded Will even makes records with his kids now. Dodge that! As 'The Pursuit Of Happyness' and 'After Earth' co-star, Jaden appears on a 'Work Of Art' with Russ. Although, through all the wicked wisdom, we really need the best music maker of the family, Willow, whipping her hair.

Red pill, blue pill, this Slang album really goes hard when Smith goes it alone. Something he's felt over the past couple of calendars, as his most "personal and impactful work" is something that finds "resilience in difficult times." Lighting up the Grammys after his Academy ban, Will knows his way around working a stage. And tracks like 'Make It Look Easy' ("Give it to me when the game on the line/Rain or shine, all fine, all fine, yeah/Give it to me when we runnin' outta time (Runnin' outta time)/Get behind me when they comin' for you/I take the hits and the misses/The risks and the disses (Ha-ha, look)/Even when they happy or they vicious/That don't change who Will Smith is") track that. The comeback may fall a little short at times (like 'Bad Boys: Ride Or Die' with another legendary comic, Martin Lawrence, didn't), and the 'Selective Outrage' of Chris Rock's own Netflix one may have hit harder, but we just hope these two former 'Fresh Prince' episode co-stars can get it together again, like we always knew Smith could rap. From 'Summertime' to shaking the room with a boom. Some just don't understand, but this man is more than nothing but trouble, even if some have already burst his bubble. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Beautiful Scars (Feat. Big Sean and OBanga)', 'You Can Make It (Feat. Fridayy and Sunday Service Choir)', 'Work Of Art (Feat Russ & Jaden)'.

Spin This: Will Smith - 'Lost & Found'

REVIEW: LUCY DACUS - FOREVER IS A FEELING

4/5

Girlgenius

Forever music is found this New Music Friday with the release of singer-songwriter Lucy Dacus' brand-new album 'Forever Is A Feeling'. And it's much more than all of that. One-third of the Holy Trinity, heaven-sent triple-threat that is Boygenius (with Phoebe Bridgers and Julien Baker), this is Lucy in the sky with diamonds for the first time since 'The Record', or her last solo set ('The Rest') in 2023. Out now, on Geffen Record, 'Feeling' evokes singles like 'Ankles/Limerence', 'Best Guess' and the terrific 'Talk'. Not to mention a big collaboration with 'Hozier', hitting the 'Bullyseye' with a daredevil who has been unearthing all kinds of music of late. Yet after the classic 'Calliope Prelude' that opens everything up, it's 'Big Deal' that finds a yearning forever. Saving the best track...for first.

Inked across the bare chest, like the classic album artwork in a formidable frame, Lucy sings "We both know that it would never work/You’ve got your girl, you’re gonna marry her/And I’ll be watching in a pinstriped suit/Sincerely happy for the both of you/So what changеs, if anything?/Maybe everything can stay thе same/But if we never talk about it again/There’s something I want you to understand." That this girl is more than a kind of Burgundy big deal. Just like Dacus, whose album, just shy of April, is one for the year. So much so, that 'Forever Is A Feeling' that is about to embark on tour. 'Forever' features bandmates Bridgers and Baker, as well as contributions from Blake Mills, Bartees Strange, Melina Duterte and Madison Cunningham, who also features with 'Blood On The Page' for the first Mumford & Sons album since 2018's 'Delta', 'Rushmere', this week. Folks, rejoice!

On 'Modigliani' Lucy yearns for more spirit, singing ""Loving father, friend and son"/Printed backwards on my shoulder blade/From leaning back on a plaque on a bench/I carry David's name until it fades/Why does it feel significant?/Why do I have to tell you about it?/Trying to fall asleep, back flat on the floor/While you were eating continental breakfast in Singapore/You make me homesick for places I’ve never been before." Even more of the best leafs out of this calendar's songbook come from the sweet sound of 'Talk', that inspired me to talk my 'ish, and write my first song in months in that Boygenius signature style. From the titular track, to the 'Lost Time' evoking epic closer, it's never over. Not for this party that comes out like, "I missed your call because I was in a board room/Full of old men guessin' what the kids are getting into/There was a cardboard cutout of a cowboy in the corner/Pointin' his gun in my face/I don't belong here, nobody does/Except maybe those old men collecting dust."

The Virginia singer knows how to spin a yarn that even Dylan would blow a toy whistle at. Songwriting, poetry, or both? Your 'Best Guess' is as good as all of them. But it's the 'Most Wanted Man' that really nails up the best bounty to this artist's great reward. "Got me wrapped around your finger/Tied in a double knot/Just like our legs all double knotted/In the morning at the Ritz/$700 dollar room still drinking coffee from the Keurig/We're soaking up the luxuries on someone else's dime/Living the dream before we fully pass our prime." The book on Lucy is a holy one. In the same week of New Music from Santana, Yasiin Bey (AKA Mos Def) with The Alchemist, Will Smith and those sons, this is the biggest and best. Destroying and creating. Finding forever in those common moments we just wish we could hold on to, for only a little longer. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Big Deal', 'For Keeps', 'Bullseye (Feat. Hozier)'.

REVIEW: SELENA GOMEZ & BENNY BLANCO - I SAID I LOVE YOU FIRST

4/5

Only Lovers In The Building 

Love wins. Even in the face of the shameful, shaming, cruel comments Benny Blanco has received for his relationship with fiancée Selena Gomez. The super-producer has frankly faced disgusting comments about his looks and life with the billionaire musician and star of 'Only Murders In The Building' TV series with Steve Martin and Martin Short and the Oscar nominated musical 'Emelia Perez'. But then again, even Michael B. Jordan would be punching above his weight when it comes to Selena. Never mind all that b######s, because with a sex pistol of an album through the keyhole, the pop princess and producing prince of a power couple, Selena Gomez and benny blanco (that's not shade, it's how he writes his artist name) give us 'I Said I Love You First'. 

Pop is in a perfect place, right now, and with this polished production of a home album, this is the new Ross and Rachel for the "no, no, you sign out first" generation, friends. Another half-hour, all power album in a New Music Friday that sees the Japanese Breakfast of Michelle Zauner and co keep company 'For Melancholy Brunettes (& Sad Women)'. Coming a few weeks after the BLACKPINK artists (LISA and JENNIE) she had 'Ice Cream' with went head-to-head with the 'Sour Candy' of Lady Gaga, and each other, haters will say this is just a new Selena Gomez album, with her husband-to-be riding her coattails. But no. This best of both world's affair has Benny Blanco manning the boards and sharing the spotlight, like John Leguizamo (AKA "Benny Blanco from The Bronx") did with Al Pacino in 'Carlito's Way'. Especially in the cinematic sounding, music video matching 'Younger And Hotter Than Me' song of solidarity to all those starlets in Hollywood, that are actually anything but that, and instead, are the substance and everlasting beauty of real women.

Whether it be the "big, BIG heart" tongue in cheek of the City of Angeles perfect 'Sunset Blvd', or that Billie Eilish like sound of Marina del Rey, like that Grammy robbed (expect a nomination here, though) artist, Gomez may owe a debt of gratitude to her inspiration from Lana Del Rey. Yet this album is still all hers...and Benny's for better, and no worse. Collaborating with Gracie Abrams on the grace of the leading single 'Call Me When You Break Up' on this album that is as LA as John Mulaney's 'Everybody's Live' (but why the STAPLES Center like name change?). Tainy and J Balvin also feature on 'I Can't Get Enough', but aside from that, it's all Benny and Selena. From the titular opener to the 'Scared Of Loving You', Finneas O'Connell co-wrote closer and 'Stained' bonus. "You want me to act like the bad girls/Put you on your knees/Kiss me like we're meant for each other/Say you'll never leave", Selena empowers on the 'Cowboy' ride that's all sexual and explicit, with tongue in cheek of the one you love. Riding off into the sunset together...forever. With cans on string following the "Just Married" licence plate.

This English and Spanish album following Selena's 'Revelación' extended play and Blanco's own 'Friends Keep Secrets 2' sequel, both released in 2021, deserves its own follow-up too. An inspired Interscope album that features its own share of heartbreak ('Don't Wanna Cry', 'How Does It Feel To Be Forgotten' and 'You Said You Were Sorry') for the young lovers keeping it real. But 'Don't Take It Personally'. Amongst highlights like that, 'Ojos Tristes' (featuring The Marías) and 'Do You Wanna Be Perfect', it's the 'Bluest Flame' that burns the brightest as Selena sings, "Hey there/When I lay in your arms, am I there?/When I'm lost in the garden of air/You know how it feels/Body on body, it's you and me and it's real". All to a love making hook ("Ah, I just wanna go all night/I just wanna go insane/Touchin' in the summer rain/Hotter than the bluest flame, hotter than the bluest flame") you'll really f### with over and over. Young and in love, who are we to judge? Engaged in wedding planning and a matrimony of joy, the happy couple atop the cake have just found their reception playlist. Now how about the first dance? TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Younger And Hotter Than Me', Sunset Blvd', 'Cowboy'.

REVIEW: JAPANESE BREAKFAST - FOR MELANCHOLY BRUNETTES (& SAD WOMEN)

4/5

Breakfast Can't Wait

Good morning from Japan. Your breakfast is ready. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, indie pop act Japanese Breakfast (fronted by Korean-American Michelle Zauner of 'Crying In H Mart' bestseller fame) are back. And they're about to set foot in the land of the rising sun for some set-lists as part of their world tour, visiting Tokyo (Zepp Shinjuku) and Osaka (Club Quattro). All for 'The Melancholy Tour' supporting their brand-new album 'For Melancholy Brunettes (& Sad Women)', which came out this big New Music Friday just gone, alongside the likes of Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco ('I Said I Loved You First'). But there's no infinite sadness to this melancholia like the smashing pumpkins, because this Dead Oceans album is the first Japanese one since they smashed yellow tomatoes in the 'Jubilee', coming out of corona of 2021. Save the sensational 'Sable' video game soundtrack released in the same year. 

Breakfast is served via Peter Bradley's guitar, Deven Craige's bass, and the drums, keyboard and backing vocals of Craig Hendrix. Setting off singles like 'Orlando In Love' and 'Mega Circuit' on this top ten track album and their respective nostalgic, throwback videos, chasing cinematic pirates and camcorder recorded dirt bikes lost in the woods. But for all the American love to the cities, seasons and attractions (whether it's the highlight 'Winter In LA', or the closing 'Magic Mountain' peak for all you Floridians), the real big-hitter for the former Little Big League singer is the big collaboration with 'The Big Lebowski' and 'Tron' star actor Jeff Bridges, remaking his own musical legacy once again, like he did with a 'Crazy Heart'. On 'Men In Bars', the 'Sleeping Tapes' singer sings "Got back in the ring, I took a spill/I spent a while just tumbling down/Found my head again and took to a new town." All as Michelle muses to her Hollywood one, "Got lost on the way, I took a route/I didn't mean to follow down/And I was tempted, sure/But I have come home now."

From the 'Here Is Someone' declaring outset, these 'Melancholy Brunettes', are ones that could garner another Grammy nomination like 'Jubilee'. Produced by Blake Mills, who's cut his teeth with Bob Dylan and Fiona Apple, this real record takes inspiration from both. Going from a complete unknown to what they say in 'South Park' about not giving a rat's a## if you're not Fiona Apple. Buried on a pirate's treasure of a feast of food and skulls on this album artwork, this 'Sad Woman' is a reflective album that's as real as it gets for the lonely world we see to be living in now, politically and personally, when people are voting and swiping for the wrong kinds. But whether it be the sweet 'Honey Water', or the ode to 'Leda' ("Talking to you/It's nearly morning where you are/While my afternoons move so slow/Pacing the room/Awaiting a moment gone too far/And your special way of ruining the mood"), this 'Little Girl' is grown on this gothic album of a poet on the verge of inspiration under the gloom of darkness. Open the 'Picture Window' and you can see it in all its glory from Sound City Studios, LA. Inspired, in title, by John Cheever's 'The World Of Apples', this is the best bite yet. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Orlando In Love', 'Men In Bars (Feat. Jeff Bridges)', 'Winter In LA'.