REVIEW: SZA - SOS

4/5

SZA Our Soul.

CTRL-ALT-CREATE. St. Louis, Missouri's own Solána Imani Rowe (AKA, SZA like the initials of her epic EP's (we can't wait for the A)) is the Queen of R&B pop. In-between 'Feeling Myself' with Nicki Minaj and Beyoncé and Rihanna 'Consideration'. That's why you see her with 'All The Stars' like Kendrick Lamar for his classic curated 'Black Panther' soundtrack (good job to Tems for 'Wakanda Forever' too). Or cameo sitting on the hood of a car for Childish Gambino's 'This Is America'. Arguably the only artist that comes close right now is Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson, but she is still H.E.R. It's hard to believe it's been a half-decade since her 'Ctrl'. It's even harder to believe that it didn't garner a Grammy. Still, the nominated like a Golden Globe LP is part of Rolling Stone's list of the 500 greatest albums of all-time. And now SZA is back to save our souls again. 

'S.O.S.' is one of the most eagerly anticipated albums of the year and also one of the best like U.K. grime icon Stormzy telling us how he really feels this month too. Truly an extended playlist. Diving off the springboard into an ocean of songwriting talent and subtle genius. A Jordan worth of tracks both cinematic (the billboard worthy 'Kill Bill' (the best since Taylor Swift's 'No Body, No Crime' with Haim, or D'Angelo's 'S###, Damn, Motherf#####') and 'Gone Girl') and blockbuster big budget (classic collaborations with Don Toliver ('Used') Travis Scott ('Open Arms'), Phoebe Bridgers ('Ghost In The Machine') and the late great Ol' Dirty Bastard of the Wu-Tang Clan ("the RZA, the SZA") for the classic closer 'Forgiveless'). The second studio album from SZA is anything but a sophomore slump. Wearing a football jersey with her own name and initials on, she's been in the game too long for that. 

The Top Dawg and RCA Records album's self-titled intro says it all. "Nah, lil' b####, can't let you finish/Yeah, that's right, I need commissions on mine/All that sauce you got from me/All that s### I gave for free/I want it back, want it back/This ain't no warnin' shot/Case all you h##s forgot/Know you been more than lost/Without me, I'm so/Comin' like I'm so greasy/Ex-n####, he so needy/Punk a## tried to replace me, but the stakes is too high/They can't survive off mini-mes/I'm talkin' pedigree/Ain't no writers, that's just me/Ain't no spiteful, I'm just tea/Can't hate a b### for free/Talkin' I'm off the bench like Brady/I'm pressin' n####s like KD, it's up." Even the most hardcore hip-hop heads can't F with this flow, Joe.

Souls, the big-three singles are our savior right now. 'Good Days' will offset the bad. Whilst 'I Hate U' is the beat dedication since R&B money King Tank's 'Sex, Love and Pain' devotion of the same name. But it's the third and latest single 'Shirt' that really buttons up. "In the dark right now/Feeling lost, but I like it/Comfort in my sins and all about me/All I got right now/Feel the taste of resentment/Simmer in my skin, it's all about." Yearning like we've been burning for this song for so long. 

Frank like beans. Lyrically this album 'Seek(s) & Destroy(s)'. On 'Low' the hi-fi's get sweet licks of, "Cunning down, the side of me, I like to get it poppin' (Alright)/But these b#####s in my business got me out here choosin' violence (Yeah, yeah)/If you see me out in public, you don't know me, keep it silent (Okay)/In the bedroom, I be screamin', but outside, I keep it quiet", as Travis Scott backs her up. But it's the 'Love Language' with Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo that really speaks to you. Before hitting the 'Snooze' button on her middle of the night music, Solána reveals her deepest insecurities and vulnerabilities on 'Blind'. "It's so embarrassing/All of the things I need living inside of me/I can't see it/It's so embarrassing/All of the love I seek living inside of me/I can't see, I'm blind." Also adding, "my p#### precedes me."

Notice this like 'Notice Me' putting you on notice as SZA sings, "If I had a dime or two/For the cheap s### you be spittin', I'd provide the mood/That's cool with you, be jockin' me for all my jewels." On the one minute and 23 second on this 23 track album change 'Smokin' On My Ex Pack' SZA sizzles over a sample as classic to hip-hop as she is. And you still love her to the initial. From 'F2F' to 'Nobody Get Me', but you will. You can see it like a mirror on 'Conceited'. It's truly 'Special' like exploring your pure and physical vulnerability, and laying it all out, "I wish I was that girl from that Gucci store/She never wore any makeup and she owns couture/I got pimples where my beauty marks should be/I got dry skin on my elbows and knees/I never liked her, wanted to be like her/Hate how you look at her 'cause you never saw me/Like I was an art piece, like I was an ordinary girl" bare. This is the anthem for everybody. 'Too Late' is anything but and 'Far' takes it even further. "Tried to wash all of my s### away/Tried to wash all my emotions/Need a few brews, need a palm tree/I be drinkin' in private, don't call me to party, though/F### on your n#### for cardio/Too good, he really fell in love right away." Not afraid to cross that line. 

Babyface, Benny Blanco and Bjork are amongst the writers and producers creating this classic. Lizzo, Rodney Jerkins and The Neptunes too. And how about the great Jacob Collier for those 'Good Days'? A lo-fi delight of grungy surf rock that will get high with you in the lonely abyss of the midnight hour. Musing over the one you love and the one who got away. Submerging itself deeper, it's the iconic photograph that covers Princess Diana in tribute that’s truly this album's artwork. In her St. Louis Blues jersey with all due respect to the Diana they did dirty, it's as clear as water to see, that this R&B royalty has the crown now. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Playlist Picks: 'Kill Bill', 'Gone Girl', 'Ghost In The Machine (Feat. Phoebe Bridgers)'. 

REVIEW: RM - INDIGO

4/5

Monster's Ball.

Proof of BTS' hiatus between mandatory military service and BLACKPINK's worldwide domination may be greatly exaggerated. At least, speaking solo like Han, that is. We already had new hope with J-Hope's 'Jack In The Box' album opening Pandora's like a 'Chicken Noodle Soup' ("with a soda on the side") a mere month after their Ross and Rachel announcement. And only last week Jung Kook cooked up an amazing anthem for all you 'Dreamers' to kick off the World Cup. They won't just let it BE (good). And now, in we go with 'Indigo'. The undisputed leader of South Korea's prime pop act, RM (AKA, Rap Monster (AKA, Real Me) back with a new album, live from the United Nations. As the elder statesmen and worldwide spokesman of the group gives us his first personal playlist since the '.mono' of 'Seoul' and 'Tokyo' fell on our ears like 'Forever Rain'. 

Japan's MUJI would be proud of the album artwork aesthetic. 'Harry's House' and Stormzy too ('This Is What I Mean'). But how about the hip-hop heads? Baduizm on the first track? Now that's a flex. Don't hate. RM is as much a real rapper as Badu is a constant collaborator with the most creative. 'Yun' is an instant classic to set off the vinyl vintage of a body of work that just flows like being water. "F### the trendsetter" RM proclaims after a Yun Hyong Keun sample intro in tribute tells us, "According to Plato's humanity. It's the human essence to seek truth, goodness, and beauty. It's the sincerity in truth, the moral goodness, and the beauty. But in my opinion, you have it all when you have the truth." And here it is. "I'ma turn back the time/Back the time, far to when I was nine/When things were only good or bad/I think I was more of a human/A finger pointing from here to a mountain/Saying it's the place I need to go now/That's where you belong," Kim Nam-joon tells us as Erykah evokes even more. "You keep the silence/'Fore you do somethin'/You be a human/'Til the death of you." Haunting this young life as we knew it. 

Anderson .Paak on the second track?! Already it's like that for a man who was recently 'Musicians On Musicians' teasing a collaboration with Neptune N.E.R.D. Pharrell on a Rolling Stone cover, Silk Sonic. Smooth as it goes, forget 'Still Life'. This is art living its best beat life. More Big Hit's for your HYBE hybrid hype. "I'm still life (Yeah, ooh-ooh, you're still life, baby)/Y'all can't lock me in the frame, I'm movin', yeah (You're still life)/I'm still life (Ha, ooh-ooh, go ahead, go and live it up, yeah)/Life is better than the death, I'll prove it, yeah (Let's get it now)", Anderson sings on the chorus, as the Rap Monster calls him Paak like Shakur. Adding, "난 still life, but I'm movin'/Just live now, goin' forward, yeah/멈추지 않는 정물, huh/또 피워 나의 꽃을/Gimme no name 'cause I'm untitled/계속 전시되는 내 삶 (Huh, yeah)/그래도 삶 아직도 삶 (What? Mm)", for the record with one of the game’s best, from the fourth of July 'Fire On The Sky' of Marvel's 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings' to drumming on Superbowl Sunday for the good Dr. Dre and all his friends. 

Honne honed a nice 'Crying Over You' remix with RM back in 2018 and there's more monster collabos here. Korean-Canadian Tablo is here 'All Day' for the tableau and the 'Romance' of Korean folk singer Kim Sa-wol duets beautifully on 'Forg_tful', no need for the E like Sheila and this young Prince. Paolo Blanco and British-Jamaican singer Mahalia get 'Closer', before things get 'Hectic' with Olympic Park, Grand Mint Festival favourite Colde. Fresher still is the air of the 'No. 2' closer with 'Dinosaur Teacher' Park Ji-yoon. But for all this legendary Korean talent it's the 'Wild Flower' lead single and vivid video with Youjeen that really blooms with beats, rhymes and life. 

"Flower field, that's where I'm at/Open land, that's where I'm at/No name, that's what I have/No shame, I'm on my grave/When your feet don't touch the ground/When your own heart underestimates you/When your dreams devour you/When you feel you’re not yourself/All those times", Real Me emotes and devotes on an album that for all the warmly welcome guest spots is truly at its most powerful when it gets personal. And 'Lonely', musing, "In a moment of eternity/It's neatly packed here/I hate this hotel room/I'm floating alone/This loud horn/As wide as the narrowed room/I'm trapped in myself." Always able to cut to the core of what means more in a modern malaise dulled by depression, but spoken up for and told to love yourself like an anthem. Even so in solo it seems it has been time for a 'Change' like Part 2 as Monster raps on the sequel, "I can't believe I loved you once/Fool me once, then fool me twice (getting his George W. Bush on)/Shame on you, yeah, shame on me (and Stevie Wonder)/Think I lost my sanity/Chemistry we had for sure/Gradually we wanted more/Thеy say you can't fix someone/Seems you got one fit you right." This top ten album and one of the best and most anticipated of the calendar is the album we've been waiting for ever since he gave us 'Mono'. BTS may be taking a collective break, but individuals like RM are here to stay. The book and postcard version of this 30 something minute album saying so long to Kim's 20s and mapping the persona of his Seoul soul to come. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Playlist Picks: 'Yun (Feat. Erykah Badu)', 'Still Life (Feat. Anderson .Paak)', 'Lonely'. 

REVIEW: STORMZY - THIS IS WHAT I MEAN

4/5

There's a Storm Coming.

Michael Ebenezer Kwadjo Omari Owuo Jr. is back. Like Kevin Bacon says on that classic pre-cinema, EE advert, "there's a Storm...ZY coming!" He himself this week being stolen away by the 'Guardians of the Galaxy' for a Marvel Special Presentation 'Holiday Special'. But the highlight of the holiday week comes with the tremors of one of the biggest rap albums of the year, a week after rap God Son Nas released his trilogy concluding 'King's Disease III'. The follow-up to 2019's huge 'Heavy Is The Head' with a crown calling for the London rapper with the Union Jack on his Banksy bulletproof vest and so much to say for the people after Brexit and Grenfell. Now raps 'Luther' who has entered a whole new Labrinth of great British rap and grime time gives us one of the biggest albums of the year, not just on the British Isles, this time of the calendar like Adele turning '30' last year. Disturbing London like his temper was more than tiny. All for the spiritual, 'This Is What I Mean'. His most personal project yet, like R&B general Tank's 'This Is How I Feel'. Now, the only thing that stands in the way of the U.K. Jay-Z referencing Hov on 'My Presidents Are Black' like the Jeezy song is the don Cliff Richard. Fun fact, Sir Cliff has a Greatest Hits package whose suited album cover leaning on a car could practically be Shawn Carter's 'Hard Knock Life' for us. "'stead of treated."

The third time is certainly the compelling charm for the game-changing, first supper 'Gang Signs and a Prayer' rapper. All for an album that leaves a heartfelt note at your black door that could be Number 10, rapping on the door of Downing Street. The #Merky and 0207 Def Jam album for your British imprint goes 'Hide & Seek' ("I feel your presence when I'm not around you/Queen in your city, they need to crown you/Holy water, baby, let me drown you/Fire and water, I gotta 'low you/Burn out then reappear/Light still guidin' you home, you know I'm there") over The Shard skyline of London with a kinetic lead single, before playing with 'Firebabe' (your beau's new nickname) for the second street single. But it's the eight-minute wonder opener of 'Fire + Water' on this holy pure and brimstone scorched album that really takes you higher from the outset offset. "Holy Water, can I bless you with it?/I ain't spillin' all my truth to try and stress you with it/I was workin' on my flaws to try impress you with it/And you don't believe the growth but, yeah, I guess you're with it, right?/'Cause fire and fire just makes flames/And water and water just cause floods/You said you're tired, you're tired of these games." Already, it's clear to hear that Michael isn't playing around any more. The sins of a man felt in his repent on a holy album of first-time neutral album artwork promotional photo colours. It's not a campaign for MUJI, but something much more moving. 

Osea Island like a Lenny Kravitz Elutheria provided a great British beautiful backdrop to bake up these bangers. Music camps for a team of world-class musicians (Grades, Juls and P2J amongst many more) in the fresh air of a "free atmosphere" all paid tribute to on Twitter. Teased by the cutting room floor single 'Mel Made Me Do It' and praying to God each and every morning of his studio sessions, Stormzy says this album serves as an "intimate love letter to music" and of course the creator himself. Let alone the one that got away as at his own powerfully vulnerable and personal best, Stormzy shows he is HIM. The title-track echoes this sentiment. As does the ain't too proud to beg 'Please' in all its temptation. "Please, could you lower your tone? (Please)/Please, could you get off my phone? (Oh, please)/And please, leave Meghan alone/I said, please, leave Meghan alone (Woah, woah, woah, oh, please)", he tells us in royal appointment to the crown in the same week Season 5 of the Netflix show shows us exactly what all that did to Charles and especially Diana. Far from a "leave Britney alone" (which still deserves its viral credit), this means so much more to the throne we all watch. 

'Need You' continues the yearn that burns. Whilst 'Sampha's Plea' is a searing big ask on a big album chocked full of formidable collaborations for the record. "I'm down on my knees/And I'm lookin' for the water to be my space/To refresh my faith", the stellar Sampha sings. After that break, Stormzy come storming back with the haunting ghost of the 'Holy Spirit'. A titanic track and one of this set's best. All before, he has 'Bad Blood' like Taylor Swift. Tasting it like wine for your holy communion. The body of this work is bold, beautiful and beyond brilliant. Reaching for a higher power, he finds it on the outstanding outro 'Give It To The Water'. But before all that, it's time to hear how 'I Got My Smile Back'. "They tried to tell us that we can't adjust/Everybody's talkin' culture, but it starts with us/And to be fair, I could've parked the bus/N####s tearin' down my wings, like it ain't hard enough/Was it beginners luck or was it blood of Christ?/They said that it's a fluke, so then, I done it twice", he co-signs, betting on himself as the competition concedes. Now THIS is what WE mean! Mob deeper, and you'll see some of the best storms are quiet ones. Still ready to reign at full force. The head is still heavy. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Playlist Picks: 'Fire +Water', 'My Presidents Are Black', 'Holy Spirit'. 

LIVE REVIEW: ELTON JOHN - FAREWELL FROM DODGER STADIUM

4/5

Goodbye Yellow Brick Home Plate.

Marvel at a man so monumental, his music still makes movies so cinematic and epic. You only have to leap into the 'Quantumania' of the latest trailer out the M.C.U. dynasty for the 'Ant-Man and the Wasp' sequel starring Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas, Michelle Pfeiffer, Bill Murray and Jonathan Majors as Kang the Conqueror to see for yourself. We're not in Kansas any more, Dorothy. All as we follow the Bowie Ziggy like space oddities of the great, Sir Elton John's 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road' down into the Oz like quantum realm. Now, there's no place like Hollywood. The home where Pinner's finest found his music appreciated first and foremost in his American dream. From Troubador beginnings where he floated above the piano of his 'Crocodile Rock' like the movie. To this 'Rocketman' hitting Los Angeles baseball's Dodger Stadium in 1975 and knocking it out the park. High-heels taking their platform on the piano as fireworks rained like fastballs cracking off the bat.

Heading for home, what better place to return to almost 50 years later for his half-century? The 75 year old taking it back to '75 after rounding the North American bases on his world encompassing 'Farewell Yellow Brick Road' tour and bringing the likes of Dua Lipa, Brandi Carlile and a lovely 'Don't Go Breakin' My Heart' reunion delivery service with KiKi Dee along for the ride. Even though everyone from Miley Cyrus to Dolly Parton, Quincy Jones to Lionel Richie and Prince William and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex to President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden in heartwarming video tribute don't believe this is it. Even though this 50,000 for his 55 years, sold out to the nosebleed bleachers arena, history making show that was also streamed worldwide on Disney + (a first like the Netflix Chris Rock stand-up show to come, performed from the same Oscars theatre where you know what happened. Eep) clicks its heels together in fabulous frocks and more standing ovation victory laps like the bitch who we hope one day will be back was getting walked plate to plate. 

This just shy of three hours epic that you can still stream on Mickey's service is your 'Get Back' like Peter Jackson's lord of The Beatles movies, hot off the heels of new South Korean pop power BTS and their own 'Permission To Dance' in LA for the concert films now we can finally get back into previously locked down stadiums (we've been lucky to see Lady Gaga, Norah Jones and Bruno Mars showstop in Tokyo this year). A real 'Bohemian Rhapsody' like Dexter Fletcher's own brilliant biopic on him, 'Rocketman'. Dun, dun, dun. The epic piano intro of 'Benny and the Jets' that came into play on the trailer as 'Eddie the Eagle' actor Taron Egerton donned the famous sequins of that diamond encrusted Los Angeles Dodger uniform (how about an Elton John City Edition this year, boys?) and bat in hand looked into the smoggy distance of where he just hit (somewhere near the Hollywood sign, we bet), unmistakably opens this show of a lifetime. One capped off by Sir Elton coming out to his encore in a Dodgers diamond encrusted robe and blue nightcap to put this all to bed. All with the same young actor who voiced John's prologue and epilogue bookending 'Me' memoir in audiobook form, Taron Egerton watching on from the crowd. This is truly amazing like dear John playing himself in Egerton's 'Kingsman' sequel and breaking the fourth wall and looking at the screen with a knowing wink as he broke his foot off in someone's ass. Saturday night's alright for fighting indeed. 

Tiny dancer's get your Sunday best on for this religious experience for a man who broke down barriers before we put the letters LGBTQ together...forever. Because he appreciates the costume department in a Narnia like wardrobe of tribute. A man whose done more for AIDS charities than he has the music industry...and this guy has as many hits as Springsteen, Madonna, Prince and Michael Jackson...on any of their best days. And you could hear them all in the air (or is that love? ), tonight. Even if some of our favourites (I want a 'I Want Love' duet with a lip-syncing Robert Downey Jr. Hey, he can sing. Remember 'Ally McBeal' and his album?) were missing ('Circle Of Life' and all that). But, what more could you want with a moving tribute that 'Blonde' should have reached to Norma Jeane, and of course now Princess Diana ('Candle In The Wind'), along with tributes to Aretha Franklin (his first single 'Border Song') and George Michael (their 'Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me' duet) in song, the pop perfect remake of 'Cold Heart' with princess Dua Lipa and of course the last "ahh, ahh, ahh" bricks of the 'Yellow Brick Road' he walks whilst saying farewell. Hand-in-hand with the family he introduces us to on stage. The reason he's doing this. Sure, we'll miss him. But he can't miss out on those moments with his family as his extended one extends a hand to salute. And don't worry, paying tribute to Bernie Taupin on stage too, the pair aren't done making their songs your song. Elton, we thank you, we love you. Happy live show retirement, Sir. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Setlist Picks: 'Crocodile Rock', 'Cold Heart (Feat Dua Lipa)', 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road'. 

REVIEW: NEIL YOUNG & CRAZY HORSE - WORLD RECORD

4/5

For The World.

For the record, like Joni Mitchell (who never lies), the truth is, even though Neil Young has taken his record and ball home from the chains of Spotify. He's still released enough music this year to keep his playlist punctuated, or even relaunch his own streaming service Pono, waging heavy peace. People always talk about Dylan and Springsteen's songbooks (The Boss borrowing a few from Motown last week for 'Only The Strong Survive'). But what of the third part of the big-three and the great Canadian/American songbook? There was the dedicated live show of 'Noise and Flowers' with Promise of the Real (his backing band, truth be told) mere months ago. And the popped-up previously unreleased 'Toast' album from the early 2000s, taken off the shelf, weeks before that. The latter that came first being a record with his band Crazy Horse, who are unbridled once again this calendar for a revered reunion fit for the fall. It's a 'World Record' and one that will hit big gold in the charts it competes in. Because this is for much more than numbers, tracking the world statistics for a planet in all sorts of pandemics and getting it down on songbook paper for the those on the third rock from the sun to see. Before it's all too little, too late. Too gone, so long. 

Reprise Records, Rick Rubin produced. A photograph of his father, journalist Scott Young back in the day, suited and booted and looking like a don on the album jacket as he walks past Sally's Flowers. All of this makes Young's 42nd album more than worthy. But it's the message that means even more than this, like Roxy Music. This crazy world like a steed needs Neil and his horsemen before we face the apocalypse that seems more now than Martin Sheen and Marlon Brando. Don't call me an errand boy just for speaking the truth. There are tracks that burn with urgency like greenhouse gases for an album that's a love letter and call to planetary peace in a natural form. Tracks like 'Love Earth' and the 'Changing Days' of 'This Old Planet' and its raw reprise. Grateful for this earth's gift, but uncertain of its future in this world at war with weapons, words and diseases of both the viral and in the mind of those trying to troll take each other down. Misinformation spread. Ill intention meant. 

"The world is in trouble now', warns the old Young on this world mission statement of an album recorded. But the author of 'A Memoir Of Life And Cars' still lets the born to run wheels spin on a continent in love with the all-American automobile. 'Chevrolet' takes you for that ride as Neil nuances the woodwork.  Musing in-between the meaningful messages, this 15-minute track is just that epic and long a drive for an artist in cool, creative cruise control of his catalogue. Cadillacs used to poke out of the sand like reverse cowgirl, but now under the moon, these engines are in harvest. 

Shangri-La recorded in the ruby of Rubin's sunny studios in Malibu, California, this record can be heard 'Overhead' in all its analogue detail. All for a timeless era where California was more about the dreamin' for the Mamas and Papas than the Hollywood Hills. 'I Walk With You' he calls upon the planet on the 'Earth Ringtone' of seeing through all the smog up there. 'The World (Is In Trouble)' he urges to us, back down on earth with the sand in-between our toes. We are the needle, and just look at the damage done. Climate change should be at the forefront of our mind, like it is the package of our problems. It's time to 'Break The Chain', singing in unison. Just like 'The Long Day Before' and its lyrics like, "In the old days and the newer days and the present days, the future days/ Tomorrow will never be late if your dreams can come true/On the TV in the newscast they’re never gonna talk about/ On the front page of the internet, you’re never gonna see about/ The big thing in the room that’s happening right now." 

These are the Dave Matthews dreams of his father with real journalistic integrity, whilst those with a podcast think that their mouthpiece serves as such. Exactly the reason Neil Young gave Spotify the old heave-ho. But surely singers do the same, you must ask? Yet this one has always been about preaching positivity and a better world and Ben Harper way for you and me. The sweet singing on these songs brilliantly disguising the sombre tones and moral message underneath like a Stevie Wonder 'Happy Birthday' that in protest song reality campaigns and celebrates on behalf of late, legendary Civil Rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. And look what that did for MLK after his death as we all sing it each time he revolves around the world like it's all about us. 

Peace on earth, whether physical, mental, or a combination of both is a better thing to sing about then trying to marginalize and hate on groups which seems to be the disgraceful way of some of the biggest names in the world right now. 'Walkin' On The Road (To The Future)', we need to take this long and winding path and make the right' Stand' like the magnum opus of a Stephen King novel. For better or worse. There's a war of words right now, trying to make you believe in theirs, but this freedom of speech going for the 'World Record' is what you need to hear and heed. “These are the things we’ve done, and they have a cost, but we will take it on,” he softly sings in what seems like a soothe. “One step right in front of the other, walkin’ to the future as sisters and brothers/ We got to do it now, though some may say it’s too late.” Don't let it scathe. Because 'The Wonder Won't Wait' he warns. Imploring with his influence that it's time to love and live your life, man or wife and this very world itself at your best (with relish, but responsibility), before it's all gone. "Take some time to live before you die" and of course on 'Love Earth', "love earth, and your love comes back to you." 'World Record' for this wide one may just be one of the most important of not only the year, but our lives that depend on its message. Let this go in the record books for the right reasons. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Playlist Picks: 'Love Earth', 'This Old Planet (Changing Days)', 'The Wonder Won't Wait'. 

REVIEW: NAS - KING'S DISEASE III

4/5

The Crown Season 3.

By royal appointment, it's been a regal week. What more could you expect when the fifth and penultimate season of 'The Crown' on Netflix debuts a mere month after Her Royal Highness, The Queen, passed? This weekend in Marvel's 'Wakanda Forever' we also got to see who would take the throne as the new Black Panther after King T'Challa, following the tragic passing of the late, great Chadwick Boseman. Christine and the Queens even released an album. As did Bruce Springsteen (a Boss, but a worKINGman's throne taker in our eyes), paying tribute to Motown royalty. 

It's only right that the "morherf###ing general" and God's Son Nas got in on the action. 'Illmatic' to 'Stillmatic', Nas is like the greatest rapper that ever lived (even when it comes to 'To Pimp A Caterpillar', or 'Mr. Morale' for you big-steppers. He even ethered the God M.C. (him, Jay Hova), joking about it here on the thunderous 'Thun', dun ("No beef or rivals, they playing 'Ether' on TIDAL / Brothers can do anything when they decide to / In a Range Rover, dissecting bars from 'Takeover' / Sometimes I text Hova like, 'N****, this ain't over ... laughing!"). All for the three gold bars (let's face it, there's more than that here) taken as red on 'King's Disease III', to conclude the trilogy that began in 2020. Nasty Nas back in your area, about to cause Mass Appeal for the label, with prolific producer Hit-Boy (in a reflection eternal, this really is a collaborative project like Kweli and Hi-Tek(nology)). All as 'KD3' puts up the numbers like Kevin Durant, as this New Yorker like the Nets looks for the throne Jigga used to watch, like the Lakers James. 

The sequel was no slump, in-between working 'Magic' for two albums a year like his name was the late, legendary DMX. But now in cinematic conclusion, 'King's Disease' in a second (or is that third, or even going fourth) is a critical part of the career of one of the most compelling. A man still killing it post-50, like Keanu Reeves as 'John Wick'. Chapter for chapter of Parabellum. "KD 3 on the way, this just to feed the buzz", the 'Ghetto Reporter' rapped on the good-looking 'Ugly' from the 'Magic' box. And as soon as the 'Just Us' Richard Pryor (still a timeless and now timely statement) sample begins, this stand-up album is no joke like Eric B. and Rakim. Goldfinger bar paid in full for this Goldeneye Bond, who shoots straight like Nintendo 64. 'The Bridge is Over' my d***, thun. 

Thrillers like 'Michael & Quincy' or an 'Unauthorized Biography Of Rakim' for your U.B.R. highlight this street disciple's latest prophecy. Sampling everything from 'Da Butt' on 'Hood2Hood' and his own 'N.Y. State. Of Mind' with DJ Premier, making a hot line, a hot song. That's what 'Beef' is. Channelling a juicy Biggie on 'Get Light' for that 'Party and Bull####' and the haze of a Mary J. 'You Remind Me' on 'Reminisce', time after Blige. 'Legit' until the 'Narco' bonus track ''Till (His) Last Breath' Nas brings more of his best, 'matic work over three discs. And more record that will be sampled themselves, if not quoted like a 'Dead President' too. Representing for more than us, this is '30' for 30 ESPN ready for your album of the year countdown. Only the strong survive, and Nas has been thriving. 'Recession Proof' as this New Yorker like the boss Springsteen writes for his working men, born in his U.S.A. 'I'm On Fire' and he is too. As 'Serious' as an inspired interlude. 

What the f###. Shake my head, he's even down with the kids on 'WTF, SMH'. Even though those who say, "down with the kids", never are. As old-school as O.P.P. Naughty by his Nasty Nas nature, Jones even goes through his '2nd Childhood', 'Stillmatic' call-back with the 'Once A Man, Twice A Child' stand-out. "From Mama’s Boy to preschool to college to now employed/Now you on, got your first crib, she’s having your first born/Went from buying the finer toys with your boys/To buying toys for your boy/It’s crazy how fast he’s growing for sure/Grandpops he told me ‘bout his days of old/One day I’ll be him on the porch, sippin’ on something cold/And it stuck with my soul/I been divided at the road", he raps with inspired introspection for his youth influence. 

Like the 'First Time' of "Like the first time I heard Slick Rick/How did you feel? (First time you heard Nas)/First time hearing Biggie/I'm like, "Who's this kid? Wow" (First time you heard Nas)/When I heard Pac/That was on that song with, uh, Digital Underground like (First time you heard Nas)/Yeah, that was crazy/I really hope that this your first time," for those new to Nas like this man pushing 40 like Ice Cube does weighty rhymes did in college, thanks to his best friend (what's up, G!). 'Don't Shoot' Nas replies as this third hit makes the earth sick and you yourself look. The symptoms of a 'King's Disease' actually include uric acid in the joints (gout basically, to put it plainly), but with these joints, we could see this King go fourth. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Playlist Picks: 'Ghetto Reporter', 'Michael & Quincy', 'Once A Man, Twice A Child'. 

REVIEW: CHRISTINE & THE QUEENS: REDCAR LES ADORABLES ETOILES

4/5

The Crown.

Christine is classic, like a Stephen King novel. The crown is the Queens. Don't believe us, just watch the throne. Whether it's dancing on the top of a car with Charli XCX like an art is possessed. Or giving 2020, in solidarity, its anthem like 'People, I've Been Sad'. Although, with all due respect, this was a song written in the wake of Héloïse Letissier losing his dear mother. Ever since Chris gave us the flowers of the iconic 'Chaleur Humaine', he has been on a tear. The self-titled 2018 follow-up was a pop powerhouse of a record for an artist who might be the closest thing we have to Björk these days (even though the greatest released her latest, last month). Certainly one of the best artists alive today in our generation, Chris and his Queens is the internationally known, French legend from Nantes, with an electric, synth-pop sound honed in the Big Smoke clubs of London. 

Now, slicked back with a new suited identify as Redcar, Chris is back with the prologue album of 'Redcar les adorables étoiles' which sounds like a soundtrack, styled that way for the big score. In a new music Friday that sees the Boss Springsteen cover Motown soul for 'Only The Strong Survive' and rap God Nas conclude his trilogy with 'King's Disease 3', this runs the jewels. All in a crowning week of new Netflix royal affairs and the massive Marvel movie 'Wakanda Forever', where we get to see who takes the throne as 'Black Panther' after the late, great Chadwick Boseman. 

Héloïse wrote and recorded 'Redcar' in little over two weeks. But it's a signature sound that's been crafted and created for decades. All as the 34-year-old is truly finding his stride and self. Even after the death of his mum in a 2020 that really was the worst year of all our lives. Break-ups in melody harmonize over this album and label disputes that have played out in the public court of social media. Still, it doesn't affect what we hear one bit, as the artist who broke through with a choreographed tribute to the late, great Prince finds his emancipation. Recently coming out as a trans man, the masculine figure of 'Redcar' (a vehicle of significance after his mother's passing). Racing away with a sonic sound that only he can master. "Bye-bye/Ma bien aimée, bye-bye/Je t'aimerai 'til I die, je t'aimerai 'til I die/So long, oh, my baby long gone/Je ne t'ai vue qu'un instant/Je ne t'ai vue qu'un instant/Fidèle/À la lumière fidèle/J'attendrai ma belle", he sings on the opening 'Ma bien aimée, bye-bye', as again, we're never lost in translation when it comes to the feeling evoked. 

13 tracks of English mixed with a French kiss makes us lucky for an album that feels like it's come out of nowhere, but is bow-tie ready for the ball like a Ziggy Bowie. Stardust is sprinkled throughout this modern love. 'Tu sais ce qu'il me faut' (Oh, je te vois danser (Oui, je te vois)/Oh, je te vois danser (Oui, je te vois)/Quand tu danses, tu mets un brasier/Oh-oh/Oh, je rêve de toi/Oh, je rêve de toi/Et quand je rêve ça s'arrête pa's") breaks even more hearts with the 'la, la, las" matching its predecessors "da, da, das" in hallowed harmony. Whilst 'La chanson du chevalier' gives it up for "the man I love". Atmospheric and hauntingly. But it's 'Rien dire' that sounds compelling cinematic for a singer whose choreography is just as important as their artistry in making music a visual experience as well as an aural one.

'La clairefontaine' gets a dedication in a 80s vein. But it's 'Les estoiles' that really hits like a Redcar title track. Same song for new classic 'Memoire des ailes', singing, "Ouh, ouh, ouh, ouh/J'aurais aimé qu'à jamais tu choisisses mon si doux visage/Et arrêter le temps, ne plus faire semblant/Je suis fait d'eau et de terre et mon cœur brille au milieu d'une cage/Et je cherche le sens pour me sentir vivant/Les yeux posés sur la grève." Whilst 'Looking For Love' continues that streaming search, anthemically. But it's 'My Birdman' that really soars. Spreading its wings in all its beauty. "Oh, Jamil, he said/What are you waiting for?/Oh, Jamil, he waited by the door/Oh, Jamil, he offered to cook for me/Oh, Jamil, he said I was an angel/Oh, cook for me/Oh, light up for me/Oh, tender boy I am/Oh, solid, my birdman," over piano playing we could have sworn we've heard before. All because this original album feels like instant vintage the moment it subtly seeps into our subconscious. 

'Combien de temps' tries bien combines the same. As does the dance hall drums of 'Je ye vois enfin', ready to club you to death with its addictive nature in club culture craving. But before the 'Le ames amantes' au revoir, it's 'Angelus' that really takes us higher on a new wing with its substance that's a true natural high. "Ange lit/Me réchauffe le cœur/Maydayi/Je suis Saint Claude, ou-ah/Demande d'asile/Dans ton eau claire." Roughly (Google) translated to, "angel bed/warms my heart/Maydayi/I am Saint Claude, ou-ah/Asylum/In your clear water." The depth of this latest greatest album from a Redcar (once) named Christine submerges you in sonic sound. Sure, amidst label politics there are some that will balk like those who don't understand one finding their own identity. But don't worry, darling. Artists are supposed to find their stroke on their personal and professional canvas. Don't brush it off. This picture being painted is one that you should hang in the Louvre. With love. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Playlist Picks: 'Ma bien aimée, bye-bye', 'La chanson du chevalier', 'My Birdman.' 

REVIEW: BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN - ONLY THE STRONG SURVIVE

4/5

E Street Rhythm and Blues.

"It's rainin', but there ain't a cloud in the sky/Must have been a tear from your eye/Everything'll be okay," Springsteen sang on 'Waiting' On A Sunny Day'. A brief respite for the Boss Bruce from 'The Rising' of his comeback album ("WE NEED YOU"), set to lift spirits after the destruction and devastation of 9/11 on New York and the rest of the nation. Let alone the watching world. Telling all their stories in song. The opening lines of 'Sunny Day' were Bruce Springsteen's attempt of writing a lovely line like the old soul songs of Smokey Robinson (check it out on VH1 Storytellers). Now 20 years later, you need wait on a miracle no more. 'Only The Strong Survive' and The Boss is still here, thriving. All for his first covers album since 'The Seeger Sessions' of 2006. We, indeed, shall overcome. 

Every night before bed, I read Rolling Stone writer Brian Hiatt's unimpeachable album analysis of Springsteen's great American songbook, 'The Stories Behind The Songs'. Or I have since the coffee table book was gifted to me by my best friend, George, for my birthday back in July. A steady diet of one song a day, like I used to do with Dylan's lyrics, or an Aesop Fable, or Kobe Bryant quote to start the day (now it's one from the neighbourly Mister Rogers). It's my new Bible verse for vivid reflection and a behind the scenes look, beyond the cutting room floor, for inspiration. Here, Springsteen performs beautiful analysis of his own on the Motown and rhythm and blues classics. Giving them a voice again and his own. Number for number, like a soul train to the land of hope and dreams. Playing its part, half as a love letter to the genre, and a dear one to the Stars and Stripes of his bootcut America. One in need of a replacing as its runaway dream that was born to do so now feels like the U.S.A. anthem, call to arms of peace in the midst of the Vietnam War. 

"Talk to me, so you can see, what's going on", Springsteen sings on The Commodores classic 'Nightshift'. Still working on a dream like Martin with this ode to Marvin and Jackie Robinson breaking the colour barrier. Keeping the beacon burning on arguably the Commodores greatest song...that didn't even feature the great Lionel Richie (who Springsteen helped honour at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last week). The cinematic 'Western Stars' of the blue jeans man suiting up in the powerful performance of a video with its own nod to the Commodores, and as my pops playfully puts it, a moment of hand waving at 3 minutes and 11 seconds where it looks like he's trying to get rid of a fart (hey, have you heard the Boss' own Dad jokes recently? Genius!). All joking aside, the Boss of all bosses (sorry, Rick Ross) continues his pledge to find that Roy Orbison songwriter side after devoting a 'Letter To You' during the planet's pandemic of 2020. A 'Human Touch' heading back through a 'Tunnel Of Love'. Hidden behind the brilliant disguise of old soul as this one shows another side of himself with his own takes on these standards as signature American as Sinatra. 

The familiar intro to Jimmy Ruffin's 'What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted' and that of 'I Forgot To Be Your Lover' (featuring the legendary Sam Moore of Sam & Dave fame, who like the new Tom Morello, also appears on those good ole 'Soul Days') are as unmistakable as Bruce's croons. The former being covered more times than a cheap couch (Robson and Jerome, anyone?). The latter being stirringly sampled for Ludacris 'Growing Pains' for the ATL rapper. Unmistakable also, are the references to the ravished America he and we so revere. These songs were subtle protests then. They're even more potent in their power now. It's not just lover's hearts that are broken. But piece together numbers on this 21st album trying to get over, and this Colombia record touches you like the bonnet of this album artwork, looking back. From the lead single take of Frank Wilson’s 'Do I Love You (Indeed I Do)' (we all do, Boss, to be Frank), to the latest singles, Ben E. King's 'Don't Play That Song' (except you really should and will) and 'Turn Back The Hands Of Time' by Tyrone Davis. 

Wanting to do an album where he "just sang", Springsteen does just that, doing more than justice to the songbook of the 60s and 70s. From Jerry Butler's title-track, to the closing Johnny Bristol and Jackey Beavers devotion 'Someday We'll Be Together'. Made popular by Diana Ross and The Supremes, and now this E Street reshuffle. But it's the deliverance of 'Hey, Western Union Man' for your UPS and The Temptations 'I Wish It Would Rain' (tempting Bruce's best 'I Wish I Were Blind') where Springsteen and spinners like Detroit really soar...and drive like their automotive, catalytic connection. 'The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore' like another Jersey boy, Frankie Valli, sang. But with Springsteen over the four seasons, we still have high hopes like his last rocker. 

Thanksgiving will see a four episode live run on his friend Jimmy Fallon's Tonight Show conclude in a grateful special for the holidays. Springsteen's songbook is only matched by Bob and Frank. And one day someone will cover his hits like this. Paying respect and reverence like Bruce does for William Bell ('Any Other Way') and the Four Tops ('When She Was My Girl'). But it's Four's '7 Rooms Of Gloom' that really the tops as Springsteen brings the devil's and dust of a darkness found on the edges of town's like Nebraska. A house no longer a home like Luther said, Springsteen singing, "I live with emptiness/Without your tenderness/You took the dream I had for us/Turned my dreams into dust/I watch a phone that never rings/I watch a door that never rings//Bring you back into my life/Turn this darkness into light/I'm all alone in this house/Turn this house to a home." Milk carton identifying the lyrics to go of his own 'Missing' and 'You're Missing', MIA double. With a letter to Motown, the Boss is still in correspondence, though. And as Bruce and Dave talk about all the records they want to hear like Jamie Foxx's 'Slow Jamz' with Twista requesting "she want some Marvin Gaye/Some Luther Vandross/A little Anita/Will definitely set this party off right". Maybe the strong will love to survive another album and day. We can only hope. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Playlist Picks: 'Nightshift', 'I Forgot To Be Your Lover (Feat. Sam Moore)', 'What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted'. 

REVIEW: DRAKE & 21 SAVAGE - HER LOSS

3.5/5

21 and OVO.

If you're reading this, honestly, never mind. When 'Certified Lover Boy' Drake released last year's follow-up in June. Fans were disappointed (despite it being a nice album). They wanted the old Drake back. The 'Scorpion' stings from the King. Something akin to the 2020s 'Dark Lane Demo Tapes' that felt more like an actual album. 'More Life'. Not the SNL beef with everybody guy, singing over not getting text back. Not the guy legend Common called 'Sweet'. But one third of the Kendrick and J. Cole big-three that still has us holding out hope for hip-hop. He gave us some of that on his 'Never Mind' nirvana with 'Jimmy Cooks', featuring rising rapper of legend 21 Savage. Turns out that was a taste test for more to come this fall. As Drake and 21 Savage have now teamed up for 'Her Loss'. A collaborative album with more classic artwork that will make you fall in love with H.E.R., but sadly for this writer, something that has nothing to do with hair loss support (honestly, never mind. It's already too late). 

The Future is here, like the way too sexy last collabo project from Canada's very own. What a time to be alive again! October's owl is back a week later in a November nuanced for rap classics (Nas will drop his third 'King's Disease' next week) after a COVID induced production delay (get well soon, 40). But it's not just about him. Like Method Man and Redman, this is a Savage album too. Not Wu members stealing the show like 'Only Built 4 Cuban Linx' or Jay-Z on Jay Electronica's 'Written Testimony'. And how high can this Savage get? Look at the outstanding opener 'Rich Flex' and see. Or should we say hear over hallmark, trademark hip-hop, punctuated pianos? "Yellow diamonds in the watch, this s### cost a lot/Never send a b#### your dot, that's how you get shot/I DM in Vanish Mode, I do that s### a lot/Took her panties off and this b### thicker than the plot." The Toronto and Atlanta crossover is here, Hawks and Raptors.

These 'Broke Boys' with beautiful boasts in an embarrassment of riches and flex, make good on 'More M's'. But 'Spin By You' in these 'Hours Of Silence' and that's where the real raps cook like lambs for the slaughter. Ganging up with rhymes that get to the heart of matters in real love like, "There's three sides to this story, girl/The one you subtweet/The one your group chat gets to read/The one you come and tell to me/I understand it finally/I'm tryin' to give you highs and you're plannin' our goodbyes/But I turn you up/It's my fault/Burnin' cash like it's lit on fire/Penthouse and some new attire/I fulfilled all of your desires/You don't work, but you act retired/'Cause you know that you're mine and it's my fault/It's my fault, it's my fault, for once I take accountability"(Drake). And, "Gotta pray to God above you, girl, you know that Savage love you/And I hope that you feel the same/Tryna be the one for you, but my nickname true/And I hope that I can change Girl, you know that Savage love you, girl, you know that Savage love you" (who else but Savage?). 

For the T-Dot and the ATL, the 6 God is back with 21. Rapping again like they wish he would (of). 'On Bs' and back on some big 'Jumbotron S### Poppin', 'Backoutsideboyz'. As Savage adds a '3AM At Glenwood' to Aubrey's own late night, cityscape freestyle reflections. Possibly testing a big-three collaboration with Travis Scott like a Laker 360 (we always believed Russ, just check Drake's courtside reaction last year to your clutch crucifying and wrapping-up his Raps) on 'P###y & Millions'. But after the 'CLB' went head-to-head with Kanye West's 'Donda' last year, Drizzy Drake needs to make sure his controversial comments don't make him end up like 'Ye. You only have to be 'Enola Holmes' reminded on Netflix this week to remember this man is no stranger (things indeed) to a scrutiny that he needs to hold himself more responsible for in all his great power. Talk about that accountability again. Don't be a 'Privileged Rapper' taking shots at tennis GOAT Serena Williams in the 'Middle of the Ocean' (her, or Com' will probably ace you). And Megan Thee Stallion is right. "Since when tf is it cool to joke abt women getting shot!" Especially in double entendre like Jigga still referencing a stabbing he survived (LEGALLY). Don't be a WAP. But to Drake's credit, he denies that's what he's implying. So let's give him the benefit of reasonable doubt. Otherwise, I guess it will be F you. Besides, the Stallion has She-Hulk on her side. Or is that the other way 'round? Twerk it out like Usher and watch this space. 

Aside from this, this is ready for 'Major Distribution' like that banger for your buck. 'Circo Love' doing it for Daft Punk, one more time. Despite the daft punk rhymes. 'Rapper's' sampling a 'Ballad For The Fallen Soldier' like Shawn Carter. These 'Treacherous Twins' even taking it back to the 'Lonely Daze' when a so anxious Ginuwine was just a bachelor. 'The Bachelor' pardon me for a game and genre changing classic. These two even have a 'Savage' sample of Stallion before biting the hand. Channelling The O'Jays like The Diplomats of Cam'ron and company's 'Real N####s' for the 'Ocean' of controversy. 

'King Richard' should have learned you. These sounds sonically are great, there's no need to tarnish them with slaps when your words are wiser. Family guy's used to joke about "Will Smith's nice, clean raps." But the first Fresh Prince won a Grammy, and it all sounded so great, I swear. Even without a curse on a single verse (save his bleeped out 'Tell Me Why' with Mary J. Blige for world changing feeling). We don't always have to be so cruel with the sections of our comments. Watch what happened when Will explicitly lost his cool (albeit, again, to cruel comments). He's finding his 'Emancipation' now, and Drake is already free. But look at Kanye and Kyrie in the blink of a cancelling eye after they held court of making their opinions public. Comments might be your opinion, but when they sow hate. Watch what they reap. They said they didn't like Drake talking about love, but let's not hate. 21 with a salute is already dunking over "Steph Curry with the shot, boy" when it comes to the lyrics, despite Drake's savagery (good, bad and ugly). Never mind the bollocks though this still shoots like a sex pistol. Honestly, don't let this be your loss. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Playlist Picks: 'Circo Love', 'P###y & Millions (Feat. Travis Scott)', '3AM On Glenwood'. 

LIVE REVIEW: BRUNO MARS @ TOKYO DOME, Tokyo, Japan (30/10/22)

4/5

Mars Attacks.

Life on Mars ain't just a song, like Lana Del Rey once sang. Although, it certainly felt like we were living on the red planet, apart from the third rock from the sun during lockdown. Like being 'Locked Out Of Heaven', but we don't talk about that, Bruno. Now we're out of quarantine and the world has opened its borders back up, our social distance is reaching out to get close to each other again. Even though everyone in attendance is still masked up to stay and keep each other safe. Japan recently extended its hand to the outside world, and thanks to that we have seen many a live show in concert. From the race to see Lady Gaga in Saitama in September, to Norah Jones hitting gold in the old Tokyo, 1964 Olympic Games venue of Nippon Budokan. And now it was time for some 'Uptown Funk' to give it to ya in Tokyo Dome, where as Springsteen sang on his 'Wrecking Ball' (not Miley's), "the arena's filled and Giants play the game". But this weekend, it was the 'Unorthodox Jukebox' dynamo who knocked it out the park (even though the roofed Dome doesn't really allow that, unless you're Shohei Ohtani). Don't believe us? Just watch! 

5 Domes Sold Out, between here and Osaka. This trip to Mars was red-hot as Bruno brought the Dome down for a monster show this Halloween weekend. Toniiiiiiight the stage was set like XXIV for '24K Magic' for the first time since that tour sold out (many wearing creative baseball clothing from that time in number) the Saitama Super Arena like Steph Curry's champion Golden State Warriors and hometown hero Rui Hachimura's Washington Wizards last month for the NBA Japan double-header. But before that, Bruno pedalled 'Moonshine', saying "hello" for an illuminating opening that sent neon across the arena, before there was 'Versace On The Floor' and so much more. All to the tune of some stunning set designs that neon shone like Shibuya crossing at night. As creative as the costumes we saw later that evening. Gleaming in bright lights in this big city, like the Atlas stops Queen made in Rami Malek's 'Bohemian Rhapsody' movie. Galileo! 

Those blinding lights reached the furthest bleacher. Meaning even if you were a home runs worth away from the plate of his stage, you could still feel close to one of the biggest stars of the world and his gang of Hooligans. All of the lights with them dripping in all their 'Finesse'. A 'Treasure' for those who are 'Chunky'. You know, those "girls with the big ol' hoops". 'That's What I Like'. That's what I like. But before everyone said "I do" when he asked to 'Marry You', the man bathed in a purple reign like Prince with his own guitar performed a medley of numbers, because after all one half of Silk Sonic has too many hits. 'F### You!' by Cee-Lo. 'Wake Up In The Sky'. And an inspired version of wanting to be a 'Billionaire' like Gym Class Hero, Travie McCoy. But it was 'Nothing On You' by B.O.B. I wanted, "so f###ing bad". Please me. C'mon and just please me, like Cardi B. 

But 'Runaway Baby' and you could see that nothing kept the crowd moving like his showstoppers, as fireworks popped eardrums while he continuously cut a rug. Even the hardest song ever wrote by a man who once described the art of songwriting perfectly, ten years ago ("you've got three minutes to try and capture an emotion"). 'When I Was Your Man' being the closest thing we have these days in moves and grooves to Michael Jackson's own 'She's Out Of My Life'. Catching 'Grenades' before the 'Just The Way You Are' post-encore finale, gave it up for the band. The best moment for a man who even counted on us like ichi, ni, san, was when Mars holding up two peace signs to his cheeks came out in a number one Tokyo Giants jersey with "Kawaii" on the back (cute). The rest of his team decked out in uniform unison. Under the dome, no longer 'Locked Out Of Heaven', me and the one I held close jumped in perfect time to the signature "whoa, whoa, whoa, yeah, yeah, yeah's", pointing to the skies to acknowledge another legendary Tokyo Giants fan. If only we could stay here. Spend the rest of our days here. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Set-list Picks: 'Moonshine', 'Locked Out Of Heaven', 'Uptown Funk'. 

REVIEW: SNOOP DOGG & DJ DRAMA - GANGSTA GRILLZ: I STILL GOT IT

4/5

Old Doggfather, New Tricks. 

Snooperbowl. The Dogg is doing it all these days. Proving there's more bow wow in this old chow. Whether it's performing at the Superbowl halftime-show with West Coast luminary Dr. Dre. Or announcing to the mouth of Stephen A. Smith that he and the good doctor are about to prescribe a newly produced Snoop Doggy Dogg album for 'Doggystyle's' 30th anniversary. Aptly titled 'Missionary'. Calvin Broadus is positioning himself as quite the renaissance man. Rap's self-dubbed Dylan has even pulled the lever down on a massive move to acquire his old record label, walking Death Row, again. Last year saw an animated album that brought it all back to that life and reality ('BODR') amongst many compilation collaborations for the Row and some 'Metaverse' drops this year for the record. Let's not forget, the Dogg also moonlighted on a 'Day Shift' with Jamie Foxx as vampire hunters for Netflix, bringing those Def Jam Vendetta moves back. Not to mention, Snoop also remixed the theme tune of Larry David's classic HBO show for my personal favourite of all his recent achievements. Complete with a grey haired, bespectacled, digital Snoop/Larry hybrid video, featuring Tupac and a burrito spite truck, 'All Eyez On Meat'. 'Crip Your Enthusiasm'. 

Now, before he assumes the 'Missionary' position for the good doctor (erm), Snoop has another album for us. And you best believe this 'Gangsta Grillz' collaboration with another no stranger to hard work is no mixtape. This is DJ Drama's third release of the week on the same day. After Jeezy's 'Snofall' and Symba's 'Results Take Time' (even though this DJ churns out music like the 'Real Housewives Of Hollywood' do his music moniker). 'I Still Got It'. Did you even doubt it, or read the last paragraph. "How the f### I let Dre talk me back in the booth" (do the same for 'Detox' please, like Eminem said he'd make Dre do) Snoop Dogg asks on the opening 'I'm From 21st Street' new classic featuring Stresmatic rapping. "Couple croquesaques with the tube socks/First bank account was the shoe box/You know the cheese gotta come with the wine/I show you how to make a profit off of twenty-one crimes/Time, time for action, main attraction, flash the captain/A## is clappin', chain reaction, laughin'/Get a whiff of what these h##s be askin'." The rapping Dogg is back like 213, "Warren G, Nate Dogg, corner pocket, 8-ball." Jeffrey, break out Lucille. 

"Wreak havoc, I was a savage 'fore 21", the Drama dubbed "world's most famous rapper" (he's not wrong) muses a week before 21 Savage's new album with Drake drops. It gets even bigger on the Dave East and Kurupt assisted 'I'll Holla Back', as Cali' is still active like Tha Dogg Pound unleashed. The title-track says it all though, like the black and white film of the album artwork getting the blue carpet treatment, like this."Baby, I'm a rich n####/Diamonds on my wrist glitter/Show you the big picture (Yessir)." Keeping it 'Lit' with Daz Dillinger, before collaborator of the album Dave East takes it back to 'My City' for the best track of the album, bar the bars of the big-three intro that don't let up. "Let me walk you through the city", your West West tour guide says on this training day like he was Denzel and you, Ethan Hawke. 

Running the row electric, what Snoop Dogg album would be complete without showcasing the future like Babyface's latest. It's the West's night out and JANE HANDCOCK ('The Price Went Up' and 'Girls Love Snoop' like LL) and the Saadiq sounding October London ('Lime and Squeeze') are stars right now in the city of them. Even Juicy J steals the show on 'Been Smokin''. But there's 'No Half Steppin'' like Big Daddy Kane for the crip walker, as Big Snoop Dogg spells it out like many a guest appearance. "I'm the dog, I made it through, so they don't ask questions/Long Beach, and it ain't no half reppin'/Once a dog, always a dog, so they don't ask questions." Need you ask any more?

Answering it all, 'Around Here' there's no one like Snoop. 'From tha Streets 2  tha Suites'. Or tha chuuuch to the palace. He's 'Paid tha Cost to Be da Boss', from a 'Last Meal' to a 'Malice In Wonderland'. Masterpieces like 'Rhythm and Gangster' and the soulful 'Ego Trippin'. Reincarnated as a Lion, or a gospel preacher for the 'Bible Of Love'. In this 'Doggumentary' he's even gone country with Willie Nelson. Brothers of the same herb. But on 'Dolla Signs' with Trinidad James for another 13 track with Drama, Snoop lets it be known, "Flyin' in on a Falcon or a Hawk/I'm in the A makin' plays it's the big boss/Keep the ball on the grass or get picked off/Walk around on my grounds you can get lost have a seat/Let me show you what this s### do/Good Game good thangs here to get you/Hit you up no cup just bottles to the face/A little drip from a Crip in and out of State Bake Cake with the southerners/Drop a Tape with Drama and all the bad b#####s start showin' up/Slowin' up just to get you caught up with the product/Drippin' like Water while I'm flippin' your Dolla." All for one of his best on wax. And then just like that, they're gone. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'I'm From 21st Street (Feat. Stresmatic)', 'I'll Holla Back (Feat. Dave East & Kurupt)', 'My City (Feat. Dave East)'.

REVIEW: JEEZY & DJ DRAMA - SNOFALL

4/5

Snowtime.

Clinton Sparks said it best, when he said, "this isn't a mixtape, these are albums". And the same can be said for the Gangster Grillz of DJ Drama. Even when Lil' Wayne said, "and this is just a mixtape", you knew his 'Dedication' was deeper. And now there's three-times the Drama on the same day. As this New Music Friday, the DJ has spun three new records. One with Death Row legend Snoop Dogg ('I Still Got It' (he sure has)) and another with young Symba ('Results Take Time') waiting to be the King. 

So in the same week Taylor Swift burns 'Midnights' for her run, Norah Jones gives us a deluxe wrapping of 'I Dream Of Christmas', and legend Babyface brings us the whole of the better half of the young R&B industry for 'Girls Night Out', you can't ban the Snowman. Because walking on rarefied air again, Jeezy is back for 'Snofall'. The Young may have gone, but one of trappings best is still here, 'Bruh'. From the title-track to the close that keeps it 'One Hunnid'. Despite the spelling. 

Mountains of 'Scarface' (featuring EST Gee) snow deck the middle of the A, on the skyline artwork of this monster mixtape of an album. The iconic Snowman symbol staring down on it like a Bat, one for this Gotham in this J.U.S.T.I.CE. League. And you know just who to call on. As Jeez and Dram s### talk over signature drops. Aaaaaaaay! 

The 'Most Hated' with Lil' Durk loves the game. And with 'Mr. Game 7' they 'Trap Or Die' again. "Pink slips no leases, f### it, I'm facetious/When this s### drop I ain't bout to be doin' no more features", says the man who once responded to a car challenge by suggesting a real estate Versuz. He's got the 'Street Cred' to certify it and 'Kolors' for days like "I count a quarter million dollars every day (Every day)/Doctor say your boy need a wristband (Woo)/Black on black/Lamborghini (Skrrt)/I be swerving 'round this b#### like Batman." We told you we saw a signal on this dark night.

"Drop Thug Motivation, he's the number one thug (Thug)/Icon s###, heard he whip with one glove (Woo)/Said the shoes so flat, moonwalk on them b#####s (Yes)/Gotta use a brillo pad, white stuff on them dishes", this self-dubbed Michael Jackson to Drama's Quincy Jones says on the thrilling, free-throw line taking off 'MJ Jeezy' that walks on more than moons. All as he continues to 'Plug On 'Em' like Jordan before the smash single 'I Aint Gone Hold Ya' proclaims, "I ain't gon' hold you, feel like I got the world on my shoulders/Remind me of weighin' up them boulders/Catch me in an all white thing, chillin' at the red light/Top down and that motherf#####s gorgeous/What about that Royal Oak AP with the black face/Yeah, that motherf##### blacker than some Folgers" in front of Lambos tonight for these Lam-bros. All for this "Quality Street Music" that has nothing to do with the British sweets, but a different type of wrapping.

'Put The Minks Down' like 42 Dugg and let these men walk as we watch the throne. Because heads will roll with 'King's Crown'. So much so that Laker King LeBron James has been tweeting about it. The Shop talk is true, vintage Raymond Briggs is back in studio session. Hawking ice-cold hits like Trae Young. Silencing the competition. 'Still Havin''. 'How Deep' you ask? Like Keith Sweat on this standout, "I love the game/I live for the hustle (Is your love)/I thrive off the passion (Gangsta Grillz)/How deep is your love?/How deep is your love?/The greatest to ever do it/We unstoppable." That's how deep it go, Sisqo. Dong da, dong, dong, dong.

Get the 'Grammy' ready, because even the mixtape deserves its own category. 'My Accountant' is going to have some problems and Jeezy's is telling him to pay some taxes on these millions like Wesley Snipes. "50000 gram still the suitcases/All black Prada gloves you know the boots lace/Pearl-white ‘rari call it toothpaste/Tom Ford on you know the suit place/Assets and the cash flow/We re-rocking when the cash low." It's all 'BIG SNO' in capital exclamation with DJ "the f###" Drama. "No introduction needed, f### it, I'm still conceited/I'm on that Billie Jean, I took the fork and beat it (Woo)/I cannot be defeated, I cannot be deleted/I seen that Snow call, I know you n####s need it (Hey)/Seen how I beat the streets, seen how/I beat the beats I did it my way, Sinatra to say the least." The new Chairman of the Board says, "the forecast has called for snow every day. For the rest of time," for the first time since 2020's pandemic of 'The Recession 2' sequel. Mr. Thanksgiving gives us three kings and tapes in one day with all the Lil Jon ad-lib trimmings. And it's all going to snowball from here, this fall. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'I Ain't Gone Hold Ya', 'King's Crown', 'How Deep'. 

REVIEW: BABYFACE - GIRLS NIGHT OUT

3.5/5

Girls Trip

How's this for some whip appeal? The 'Tender Lover' is back, but this time the return of this 'Face2Face' 'Playlist' is a collaborative effort. Much like the 'Grown and Sexy' R&B legend for the 'Lovers', Babyface's albums with Manchild ('Power and Love', 'Feel The Phuff'), The Deele ('Street Beat', 'Material Thangz' and 'Eyes Of A Stranger') and fellow 90s legend Toni Braxton ('Love, Marriage & Divorce'). For the cool in them, Babyface tends bar on the ninth wonder of an album. Because this is ladies night. Time for a 'Girl's Night Out'.

It's a new day for the 12 time Grammy winner who has written 26 number one hits for a career that has produced like Pharrell. "Her eyes, her smile, her skin/Her smell, her hair (She's incredible, baby, ooh)/Her walk, her talk, her way her savoir faire/There she goes, there she goes (There she goes)", Face once sang about 'That Girl' with the Neptunes. But this album is about THESE girls. Ari Lennox, Kehlani, Ella Mai, Queen Naija, Coco Jones, Tiana Major9, Tink, Baby Tate for tour face, Muni Long, Amaarae, Sevyn Streeter, Tkay Maidza and Doechii on the title track.

Babyface mainly plays the background, but he's always on Ashanti and Ja Rule time, unlike La La Anthony, running late for this album intro with the Queen of R&B radio Angie Martinez. Face it, this album is fun and fancy-free like the candy coated album artwork. But it still hits like the Grammy producer with no hangover. Chased with some dialled up number ones, you can call on. 

"Let's all sip and toast to our exes/No regrets for goin' through texts/He tried to switch lanes and ended on exit", Doechii sings to those hitting the freeway like Braxton. Unbreaking your heart as Babyface's lines love you again like, "eyes on you when you hit the door". Reaffirming that the bar is still on him as he passes the buck to those up-and-coming artists for the rhythm and blues genre. Just like the outstanding opener, pouring 'Liquor' with a Lennox like Annie. Sweet urban soul dreams are made of these.

Some may balk at this album's concept, leaving Babyface in the bassinet, but this is anything but phoned in for the cynics and critics. 'Seamless' like Kehlani you will 'Keep(s) On Fallin' for this album like Ella Mai. Especially as the concept flips a classic Babyface as soon as it gets home. Your faithful lover is still here through all the tears. But now it's time to floss and get over that loss with a celebration of independent women. 'Game Over' to the haters with Queen Naija as Coco keeps it 'Simple' with lyrics like, "I wanna believe in us/ I wanna be cool, I wanna be chill/But baby, I've seen to much/Just bein' real, can I be honest?/I don't believe in love/The more that you give, the more that you get/Don't wanna feel unsure/I ain't doin' that no more/Yes, I've been jaded/So go 'head and say it/Got my guard to high (Mm/ And you know, and you know why/So complicated/But that's how we made it." Straight up, talk is never cheap when it's this real. Especially for a genre that has always afforded more affection, even when industry and ignorance has always sold it short.

Say more, even though Tiana Major9 will have you singing 'Say Less'. Because these amazing artists deserve their day like the one Face has given them. Killing it like his name was Ghost, this is more than 'Whatever' like Tink. 'Don't Even Think About It' Baby Tate says on a track that predicts future fate in the malaise of modern love and swiping loyalty. Muni Long gives us 'The Recipe' of a better way. Adding ingredients like "need you to love me, trust me, think it's so important/That we communicate, 'cause end of the day, I need you supportive/Can you respect me, yeah, will you protect me, yeah/But it's only gonna happen if you let me", to dash your new rules with some real helpings. All on said tack that's got you, soon as you get home. The game has changed. It's time to retire the players.

There's more than 'One Good Thing' about this cool collection. And you can feel it on the streets for the Sevyn Streeter and Tkay Maidza assisted 'G Wagon'. Streeter singing in unison with the host with the most talent at anything but his disposal, "Life on this side (This side)/Grass a little greener on this side (This side)/Yeah, this side (This side)/If you wanna be on this side (Green light)/Yeah, green light (Green light)/Grass a little greener on this side (This side)/Yeah this side, show you how we do it on this side." That's the hook. It's time to raise your glass to something a little more refreshing and toast like a new day. This 'Night Out' may leave Face fans pleading "please say the Baby" like Lil' Wayne, but soldiers, this album was always about who really runs the world. Girls. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Seamless (With Kehlani),'Keeps On Fallin' (With Ella Mai)', 'One Good Thing (With Amaarae)'.

REVIEW: NORAH JONES - I DREAM OF CHRISTMAS (DELUXE EDITION)

4/5

The Second Norah.

Tokyo, Nippon Budokan Hall. The one-time home of Judo and other such sports during the Tokyo, 1964 Olympic Games. Norah Jones was here last week for three-nights. Two years after the pandemic of 2020 postponed everything, including Japan's first games in over a half-century. On a big tour in Japan that also took in Osaka, Sendai and Sapporo for her Shinkansen. It felt like Christmas had come early, seeing one of the greatest of all-time, praise the Lord. The only thing that would have put a star on top of all this like a cherry would be if Norah had performed some choice cuts off last year's 'I Dream Of Christmas' album. We don't care if it was too early. We had the feeling like a Jones for Norah.

New York City, 2021. Live from the top of the Empire State Building on a piano like Alicia Keys in mind. The best jazz singer of our generation made the concrete jungle her own with a dream of a set. Wrapped up in gloves and scarfs, playing festive Yuletide hits by a crisp Winter's day long into the cold, cold night. All before finishing up with a tribute to The Beatles. Twice-over, from 'I've Got A Feeling' to 'Let It Be', before she got back like Peter Jackson. Performing with her band and Sasha Dobson of her Puss N Boots supergroup, no stranger to Christmas trimmings for the record, like She & Him. Come young brave, come young children, come to the book of love. Those 'Christmas In My Soul/Christmastime' segue and the 'Run Rudolph Run', 'Blue Christmas' and 'You're Not Alone' Empire making live takes make up the deluxe edition of Norah Jones' rewrapped, but not regifted Christmas classic this weekend. The same New Music Friday that Taylor Swift matched Spotify's most streamed 'Midnights' with her own '3AM' miracle of an addition. Expect this one to be streamed into the millions like 'A Legendary Christmas' from a dear John once the nights start drawing in and the early dark is illuminated with fairy lights and that warm, festive feeling.

After making her own Christmas classic seamless across and alongside the great American songbook's standards. From the 'I Dream Of Christmas' title-track, to the 'Christmas Calling (Jolly Jones)' (also in concert here with live treatment). Norah gives us her second Noel in a run through the pandemic, where only Taylor has moved as swiftly with the catalogue releases. Ready to soothe us for another holiday season like the 'O Holy Night' bonus of a Japanese editions dream. The previous Amazon expanded 'The Christmas Waltz' for this Queen like Nat King Cole makes the cut here. And you'll find the jazzy 'Last Month Of The Year' and timely classic of 'I'll Be Home For Christmas' (and I will be too, Mum and Dad. For the first time in three long and quarantined years). But check the bottom of your stocking and 'Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas' for Norah's new good tidings brought. 'Tis the season to dream of Christmas once again, with more under your tree. And the Jolly Jones is back to make her eighth wonder of an album even more wonderful. When you wish upon this star, your dreams of Christmas come true...early. To you and yours. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Last Month Of The Year', I'll Be Home For Christmas', 'Christmas In My Soul/Christmastime (Live At The Empire State Building)'.

REVIEW: TAYLOR SWIFT - MIDNIGHTS (3AM EDITION)

4/5

The Midnight Hour.

"Midnight/You come and pick me up, no headlights", Taylor Swift sang on her sublime hit 'Style' off the album of her career, '1989'. In a video of sweet stylish aesthetic that spearheaded a tunnel of 'Lover' like vision run and new style of reissuing 'Taylor's Versions' of her classic albums. Something that will never go out of fashion. Like 'Folklore'/'Evermore'. The most successful singer/songwriter in the industry is the hardest working one, like the boss, Springsteen. Forget what Damon Albarn says. It's all been a blur, but burning the midnight oil, after 'Evermore' comes even more. 13 tracks, lucky for you, this fall Friday in October for an artist that now owns that season like red leaves. Your Hanks sleepless nights just got some solidarity in company. Whether you're looking out from a window that needles Seattle, or a Nashville skyline like Dylan. The songbook just added another chorus and chapter. 

0.00 sharp. That's when 'Midnights' comes to pick you up, all bright lights in this lonely neon. How fitting. Like forlorn yearning for the one who kept you warm on these cold, cold nights. And in a 24-hour cycle of this modern love and life that feels like a fever dream, we didn't even make it to the stroke of the next midnight before Taylor Swift's brand-new album broke records as Spotify's most streamed of all-time. Co-produced and wrote by Jack Antonoff and Catwoman herself, Zoë Kravitz, as if that wasn't enough already, a few hours later Swift released the '3AM Edition' with more bang for your buck and tracks for your playlist. 

Meet her at midnight for those 13 sleepless nights, scattered among even more that helped her get there from the cutting room floor. Because we don't have to be Haim on an epic collaboration to know that '3AM' is the new midnight. When oil becomes gasoline. No body, no crime like the remix. And if you want to talk about huge 'Women In Music' collaborations, then how about the 'Blue Bannisters' of the other hardest working artist in the industry, Lana Del Rey? Seamlessly sounding like each other in chorus with the 'Snow On The Beach' that Janet Jackson approves of on Twitter to the lyric, "I can't speak afraid to jinx it/I don't even dare to wish it/But your eyes are flying saucers/From another planet/Now I'm all for you like Janet/Can this be a real thing?/Can it?" Like Obama, yes it can.

But for this 'Anti-Hero' whose Twitter bio reads, "I'm the problem, it's me", the lead-single features her alter-ego at midnight in the decor of this road-stop like motel for your nocturnal concept. And even an attack of a 100-foot Taylor by the rooftops, like Lana in LA 'Doin' Time'. For us, it's the infectious lead track 'Lavender Haze' that really hits, however, as these 'Midnights' come to full moon bloom. Contemplate that, or 'Maroon' like 5, that is "so f#####g hot"! Truly unreal. Like it blows my mind. Sorry, I couldn't resist. Now, if you didn't think Taylor could usher in more, watch this.

1970's art and fashion aesthetics fit this storybook album like a movie. Just like the title, 'You're On Your Own, Kid'. Loving lamented lyrics lace this track like, "Summer went away, still the yearning stays/I play it cool with the best of them/I wait patiently, he's gonna notice me/It's okay, we're the best of friends/Anyway/I hear it in your voice, you're smokin' with your boys/I touch my phone as if it's your face." Tender like the ghosted nerve of lost love. But it's the 'Midnight Rain' this evening, where the Queen really precipitates. Like the anticipated 'Questions' that could give 50 Cents '21' a run for their money over this album of hip-hop beats, rhythms and synth. "Can I ask you a question?/Did you ever have someone kiss you in a crowded room?/And every single one of your friends was making fun of you (You)/But fifteen seconds later they were clapping, too?" Are you beginning to understand what it feels like to be in her shoes? 

'Vigilante S###' keeps the 2017 'Reputation' energy going as the beat goes on. From folk to the electronica of a chilled dream-pop fever. Matching the restrained passion of the compellingly candid, conflicted confessionals in the booth. Such is the heart of life. Insecurity in insomnia. Self-critical in reflection. This is the water of Taylor Swift's deepest album yet. And by far one of the top of the ten. 

Midnights mayhem with her like TikTok. These 'Bejewelled' tracks belong in her crown with bewitching magic. A 'Labyrinth' like Bowie or lipstick marking turned over stones, singing "Breathe in, breathe through, breathe deep, breathe out/I'll be getting over you my whole life", for anyone who loves from ashes to dust (hands up). Hey 'Ye, it's 'Karma' to the haters, critically speaking, "You talkin' s### for the hell of it/Addicted to betrayal, but you're relevant/You're terrified to look down/'Cause if you dare, you'll see the glare/Of everyone you burned just to get there/It's coming back around." These sentiments are not 'Sweet Nothing's', but everything like that exact track. The work of a 'Mastermind' in closing. Everything planned out perfect like Nas.

But then, at three hours past midnight, came the contingency. All for 'The Great War' that is love. Nothing hits harder than, "My knuckles were bruised like violets/Sucker punching walls/Cursed you as I sleep talked/Spineless in my tomb of silence/Tore your banners down/Took the battle underground/And maybe it was egos swinging/Maybe it was her/Flashes of the battle come back to me in a blur." Until these seven seals that helped her get to the 13 sleepless 'Midnights' are more than a deluxe edition this Friday, like Norah Jones dreaming of Christmas again for a new package. This is 'Bigger Than The Whole Sky' for the master of her own craft, like the re-recordings of her own body of work. Welcoming you to 'Paris' like she did you New York ("Stumbled down pretend alleyways/Cheap wine, make believe it's champagne/I was taken by the view/Like we were in Paris."). The 'High Infidelity' of more concepts for your Cusack (or Kravitz) record shop ("Lock broken/Slur spoken/Wound open/Game token/I didn't know you were keeping count/Rain soaking/Blind hoping").

There is no 'Glitch' in this Matrix. Or the reloaded revolution of the midnight oil burning at 3AM like 'Would've, Could've, Should've'. Don't fall into that trap, 'Dear Reader', as Swift has some Taylor made advice in closing with the darkness, all before a brand-new day. "Dear reader/Bend when you can/Snap when you have to/Dear reader/You don't have to answer/Just 'cause they asked you/Dear reader/The greatest of luxuries is your secrets/Dear reader/When you aim at the devil/Make sure you don't miss/ Never take advice from someone who's falling apart." Word.

"We lie awake in love and in fear, in turmoil and in tears. We stare at walls and drink until they speak back. We twist in our self-made cages and pray that we aren't-right this minute-about to make some fateful life-altering mistake", Taylor told us to prelude her midnight run of songs "written in the middle of the night", where more than the bed bugs bite, trying to get over that itch, or stitch in time. "A journey through terrors and sweet dreams. The floors we pace and the demons we face." For her and all who have "tossed and turned and decided to keep the lanterns lit and go searching." In vain hope that "when the clock strikes twelve...we'll meet ourselves." And not our carriage as a pumpkin. 

This Halloween it's close to midnight, but for this GOAT like Michael making records with Quincy, nothing comes close to the thriller that is 'Midnights' and the way it strikes. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Playlist Picks: 'Lavender Haze', 'Snow On The Beach (Feat. Lana Del Rey)', 'Midnight Rain'. 

REVIEW: RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS -RETURN OF THE DREAM CANTEEN

3.5/5

17 Again.

Still slapping that bass at 60. Today, one of the greatest bassists of all time, Michael 'Flea' Balzary celebrates his birthday. Many happy returns like 'Acid For The Children' ( I mean rereads of your amazing autobiography, I don't condone kids dropping LSD. That is not the school trip I suggest they go on). The Red Hot Chili Pepper lifer and accomplished actor (from 'The Big Lebowski', to 'Boy Erased' and most recently Star War's 'Obi-Wan Kenobi' show) most recently tweeted, live from the preseason, that this year's Laker team stinks (so far, he's not wrong) after appearing on Hulu's 'Legacy' documentary on the Buss franchise as a superfan like fellow 90s musicians of Los Angeles Times, Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube. Some critics have said the same thing about his team's latest album (for the most part they're wrong).

Time to check your sense of smell in these times, because if anything, this album's the s###. Mere months after the famous Red Hot logo gave us 'Unlimited Love' in downtown neon, they are already back like they or John never left for all those years. The Chili Peppers' 'Return Of The Dream Canteen' is worth getting a tray for in their Hollywood Walk Of Fame galaxy, far, far away. In this city of stars there are none quite as recognizable as frontman with the funk jam, Anthony Kiedis, 'The Drummer' that looks like Will Ferrell (but is forever, the one and only Chad Smith), the bassist that itches and Frusciante who returned after the capable Josh Klinghoffer gave them 'Dark Necessities' in harmony with an Olivia Wilde skateboarding music video for 'The Getaway'.

Don't worry, darling. This album is as cohesive as said director is 'Booksmart'. By the way, this is the second album of the year from RHCP to feature 17 tracks (or Rick Fox or Andrew Bynum worth, for those in the know). Proving their love really has no limits like a club classic from 2 in the 90s. A lucky strike of a 13th album, just in time for Halloween for a monster act that's best fancy dress comes in a tube sock. All from sessions with the great Rick Rubin that yielded around 50 tracks. So you know there is some quality control as the Peppers heat up like a late, great DMX calendar debut. But we could go for album number three, too.

You see, with catchy singles on the 'Tippa My Tongue' like acid for the twins, Aerosmith like artwork and 'Peace and Love' this canteen is legendary as the Eddie Izzard 'Star Wars' Death Star one that deserves its own Disney + series. Warner gives it to us with no parental advisory sticker, doubling-up for the second time this year. Recorded at the Shangri-La studios in Malibu, California, sure it could have been shorter. But the 'Shang-Chi' Marvel movie could have taken some advice from the 'She-Hulk' finale too. And we still loved 'The Legend Of The Ten Rings' like we do this fab four, Californian modern day Beatles, coming together again. You know when it comes to Sinatra's sound, to be Frank, it all sounds the same, but so good you could just hit shuffle on Spotify and let it play? Well, the same will be said and heard for the Chili's once it's all said and done.

But 'Peace and Love', we hope that day is a storm drain length away, like Schwarzenegger spinning that shotgun on DA CHOPPER! There are standouts and new sounds here that sound beyond 'Unlimited'. Rendering this more than a B-side or throw away album. More, one that will grow traction in ensuing years of throwback nostalgia. 'My Cigarette' is simply smoking like Brad Pitt dipping 'Once Upon A Time...In Hollywood' and 'La La La La La La La La' is the eighth wonder, fresh standout like the 'Oh La, La' of the late, great Coolio. Rest in paradise. C U when we get there.

A wealth of material, making up for the ten-year absence of dear John, their heart and ours in kind truly grows fonder in these forlorn times like these. Where we're losing too many like Foo Fighter Taylor Hawkins and, in turn, ourselves. The Van Halen inspired 'Eddie' pays tribute to another great, all whilst these legends cement their own lyrical legacy. From 'Reach Out' to 'In The Snow' like "hey oh", before Winter sets in like the coming thrones. Nothing is 'Fake As Fu@k' here (don't @ me) with odes to 'Bella' in all her beauty. On a rush of blood to the head on 'Roulette', Kiedis gives us one his coldest plays, rapping, "The college years were lean, well/Coming out but maybe not so clean, my love/And if I stay much longer/My feelings for you, they might get much stronger, now/A Motorola coma/Sleep your way into a deep diploma, girl/At the dormitory/You've come to pour me one of your best stories, girl." One of the greatest wordsmiths any game has seen.

Sure, this is a 'Handful', but 'Shoot Me A Smile' because this will last to the 'Afterlife' like "long live the King/The young grows old with his buffalo spring." It's worth of 'Bag Of Grins' for your 'Copperbelly'. Taking us home on...erm, 'Carry Me Home', where they lament and urge us to notoriously, "Kick down the doors that you don't understand/Please, don't lose sight of this generous plan/Blinded by prisms, we wind up in court/I'm folding chairs while you sold yourself short/She's about to redefine the way/Reminded me to say the other way was right/She's in a place to pray for me/And now we've got to flash the funky light-a/You've got your way and it seems I've got mine/Both gonna die at the very same time." This is B.I.G. like Puffy. Happy Birthday, Flea. Even in this comeback town, they don't write returns like this. It's all a dream. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Tippa My Tongue', 'My Cigarette', 'La La La La La La La La'.