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'.