REVIEW: SZA - LANA ('SOS' Deluxe Reissue)

4/5

Sza Sister

Last Christmas, I gave Boston my heart. Spending time in a deserted Beantown, the only Laker fan in the city rocking an ugly purple and gold sweater...but that's another story. Walking down a frozen Newbury Street, the same time the Celtics cracked the whip on all the King's men, the only thing frostier would have been the icy reception I would have received if there was actually anybody about. I was there before meeting my parents in New York for New Year. The only other person rocking basketball garb was, wait for it...in a Los Angeles Laker tracksuit. My man. The biggest draw of the street was billboards for R&B renaissance woman SZA's Grammy winning (best prog R&B) album 'SOS'. It's iconic album artwork above the sea. Not to mention the same football uniform on the next project for your consideration, the deluxe edition of this classic tilted 'Lana'. Already long-delayed and eagerly-awaited to drop at this point last year, the writing on the wall was already starting to fade, as the poster began to peel.

Call off the SOS! Because, like a Rey of light, 'Lana' is finally here. And this revelation of a reissue that is actually an album in itself has come just in time for Christmas, and hopefully the New Year's Grammy consideration. No need to press CTRL-ALT-DELETE, even if it was delayed this New Music Friday and the last one before the shopping spree of December 25th. Driven by the second single and R.E.M. like opening of 'Drive', automatic for the people. Featuring 'Meet The Parents' and Knickerbocker number one fan (after Spike), Ben Stiller taking the wheel and the lip-syncing of a new music video, the same time he's driving to a new home in rural Ohio for his Hulu and Disney Plus Christmas movie, 'Nutcracker'. At the end of this road, however, he finds the formidable figure of SZA in a mask that won't be alien to you through the trees of something sensationally haunting in album art.

SZA is to modern R&B what RZA and the Wu-Tang are the children, and legendary hip-hop. And after all the stars including Boygenius Phoebe Bridgers, Travis Scott and the late, great Ol' Dirty Bastard saved our souls, frequent collaborator Kendrick Lamar (with the own surprise drive of his 'GNX' album) hits '30 For 30', in a highlight for an album whose own making is worthy of its own ESPN documentary. Or movie, like the standout 'Scorsese Baby Daddy'. Absolute cinema. Right from the coming out party of the opening offset, 'No More Hiding', to the closing circle of lead single 'Saturn', SZA is here and out of this world, all at the same time. Damn! This is all so fine. After the 'SOS' follow-up was dangling precariously over that diving board for some time, we no longer want to be saved. We're jumping all the way in.

The best 'Lana' since Lizzy Grant is not just a bounty of beautiful bonus tracks. It's a real record in its own right. Call it a fantastic follow-up. The third charm of an album after the 'Ctrl' singer's sensational sophomore set and act. The arch of St Louis' best talent since Nelly is right heere and terrific. Forget the fifteen-hour delay, mixes like this live on for eternity...or at least 'Another Life' for our generation still grateful for actual albums in the age of streaming. Sure, I'm gushing, and I need to 'Chill baby', but so is the 'Crybaby'. Giving it you raw on 'What Do I Do' ("Last night, you called on accident/Heard you f####n' on the other end/It's too late, it'll never be the same again/Too late, never be the same."), save your tears, cheaters. We've all been there on that kind of receiving end, even if we don't know it. So what are you gonna do?

A newly minted and engaged Benny Blanco produced that track. And when the 'DTM' of 'Diamond Boy' shines bright too, you'll see that there are only murderers in the studio, killing it and building like Selena Gomez as the marauder to midnight like a Tribe. On this quest for infamy, the iconic SZA also drops 'BMF' (and it's 'The Girl From Ipanema' stunning sample) like it hot (it is). Before demanding, like everybody in their right mind should, to 'Love Me 4 Me'. "I remember wanting a diamond ring/Wanted you to define me, I let you pay for everything/Why not?/Treated me like a slave/Promise you I’ll behave if you let me try again/For you, I'd change my name/For you, I'd kill my fame/For you, I'd be so different, won't recognize my face/Can't wait to go to my grave for you/All I'd care for you, you never saw me for me/Saw me for me, loved me for me." The rhythm and blues songbook just got great. The only thing missing from this BTS Hyde Park Summer hyped album is 'Joni', like Mitchell.

It's '(Her) Turn' now as we get behind here like an inspired interlude that feels as much like a real track as this feels like a legit LP. Solána Imani Rowe keeps the party going like those in the 'Kitchen' singing, "Dancing and kissing, the kitchen/Makes me forget, I forgive him/Mama told me I don't listen, back again/Crashing out on shrooms, I guard them/Cursing you solves all my problems/Vacationing in rock bottom, back again." When 'Lana' is cut together with the soul saving sensation 'SOS', you have a definitive double album with all eyez on it. Not to mention lent ears. Doing her peers proud, the Instagram postscript that was written becomes gospel. We are no longer teased, but patience has become a virtue. What else can we expect from somebody who wrote a century worth of songs over the last half decade to well and truly get this right? A yoga like mediation that shaped itself sporadically into the right frequency like Kenneth. Coming out of hiding, camouflaged in cargo and nature. Now 'Lana' is finally here like a tunnel under Ocean Blvd, the calendar is complete. Time for SZA to swim in that success. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Drive', 'Scorsese Baby Daddy', '30 For 30 (Feat. Kendrick Lamar)'.

Spin This: SZA - 'SOS'.

DOCUMENTARY REVIEW: RETURN OF THE KING - THE FALL AND RISE OF ELVIS PRESLEY

4/5

Elvis Has Reentered The Building

91 Mins. Starring: Elvis Presley, Priscilla Presley, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Corgan, Darlene Love, Conan O'Brien & Baz Luhrmann. Director: Jason Hehir. On: Netflix.

Call it a comeback! The King is back. In a fond fall time for music documentaries focussing on specific periods of time in some of the radio's biggest star's lives this Christmas, Netflix give us 'Return Of The King-The Fall And Rise Of Elvis Presley'. Directed by Jason Hehir ('The Last Dance' of the legendary Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls), and looking for more like 'The Searcher', 'The Fall And Rise Of Elvis Presley' looks at the time his all-leather comeback special got people all shook up like The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show. They show up too, like The King does on their latest Disney documentary 'Beatles '64', about the time they took America by a storm of love and sea change after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Just like Elton John's own 'Never Too Late' time capsule, also on Disney Plus, looks back on fond friendships with the likes of John Lennon and Andy Warhol.

Legends never die. The neon name of ELVIS in big, bold, red letters is celebrated in testimonials by 'Elvis' (epic) director Baz Luhrmann, not to mention his wife, Priscilla Presley, who got to tell her side of the story with Sofia Coppola's 'Priscilla' (powerful). Soul singer Darlene Love stirs more of Presley's proud roots in black music. Whilst, also along for the ride, The Smashing Pumpkins' Billy Corgan, Late Night host Conan O'Brien, and 'The Boss' Bruce Springsteen (who once stormed the gates of Graceland for an audience with The King...that he didn't get), also offer their profound voices to the proceedings. Just like there is much prose on Presley (like 'Elvis and the Colonel', or 'The Gospel Side Of Elvis'), this is another great film to add to the vault. All as Netflix continue their run like Vegas, after last year's 'Agent Elvis' animation (voiced perfectly by Matthew McConaughey), after The King once dreamt of solving crimes on the side. But in this fall and rise of the house of Elvis, let's remember his wise words about life that we shouldn't sleep on. About surrounding yourself with the right people, the one girl, that will make you feel happiness. No matter how long it takes (like it should). For there is no encore.

Featuring footage from the engrossing Elvis comeback special, that began awash with nerves, but ended in the charm and charisma of a God, this documentary special is definitive, adding to Netflix's many docs that are more masterful than their movies (but we won't 'Carry-On' with all that (we literally did it yesterday) as we may as well treat Netflix like a TV channel and not a company these days). This true story of triumph comes just a few years after 'Beatles '64' in 1968, when the Fab Four were playfully shaking like him when drawing comparisons in press conferences by American media. But these four Pelvises loved The King and even nervously sat down for dinner with him, Paul McCartney even relaying a message of how much Elvis meant to them, as he couldn't find the ways to whisper it to the throne at the head of the table. The 'Return Of The King' like a 'Lord Of The Rings' has many a meaningful and mesmerizing story like that. Featuring the fall with Colonel Parker side lining the actual (who made more than Steve McQueen like a James Dean) actor into Old McDonald type movies, to his phoenix like rise and return in hell for leather. He never really left the building. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Elvis', 'Agent Elvis', 'Beatles '64'.

DOCUMENTARY REVIEW: ELTON JOHN - NEVER TOO LATE

4/5

The Bitch Is Late

103 Mins. Starring: Elton John, Bernie Taupin, Dua Lipa & John Lennon. Directors: R.J. Cutler & David Furnish. On: Disney +.

In the same week that 'Rocketman' Taron Edgerton gives us some 'Carry-On' for Netflix (with no sign of Sid James), Sir Elton John unpacks his long, winding road tour bag, as he continues to say 'Farewell Yellow Brick Road' on streaming services. Following his live look at his last, bejewelled swing in Shohei's house ('Elton John Live: Farewell From Dodger Stadium'), Disney Plus give us their new Elton John documentary 'Never Too Late', in conjunction with and leading up to that showstopper. The final frames playing out the same in this special directed by good friend R.J. Cutler in interview and husband David Furnish. Reminding us why the bitch won't be back. Giving it all up for the greater good of what really matters. When you see Reg interact with his children on Facetime, reaching to call your own, you'll understand. When you see his radio show with Furnish (feeling strange about today's use of the word "queer")  give a stage to kids bands coming up and of age, you'll fall in love with this Sir, all over again.

This Billy Joel besting piano man can rival all the Disney documentaries touring their way through your watchlists right now. The 'Thank You, Goodnight' Bon Jovi story miniseries. Fellow Jersey boy Bruce Springsteen and his E Street Band's 'Road Diary'. 'Never Too Late', coming right before Christmas, is the perfect accompaniment to the big-three of his live movie, the 'Rocketman' biopic, and the 'ME' autobiography, also Audiobook read to us by his MARV 'Kingsman' sequel co-star Eggsy, Egerton. Just like when John broke America like Beatlemania, after taking the Troubadour (captured compellingly in cinema), with five albums in the chart in one calendar (what a time to really be alive), 'Never Too Late' even rivals the new Martin Scorsese produced 'Beatles '64' doc on Disney. 'Too Late' also takes us deeper into Elton's working relationship and wonderful friendship with the late, great John Lennon. Taking the stage with the other dear John for what ended up being his last time in concert. 

Animated, like many of this movie's artistic and beautiful way of telling backstory, Elton John Lennon get up to plenty of mischief as these pop stars recall a time pop artist Andy Warhol and that camera he carried everywhere came knocking at their hotel door. This year's Glastonbury headliner Dua Lipa also shows up in this show, as the two duet over the Elton mash-up of 'Cold Heart' interspersed with 'Rocket Man'. This long, long time, gives it up for the real co-star of this show, however, in songwriter Bernie Taupin. The man he loved more than love itself (nothing sexual), as the songwriting pair matched-up to Lennon and McCartney, lyric line for lyric line. Like '64', 'Never Too Late' looks at the time Reg Dwight came to America like Neil Diamond. Detailing his success, but also the sobering story of his descent into drugs. Not to mention how the rockets red's glare reacted to him coming out. And you thought America's resistance to the "long hair" of the Fab Four was bad. This Walt Disney and Rocket Entertainment epic, that made its debut at the Toronto Film Festival in September, is never one to miss. 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road: The Final Elton John Performances and the Years That Made His Legend' may have been too long a title, but don't be too late for this. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Playing: 'Elton John Live: Farewell From Dodger Stadium', 'Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band', 'Beatles '64'.

REVIEW: DMX - LET US PRAY: CHAPTER X

4/5

Put Your Hands Together 

It's hard to believe it has been over three years since the passing of Earl Simmons. It's even harder to take the fact that he's gone. For the first time since DMX's 2021 posthumous 'Exodus' (featuring everyone from Alicia Keys to Bono of U2), the dog is back. Yet this album is no, life after death, vault raiding, cynical cash-grab. X's latest serves more like an EP that will remind you of the album made out of the late, great Tupac Shakur's poetry, 'The Rose That Grew From Concrete'. The man that sometimes resembles 'Pac in prayer has his words with God turned into an inspirational set that says, 'Let Us Pray' for 'Chapter X' of the legacy of a legend who will never ever really die in time. And then there was X again.

From the 1998 double Def Jam definition of 'It's Dark and Hell Is Hot' and 'Flesh Of My Flesh, Blood Of My Blood', to the unanimous 'Undisputed' end. Not to mention all the Ruff Ryding '...And Then There Was X', 'The Great Depression', 'Grand Champ' and 'Year Of The Dog...Again' in-between, D's dominant discography was always curtain concluded with a prayer up to the most-high. Him to He. And now these words are immortalized once more in song. Featuring the beautiful backing of the RoyzNoyz Orchestra, all the way to the instrumental end of this four-track, doubled-up and down to become an eighth wonder. The hip-hop mix of jazz and soul with greats Lena Byrd Miles and a 'Sweeter' Terrace Martin also join X with Killer Mike, Lecrae ('Bear With Me') the 'Shackles' of a stirring Mary Mary. Not to forget legends like the great MC Lyte (fresh off of September's '1 Of 1') and Snoop Dogg who also assumes the 'Missionary' position this New Music Friday with his first Dr. Dre album since the 30-year-old 'Doggystyle'.

Snoop sent so much according to Grammy winning songwriter and producer Warryn Campbell who curated this set that marks the spot of X's formidable fortress of faith. Breathing new life into the raw and real words of an honest and heartfelt man of God...and the world that made him. A monologue mediation of life and death, the ultimate posthumous album does E.A.R.L. proud. From the first 'Favor', 'Until I'm Gone', Simmons shimmers instead of simmers like the perfect pose on the classic cover. The real album art comes with 'One Life To Do It', mind you, as DMX and Campbell show how he did it. "Begging for direction for my soul needs resurrection/I don't deserve what You've given me, but You never took it from me/'Cause I am grateful, and I use it, and I do not worship money/If what You want from me is to bring Your children to You, my regret is only having one life to do it instead of two." And as Lyte says, "I'm gonna stand with you, D, on that one, right here, right now, I agree", we believe in that too. Now, maybe this all means that the original intended double rap and gospel album of 'Walk With Me Now and You’ll Fly With Me Later' will finally see the light of day and the glory of God. Let it be. Then our prayers will truly be answered by God and the dog. Chapter and verse. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Praylist Picks: 'Favor (Feat. Killer Mike, Mary Mary & RoyzNoyz Orchestra)', 'One Life To Do It (Feat. MC Lyte & RoyzNoyz Orchestra)', 'Until I'm Gone (Feat. Lena Byrd Miles, Snoop Dogg & Terrace Martin)'.

Spin This: 2Pac - 'The Rose That Grew From Concrete'

REVIEW: SNOOP DOGG - MISSIONARY

4/5

The New Position

"The East Coast ain't got no love for Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg and Death Row?!" Ever since Snoop Dogg claimed his new electric chair throne as the head honcho of Death Row Records, he's been charged. Releasing albums at an alarming clip. In 2022, after many indies, the 'Drop It Like It's Hot' rapper released 'BODR' to celebrate being back on Death Row. And in the same year, he aligned with the West's best of Ice Cube, E-40 and Too $hort to form the West Coast supergroup Mount Westmore, carving up the competition with their album 'Snoop Cube 40 $hort'. Now, repackaged and ribbed for your aural pleasure, he returns with the condom cover of 'Missionary'. Converting all those who flipped the switch on him, as he reunites with 'The Chronic' of Dr. Dre, producing his first full Snoop Doggy Dogg album since the dynamic debut and stone-rollin' hip-hop classic 'Doggystyle'. Back in fashion on its 30th anniversary and assuming the position with no more "delicate" beats. Forget the Vaseline, lubricated like latex, a month after Ice Cube's 'Man Down'.

Coming out of deep cover, hip-hop has taken some hits this year. That's what happens when some of its biggest stars and pioneers turn out to be bigger d###s than the first letter of their names. Lucky for us, like Kendrick, Snoop and Dre are not like them. As a matter of fact, 'Missionary' and the short-film to come (reminding us of the joint they lit in the convenience store before their 'Up In Smoke' tour), is as much a Dr. Dre album as a Dogg-gone one. Some are dubbing this as a collaborative album and it almost feels like one. Much like when Jay-Z (erm) appeared on the last Jay Electronica album. Or, more appropriately, when Wu-Tang Clan members Raekwon and Ghostface Killah traded 'Lynx' and 'Wallets'. Better yet, when Calvin Broadus appeared on Andre Young's 'Chronic'. Murder is the case again, with only killers in the building, as Dre mans the boards of this sweet sixteen track album. Also adding a couple of those to tracks like the M.I.A. 'Paper Planes' and Lisa Stansfield (she's set for life with the hip-hop community and 'Been Around The World' and "I, I, I") sampling single 'Outta Da Blue' (with Alus), 'Pressure' (featuring K.A.A.N.), and 'Now Or Never' (assisted by BJ (stay away from Diddy) The Chicago Kid), rapping out of retirement. A year off 60, but not playing with flutes like another 'dre, the good doctor still has it.

Bowling us over even more than their Super Bowl half-time show (as legendary as Lamar is, that's quite a legacy to follow this year), this is the first time Snoop and Dre have laid down tracks together since Dr. Dre's cinematic 'Compton', a sign of the Hollywood hip-hop times that saw Snoop rap like a man possessed on 'One Shot One Kill'. With no sign of 'Detox', the boys are still at it like the 'Kush' they rolled up with Akon, when Dogg rapped, "still I am/tighter than the jeans on Will.i.am", which is still a crazily underrated rhyme. On the same New Music Friday that Snoop lends his voice to the DMX posthumous prayer album 'Let Us Pray: Chapter X' (think 2Pac's 'The Rose That Grew From Concrete'), he brings many big names to the city of stars and lost angels here. The Chicago Kid again for some 'Fore Play' (we won't say anything again about this big swing), Jhené Aiko on the 'Gorgeous' second single. Method Man and Smitty reaching for 'Skyscrapers'. Cocoa Sarai on 'Fire' and a 'Sticcy Situation' with K.A.A.N. And Dem Jointz, Stalone and Fat Money on the lean of a 'Gangsta Pose'.

Yet the man who has collaborated with everyone from Willie Nelson to Miley Cyrus (when he went by the Snoop Lion animal moniker) saves the best for the latest single, sampling Sting and featuring a member of The Police that N.W.A. won't say "F You" too in 'Another Part Of Me'. Sting will be glad to get this 'Message In A Bottle' after his last rap 'Roxanne' collaboration. Snoop even channels the late, great Tom Petty (alongside man of the moment Jelly Roll) for the heartbreaking 'Last Dance With Mary Jane'. If that wasn't enough, he interpolates Pink Floyd's 'Another Brick In The Wall (Part 2)', with a hammer for the new 'Hard Knock' life. Playing 'The Negotiator' like Soul Dog or Sam Jackson. The biggest and best collabo may just be the Aftermath of the 'Gunz n Smoke' with 50 Cent and Eminem. 50 sounding his best since he was hanging upside down like "go...go..." But on this 'Thank You' like X to the Lord, Snoop Dogg sounds his best when he goes it alone with Dr. Dre in 'Shangri-La'. Rapping, "We 'bout to rewrite history in this motherf#####/Yeah, get high, get high, get high, get high, get high/With some monumental s###/Good mornin', it's Mr. Broadus/The moment finally upon us." Mission accomplished. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Outta Da Blue (Feat Dr. Dre & Alus)', 'Another Part Of Me (Feat. Sting)', 'Gunz n Smoke (Feat. 50 Cent & Eminem)'.

Spin This: Snoop Dogg - 'Doggystyle'

DOCUMENTARY REVIEW: JUNG KOOK - I AM STILL

4/5

Still J

3 Episodes. Starring: Jung Kook. Director: Park Jun-soo. On: Disney +.

Disney may be known these days as a streaming service that also channels Marvel and Star Wars property, as well as doing its Mickey Mouse self and Pixar proud, but it could also be a BTS channel. On the same day that the new Jude Law 'Skeleton Crew' children's show in a galaxy far, far away debuted, Disney dropped ARMY member, fresh off military duty, Jung Kook's 'I Am Still' three-part docuseries (directed by Park Jun-soo). Just weeks after a 'Party Edition' was shown, here in Japan, as a movie, on the big-screen, in its epic entirety. It all began with the South Korean K-Pop phenomenon's 'Permission To Dance-Live In LA', streaming in the palace of Walt's kingdom. But now, with this still, the 'Monuments To A Star' series, not to mention the 'Are You Sure' travelogue with bandmate brother Jimin, the Bulletproof Boy Scouts, are as a plus to Disney as 'The Simpsons' are. Of course, we're sure.

Released in the same week as the closest K-Pop act to BTS, BLACKPINK, are also doing the solo thing with 'Rosie' by Rosé, 'Still' sits next to 'J-Hope In The Box' and 'Suga: Road To D-Day', as some real BTS (behind the scenes) looks at the supergroups solo albums. Not to mention the same week that 'Are You Sure' guest V, after his 'Layover' returns to the charts in time for a 'White Christmas' with Bing Crosby. Not a month after Jin gave us his 'Happy' EP, back after duty. Still, what Jung is cooking up here goes deeper than the other BTS work we can find on Disney and the Hybe Entertainment, beyond all the big hits. Besides, his last series was really just him eating food. On 'I Am Still', worthy of a movie, and its theatrical release, for the 'Dreamers', the World Cup anthem singer goes from Seoul to the Big Smoke of London and the electric heart and core of entertainment in New York's Times Square. For a concert that rang in as many people as New Year.

Never dropping the ball, Jung Kook becomes a leading solo light. Moving and shaking with them all. Whether it be in '3D' with peers like Jack Harlow. Or legends that inspired him, standing next to Usher for a remix and more behind the steps visuals and testimonials. Just wait until you hear what the 'Confessions' singer has to say about his new protégée, comparing Kook to what Usher Raymond must have meant to the likes of Michael Jackson and James Brown. High, but deserved praise for a mighty man who is sealing the deal like his 'Seven' heaven single with Latto. You can see all these songs tracked for some alive live performances that border all the makings of a monumental star. Yet in quiet and compelling contemplation for such a young man, it's these wise words and the slower, still moments that really resonate. From the militant fanbase, to those who are their own singing and songwriting dreamers. One pure moment of this time capsule documentary before the enlistment moves his hairdresser to tears as he shaves Jeon's head for the army. There won't be a dry eye in the barbershop as you'll be talking all about this. Truly a 'Golden' moment for a man who has hit his own light. One that still shines bright. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Are You Sure', 'J-Hope In The Box', 'Suga: Road To D-Day'.

REVIEW: ROSÉ - ROSIE

4/5

Rosés Are Red

Game start! The Rosé that grew from BLACKPINK is here in your area. Two years after the release of her single album 'R' (featuring the standout cuts 'On The Ground' and 'Run'), the New Zealand and South Korean singer/songwriter is back with her first, full-length studio album, 'Rosie', that will have you in the lament of your love's memories. Before she goes back to black, the born pink, K-Pop superstar is forging her own career, like those boys from BTS, in the same week that Jung Kook's 'I Am Still' docuseries hits Disney + streams like 'Are You Sure' with Jimin and an occasional V (who also gives us his second Christmas single this New Music Friday, 'White Christmas', with who else, but the late, great Bing Crosby?). Headlining one of the most hyped (and best) albums of 2024 with two of the year's biggest (and greatest) chart-topping singles. The 'Apt.' anthem with collaborator of the calendar Bruno Mars (see; Lady Gaga and Japan's Don Quijote everything store) and the beautiful ballad and love song of the Korean ages 'Number One Girl'. Now, if that wasn't enough, 'Rosie's' release coincides with the new single, 'Toxic Till The End', that's Taylor Swift sound is mansion matched with a 'Blank Space' like video as Rosé writes her name next to the biggest stars in all of pop music. The girl with the guitar is a rock star now!

Number one, indeed, like her t-shirt that's bound to sell out in stores. "Tell me that I'm special, tell me I look pretty/Tell me I'm a little angel, sweetheart of your city/Say what I'm dying to hear/'Cause I'm dying to hear you." We don't need to say it (but we will). It isn't lonely at the top any more. Especially when you hear the lovely live version on Korean TV. Not to mention the classic camcorder music video. This Black Label and Atlantic album from the artist's individual emancipated from YG Entertainment and Interscope Records, and it's big-three singles, is putting the new Hollywood of South Korea back on the cultural entertainment map, like the second season of Netflix's most successful 'Squid Game' set to stream this Boxing Day. Christmas is coming early and late, as blonde on blonde, Rosé releases a debut full of amazing album tracks that could all serve as singles as she looks at us through those blonde curls lying down on the album artwork like a star is born. 'Rosie' red from 'Two Years' to '3AM' gives us every ounce of her love and hurt in this release of heartbreak and healing for your milk and honey. Or 'Drinks Or Coffee', as she sings, "Is it just me starting to see/You in a different light?/I know we can't say what we mean/But I'm happy that you're here tonight."

90s R&B, synthpop and the raw nature of relationship's break-up ballads inspire this dozen track affair looking at the love and loss of Rosé's twenties. Something we all share as she head to her thirties with a life like few others. Maybe, Jisoo, Jennie and Lisa making Billboard magazine history across the world's news-stands can relate. They'll be back soon, but before then let Rosé greet you with tracks like the loving yearn of 'Stay A Little Longer', or the 'Gameboy' that takes all those Charli XCX 'Boys' who just wanna have fun and nothing serious to task. Rosé talks about her terrible twenties as a time when she has "wasted (her) prettiest years" ('Toxic Till The End'). Hey, we've all been there sadly ("ladies and gentlemen, I present to you: The Ex"). But, not like us, a week after Kendrick, Rosé is 'Not The Same'. Looking for love, or at least light, as to close, she steps through all the pain to 'Dance All Night'. "Got out of my bed today/The sunlight was hitting my face/And two little birds came and sat on the edge/And they ask if I'm doing okay."

Anyone singing about little birds like Marley is going to be just fine, and from a bonus Halloween like cut, 'Vampirehollie', to the Xmas cult following down the chimney that her cover of WHAM!'s 'Last Christmas' (from the BBC Radio One legendary Live Lounge) will receive, no coal, this is Rosé's time this year. 'Too Bad For Us' that this "little journal" will hit us where it hurts, but don't 'Call It The End'. With lines like "Do I call you my ex/Or do I call you my boyfriend/Call you a lover, do I call you a friend/Call you the one or the one that got away/Someone I’ll just have to forget/Do I call you every night you’re gone/Or never call you again/Do we have a future/Or should I call it the end" (on some Usher 'Separated' ish), Rosé and 'Rosie' (like two YouTubers) understand love and (that's) life like few others. With her first and the most personal album of the BLACKPINK crew, Roseanne lets us get a little closer to the real her, like family and friends. Hey, on the so fine 'Mickey' hook of the head-nodding single with Bruno Mars that attacks your speakers, back and forth, Rosé sings, "Don't you want me like I want you, baby?/Don't you need me like I need you now?" Of course, we do. And now, she's coming to meet us all. How apt. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Apt. (With Bruno Mars)', 'Number One Girl', 'Call It The End'.

Spin This: Rosé - 'R'

REVIEW: THE CURE - SONGS OF A LOST WORLD

4/5

The Lost World

Talk about being late to the Christmas party. But The Cure for your seasonal affective disorder is 'Songs Of A Lost World'. I must admit, I never found The Cure until my dear father played me the new album last week, after venturing to the HMV out of town to buy it and run into one of my old friends. Another one lamenting seeing a live performance at the BBC. Now, quite simply, the eight-track wonder is a late, but epic entry to album of the year consideration. Their first release since 2018's 'Torn Down' remix album is actually their first studio album of new material in sixteen years, following 2008's '4:13 Dream'. Not to mention their first album with great guitarist Reeves Gabrels. Now, if that wasn't enough, these 'Songs' are the first since 1985's (when I was born) 'The Head On The Door' to be composed solely by iconic singer/guitarist Robert Smith. All as this album came a day after Halloween, as per his request.

Crawley, West Sussex's finest, give us their fourteenth and most formidable LP. From the outstanding opening of the amazing 'Alone' lead single (and it's 'A Fragile Thing' follow-up), to its epic 'Endsong' endgame, curtain conclusion. This gothic rock, nightmare before Christmas classic, recorded in the Rockfield studio of Monmouthshire, Wales, is set in stone, like the amazing album art, now. Bagatelle, a 1975 sculpture by Slovenian artist Janez Pirnat, greets us in black for this dark album of lyrical poetry and prophecy. Taking it back to the good old, jewel case days of CD's, the album's booklet features lyrics to an unreleased song and original conclusion ('Bodiam Sky') which may make the next album. Their first album to go number one in the UK since the 'Wish' of '92 has plenty else to go off, mind you. The beautiful ode to Robert's brother, 'I Can Never Say Goodbye' is a standout that will last for years, like their most famous tracks (see 'Just Like Heaven' and 'Boys Don't Cry'). Or the songs for these turbulent times like 'Drone:Nodrone', or 'Warsong'. Praying for peace and a release from this vice grip of arms.

"I think too much of all that's gone/Of how it was before my thoughts/Obsessed with choices made for sure/In ignorance of history/And consequence as more and more/I misremember hopelessly," Smith sings on 'All I Ever Am', and trust me, you'll feel it too. Vivid vocals that everyone can hear. Topping the charts around the world in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden and Switzerland, as it, at one point, outsold the entire top ten, back home in the United Kingdom. This what you get when you sing in solidarity, "We were always sure that we would never change/And it all stops/We were always sure that we would stay the same/But it all stops/And we close our eyes to sleep/To dream a boy and girl/Who dream the world is nothing but a dream", on 'Alone' to show the world they're not. Waking up a new way to dream of what once was, and what could be if we begin to reach out again like this, instead of stand at folded arm's length with people's rights and belief's falling on deaf ears, or ignorant scowls from posturing podiums.

The world will get better again. It will recover from its sickness. The Cure come back at a time when we need them now more than ever. A time when mother earth could feel just like heaven, once again. As long as we stop the crying. It's clear one of the fastest selling albums of '24 is reaching people around the clock. Even if it is (*hands up*) a little late, it's never too late. Inspired instrumentals met with meaning in the words. On 'Nothing Is Forever', Smith says, "And slide down close beside me/In the silence of a heartbeat/And wrap your arms around me/In a murmured lullaby/As the memory of the first time/In the stillness of a teardrop/As you hold me for the last time/In the dying of the life." Love may last for life, like this, though. This all sounds so atmospheric and compelling, no wonder the 'Songs For A Live Planet' album is coming in concert to conclude the calendar. With the Cure of these songs, this world is a little less lost. Thank you, Pop. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Alone', 'I Can Never Say Goodbye', 'Endsong'.

Spin This: Tears For Fears - 'Songs For A Nervous Planet'. 

DOCUMENTARY REVIEW: BEATLES '64

4/5

Come Together, America 

106 Mins. Starring: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison & Ringo Starr: Director: David Tedeschi. Produced By: Martin Scorsese & Margaret Bodde. On: Disney +.

JFK's immortal words in black and white begin this Beatles documentary after the iconic, green Apple Corps logo. All as legendary director Martin Scorsese (producing alongside Margaret Bodde), and the direction of David Tedeschi, step off the plane and into the lane of journeying through found footage to make movie like documentaries on the Fab Four. 'Beatles '64' finds Scorsese joining the likes of Peter Jackson ('Get Back') and Ron Howard ('Eight Days A Week-The Touring Year'), although this is Tedeschi's terrific testament. Even though it's a joy to see Marty joking around with Ringo Starr who describes arriving at New York's JFK perfectly, like an octopus. In the garden of the Big Apple, ''64' focusses on the time Beatlemania came to America. Right after President Kennedy was shot and the United States needed to find that sense of hope again, as everybody was screaming. The Beatles brought that back. Although in a very sobering and sad moment when it sets in, John Lennon was worried about the random violence there, that could happen at any moment.

Disney Plus stream their latest Beatle addition to the archive, this week, after the recently unearthed 'Let It Be' documentary this summer gone. Catching John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr's dynamite debut on The Ed Sullivan Show, this is a cultural moment to see just how epic entertainment can get when it moves people to dance, faint, and lose their minds as fans try to find their way through more hotel rooms than Booking.com. Yeah! Just when Macca's poppa wanted him and John to say, "she loves you, yes, yes, yes", instead of all that "American slang" making for one of the most lovely little titbits in this doc of personal stories and insights from not only fans around the world, but Paul and Ringo, too. Telling us exactly how it was and is, and revealing what they'd say to dear John and George if they were still here now. I know this much is true, this is as moving and as profound as their first track in decades, 'Now and Then' released last year because of a found Lennon vocal.

Three-weeks of history in a sixties February was made for a real era. This cultural document featuring archival footage captures the boys at their playful and carefree best, all whilst their wonderful work about love and wanting to hold your hand was crucified as devil's music by the press, priest and purveyors of the original cancel culture. Where all you had was newsprint, not 280 characters of social media to play with. And the hair, forget about it. It was so ungodly (even though the locks of Jesus (who The Beatles claimed to be bigger than, were longer), even though one fan still has wig memorabilia from back in the day, along with the side of his seat from the original Dodgers home of Queens' Shea Stadium. He didn't wear it then, and it's still in its plastic packaging, even though he, and me, could probably use it now. There are so many great tales here from American fans who describe The Beatles coming to America in the wake of John F. Kennedy's assassination as, like, "a light coming on." You'll be moved to tears, too.

One fan and bandsman was so moved by it all he had to take a trip to Liverpool, to see where all of this came from, like a Cavern Club. He was denied entry when he hit the shores, and had to remain aboard a ferry that seemed like it would never cross the Mersey. He kicked up so much of a fuss that his story was put on the front page of the Liverpool Echo as he escaped to fulfil his Fab Four fate...and just wait until this 1964 documentary shows where all that led to. Scorsese and Tedeschi first bonded after David edited Martin's George Harrison documentary 'Living In The Material World', forming a friendship with George's wife Olivia Harrison. She produces this alongside Paul, Ringo, Marty, Margaret, Jonathan Clyde, Mikaela Beardsley and Sean Ono Lennon. Based off of Albert and David Maysles' original documentary 'What's Happening! The Beatles In The U.S.A.', and featuring terrific testimonials from the miracle Motown likes of Smokey Robinson and Ron Isley, just you wait until you hear the soundtrack, too. Not to be confused with the 'Beatles '65' album, this documentary is its own look at yesterday, that really has a hold on you. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Beatles: Get Back', 'The Beatles: Let It Be', 'George Harrison: Living In The Material World'.

FOR THE RECORD: ANDRE 3000 Live @ BLUE NOTE, TOKYO, JAPAN (25/11/24)

4/5

A Good Note

Coming of age during the college days, we had no idea how good we had it. We're talking the early 2000s. What a time to be alive for a great day in hip-hop. F### a big-three today. We know it's just, "big HE" (or is that HIM?). Drake, even the great J. Cole. They were not like this. The real clash of the titans, like Tupac and Biggie, had Jay-Z and Nas still releasing albums and showing us what beef was really all about, before they made a monumental moment of peace on stage, with Cam'Ron and The Diplomats watching, looking for their own immunity. Down south, T.I. was the King, whilst Young Jeezy was pushing rhymes like Ice Cube weight. Rappers could cross over to the pop charts seamlessly. Nelly, Ja Rule and 50 (and there's another beef). But hey, y'all, no one had it quite like OutKast. Especially the 'Hey Ya!' of Andre 3000 on the diamond selling, 'Speakerboxxx/The Love Below', Caroliiiine. Giving us a taste of his jazz to come with a few of his 'Favourite Things' and a delightful duet with Miss Norah Jones.

'Idlewild' soundtracks came next, like 'Ten The Hard Way' never did, and we hope, one day, will. When we all wondered what 'Kast was up to, Big Boi explained Three-Stacks' absence to Tim Westwood. "He's out in Tokyo!" I remember as a college kid thinking how cool that sounded. It felt like the future. Now, all these years later, pushing 40 and living in the land of the rising sun, I'm sitting in the notorious Blue Note jazz bar, just outside Shibuya area, waiting to see Andre Benjamin show another side to us. The kind that puts the rapper of De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest pedigree in the same company as Miles and Coltrane...not to mention Ron Burgundy with that jazz flute. But I'm sorry 'dre, like you were to Ms. Jackson. For real, your specially designed drink for the night had a cool twist, but I ended up ordering the Norah Jones 'Day Breaks' mocktail. Baby, take off your cool.

All is by the man who played Hendrix's side, in this epic experience. Be cool like sipping tea with a pinkie up. The 3000 we all love like a Stark RDJ walked through the tables, looking colder than a polar bear's toenails (thanks, Big), in a boiler suit, teacher's spectacles and a bright red beanie, glowing like the blinking lights atop of Tokyo's towers, warning aeroplanes like pocket lighthouses. Flanked by bandsmen, Carlos Nino (percussion), Surya Botofasnia (keys) and Deantoni Parks (percussion), Stacks gave us the first of two concerts this evening to begin a three-day tour of Tokyo. Gigging the Grammy nominated flute album 'New Blue Sun' (I'm sorry, LL Cool J). Set-list? Are you kidding me? Apologies to those who wanted to hear 'I Swear, I Really Wanted to Make a 'Rap' Album but This Is Literally the Way the Wind Blew Me This Time', or 'That Night in Hawaii When I Turned into a Panther and Started Making These Low Register Purring Tones That I Couldn't Control ... Sh¥t Was Wild' (with love to the yen for this expensive, but epic evening). What set-list?

Playing the corner, if you checked the clock running down (but this amazing wonder was not a watch watching affair) the first break in the show came half-way through. I know these songs are longer than the titles, but still. The man of few, but wonderful words and monkey howling said he just wanted to play and feel it, like our energy in return. And man, did he, they, and we ever. Playing every note to the point of pure perfection as the light work in this room didn't take it lightly when it came to being part of the performance, behind its own notes. There are black and white portraits of the greats that have played Blue Note at the entrance, before you check your coat with the sweet and sincere staff that are more than happy to help and make this decadent experience even more delightful. B.B. King. George Benson. Natalie Cole. Diana Krall. Not to forget, the late, great, Tony Bennett. Benjamin belongs with them for this bold and beautiful immersion of an inspirational set. Sensationally reminding us of just how unique and unpredictable music is in regard to all the boundaries it breaks through, pushing envelopes like ones that contain notes reading, "and the winner is(...)." Just like jazz. Just like hip-hop. Just like HIM. TIM DAVID HARVEY

Set-List Picks: The whole experience.

REVIEW: KENDRICK LAMAR - GNX

4/5

Not Like Him 

The undisputed belt of gold, in a big-three battle with a humiliated Drake and a conceded J. Cole, to be truly "big me" like a Foo Fighters song. A spot on next year's Super Bowl half-time show that has Lil' Wayne fans wheezing, F. Baby. And now a brand-new all-black everything 'GNX' to go with a surprise album for the fans. DAMN! Kendrick Lamar is pimping butterflies all over again with his first album since 2022's 'Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers' that also came out of nowhere. And one of his best west's since 2012's 'Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City' for this crazy world and not so united state of America (like O'Shea Jackson called it). Just when Ice Cube thought he had a clear lane on the gridlocked LA highway with 'Man Down'. A week after New Music Friday was dominated by the likes of Linkin Park, Gwen Stefani, St. Vincent, Jon Batiste, Jin of BTS, Dolly Parton and Mary J. Blige. Section.80, stand up! The man with the biggest song of the year and most successful diss-track of all-time comes in with brand-new material when he could have made an entire album out of all those Drake disses. But this is not like that.

October's Very Own would have a long way to climb to pull down this fall banner moment in November. Just like fellow Compton legend DeMar DeRozan said about his own retired Raptor jersey, another King balling out in The 6 of Toronto. They may be the North, but HE is the west. Bringing the best like the Shohei Ohtani MVP track of 'dodger blue' on a 'peekaboo' that makes "eighty-pointers like a Kobe game." There are monuments to those athletes across the City of Angels, but 'wacced out murals' is like nothing you've heard before from Kendrick Lamar. Harder than trying to get a seat at Starbucks on a Saturday or Sunday, Kung-Fun Kenny, with word to Don Cheadle, raps the truth like, "Ridin' in my GNX with Anita Baker in the tape deck, it's gon' be a sweet love/F### apologies, I wanna see y'all geeked up/Don't acknowledge me, then maybe we can say it's fair/Take it to the internet and I'ma take it there/Miss my uncle Lil' Mane, he said that he would kill me if I didn't make it/Now I'm possessed by a spirit and they can't take it/Used to bump Tha Carter III, I held my Rollie chain proud/Irony, I think my hard work let Lil Wayne down/Whatever, though, call me crazy, everybody questionable/Turn me to an eskimo, I drew the line and decimals/Snoop posted "Taylor Made," I prayed it was the edibles/I couldn't believe it, it was only right for me to let it go/Won the Super Bowl and Nas the only one congratulate me." It's not just Drake whose artistry ain't safe.

Spare a thought for Father John Misty, forget Ice Cube, who always seems to release an album on the same day as K. Dot. The black and white of this instantly iconic album art pays homage to the real greats like 'luther', Anita Baker and samples of Debbie Deb ('When I Hear Music' on 'squabble up'), Marvin Gaye (on 'If This World Was Mine' sampled by 'luther' Vandross) and Cheryl Lynn. The Neptunes of Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, we hope, align like planets again, with SWV's 'Use Your Heart' for 'Heart Pt. 6'. And the caterpillar pimped of Tupac Shakur's 'Made N####z', on a 'Reincarnated' track for 'Pac. All praise to Kendrick and his producers for this crate digging, but how about all the uncredited stars that appear on this dozen definition of an album? The 'Lana' of SZA reunites after 'Black Panther' for the forever like Wakanda tracks of 'luther' and 'gloria'. Whilst Dody6 says 'hey now'. Wallie the Sensei and Siete, gives a former Angel and best before and after Babe more love on 'dodger blue'. All before Dody6 returns with AzChike on 'peekaboo'. The album's title-track, mind you, feels like a carpool posse cut, with Peysoh, Hitta J3 and YoungThreat all getting in on the ride for one of the best rappers, dead, or alive.

Wanted. Like the in-demand production of Jack Antonoff that speaks English and Spanish in these real Los Angeles times. This sixth man album in the scope for Interscope that's going to have one hell of an aftermath, also features jazz icon Kamasai Washington (who knows all about hidden, surprise albums) on the Lamar legacy making legend of 'luther', and the sweeter jazz sounds of Terrace Martin on the big-hitting 'dodger blue' like a Yokohama BayStars champion. But it's 'man at the garden' that really knocks it out the park for the gladiator in the Colosseum. Expect the King that calls himself 'The Man In The Arena' to be rapping along to, "Twice emotional stability/Of sound body and tranquillity/I deserve it all/Like minds and less enemies/Stock investments, more entities/I deserve it all/VVSs, white diamonds/GNX with the seat back, reclinin', b####" the next time his purple and gold rolls into the Big Apple of New York's Madison Square. Like Heron with the wordplay, the revolution will not be televised. It will hit the airwaves. So cut the 'TV Off' because, "this is not a song/this is a revelation." Like buying the car his dad brought him home in after his birth. This Buick Regal is fit for the man who just showed that no one else is watching his throne. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Wacced Out Murals'. 'Luther', 'Dodger Blue'.

Spin This: Eazy-E : 'Eazy-Duz-It'

REVIEW: ICE CUBE - MAN DOWN

3.5/5

The Iceman 

As cold as ice. After last week's crowded catalogue of album releases (Mary J. Blige, Gwen Stefani, St. Vincent, Jon Batiste, Linkin Park, Jin of BTS and Dolly Parton and Family), rapper slash actor, Ice Cube probably thought he got away Scott free like a production company for Denzel Washington's takeover of 'Gladiator II'. The N.W.A., Westside Connection and Mount Westmore member delivering his first solo set since 2018's 'Everythang's Corrupt'. That was until the man who declared 'I Am The West' like not one, not two, but three Kobe Bryant statues outside of STAPLES (always) had a surprise 'Peek-A-Boo' album from the "big ME" of Kendrick Lamar ('GNX') to deal with. 'Man Down' indeed.

Icing the competition down, Cube has 'Not Like Them' to deal with all of that and address us, thankfully.  And 19 hard tracks for an album from 'AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted' with a controversial cover that is really showing the American apathy to gang violence, like 'Boyz N The Hood', and the causalities of that warfare. This "proud black man" ain't playing as he "speaks his truth" on tracks like 'So Sensitive', without a tub of Vaseline in sight (he's never been down with Diddy bopping at white parties), whether you like it or not. The man who changed another game with the BIG3 league know it's big he on the ice-cold single 'It's My Ego', before bringing the 'Ego Maniacs' back in a classic closer with Killer Mike and fellow form discovering legend of late, Busta Rhymes. Running all sorts of jewels for those who make actual album cases like CDs were back in fashion, with mixtape tracklists and runtimes.

Bow down to a man who has rapped with everyone from Eazy-E to Shaquille O'Neal. Here he brings a roster of co-stars to a bigger block party than LA's AD. Mostly on the cool cut 'She's Sanctified' featuring the Westmore of Snoop Dogg, Too $hort and October London mounting up, as Cube gives props to regulators Warren G and the late, great Nate Dogg. Tha Dogg Pound's Kurupt barks and bites on the formidable 'Fighting For My Life In Paradise', whilst B-Real of Cypress Hill blazes through 'Let's Get Money Together'. J-Dee spits 'Facts' and IshaDon, K-Major and even comedian Mike Epps get down, truth be told, on 'No Cap' for this New Music FRIDAY after next. Yet it's the pimping of a long awaited collaboration with Xzibit, 'Break The Mirror', that really rides this 'Rollin' At Twilight', 'Take Me To Your Leader', coast-to-best coast album. No seven years of bad luck to itch for.

Cubevision can see that O'Shea Jackson Sr. has the game on ice again. A 'Scary Movie' like the Wayans brothers announcement. A gambit leaving all those on deck more afraid than the time Channing Tatum's character in '22 Jump Street' reacted to Jonah Hill dating his daughter. You know how long we've been waiting for this? Even the Mexican Wolverine couldn't claw away at this, Jeff. This '5150' and 'Ghetto Story' for the boys, as classic as the time he said nice things angrily on Kimmel. Give him his damn brisk! Because counting his finger on '3 Lil Piggies', he blows the houses down of all those he takes to market with lines like, "These three little piggies say I ain't good as Biggie/These motherf####n' n###ies say my pen game is iffy/This ain't just yellin', n###a, this is storytellin'/Are there any seeds up in that watermelon?/Just because the melanin, never sold the heroin/Still got the avalanche flow that will bury them." Mountains of it. Blazing as 'I'mma Burn Rubber' on a ride to the tippy top. Everyone can get it, 'Especially You', as 'Talking 'Bout These Rappers' like, "Talkin' 'bout them clappers on the internet (Internet)/Google up these n#ts, b####, I been a vet (Been a vet)/I don't give a f### what's on the internet (Internet)." Don't scroll or stroll past this. This man is still up. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Not Like Them', 'Scary Movie', 'Ego Maniacs (Feat. Killer Mike & Busta Rhymes)'.

Spin This: Ice Cube - 'I Am The West'

REVIEW: LINKIN PARK - FROM ZERO

3.5/5 

In The New Beginning

I remember the first time I heard 'Points Of Authority' (originally meant to be a single in the UK) by Linkin Park on BBC Radio One, like it was yesterday, back in those college days, that almost 40, don't seem that far away. It sounded like nothing I've ever heard before. The futuristic, electronic video game beat over growling guitars. The instantly iconic screaming vocals of the late, great Chester Bennington. He could never be replaced. The opening super singles of 'Hybrid Theory' ('One Step Closer', 'Crawling' (that trio of T. rex plastic puppet Vine), 'Papercut' and 'In The End'), the biggest hitters until The Killers slayed the beginning of their 'Hot Fuss' debut four years later with the tracklist singles of 'Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine', 'Mr. Brightside', 'Smile Like You Mean It', 'Somebody Told Me' and 'All These Things That I've Done', never letting up.

Just like LP never did. LP after LP. 'Meteora'. 'Minutes To Midnight'. The MTV 'Collision Course' with Jay-Z, best rock/rap collabo since Aerosmith and Run-DMC. The 'Transformers: Dark Of The Moon' soundtrack scorching score from 'A Thousand Suns'. The sweet spot, signature sounds of 'Living Things' ('Roads Untravelled', man) and 'The Hunting Party' ('Wretches and Kings'...maaaan). And the last album with the dearly departed, Chester, the experimental 'One More Light', which on originally missing after a tough year and some much-maligned, off-putting, I still haven't listened to yet, despite being a big fan of this band. Perhaps, now, I can't bring myself to bear Bennington's last album, like he's still here to be heard. But the harsh reality is he's not, and we, like the band of working musicians Dave Farrell, Brad Delson, Joe Hahn, and Mike Shinoda, must go on. Like they did without the likes of founding member and hiatus lost Rob Bourdon, and Mark Wakefield and Kyle Christener.

Some fans have not warmly welcomed Bennington's replacement, mind you. Although Dead Sara's own Emily Armstrong is not a replacement, she's her own artist on a new chapter in this band. Besides, Chester could never be replaced, like we said. In an artillery of female forces, this New Music Friday. The legendary Dolly Parton. Our generation's greats in Mary J. Blige and Gwen Stefani, no doubt. And the most amazing artist, speaking Spanish, in Annie Clark, AKA, St. Vincent, all giving Jon and Jin, of Batiste and BTS fame fits. Armstrong arms up in such a loaded week, we've finally got 'round to finishing up the 'round up of reviews, and it's almost next Friday (can you blame m? I'm on vacation!), like Ice Cube, minus Chris Tucker. We've saved the most controversial for last, if you've heard the comments Chester's son has made about Mike and the boys. That's between them. We don't know enough to comment. All we can say is it's all heartbreaking, like how happy Chester was on the Carpool Karaoke with Ken Jeong, just days before he was lost from us.

Linkin Park have to start again, 'From Zero' on their new album. Originally, Emily's debut of live takes of Linkin's greatest hits, didn't exactly knock it out the park. Social media reacted like that José Mourinho headphone meme. Since then, the new band, that also welcomes drummer Colin Brittain to the fold, have given us an onslaught of strong singles and glory days music videos. 'The Emptiness Machine', 'Heavy Is The Crown', 'Over Each Other' and 'Two Faced'. Holy smokes, they've still got it. Nu metal legends with a fully-charged half-hour of new music, dialled up to eleven, epic tracks. Not to mention an expanded edition after the 'Good Times Go' for this digital age with live single takes in London, Paris and native, Burbank, California. As the black pink washes over the leather of this album art, the polished 'Points' production is still here in a fresh sound that still feels familiar, but is not jacking anyone's style, or stealing their shine as it finds its own light in this new day.

Xero, was Linkin Park's original name, but this is a new day and way. Not to mention, logo. Logging a new turn in the outstanding opening of 'The Emptiness', following the instrumental intro, rapper/singer Shinoda reminds us there were always two frontmen, before he lets Emily come into play. 'Cut The Bridge' tears through, all the way to the hook, as this band may never be the same, but they don't sound completely different. And that's a good thing, like it is on tracks like 'Casualty' and 'Overflow', hurting for more. On 'Stained' Armstrong makes her mark, singing, "And someday/Your hands will be too red to hide the blame/You'll realize you had it comin'/Pretend you're spotless, but I don't wash away/And now you're stained/And now you're stained/And now you're stained." Whilst on 'IGYEIH', Mike makes his, singing along, "I give you everything I have." Just like this band do, in the face of it all. Love. Loss. The hate of looking like they're trying to replace, when really they're just trying to keep going. An admirable quality, even if they're no longer the most loved. Fans may be feeling the hurt, but outside the Bennington family and circle of friends, whose been hit harder than this one? Getting back up with a sonic soar from the ashes, remember, we missed this band too. Welcome back, Linkin Park! TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'The Emptiness Machine', 'Heavy Is The Crown', 'Over Each Other'.

Spin This: Linkin Park - 'Hybrid Theory: Reanimation'

REVIEW: GWEN STEFANI - BOUQUET

3.5/5

Orange Blossom Special

Without a shadow of a doubt, Gwen Stefani joins not only Dolly Parton, Mary J. Blige, St. Vincent, Jon Batiste, the new Linkin Park and Jin of Korean super pop group in the biggest New Music Friday this month, gearing up for those Christmas come early sales. But also, (like Dolly, MJB, Annie Clark and the new Emily Armstrong fronted Linkin Park LP), Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Halsey, Maggie Rogers, Norah Jones, Maya Hawke, Willow and fellow 90s to new millennium luminaries, Nelly Furtado, Katy Perry and the 'Evolution' of Sheryl Crow, in another amazing year for women in pop music. All for a beautiful 'Bouquet' in Orange Country rosé wine bloom. Stefani's new album, this fall, and first since her 'You Make It Feel Like Christmas' miracle of 2017.

'Harajuku Lovers', this is far from 'The Sweet Escape' of an Akon hook, or her classic solo debut, 'Love. Angel. Music. Baby', hollering back, girl. That was twenty years ago, if you can feel really old yet and believe it. No doubt about it, she's on a different tip with the stem of these songs, and if we clutch too much at the oranges of the band getting back together, then we really will be heading for a tragic kingdom. Instead, do speak on how Gwen Stefani's first solo studio sound (minus the mistletoe) since the genuine pop play of 'This Is What The Truth Feels Like', is in that same pure pop vein and lane of that new fond feeling. All with a country twang and twist. This is what happens when you judge 'The Voice' and hone yours. Alongside marrying country icon Blake Shelton, who duets on the 'Purple Irises', between all the title-tracks, 'Empty Vase's' (that have nothing to do with that awful poem Monica received on 'Friends') and 'Marigolds' (that have nothing to do with rubber gloves as Gwen gets to work).

Produced by Scott Hendriks for Interscope Records, this top ten track of all power over a half-hour, and it's latest single 'Swallow My Tears' will make you do the same to yours. More than just a girl, this woman's work just shows us another chapter in her catalogue, like the new Linkin Park, no matter how much we miss the old rock band like Chester. The lead single, 'Someone Else's', mind you, leaves some room for Doubt. Rocking as a Queen B 'Irreplaceable' empowering anthem, in a scorching summertime video, when a break-up can lead you towards the break you actually deserve. For this fifth album, Stefani relaxes on a motel room like bed, rocking a Stetson and holding all the flowers she should be getting as a living legend still in the prime of her pop powers and prowess. 'Late To Bloom'? Nah! But when Stefani sings, "I wish I met you when I was younger/Like 22 or 23/Think of all those extra summers/And maybe we could", she shows even more signature styles than Harajuku, Tokyo. All whilst triggering her almost forty-something fans (*puts a beginning to liver spot hand up*), that 'Don't Speak' was an unspeakable time ago.

These are the gentle 'Reminders' like "All the leaves are fallin' down just in time/Plant a seed a garden for a new life/Wait for rain to come" and the fact that the fall is for the fondest. Like family, or our favourite artists whose music feels like branches on that same tree of our lives. Conceived during corona, Stefani used to 'Cry Happy' with a song complied of lyrics tapped into her phone. Originally meant to be a return to the roots of her reggae and ska sound (which we hope to hear on another album), 'Bouquet' blooms into a Nashville and seventies pop-rock rhinestone inspired outfit. Curated with country classics, like featuring on her husbands 'Nobody But You' and 'Happy Anywhere', or her own breakup ballad 'All Your Fault'. We may 'Slow Clap' for that old thing back, but let Gwen reintroduce herself to this country. Sitting 'Pretty' on the flower motif as she sings, "Every wrong turn is the one I take/And every wrong move is the one I make/I've bloomed, my petals have fallen/And you showed up and you said that you're all in." Healing from the heartbreak of divorce and finding the flowers of a new love. The planting of a new seed of growth. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Somebody Else's', 'Marigolds', 'Purple Irises (With Blake Shelton)'.

Spin This: Gwen Stefani - 'This Is What The Truth Feels Like'.

REVIEW: DOLLY PARTON & FAMILY: SMOKY MOUNTAIN DNA – FAMILY, FAITH & FABLES

4/5

A Parton In A Family Tree 

Straight out of Dollywood and into a crowded Christmas market, New Music Friday, featuring Gwen Stefani, Mary J. Blige, St. Vincent, Linkin Park, Jon Batiste and Jin of BTS, we're not in Nashville any more. More the 'Smoky Mountain DNA' of Dolly Parton's 'Tennessee Mountain Home' and the 'Family, Faith & Fables' that all come from those parts. Since the age of social distance, Dolly has stayed close, locking it down. Almost 80, but always giving 100%, like Willie Nelson or Clint Eastwood, still on top of their respective games. Whether giving us 'A Holly Dolly Christmas' in the lonely 2020, as well as the Netflix Xmas movie 'Christmas On The Square'. Or the 'Run, Rose, Run' album two years later, alongside the novel of the same name, written with legendary bookstore author James Patterson. A year after, and the last one to be exact, the genre bending Dolly showed she was a 'Rockstar'. Now, just in time for Christmas, she's back again, as she returns to her roots.

Dolly Parton & Family's 'Smoky Mountain DNA-Family, Faith & Fables' marks Parton's eighteenth collaborative album (there are forty-nine solo sets), and first since her 'Trio II' sequel with Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt in 1999. Now, from the beautiful introduction and outro bookends, to the almost two-hour runtime this cinematic album is a black and white, photo album journey into the love, life and light of Dolly and family. 'I Just Stopped By' she sweetly sings on one of the best numbers of a thirty-seven track masterpiece that is released years ago would be her magnum opus...but she has her whole rock and roll Hall of Fame career for all that. After releasing a recipe book, Dolly is cooking up even more, as the rich heritage of this family album has a four-part docuseries on deck, soon to come. "I cannot believe that it has been 60 years this month since I graduated from Sevier County High School and moved to Nashville to pursue my dreams," Dolly tells us. "My Uncle Bill Owens was by my side for many years helping me develop my music. I owe so much to him and all the family members past and present who have inspired me along this journey. I am honored to spotlight our families’ musical legacy."

In classic collaboration with Owepar Entertainment, Dolly blends music from her paternal Parton family to her mother's Owens one. Taking us from East Tennessee, USA, all the way back to the United Kingdom in the 1600s, where the first seeds of this family tree were planted. Appalachia culture and the proud and profound words and writing of both families show how they play together in perfect harmony, with songwriting in their DNA. Dolly's country cousin Richie Owens produces this lasting LP of legacy for the legend. And it's generational, featuring family members present and past, as those ancestors pass down the songwriting craft. It's a beautiful bond, honed in a classic sound. You can hear it on the mesmerizing medley of 'Singing His Praise/Daddy Was An Old Time Preacher Man'. From a 'Rosewood Casket' to a 'I'll Live In Glory'. No one is ever gone far. "I'll meet you in the morning by the bright riverside/When all the sorrow has drifted away/I'll be standin' at the portals when the gates open wide/At the close of life's long weary day," Dolly promises on 'I'll Meet You In The Morning."

'Where Will We Live Tomorrow', the family asks in these current, not so great times to make it in America. "My mother left my daddy, ran away with another man/It wasn't very long until my daddy married again/They had a little boy they called Jimmy, my half brother/They said he was just like my dad, and I was like my mother", Dolly and Dorothy Jo Owens sing together on 'Runaway Girl'. From an instrumental 'Grooms Tune/Bonaparte's Retreat', to new favourites like 'Tell Me That You Love Me' and 'A Rose Won't Fix It', loving and breaking, this album has so much as the 'Crops Came In', watering this legacy tree, relatively singing. But it's on 'The Orchard' where we can really see it all bloom. Jada Star devoting "My grandmother/She was kind and held a wisdom like no other/Her words echo deep inside my heart/We're never apart" the blessing, like the 'Holy Water' that comes after. This one touches your head like the Holy Spirit's water of a cross. In the name of all the father's and family members that show us, music and family are akin to religion. No matter which side you pray to. It's no fable 'When It's Family'. Just the faith that no mountaintop could climb to claim. In the midst of what looks like smoke, that spirit will run through your DNA for generations of lifetimes. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'My Tennessee Mountain Home', 'I Just Stopped By, 'Where Will We Live Tomorrow'.

Spin This: Dolly Parton - 'Run, Rose, Run'

REVIEW: MARY J. BLIGE - GRATITUDE

3.5/5

oBLIGEd

Don't call it a retirement. The Queen of R&B and hip-hop soul will be here for years. Mary J. Blige recently debunked rumours that her latest release, 'Gratitude', would also be her last. Sure, the fifteenth album from Mary is a personal thank you to fans, but it's no swan song victory lap. Wrapped up just in time for Christmas, this week, alongside new releases from fellow legends Jon Batiste, Dolly Parton, Gwen Stefani, St. Vincent, Linkin Park and Jin of BTS, Blige has been putting in work since the seems like yesterday 2011 release of the sequel to her classic 'My Life'. THAT'S the 411 as the journey continues with each act, every couple of years. 'The London Sessions' with some of the Big Smoke's finest. The 'Strength Of A Woman' who still has time to say 'Good Morning Gorgeous' to us. Even 'A Mary Christmas' to put under your tree.

No more drama in this love and life as she shares her world like she has classic collaborations with everyone from Sting to the late, great George Michael. A breakthrough who gets stronger with every tear and tear through the industry. All whilst showing the power of acting in things like 'Mudbound' and 'The Umbrella Academy'. The smoking Mary Jane can do it all with her ceiling smashing, sky-high talent. We should be thankful for all she's done. Even though she's giving it up for us, like the understanding in solidarity of the second single, 'You Ain't The Only One', as these growing pains flow with tears again, like a Brooklyn brownstone fire hydrant in a scorching summer. Bringing out all the big guns like some of the best artists of her generation. Fantastic 'Breathe' rapper Fabolous on the Biggie sampling single 'Breathing'. The rasp of death, Jadakiss on 'Need You More'. And Fat Joe on 'God's Child' as the now regular-sized man from New York raps, "Me, Nas and Hov the only icons left."

Ferg also features on the fabulous closer 'I Got Plans' that shows you there's more to come with the other legend left. But it's for all the brilliant 'Beautiful People' Mary J. sings for, like the time she remixed 'Beautiful' with the Black Stars of Mos Def and Talib Kweli. Anthems to empower with lines like, "Beautiful people/One/Then I’m going to/Beautiful places/Where there are just/Beautiful faces/Beautiful people, just like all of you, all of you/All of, all of you." Sing along now. On this delightful dozen track LP's latest billboard entry, Mary declares 'Here I Am'. Another beautiful ballad to add to the great American rhythm and blues songbook. All for the fans that 'Never Give Up On Me (she)'. Despite the love, coming off the 'Good Morning Gorgeous' bestseller since 'Be Without You', Mary is still street, and not afraid to tell you, 'Don't F### Up'. The drama was yesterday and yesteryear, my dear.

Laced, like the amazing album artwork by 300 Entertainment and her own Mary Jane Productions, the GREATful 'Gratitude' also features 'Superpowers' from an icon of the industry who is about to release her own book and come out of "retirement" (this album was originally meant to be her last) like the 'Kingdom Come' of a 'Black Album' Jay-Z coming "back like Jordan, wearing the 4-5." There's nobody like her and on 'Nobody Like You' she sings, "There ain't nobody but you (Nobody) on my mind/All the time/Oh baby, please believe, I'll be in love with you always (Always)/All my life/I love it when you call me in the morning when the sun comes up/'Cause you'vе been missing me all night/Tell me, "Plеase come over now"/Am I still asleep? Feels like a dream/That for once in my life I didn't have to fight for love/Where did you come from?", like there's no one else (there isn't) and no tomorrow (we hope there still is). We can't wait for more, as Mary can't (no stranger to the old double-text, herself) on the "All these games, I can't relay my race to the front/I can't be slowing down my pace, it ain't fair" of 'Can't Wait For You'. If this really is it, we're beyond grateful, but if it's not, we'd be so thankful for more. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Breathing (Feat. Fabolous)', 'You Ain't The Only One', 'God's Child (Feat. Fat Joe)'

Spin This: Mary J. Blige 'My Life II...The Journey Continues (Act 1)'

REVIEW: JON BATISTE - BEETHOVEN BLUES (BATISTE PIANO SERIES, VOL. 1)

4/5

Roll Over Beethoven

"He's in the room with us", Jamie Foxx's Juilliard cello player Nathaniel Ayers tells Robert Downey Jr's Los Angeles Times journalist Steve Lopez in the great movie 'The Soloist'. "Who?" Downey replies, forgiven for wondering what Ayers is talking about as he booked out the legendary steel sculptures of LA's Walt Disney Concert Hall for "just us". "Beethoven!" It's barely been a year since Grammy and Oscar winning musician Jon Batiste graced us with the planetary sounds of 'World Music Radio'. Also breaking our hearts with the 'American Symphony' documentary on Netflix with his wife Suleika Jaouad's brave battle with leukaemia. But now the 'Soul' singer moves and soothes us without a word. Healing us all with the 'Beethoven Blue', volume one in the 'Batiste Piano Series', which is what the world really needs, right now, like love, sweet love.

It's all right now. These Beethoven tracks twinkled to eleven in black and white find Jon alone in his home like this was corona all over again. Offering opportunities to play around, not only with Ludwig, but also some lovely music videos of perfect performances, suited and booted up to the nines. Case in point is the 'Blues' opener and lead single, 'Für Elise' and the reverie of its curtain closing reprise. The Grammy multiplied by five man, like an Adele or Norah Jones, is all about the pure piano, like the late, great Ryuichi Sakamoto's magnum 'Opus', in his deepest and most decadently curated cut yet. We can't wait for volume two with moving sonnets like the 'Moonlight Sonata Blues', or his own reprisal of the 'American Symphony Theme', that will once again move you to the same tears those watching 'Angels In America' on Broadway had, after reading the play's prose. Transcendent, as Ludwig Van Beethoven's own work plays with Batiste's original compositions about growing up in New Orleans. Stepping out into a 'Symphony No. 5 Stomp' until the 'Dusklight Movement' calls day in a '7th Symphony Elegy' for your sympathy. 

Christmas is coming, you can tell that, not only by the festive decorations that line your city streets, but also by last New Music Friday. It's Monday, and we still aren't through all the big new releases. The heavy hitters are all wrapping up albums that will make the perfect presents this Christmas. Gifts from the greats like Dolly Parton, Mary J. Blige, Gwen Stefani, St. Vincent, Jin of BTS and the new Linkin Park. But with this tribute to the 'Life Of Ludwig', nothing makes more memories last a lifetime with even more feeling and meaning than this 'Ode To Joyful'. A much more, straight-forward and laced step in this 'Waldstein Wobble', after the wonderful 'World Music Radio' was literally all over the place at times. Focussing forward, the '5th Symphony In Congo Square' tells tales of the times a young Batiste would gig across NOLA and compete in competitions on the ivories. One of the best to do it, washing those blues away, is unbeatable now, like the swamp his style originated from. Under a Crescent City moon, we can see the shadows of all those who inspired and influenced dear Jon. Like the silhouette of a wig, almost as iconic as his hair. He's still in the room with us. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Für Elise', 'Moonlight Sonata Blues', 'American Symphony Theme'

Spin This: Ryuichi Sakamoto - 'Opus'

REVIEW: ST. VINCENT - TODOS NACEN GRITANDO

4/5

Scream If You Want To Go Faster

"Un pequeño agradecimiento a los fans de habla hispana que me han conocido en mi lengua materna durante siete discos." That's what 'Todos Nacen Gritando', St. Vincent's Spanish language version of her Grammy nominated album 'All Born Screaming' is. "A little thanks to Spanish-language fans who have met me in my native tongue for seven records." And it shows. From the big bass bursts of the 'Hombre Roto' lead single, flanked by 'Pulga' and 'El Mero Cero'. All the way to the Cate Le Bon closing title-track, 'Todos Nacen Gritando', also getting in on the act. Getting by with a little help from her friend, Alan Del Rio Ortiz, so she wouldn't be lost in translation. This isn't the first time the 'Daddy's Home' singer has done something like this. Annie Clark also gave us the stripped-down 'MassEDUCATION' of arguably her best album yet, 'Masseduction', but nothing is a gift quite like this.

Mixing the tastes of different tongues for her record of the year, like a 'Happy' go lucky Jin of BTS, also out this New Music Friday with a new EP. Clark is in a class of her own. All for a big weekend of the best women in music. Dolly Parton, Mary J. Blige, the new Linkin Park, and Gwen Stefani, no doubt. These gladiators have entered the arena too. The screaming seventh seal from the saint remains one of the best albums of the year after it's late April release. The nominations have certified that acclaim. Yet the gravitas of 'Gritando' adds much more to the long glove's legend. It's far from a stretch. On the opener, 'El Infierno Está Cerca', Vincent really brings the beauty to bear in brimstone. Just as 'Salvaje' feels like a saviour, no matter how reckless it really is. Yet it's 'Se Fue La Luz' that you'll really sing along to, as the power's still on. ""Señoras y señores, tenemos un problema"/Un hombre dijo justo que le dispararon/Y las madres gritan, los niños lloran/No podía creer mis ojos."

Conducting line by line, you'll be glad for these legendary lyric videos as vivid as art, word to word is bond. On 'La Fruta Más Dulce' Clark compells us with the words, "Mi SOPHIE se trepó/Al techo para ver a la luna/Luna/Ay, Dios, un mal paso/La mandó tumbando/Pero por un momento qué vista/Qué vista." That were originally, "My SOPHIE climbed the roof/To get a better view of the Moon/Moon/My God, then one wrong step/Took her down to the depths/But for a minute, what a view/What a view" for the late SOPHIE in the bitter but beautiful 'Sweetest Fruit'. They still are, regardless of the translation, but after recent times they take on even more powerful poignancy. Just like the Spanish version of "Hemorrhaging heartthrob with a six-pack of beer (Ha-ah)/Leaning outside her burned-out window/She isn't smiling, but she's happy you're here/We'll make a killing from her trauma/Oh, mama" on 'Tantos Planetas'. Remember the times you've taken a trip in the Summer, and you'd happen upon a local bar, catching some singer lacing lyrics in her parental tongue? Deciphering didn't matter, you could still feel every emotion and the portraits of love and pain painted. Even though we know what these words mean, the renacer 'Todos' gives us a whole new voice that screams, shouts and lets it all out. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Hombre Roto', 'Tiempos Violentos', 'Pulga'.

Spin This: St. Vincent - 'MassEDUCATION'.

REVIEW: JIN - HAPPY EP

4/5

Happier Than Ever

Happy days are back for BTS member Jin and the ARMY of the "worldwide handsome" idol's fans. The mandatory military service is completed and 'The Astronaut' is back. Out of this world for his debut EP, 'Happy', on HYBE for your big hits. 'Running Wild', one man and his dog, the perfect cinema date for a sci-fi movie, and a soaring new single, singing in English, "There's a way/There's a way that we can fly again/Remember how we used to love back then/Living like we had no end/Let's stay out all night/Out all night until we see the sun/Remember how we used to long ago/We can miss." Here's the hope you've been waiting for in a world run cold. Not to mention the cutest dog, that could save anyone. Just see the opening act of the 'John Wick' franchise.

The second single, 'I'll Be There' featuring MAX and 1960s bubblegum, is classic Korean pop, even if it is also sung in English to reach an even wider world fanbase. Although a Korean version is also available. Harmonizing, "All these busy people/How does anyone get by in this tough world/Oh-oh-oh (Oh-oh-oh)/Giving something greater than just the little things/That’s what I live for." All for that inspiration amongst the ignorance that we were just telling you about. His mother tongue and his second language are mixed on the rest of the blue and 'Happy' polka dot album artwork. Taking it to 'Another Level' with lyrics like, "Don't be scared/나 때론 무너져도/한 걸음/(We'll bounce back and hit, bounce back and hit)/나 이제/저 빛을 향해서 걸어/한 발 더/(We'll bounce back and hit another level)." After returning from the shaved head and salute of his time in the real army, consider this a rebirth for him, and us. All in a time when we need the hope of change again.

After the atmospheric '네게 닿을 때까지', Jin gives us the uplifting 'Heart On The Window' featuring 웬디 (Wendy of Red Velvet). Super like Tuna as they sing "I love you better" together and "More every minute/More every hour/Oh, 꿈인 듯이/하얗게 서린 맘의 창 위에/짙게 새겨둔/You and me, ah." But it's the compelling closer '그리움에', where we hear Jin at his most beautiful, all in Korean, over profound piano. Now Jin is back, and his music released, all BTS members have released extended plays, many two, after their extended hiatus. Even this year, we've already seen and heard from leader RM ('Right Place, Wrong Person') and Jimin ('Muse') again, after Jungkook and V's late charge last year. Are you sure you don't want to hear more monuments from the stars? Take that, like 'Running Wild' produced by Gary Barlow, or all the memes about the height of his son, so long as it's not offending anyone. The band will be getting back together. Before that reunion, like Japanese act One Ok Rock, let's rock out until it reaches you. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Running Wild', 'I'll Be There', 'Heart On The Window (Feat. 웬디)'.

Spin This: Jin - 'The Astronaut'

REVIEW: TYLER, THE CREATOR - CHROMAKOPIA

4/5

The Mask

Surprise, b#####s...in your best Dave Chappelle voice! Who's that 'Noid', walking through the black and white streets with The Verve of Richard Ashcroft in a 'Bittersweet Symphony'? Bumping into people in the phantom of the opera black mask like Kobe Bryant or LeBron James going hard, playing through a facial fracture. It's only Tyler, The Creator. The man with the funkiest freestyle that set Funkmaster Flex off. Back with an album out of the blue this New Music Friday, following his Grammy Award-winning 'Call Me If You Get Lost' ODB I.D. Expect another one for the compelling 'CHROMAKOPIA' in ALL-CAPS. An eighth wonder off Colombia Records for The Creator. A straight shooting classic, all the way to the same masked up black and white throwback album artwork, that's really saying something. If only you would take off your own brilliant disguise to realize.

God loves a 'Bastard'. And this 'Goblin' and 'Wolf' explodes like a 'Cherry Bomb' this Halloween. 'Flower Boy', 'Igor', 'Call Me', the big-three of amazing album art have just been joined by a fantastic fourth for the man in the best stretch of his creative career, that's lasted for a decade plus, and running. A cut above the rest, from the Daniel Caesar assisted 'St. Chroma' opening number, to the 'I Hope You Find Your Way Home ' lost ones reflective curtain. Fusing hip-hop, R&B and jazz like awakening the love of a Childish Gambino (he's here, too), Tyler Gregory Okonma, 'Chromakopia' in all its chrome features some of the best in the business. Offset by a sample of 'Thought I Was Dead' (featuring Schoolboy Q and Santigold), this follow-up to 'If You Get Lost' also finds Teezo Touchdown ('Darling, I'), Daniel Caesar again with LaToiya Williams ('Take Your Mask Off'), Lola Young ('Like Him'), Doechii ('Balloon') and Playboy Carti on the physical album'. Not to mention one of the best posse cuts with the 'Sticky' ( I smell...) GloRilla, Sexyy Red and Weezy F. baby, Lil' Wayne collaboration.

The creative force raps with reckless abandon, "Wipe that silly grin (Mm), b####, I'm really him (Mm)/You better put them palms together, b####, I really sin (Mm)/No, me and crack don't share daddies, but we really twins (Okay)/If she ain't got her s### together, she ain't gettin' in (Okay)/You see the bed top bunker, the boy got thumpers/I'm a bonafide face seat, box muncher" on the 'Rah Tah Tah'. But it's the song about 'Hey Jane' that offers more in the form of, "Hey, Jane, your hair long and your legs long/And we can both relate to the fact that our dads gone/Couple good qualities on you you could pass on/You're not dumb, and your face good, and your head strong, look". Reminding you in this safe sex education to "always, always, always wear a condom," like his mother says. 'I Killed You', the creator of Odd Future declares, as you let him cook with all he had to bear. Not one to judge like 'Judy'.

'Tomorrow' offers even more in this redemption song, feeling like a Kanye 'Runaway', running as fast as you can. "Fear it, face clear, few wrinkles on my spirit/Thought this s### out, I pop out with that oven/Tell that new version of me that I'm comin', yeah/My brodie had another baby, that's like number two (Number two)/My homegirl, her knot tied, she like thirty-two (Thirty-two)/They sharin' pictures of these moments, s### is really cute/And all I got is photos of my 'Rari and some silly suits (Man)/Mhm, will I flip the switch and finally settle down?/" At a career creative crossorads, is this a turning point for Tyler? Cohesive yet confused in its nature, this is a man who is nurturing his style, but still can afford more. Will little creators come next? Or is this collection his legacy? Time will tell, for a man whose always known how to pivot with pride. His whole career is his magnum opus. Now will he wear one or let it ride? Inglewood's finest with pearls from his mother gives us another jewel. Andre 3000 once reminded us that chronophobia is the fear of time, but with 'Chromakopia', it's still on The Creator's side. Yes, it is. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Noid', 'Sticky (Feat. GloRilla, Sexyy Red & Lil' Wayne)', 'I Hope You Find Your Way Home'.

Spin This: Childish Gambino - 'Awaken, My Love'