Carly Rae Jepsen
The Loveliest Time, a collection of B-sides from Carly Rae Jepsen’s 2022 studio album, The Loneliest Time, is a masterclass in pop music. At 13 tracks and 43 minutes, these B-sides make for a complete record while still offering the diversity of a B-sides record. From guitar-driven R&B on “Kollage” to disco-inspired lead single, “Shy Boy”, Jepsen introduces and immediately exhibits near-mastery of a variety of styles, all held together by her catchy and accessible pop songwriting style.
The Loveliest Time’s lively instrumentals, joyous vocal performances, and unmatched hooks are prevalent on nearly every track on the album, but on none more so than track #8, “Psychedelic Switch”. The track’s thumping bass and dancing beat build to an earworm chorus catchy enough to rival Jepsen’s unforgettable smash hit, “Call Me Maybe”.
The Loveliest Time is one of the best records of the year, offering accessible pop music to mainstream audiences and a substantive, genre-spanning masterpiece for music nerds to sink their teeth into.
vs.
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard
On their 24th album since their full-length debut in 2012, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard make their second foray into heavy metal after their fan favorite 2019 release, Infest The Rats Nest. The band’s first release of 2023, PetroDragonic Apocalypse combines the fast, aggressive, and crunchy riffs of its predecessor with groovy, psychedelic breakdowns and King Gizzard’s calling cards of progressive song structures and odd time signatures.
The album’s intensity and lyrical commentary on fossil fuels and climate change are perfectly counterbalanced by a lighthearted fantasy narrative about dragons and witches. PetroDragonic Apocalypse is a phenomenal showcase of the band’s pure skill as musicians (special props to drummer Michael Cavanagh) and their wonderful weirdness.
For fans of hard rock, heavy metal, or prog, or just anyone who thinks dragons are badass, this is a must-listen.
The Loveliest Time, a collection of B-sides from Carly Rae Jepsen’s 2022 studio album, The Loneliest Time, is a masterclass in pop music. At 13 tracks and 43 minutes, these B-sides make for a complete record while still offering the diversity of a B-sides record. From guitar-driven R&B on “Kollage” to disco-inspired lead single, “Shy Boy”, Jepsen introduces and immediately exhibits near-mastery of a variety of styles, all held together by her catchy and accessible pop songwriting style.
The Loveliest Time’s lively instrumentals, joyous vocal performances, and unmatched hooks are prevalent on nearly every track on the album, but on none more so than track #8, “Psychedelic Switch”. The track’s thumping bass and dancing beat build to an earworm chorus catchy enough to rival Jepsen’s unforgettable smash hit, “Call Me Maybe”.
The Loveliest Time is one of the best records of the year, offering accessible pop music to mainstream audiences and a substantive, genre-spanning masterpiece for music nerds to sink their teeth into.
vs.
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard
On their 24th album since their full-length debut in 2012, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard make their second foray into heavy metal after their fan favorite 2019 release, Infest The Rats Nest. The band’s first release of 2023, PetroDragonic Apocalypse combines the fast, aggressive, and crunchy riffs of its predecessor with groovy, psychedelic breakdowns and King Gizzard’s calling cards of progressive song structures and odd time signatures.
The album’s intensity and lyrical commentary on fossil fuels and climate change are perfectly counterbalanced by a lighthearted fantasy narrative about dragons and witches. PetroDragonic Apocalypse is a phenomenal showcase of the band’s pure skill as musicians (special props to drummer Michael Cavanagh) and their wonderful weirdness.
For fans of hard rock, heavy metal, or prog, or just anyone who thinks dragons are badass, this is a must-listen.