Soundbox Reviews

Music Single Review: "Cracker Island" by Gorillaz Ft. Thundercat 5 Boomboxes "Cracker Island is art and poetry. " Single from album “Cracker Island”   Released: June 22, 2022 Video Released: July 28, 2022 Length: 3:35 Genre: Alternative Indie Pop Funk Written by: Damon Albarn, Jamie Hewlett, and Stephen Lee Bruner   Produced by: Damon Albarn, Jamie Hewlett, Stephen Lee Bruner, Remi Kabaka Jr. and Greg Kurstin.        When listeners see "Cracker Island" by Gorillaz featuring Thundercat , they are sure to open their window and scream, "FINALLY!" Yes, finally. Both prolific artists are renowned for their musical prowess (Gorillaz with the blending of genres and Thundercat with the funky bass licks). Still, they are also known for their large number of collaborations.       The Gorillaz do not discriminate ; they work with everyone, from Schoolboy Q to Little Dragon, Billie Ellish, Bad Bunny, Dan The Automator, and the list continues. For a compl

Music Single Review: "Archetype" by Omar Apollo 3 Boomboxes "... Archetype is redolent of an indie RnB track, and one expects the freedoms that indie artists are afforded for their little pay and fanbase." Single from album  “ Archetype ”   Released:  June 15, 2022 Length:  2:48 Genre:  Rnb & Soul   Written by: Omar Apollo   Produced by: Oscar Santander,  Omar Apollo  & Carter Lang          " Archetype" by Omar Apollo struggles due to its limitations. Sometimes, a song can have the right ingredients for a chart-rising track, a funky bass, a bouncy piano, steady rhythm, and versatile vocals, but it simply doesn’t blend right to make a fresh and entertaining experience.            Using the tropes and rhythms previously practiced by artists with tracks that earned reputable success is trite and boring. It limits the artist. It stifles the artist’s creativity, putting them in a box that won’t allow them to fully express themselves, as they must f

Music Single Review: "Jimmy Cooks" By Drake Ft. 21 Savage 5 Boomboxes   " The production is clear and concise: there's no fuss, no extra flares, only a nice kick, bass, and incredible hook/bridge."   Single from album  “Honestly, Nevermind”  Released:  June 17, 2022 Length:  3:38 Genre:  Hip Hop Rap Written by:  Aubrey Graham, Shéyaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, Douglas Ford, Brytavious Chambers, Anderson Hernandez, Kevin Gomringer, Tim Gomringer, Ibn Young, Harry Ray, Al Goodman, and Walter Morris Produced by:   Tay Keith, Vinylz, and Cubeatz      To listen to a new track is like starting a new relationship. One doesn't know if one wants to commit to press play. Pressing play may lead to immense disappointment or to being obsessed, the song never leaving one's mind. Playing "Jimmy Cook" by Drak e , featuring 21 Savage , leaves this listener with no regrets.  Drake  is renowned for his ability to produce chart-topping tracks that are entertaining and