Tag: Drake

reputation by Taylor Swift is pop perfection — so why is Midnights so terrible?

The answer is, I think, the pandemic and the folklore / evermore duo of lyrical complexity that Taylor Swift innovated. It seemed this was the peak of her career. But really it was the beginning of the end. Let me explain. Before Blackpink: Taylor’s prophetic ‘reputation’ era. reputation was made in notoriety. Taylor had been … Continue reading reputation by Taylor Swift is pop perfection — so why is Midnights so terrible? →

Crown by Eric Gales: Blues but for the grace of Bach

‘Is this the beginning or the end of time?’ — Jimi Hendrix. Eric Gales is back with a blues record to compete with contentions to foundation of a new genre of music, along the lines of Bach’s foundation of classical music in the baroque period. The opening track of Gales’ record ‘Death of Me’ echoes … Continue reading Crown by Eric Gales: Blues but for the grace of Bach →

It’s bad music but it’s a bop? Revisiting ‘Midnights’ by Taylor Swift

Today I have been alternating between the music of five era-defining musicians: 1. Taylor Swift (Midnights), 2. Kanye West (Donda), 3. Jacob Collier (Djesse Vol. 3), 4. Drake (Honestly, Nevermind), and 5. Blackpink (Born Pink). Mastermind or pretender to the throne? Ms. Swift’s tenth LP Midnights echoes Mr. West’s tenth full-length Donda in more ways … Continue reading It’s bad music but it’s a bop? Revisiting ‘Midnights’ by Taylor Swift →

Greatest Of No Time: Why Drake and Jacob Collier are not good musicians yet

Sometimes ranked among the greatest music artists of this century, and regarded by some as among the greatest musicians of all time, Kanye West has recently made forays into politics and music. I have recently commented on the political side of Kanye’s linguistic improvisation, but I would now like to turn to the musical side. … Continue reading Greatest Of No Time: Why Drake and Jacob Collier are not good musicians yet →

Drake’s new album: honestly, nevermind

Drake follows in the footsteps of some of the greatest names in hip hop — namely, the keenest rapper, Eminem, and the most celebrated artist, Kanye West. But Drake is not very good in making music. He doesn’t have a terribly good technique, and his production borrows from the work of real producers (while his … Continue reading Drake’s new album: honestly, nevermind →

Kant do charisma: Why Anthony Fantano is wrong about Kanye West

I have for more times than I can recall drawn a distinction between two pillars of modern music: 1. Technique, and 2. Art. Technique relates to instrumental skill and general musical nous. Think musical theory but also the practical application of this theory. What space, then, does this leave for art? Art relates to a … Continue reading Kant do charisma: Why Anthony Fantano is wrong about Kanye West →

Nicki Nicole is the Drake of Latin pop music, and this is a good thing

I have criticised the Hamlet of hip hop, Drake, for borrowing excessively from hip hop’s Shakespeare, Kanye West. Kanye has many worthier successors, such as Jon Bellion in pop production, Billie Eilish and Finneas in alternative pop, and more recently Lisa from Blackpink, taking after Nicki Minaj and Rihanna. But K-Pop is not the only … Continue reading Nicki Nicole is the Drake of Latin pop music, and this is a good thing →

MTV Awards 2022 Review: Ghostly Greats Haunt the Silver Throne

Echoing her dancing to Kanye West's 'All Day' performance at the Brits, Taylor Swift was seen rapping to Nicki Minaj's 'Superbass' at the 2022 MTV Awards, an event which has a history for Swift and West as the moment when the latter interrupted the former, leading to ensuing drama and some of the greatest music … Continue reading MTV Awards 2022 Review: Ghostly Greats Haunt the Silver Throne →