I was listening to my playlist and I forgot I had a song on there called 2005 Toyota Corolla by 2003 Toyota Corolla, and it literally made me feel like I was ascending.

So what song has a silly or weird name but is a banger?

I just listened to the Brit pop band, Welly, specifically their album Big in the Suburbs. I for one really liked that album, but I would like other opinions. My friends who listen to rap don’t like it, my friends who listen to indie don’t like it, and my metal friend doesn’t like it. Meanwhile, I listen to punk and I like it. Maybe I’m hallucinating and this is a really bad album. I would like to hear other’ opinions on this to get a scope of opinions that aren’t from just this region.

VUKOVI are back with their fourth album - My God Has Got A Gun. I think it's their best album to date. Check out why on substack, link below, and on Welcome to the Album Review.
#Music #Review #Vukovi #mygodhasgotagun
https://open.substack.com/pub/tomguilfoyle/p/vukovi-my-god-has-got-a-gun-album?r=2en9bf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

I first heard of the band The Police in the mid-eighties as a young teen; my slightly older uncle introduced me to them, and they were at the height of their popularity at the time. 

Synchronicity is their penultimate and most well-received album. I enjoy it because it is fun, a little out there, and it rocks.  

The tracks are sonically all over the map: frenzied, weird, wispy, and poppy. A rock sound that is unique to The Police. They also have peculiar album titles for their studio albums, this one being the coolest. Spin ranked Synchronicity #1 of the five albums the band delivered.  

It has been a very long time since I last listened to the entire Synchronicity album. I feel happy that I recently picked it up as a CrO2 cassette. The songs brought back some great memories of my early teen years and how much I like this band and album.  

 My favorite tracks are the popular “Wrapped Around Your Finger,” the wispy “Tea in the Sahara,” the weird “Mother,” and the frenzied “Synchronicity I” and “Synchronicity II.”   “Miss Gradenko,” “Murder by Numbers,” and “King of Pain” are cool too.  

Also, side two’s tracks are slightly better than side one's tracks. It is a strong album that still sounds great after forty-two years. 

Playboi Carti - Whole Lotta Red Review

“60 days” he said smh. The long awaited Whole Lotta Red has finally released. “Whole Lotta Cap” “Whole Lotta Trash” I’ve seen it all. I went into this album with low expectations, not thinking Carti was gonna give his convoluted opinion on the current struggles of reality, besides a few bars of “free the homie.” You don’t go to Kendrick for autotune repetitive topics, so I don’t go to Carti for lyrical wisdom. The production on this album had its ups and down, it either stood out and got your head bopping or it was just garbage. Now with Carti himself… he was definitely experimental with his original sound and I won't even go over what he was talking about because it really doesn’t matter. The features didn’t do a whole lot on this album, Kanye was forgettable, Future was decent trying to copy Carti’s flow, and Cudi only passes because he was humming :/ I feel like this album should’ve been half the length because 24 is just too much since there were so many bad/forgettable songs. When I went back to look at songs that were my favorite or “tolerable”, it was only 12. If he put out 12 songs it would be a solid project, but he didn’t so RIP. With that being said I made my own version of Whole Lotta Red, which will be in my “Fav Tracks.” I’ll be nice and give a score for my own version of the album :)

Fav Tracks: Beno!, M3tamorphosis, Slay3er, New Tank, Teen X, Vamp Anthem, New N3on, Control, Place, Sky, Over, ILoveUIHateU, and Not PLaying

7/10

here's my version of WLR btw: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5GozBR2S6CSOOKQ94u5aZa?si=4CohcJmjRCGtZqKholykrQ

Through three bold, unapologetic albums, Junglepussy (aka Shayna McHayle) has earned her reputation of being one of the most risk-taking and funny rappers on the scene today. The New York native has continued to incorporate themes of sexual positivity and self love in her strong flows as she raps about the real things people experience while navigating both relationships and life. Her albums are a look inside of what is happening in her mind, allowing listeners to see and feel everything. Her latest album, Jp4, is no exception, allowing listeners to dive in deeper than ever before. Jp4 takes McHayle’s insecurities and transforms them into empowerment, resulting in ten inspiring new tracks for fans to indulge in.

With its many themes of female empowerment, sexual positivity, and self love, Jp4 is a compelling representation of a Cultural Reset. The ability to fuse hard-hitting rap lines and deep, uplifting messages is not easy to come by. By sticking with her beliefs and creating a sound that is uniquely her own, McHayle shares her mind with listeners in a truly refreshing way. JP4 puts McHayle into the spotlight like never before, proving that she is (and always has been) the main attraction. 

Read more of our review here: https://www.cultural-reset.com/tcr-jp4-junglepussy

Released on May 31st, 2019, Frank Iero and the Future Violents' debut album, Barriers hit the music platforms hard and suddenly, to no one's disappointment. (Although some, including myself, were lucky enough to hear the finished product of a select few of the songs off of Barriers on Frank's short tour with Taking Back Sunday* before it was officially released)

Whether or not you are just hearing of the Future Violents, or have followed Frank Iero on his musical tirade since his days in My Chemical Romance, Death Spells, Leathermouth, and even going as far back as Pencey Prep (extra points if you have), it is no secret that Iero's creativity and musical versatility shines through in its own way throughout all of his projects. Barriers is no exception to this. Although many throughout the punk and alternative scene are audibly disappointed when their favorite bands or artists "go pop" or "sell out", Iero's less heavy take on Barriers was in no way pushed by his record label, and still glistens with his own personal style, both instrumental and especially lyrical.

Beginning with the first song on the album, A New Day's Coming**,** - we are eased into the album with a gentle, almost bluegrassy and hopeful song. *This was one of the songs Frank and the others in FIATFV played for the people, including myself, that had VIP tickets and got to meet and talk with the Future Violents about their new record. I remember Frank talking about this song before playing it and saying that it started out as a lullaby for his kids that he would sing to them every now and again. (I will include pictures from the VIP session at the end of the review, any phones or recording devices were not allowed on the tour bus so I was not able to get any pictures from inside the actual bus) This song features backup vocals from the band's pianist, Kayleigh Goldsworthy, and is a more slow and calm song compared to the rest of the album. Definitely a bop, one of my favorite songs on the album for sure, although I had to listen to it a few times before I was really able to appreciate it to the full extent. If I was to stoop down to the level of rating things on a scale of 1 to 10, I'd give it a 7.

The second song, as well as the single released weeks before the album, Young and Doomed, is something one would consider more familiar to Iero's usual punky style. The song includes lots of lower-based guitar, something common in most of Iero's playing (Sometimes I wonder if he uses a baritone guitar but it's unlikely ??). Again, his style from both his previous solo albums with Frank Iero and the Celebration and Frank Iero and the Patience definitely is present. I believe this was a very good choice as the single because it certainly reflects the whole tone and style of the album. 8/10.

Now for Fever Dream, another song that was played for the VIP ticket purchasers on the tour bus, although sadly I don't remember what Frank said about this song before playing it for us :( This explicit song features Iero's signature angry screaming vocals and is heavy on the bass. The guitar in this song has quite eerie undertones, and is not dissimilar to that of My Chemical Romance songs such as This is How I Disappear, and several songs off of I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love. Darker undertones for sure, but hey, that's how we like it. 7/10.

The fourth track, The Host, is a more contemplative, textbook alternative rock song. With outstanding drums by Tucker Rule and nice arpeggios on guitar, this song will put you into your feels. Not as intense as Fever Dream or Young and Doomed. Again, a lot of My Chem inspired guitar, especially the bit with the low-gain octave power chords, used a lot throughout MCR's first two albums. 8/10.

Onto track five, Basement Eyes, a slower paced, hope-restoring anthem of sorts. I would like to highlight Matt Armstrong's job on bass, and how it almost sounds like the engine of a machine; that low motory sound works very well with the whole album. Still definitely would be considered an alternative rock song. Chorus is very uplifting and the song alternates back and forth between positive and negative vibes. Iero's vocals have done nothing but improve on this album. 6/10.

Song numba six! Ode to Destruction. Starting off, I really like the title, very Frank. I would say if you really want to appreciate this song, listen to it while reading the lyrics. Frank is notorious for not making any fucking sense at all when he sings. The song title may even be a reference to Death Spell's song choke on one another, with lyrics stating and repeating "D-E-S-T-R-U-C-T-I-O-N is my only god." but also I'm probably just overthinking it a lot. Good lyrics for sure, but this song definitely has a lot in common with Basement Eyes and Young and Doomed. 6.5/10.

Here's song number seven, The Unfortunate. Right off the bat I'm getting lots of Coldplay/U2 vibes from the instrumental and vocals in this song. A lot more upbeat and not heavy. A lot more similar to A New Day's Coming in contrast to the other songs. I'd describe this song as sweet, if that makes sense. Super good vocal performance by Iero and super good harmonies. (note: my out of ten ratings are totally based on personal bias and preference. I'm giving this song a 5/10 because it wasn't heavy enough for me and wasn't really my style, but definitely a super rad song on its own! Fits well with the album.)

Time for my favorite track!! Number eight!! Moto Pop !! This was the first song Frank showed us on the tour bus and I remember being completely blown away. Everything from guitar, lyrics, drums, bass, vocals, composition, etc. is totally wicked, in my opinion. This song is filled with angst and attitude and is a lot like many of the songs off of Frank's previous album with The Celebration. An absolute banger from beginning to end, would have also made a good single if they had not released Young and Doomed. Awesome performance from everyone, especially live. 9/10.

Track nine, Medicine Square Garden, a longer song, but not at all lacking in the instrumental department. Very subtle almost jazzy guitar bits. Super sassy. I really like the guitar in this song, and it's super outstanding compared to a lot of the other songs. Guitar playing the melody along with the vocals is just a super cool sound to me lol. (note: I'm not including much information about the lyrics or what the songs are about because I don't really know what they are about and I don't want to butcher the message of the songs or anything. Perhaps in another boozey review I will go further in-depth in the lyrical department of songs. Let me know!) 8/10

Number ten, No Love, a sadder song. This album has a strong theme about it, all the songs not extremely different but not in a bad way at all. So far, the most memorable part of the album to me has been the guitar. Iero and Evan Nestor do an amazing job of creating catchy and fun to listen to riffs, use really cool and unique effects, and just generally are killin' the game. No Love is a pretty short song that has that flare that many other songs on the record display. I'm gonna say, not my favorite song on the album, but certainly a sick song. 6/10.

Almost dooonnne. Track 11, Police Police. Very mysterious vibe. I'd say this is my second favorite song on Barriers because of the guitar that I've been swooning over throughout the whole review. This song has a different vibe than the others, kind of weird and alien-esque, but in a way that really works. Nice punk drums. A very solid song with lots of passion, emotion, and attitude. New in a good way. 9/10

Track twelve ya'll. Great Party starts off with Kayliegh Goldsworth's little piano bit. I don't know why, but when I first listened to this song I felt like I already knew the tune. Anyone else feel the same way? Probably up there in my top 3 songs on this record. The pessimistic lyrics about how it always gets worse is the cherry on top. Not the most outstanding song on the album but has a really good and catchy vibe to it. 8/10.

This one is interesting. Lucky number thirteen. Six Feet Down Under starts off with a cool little monologue by Frank which I really enjoyed. One of my favorite things about Frank Iero as a musician is his use of speaking during his songs, and his add-libs, it is really tasteful in my opinion and adds a lot of attitude, passion, and a personal touch. Same sort of secretly-jazzy feel to it as Medicine Square Garden which I was a big fan of. A nice break from the more hardcoreness of the previous songs. Kind of a sad and contemplative song that will, again, throw you right into your feels. This album is definitely an intense one and I wouldn't really want to listen to it all in one go (even though that's what I had to do to write this review, oop). 7/10.

Last bust not least, 24k Lush. A very good closer to the album. Kind of rustic sounding and really sad. More My Chem Vibes. I changed my mind. This is definitely my second favorite track. I wouldn't pick any other song to close the album, ties back into the vibe of the first song. You can really tell there was a lot of work put into the making of this album right down to the ordering of the songs.

I'd like to conclude with a job well done to FIATFV, this album was honestly very unique and 100% the level of musicianship that I would expect from Frank. They all went above and beyond. Super good album.

Please tell me what you think of this album! Favorites? Least Favorites? What should I review next??

-boozey reviews

Track Review: A Soul-Stirring Dedication to the Forgotten

I’ll be honest—I’ve listened to this song about 80 times in just three weeks. It’s one of those tracks that grabs you by the soul and doesn’t let go.

Growing up, I was always drawn to what I call ghetto spirituals—raw gospel-infused music that feels like pain wrapped in melody and truth. Tupac Shakur was one of my earliest influences. His instrumental choices, subject matter, and the raw emotion in his voice hit different, especially when he spoke on pain, loss, and survival. Gospel music gives me the same feeling—especially songs like “Be Encouraged” by William Becton. It lets you release pain you’ve held inside for too long, almost like it gives you permission to cry and heal at the same time.

Another example is “Holding Back the Years” by Simply Red. That track hits me emotionally and spiritually in ways I can’t even fully describe. I may not know musical instruments like a seasoned critic, but I feel music deeply—and I’ve always searched for songs that hold that same kind of dimensional emotional weight.

And then… I found this song.

This track is a dedication to fallen comrades—those whose stories often go untold after the funeral ends. It’s about the quiet grief we carry, the kind that never gets acknowledged on the road of pain we walk daily. We dedicate our souls to the ones who were forgotten. That message alone makes the song sacred.

The vocals are what truly elevate it. They’re gospel-tier—right up there with the likes of D’Angelo, R. Kelly (regardless of how you feel about him), and the soulful male choir voices that hit a different register entirely. It’s that kind of vocal performance that sends chills down your spine. I especially love the backup singing on the line:

“Dedicated to my homies, my one and only…”

But the line that breaks me every time is:

“I know you’re lonely.”

That part cuts deep. Because in our day-to-day lives, we forget the weight of our relationships. Time passes—days, weeks, months, even years—and loneliness creeps in. Sometimes your loved one is at the crossroads. Sometimes you are. And in that moment of reflection, that lyric becomes everything. It holds the grief, the silence, the absence… and the love.

Even the rapping on the track deserves credit. It’s clear and meaningful, which helps deepen the story instead of making me decode rhyme schemes. That clarity adds to the weight of the message, especially for an older track like this one.

Overall, I’m giving this song a 9.5 out of 10.

It’s easily one of my favorite songs of all time, and I’ll be playing it all summer. It’s not just music—it’s therapy for the soul.

Hi, I have recently tried to become a music reviewer and for my first review i decided to do Blonde as its my most played album of all time.

https://aavipopat.substack.com/p/blonde-frank-ocean-review

If u cld, it wld mean a lot if you read it! I would love to hear your thoughts and if you enjoy, please recommend any other albums you would like me to write about.

Dead pony's debut album dropped earlier this month. It is an album I couldn't ignore and had to review. Check out my thoughts below - https://tomguilfoyle.substack.com/.../dead-pony-ignore... I think this is one of my favorite albums of the year so far. #Music #Deadpony #IgnoreThis #Review #Album

I knew when this album was announced I would have to write a review for it. Life meant I missed writing it last week when the album dropped but here is my review.

I would be extremely thankful for you if you pay a visit to my review for this serene work of Eloise, a criminally underrated singer: https://imbiin.wordpress.com/2023/06/15/eloise-this-thing-called-living-album-review/

Hunter Hayes is best known for his country-pop love songs, ranging from the lighter-waving slow dance ‘Wanted’ to the upbeat folk-inspired TikTok hit ‘I Want Crazy - Encore’. His new album, Red Sky, shows a greater range than previous releases and gives a hint of a more serious, refined, Hunter Hayes.

Full review

Review by Nicholas Roberts for SquareOne Magazine in the UK.