album reviews Archives - Rolling Out

We experienced many memorable musical moments in 2018. For example, Kanye West produced five albums alone but overshadowed them all with his MAGA hat and White House visit; Childish Gambino’s “This is America” video created controversy and dialogue; 6ix9ine trolled his way into jail; Cardi B and Drake each had three No. 1 singles; and the…

Now that we’ve had time to properly digest More Life — Drake’s highly anticipated album mixtape playlist — it’s time to give this 22-track passion project a proper review. But since Drake has long evolved from being considered a traditional hip-hop artist, we felt it only right to review More Life one track at a time … GIF style. Listen to…

Fall is always a season that gives us some of the best music of the year. Fall 2016 looks to continue in that vein. We at RollingOut.com have compiled some of the most notable Fall album releases to look for. Young Jeezy – Trap Or Die 3 Young Jeezy returns to his most successful formula…

A$AP Rocky makes his long-awaited major label debut with Long Live A$AP, an album that’s equally parts cocky bravado and uncertain introspection.

Wiz Khalifa didn’t disappoint by adding trendy hip-pop production and lackluster features to his fourth studio album, O.N.I.F.C. Instead, he gave smoke aficionados and youthful listeners ambition to succeed. Imagine waking up to smiling daisies with sunglasses on, dancing on your window seal. Wiz Khalifa captures this mood as he opens up his highly anticipated O.N.I.F.C. As Wiz…

Alicia Keys opens up with “De Novo Adagio,” meaning, “a slow start,” the slow-tempo, classical song perfectly describes Girl on Fire’s flow. Girl on Fire, Alicia Keys’ fifth studio album, gives listeners insight into her growth lyrically, vocally and creatively. “Brand New Me” speaks to the public; introducing the “new” Alicia Keys, a woman who is…

Keyshia Cole may not cause a big ruckus like many of her male counterparts, but that’s only because she is here strictly for the ladies. Jumping right into Cole’s fifth studio album, Woman to Woman with “Enough of No Love,” sets the stage for the return of breakup music. In an era where men seem to have unlimited…

Anthony David opens up Love Out Loud with “Aspiracy Theory,” a song that blossoms in the morning sunshine as flowers do on a spring afternoon. Anthony David’s raspy voice plays is illuminating on “Love Out Loud” and eases you into David’s fifth studio album a well-crafted collection of progressive soul music. It’s no secret…

Today, Tuesday, Nov. 6 along with the historic significance of today’s election, Ne-Yo releases his R.E.D. album. And as while Ne-Yo fans have been waiting on pins and needles to hear what the singer has in store for them, reckoning day is here. Ne-Yo’s storytelling talent differs from many of our young crooners who…

When it comes to the production, it’s very evident that Meek Mill took a page out from his boss, Rick Ross’ guide to creating an impactful album. Meek Mill’s sound is very reflective. Dreams and Nightmares isn’t your typical club banger album; Meek is still hungry. It’s evident Meek Mill used his life and…

Brandy is back in the spotlight as she releases her latest album, Two Eleven. After a couple years of television appearances, and a brief rap stint with Timbaland, it seems as if Brandy is back to tell us her story. After the classic Never Say Never, fans have continually supported Brandy hoping to relive…

Miguel has warned the public and fellow industry crooners that his lane is not to be stepped in, and thus, he has given us another reason that is so. Miguel released Kaleidoscope Dream to ensure R&B lovers that good music is not lost to the perils of money and fame. If you haven’t noticed by…

G.O.O.D. Music’s Cruel Summer was officially released this week, and any person who knows the basics regarding music industry may have some questions about their lyrical intent. With Kanye West leading the parade, Cruel Summer features R. Kelly, Jay-Z, The Dream, Mase, and the entire G.O.O.D. Music family. There’s also lot of heavy weight name dropping…

Dwele releases his sixth new, fresh album Greater Than One. Always expect great mood music as Dwele finds tranquility in smooth harmonies and a tight baseline that has been prevalent in many of this albums. In case you have forgotten about Dwele, you’ll quickly relapse into a soulful trance that leaves you feeling excited about music again.…

Chapter V is Trey Songz, fifth studio album in which the R&B ladies man addresses ladies, love and sex. Trey Songz is sweating the sheets within the first minute of Chapter V. As he slowly brings you into his bedroom appropriate album, Songz uses a little play on words in “Dive In” and then immediately brings…

2 Chainz raps to his fans like it’s just the two of you sitting around the trap house, smoking the finest ganja, having a real conversation. Based On A T.R.U. Story gives us insight into his days of being Tity Boi, defying the hood standard, and now being considered one of the hottest rappers…

Elle Varner‘s voice is such a breath of fresh air in a time when pop reigns supreme among our favorite singers. Varner gave us a sneak peek into her style with songs like “Refill” and “Only Wanna Give it To You” feat J. Cole that had us waiting on pins and needles for a complete…

Leela James has did a insurmountable job representing the appreciation of soul in the younger generation. Inspired by the great Etta James, Leela James did an exceptional job joining her new-age jazzy sound with Etta James’ classics including “At Last” and “I’d Rather Go Blind”. Though many who have grown up listening to Etta James or…

As Nas promoted this album with subtlety, many wondered what to expect from a living rap legend in a time where hip hop is constantly debated. What to expect from a man who was apart of one of the most influential rap beefs of our time? Nas reminds you of what hip-hop used to be. From the production to…

Frank Ocean released a live stream of Channel Orange today, and though many people are tuning in for the sensationalism, be prepared to hear an amazing piece of work that sets the precedence for other R&B and soul projects to come. The lyrics, written by Ocean, are vivid and create visuals that leave you in…