Hannah Smith

Foo Fighters released their eighth album, their first in three years, to accompany the band’s HBO series commemorating their twentieth anniversary on Oct. 10.

Since the band formed in 1994, they have been praised for being one of the most iconic in rock history. What could you expect when you have the drummer of Nirvana as the lead vocalist?

Dave Grohl wrote songs while the famous ‘90s band went on tour and kept them for himself. After the death of Kurt Cobain, Grohl returned to the studio to record his songs and play every instrument necessary for the recordings. The recordings were released under the name “Foo Fighters” and generated an incredible amount of buzz in the music industry. After recruiting some band members, the Foo Fighters were an official band and released their first album in 1997. Over the course of their extensive musical career, the band has been awarded four Grammy Awards for Best Rock Album and sold millions of copies of their albums.

Some of the negative reviews the band has received include comments noting the inability to distinguish one album from another. It’s true there are some songs that stick out, but overall the theme of the band has been consistent since they formed in the ‘90s, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The band spent the beginning of their career creating a name for themselves, which clearly has paid off as they have become a household name. Now, the attempt to rebrand themselves proves challenging. Remaining relevant after decades of creating music is difficult for any artist. That’s where the creation of the Sonic Highways HBO television series came into play. The series documents the making of the album, which may not sound incredibly interesting besides the fact that each song was recorded in a different city.

Good news for exhausted Foo Fighters fans – this album is different from its predecessors. The band’s current single, “Something from Nothing” – possibly the most notable song on the album – launches with a steady progress that builds up to the traditional Grohl style that makes the band what it is. The title of the song refers to Grohl as he chants, “I’m something from nothing.”

Following this are two songs that resort back to classic Foo Fighters style and don’t set themselves apart much. Then comes “What Did I Do?/God as My Witness,” which sticks out in a great way. “Outside” shows off the band’s bluesy side, which they don’t display too often. The album concludes on a rather ostentatious note with “I Am a River.” The album only contains eight songs, but when each song is recorded in a different city, you can’t expect an extensive album.

While the effort put into this album was immense, the actual sound isn’t nearly as powerful given the build-up to it. It is the band’s most adventurous album, but it’s still way too familiar to bring back their relevance in the way the television series has done. Sonic Highways has a great hard rock sound, and it’s clear the band put their all into it. There isn’t a bad song on the album, but there are very few notable tracks. Overall, the Foo Fighters can still make great music, just as long as you don’t mind it sounding incredibly similar to their previous work.

3/5

After the success of their criticism-filled single “Girl in a Country Song” calling out perpetrators of “bro-country,” brand new duo Maddie & Tae released their much-anticipated self-titled debut EP today.

While their first single hasn’t achieved the No. 1 status yet (although it deserves to), it landed among the top ten on the U.S. Country charts. Many young artists fall victim to the trends of country radio in order to propel them to success. The duo defied the trends and went so far as to call out offenders of them. “Girl in a Country Song” is still the only single released from the duo since July, but that’s about to change with the release of their four-song EP.

The first song is their current single, which draws attention to the not-so-discreet role of women in modern country songs. The lyrics are some of the most biting in country music, especially because they contain references to popular songs by Blake Shelton, Florida Georgia Line, and Jason Aldean. The duo sings “We used to get a little respect/Now we’re lucky if we even get/To climb up in your truck, keep our mouths shut, and ride along/And be the girl in a country song.”  Female listeners, regardless of genre preference, can no doubt identify with the lyrics. With an eye-opening music video, it’s no surprise how successful the duo’s first song has become.

The next song stays true to the duo’s unique style with “Sierra,” a song about the pitfalls of being a shallow girl, which shows the potential to be their next single. The lyrics show off how incredibly fierce the duo can be without uttering a single swear word. They dance around the thought of using them with “Life ain’t all tiaras/You’re gonna find out that karma’s a…” and “Big pain in the…as far as I can tell/Yours is adding up fat.” It’s clear one of the qualities that sets these girls apart is their relentless truth throughout every line.

The EP takes a turn with the next song “Fly,” meant to be the inspirational aspect of the album. The slower song provides the opportunity to show off their already impressive vocals. While it may seem like a stereotypical moment of inspiration essential to most every album, a closer listen to the lyrics proves otherwise. Rather than only highlighting the positive aspects, the song analyzes both good and bad, providing a pleasant balance of motivation without being overly sappy or cheesy. The EP concludes with “Your Side of Town,” which offers a return to the spunk that kicked off the album.

Maddie & Tae show an incredible amount of potential to thrive in country music. Their debut EP is filled with their unique style that incorporates traditional country roots with lyrics that pack an intense punch. This duo is just what country music needs to set many of the superstars straight and redefine the genre. Maddie & Tae have only recently graduated high school, but their music is some of the most mature we’ve seen this year. The duo’s music shows strong ties to superstars like the Dixie Chicks, and they’re still a household name today.

4/5

Sam Hunt released his debut studio album Montevallo Oct. 27 after his four-song EP sold 20,000 copies just three months prior.

Born in Cedartown, Georgia, Hunt achieved much of his early success in athletics, going on to fill the role of quarterback for the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Instead of accepting an offer from the Kansas City Chiefs, he opted for the road perpetually travelled to Nashville. A publishing deal proved successful, as he wrote multiple singles for country superstars Kenny Chesney, Billy Currington, and Keith Urban. Following in the footsteps of many rap and hip-hop artists, he released a free mixtape in 2013. After signing a deal with MCA Nashville, he released a four-song EP, which sold 8,000 copies in the first week. With the first single off his album already certified gold, Montevallo shows potential to follow in the same direction.

Despite growing up in the south, Hunt lacks the traditional country style, setting him apart from the usual top country artists. Without the ever-present hat and boots, he’s nearly unrecognizable within the genre. His voice is without the usual twang and sounds more like a rock or pop act.

During a recent interview with Rolling Stone, he was questioned about how he fits into the country genre.

“I do think I’m country,” he says, “but your definition of that word might be different from my definition. In my opinion, country music, the sound of country, has always evolved. But the one thing that has not changed is the story element. And I think country songs are truthful songs about life written by country people.”

The first song on Montevallo solidifies Hunt’s style. Rather than show off his vocals immediately, “Take Your Time” begins with him speaking quickly over the music, but not quite rapping. This style filters throughout many songs on the album. The speaking segues into singing when the chorus hits. It’s different without branching too far from traditional country concepts.

Next follows the artist’s biggest hit to date, “Leave the Night On,” a catchy song that has favored well among the country charts. He brings new meaning to the term with the next song, “House Party.” The assumption would be to groan and complain about how he’s just another artist singing about alcohol, but the song is about two people just having a good time at home, apparent through the lyrics “You ain’t gotta leave the house to have a good time/I’ma bring the good time home to you/We’ll have a house party, we don’t need nobody.”

Following is a return to the style that kicked off the album with “Break Up in a Small Town,” one of the most notable songs. While not all country fans will like the style of the song, it’s clear Hunt knows what he’s doing when it comes to the storytelling element.  The only song that incorporates some country stereotypes is “Raised on It,” but it still sets itself apart.

Sam Hunt is not your traditional “country” star. He doesn’t look the part or write every song about beer and trucks. His songwriting is intricate and gives phrases a new meaning. His play on words is impressive and definitely causes him to stand out among other country artists. Montevallo may not please everyone in the country genre, but it should based on the storytelling Hunt works so hard to incorporate into every song. This album contains the perfect mix of emotions, balancing serious songs with catchy ones.

Cold War Kids released their fifth album on Oct. 21.

Sadly, none of the band’s albums have lived up to the high praises of their debut, Robbers & Cowards. With the exit of their lead guitarist in 2012 and drummer in 2013, the band has faced some of the most devastating obstacles within a group. In a more positive turn of events, the band acquired former Modest Mouse drummer, Joe Plummer, former Modest Mouse guitarist, Dann Gallucci, as well as taking on a full-time keyboardist, Matthew Schwartz. Since their formation in 2004, Cold War Kids has been experimenting with everything from blues and soul to indie. While they have received more mixed reviews with the release of their past three albums, both Loyalty to Loyalty and Mine is Yours reached No. 21 on the Billboard 200. In recent years, the band has failed to generate much popularity. But all of that may change with the release of their latest album, Hold My Home.

The first three songs set the stage for a powerful album that mixes old and new ideas. “All This Could Be Yours,” the current radio single, draws listeners in with the singer’s unique wail echoing over the familiar driving piano rhythm, which is reminiscent of previous songs like “Something is Not Right With Me.”

The second song, ironically titled “First,” is an anthem that commands the listener to clap to the beat and sing along with the chant, “First you get close, then you get worried.”  Next is “Hot Coals,” which contains some of the album’s best songwriting with the lyrics, “I suspect the reason I am loved/Is because of how tight I’m holding on.”

The two new members, plus a permanent keyboardist, are allowed their debut on songs such as “Drive Desperate” (one of the most notable songs on the album), “Hotel Anywhere,” and “Go Quietly.” The new members bring somewhat of a new start to the band. “Go Quietly” leaves us in awe over the singer’s incredible falsetto, as if he could surprise us any more than he already has with his unique voice.

The remainder of the album isn’t as noteworthy as it is a repeat of the tried practices the band has tackled before. One notable song is the second to last, “Harold Bloom,” a slow, haunting song that features the singer’s voice accompanied by only a piano.

Hold My Home contains some of the strongest songs heard from the band since their debut album. Not every song is a homerun, but the album is definitely a step in the right direction for any future albums the band wants to release.

The addition of new band members allows for more powerful instrumentals, especially with a full-time keyboardist who adds to the powerful tones of each song. While this album may not entirely redeem their past work, it’s a definite improvement. Hold My Home contains some of the best songwriting seen from the band in a while. Most every song on the album holds some emotional depth, which the band was criticized for lacking on previous albums.

3/5

Little Big Town released their much-anticipated album, Pain Killer, on Oct. 21.

The group has been paying their dues since 1998 and just recently became a household name with their first Top 10 song, “Little White Church,” in 2010. They didn’t earn the title of a No. 1 song until 2012 with the infamous “Pontoon.” The same four members who founded the group are the same four you see today, which adds to their authenticity.

While they’ve never won a Country Music Television (CMT) award, despite multiple nominations, the group has collected an array of awards from the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association. They’ve managed to snag a Grammy and even an Emmy. Just two weeks before their latest album release, Little Big Town received the prestigious honor of joining the Grand Ole Opry. The group is one of the most underrated in country music.

The quartet joined their last album’s producer Jay Joyce, who has worked with Eric Church, Cage the Elephant, Emmylou Harris, and various others to create the album. With the assistance of someone so well-versed in music, Pain Killer is a beautifully assembled album that instills the group’s relevance among the top charts.

Following the same path as Eric Church, the group’s latest album strays more into the rock realm as opposed to the increasingly popular hip-hop tendencies present in the country genre. Much of the songwriting took place while the band was separated. The two men wrote together, and the two women of the group wrote together simultaneously, resulting in a slew of differentiating songs that contribute to the album’s uniqueness. The group itself co-wrote eight of the 13 tracks.

From the sounds of Pain Killer, it’s clear none of the songs, besides the single, “Day Drinking,” were written solely for radio purposes. In an interview with Rolling Stone, group member Karen Fairchild said, “It’s a lot more fun to be popular. But it’s super fun to be popular and respected. It’s fun to have voicemails on your phone from your peers in the business saying, ‘I can’t wait for this album to come out.’ Or, ‘that inspired me.’ So I want to believe that it can all happen.”

The first single, “Day Drinking,” from the album is the only semi-disappointing song. It was released to draw fans in and then expose them to the incredible depth of the other 12 songs on the album.

Fans have begun expressing their appreciation for the album, specifically for a song called “Girl Crush.” This song makes for some of the most intricate lyrics and truly takes the album to an entirely different level. Fairchild sings, “I want to taste her lips/’Cause they taste like you” and later, “I want her magic touch/Maybe then you’d want me just as much.” The second part of the group’s female vocals comes from Kimberley Schlapman, who shows her ferocious side on “Save Your Sin,” which we had yet to hear from her before.

The album holds an immense amount of creativity on everyone’s part, from the producing, songwriting, music composition, etc. Pain Killer is Little Big Town’s best album, and they can now say they’ve truly “made it.”

4/5

Gwen Stefani released her first solo song in 8 years on Oct. 19.

Stefani returned to her band No Doubt after promoting her second solo album, The Sweet Escape, which was released in 2006. Since then, she has toured and released an album with the band that is currently on a hiatus. Stefani has resumed her solo work, along with taking on the role of a coach on The Voice. With the release of her single “Baby Don’t Lie,” her third solo album is aimed to release in December of this year. It was confirmed earlier this year that Pharrell is accompanying her in the studio.

Rather than opt for another driving song like “Hollaback Girl,” Stefani instead chooses a more mellowed out feel that’s nearly psychedelic. Her voice flows well over the song’s steadfast drum kicks. While it doesn’t scream “comeback,” it’s a decent song that has been generally well received by critics. The lyrics cover some of the same-old concepts we’re a little sick of hearing. For example, she sings, “But there’s something behind those eyes, those eyes/That you can’t, that you can’t disguise.”

My main complaint is that the song isn’t nearly as experimental or authentic as the ones that solidified her stance as a solo artist. Overall, the new single is a good statement for Stefani to claim she’s back in the solo business as long as the remainder of her album branches out.

2.5/5

Florida Georgia Line released their second installment to their discography Anything Goes on Oct. 14.

Since the duo released their first single “Cruise” in 2012, their career has exploded. Every single released since then has reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay charts. Their debut album Here’s to the Good Times was certified double-platinum earlier this year. It is very rare for an artist to be this successful on their first try, but Florida Georgia Line has been breaking records since they launched onto the music scene. Given their success up until now, the latest album appeared at No. 1 on the day of its release.

If you’re looking for an innovative, enlightening country album, avoid this like the plague. From the first song, it’s clear the album is just a washed-up bundle of repetitive songs. Their first single from this album, “Dirt,” gave listeners the assumption this album would be more mature and possibly revert back to country’s traditional roots. But it appears that may be the only stand-out song on the album. Just by looking at the song titles, one can infer that they all sound relatively the same. Their debut album was mainly about partying as well, so it would be expected a second album should move on from that scene. Unfortunately, it doesn’t and basically repeats everything they’ve already covered, but in a less unique way. The songs overlap and cover the same material. The album begs the question, “If the song doesn’t reference alcohol, did Florida Georgia Line really sing it?”

While their first album contained much of the same material, it didn’t rely nearly as heavily on techno or drum beats through each song. There was more reliance on instrumentals, which helped the duo to still have some ties to country music. Any of the last remaining ties to the genre were thrown out on this album. Country artists are free to be innovative and break away from “traditional country,” much like in any genre. This is generally welcomed among newer generations of fans.

Many criticize the duo for not staying true to the genre, but the real issue is not making good music. This album belongs to a whole different genre of fans, specifically pop. The duo is following in the footsteps of Taylor Swift, who was reluctant to be called a “pop” artist until this year despite the undeniable shift in her music that occurred soon after she got her start. But her success hasn’t faltered, and I doubt the duo’s will either.

Fortunately, the album doesn’t contain much of their “hick-hop” style like on songs such as “This is How We Roll.” The album is more consistent than their debut, but in a way that makes it almost boring. Despite how repetitive it may be, the duo built up an enormous fan base with their touring and first couple of singles. Because of the massive amounts of fans they’ve acquired, this album will likely rise to the top just as their debut did, despite the differences between the two.

2/5