- Muse – Drones
Unlike their previous albums, this seventh album by this highly regarded UK rock band is viewed as a return to a more consistent rock sound with less experimentation with different genres. But still, it delivers competent and beautiful songs that suits for Muse fans or either casual rock enthusiast with two immaculate single “Dead Inside” and “Mercy”.
The band’s collaboration with infamous music producer John “Mutt” Lange has resulted in a more comforting and delicate sound. The soft and delicate vocal style of Matthew Bellamy is stunning as always, bringing the rollercoaster slur of emotion, while the music composition seems to have its own energy, though not entirely too rock sounding.
Drones is the final installment of Muse’s trilogy of concept albums (along with The Resistance in 2009 and The 2nd Law in 2012), which were pre-occupied with issues such as globalised control, and the shrinking natural resources with deeper socio-political dimensions. Drones is a concept album about the dehumanization of modern warfare. The story begins with “Dead Inside”, where the protagonist loses hope and becomes vulnerable to the dark forces of “Psycho”. He eventually defects, revolts and overcomes his enemies.
Probably one of the most anticipated album of the year.
- James Taylor – Before This World
James Taylor, also known as JT, is often described as a steady folk pop artist and also a competent singer songwriter. Since his debut album in 1968 to his latest album, he has brought a line of excellent laidback, soft tunes music, and has received six times Grammy Awards.
Before This World debuted at number one with 97,000 units moved on the week ending June 21, becoming JT’s first number-one album on the US Billboard 200 chart; he became the second-longest waiting artist for a number-one album. On the UK Album Chart, the album debuted at number 4, and became his fourth top 10 album in the UK.
JT’s storytelling skill is matched with his signature vocals surrounded by mostly mellow mix of folk, light rock, and acoustic blues. It’s like hearing from an old friend who has been gone for a long time. Most of the songs in the new album are new materials, including a collaboration with Sting “Before This World/Jolly Springtime”, and a cover folk song called White Mountain Thyme.
Sit back and relax, listen to the calm sound of James Taylor.
