This is getting to be like a production line at this point.
Album: The Mad Writer
Artist: L'Orange
Genre: Hip Hop/Rap
Suggested by: Exo_
Familiarity: None.
1. First Person - A ton of sampling, and it's a bit repetitive. It's pretty good, but it's not the kind of thing that leaves a lasting impression.
2. The Mad Writer feat. yU - Lots of samples, and it feels like the last track, until the rapper comes in, and suddenly it's magical. Really good.
3. The Quiet Room - The mixing is alright, but it feels a bit simple compared to the last track. You know what this needs? Rapping. It just doesn't stand on its own.
4. Speakeasy - This track is a little more textured than the last, and it held my attention for the entirety of the song. It's also definitely able to stand on its own. Much better.
5. Alone feat. Blu - The mix itself is better than the last, and combined with the fact that this track features a rapper, it works great.
6. Imaginary Friend - Excellent mix. Definitely stands on its own. Things seem to be improving with this one.
7. Nostalgia - Same deal as the last track.
8. A Nice, Peaceful Scene - It just gets better and better.
9. Femme Fatale feat. Erica Lane - Again, still great.
10. We Call It Despair - Oh wow, this song takes it to a new level. The more I listen, the more I enjoy this album. The mix is absolutely superb this time. The piano, especially when combined with the mixing of the woman's voice, is perfect.
11. The Real McCoy feat. Has-Lo - Another incredible mix, though the dissonance sort of throws me off. I guess it's more about the rhythm anyways. The rapping covers it up when it appears.
12. The Dust Collector - The mixes just keep getting better and better. Absolutely superb, this one.
13. Stranger Days - The final track is a bit cliche for this album, as it follows the same kind of format as the rest of the songs. The quick cuts between tracks reaches critical mass on this one. But nevertheless, it's a fitting closer.
It's a producer's album, most certainly. The rapping is pretty good, but as it only shows up every so often, it doesn't play a very major role either. There are a few stand-out tracks that use effective mixing techniques to create an atmosphere all of its own, but a couple songs are hardly catchy, and are badly mixed. Though overall, it's pretty good.
OVERALL RATING: 8/10