Weird. I could have sworn I already reviewed this album, yet when I go looking in my journals, nada. Mind you, words like “Seal”, “Crazy”, “Killer” and so forth aren't easy to search properly on! In the absence, then, of a review I can just repost, here we go.
1. What were your VERY FIRST impressions on listening to the album, say from the first five minutes in?
Decent if a little formulaic I guess.
2. What did you think of the opening track?
Decent if a little formulaic I guess.
3. What did you think of the next track?
Much better. I like the way it changes from slow acoustic to a more upbeat style.
4. Did you like the vocalist? Hate him/her? Any impressions? (see note 1)
I like Seal's voice. Not mad about it, but I certainly don't hate it and he has his own very individual style that's hard to miss.
5. Did the music (only) generally appeal to you, or not? (see note 2)
Generally, yes. Nothing I really did not like.
6. Did the album get better or worse as you listened to it (first time)?
Only listened to it the once. This is my life now.
7. What did you think of the lyrical content?
I like the deeper meanings in Seal's lyrics, and the upbeat message in songs like “Crazy”
8. Did you like the instrumental parts? (see note 3)
Yep
9. What did you think of the production?
Insert answer here
10. Did you know of this artiste prior to listening to the album, and if so, did that foreknowledge colour your perception of this album?
Yes of course I've heard of Seal.
11. Is this, generally, the kind of music you listen to or not?
Not as such. Soul pop? I wouldn't not listen to it, but I wouldn't necessarily be seeking it out.
12. Assuming you listened to the album more than once, on repeated listens, did you find you liked the album more, or less?
See question (6)
13. What would you class as your favourite track(s), if you have any?
“Deep Water”, “Crazy”, “Killer”, “Future Love Paradise”, “Violet”
14. And the one(s) you liked least?
Wasn't crazy about “Wild” or “Show Me”
15. If the album in question is a debut, did that fact allow it, in your mind, any leeway, and if so, was that decision justified or vindicated? (see note 4)
As a debut this is pretty damn impressive.
16. Are you now looking forward to hearing more from this artiste, if you have not heard any of their other material?
Possibly. I did hear Soul II and that was good, though it is an album of covers.
17. Were you surprised by your reaction - positive or negative - to the album?
No. I know his hits so the chances were it would be at least somewhat decent.
18. Did the album end well?
Yeah, I love the closer. So smooth. Reminds me of Lighthouse Family. Shut up.
19. Do you see any way the album could have been improved?
Not really no.
20. Do you think the album hung together well, ie was a fully cohesive unit, or was it a bit hit-and-miss?
Hung together very well.
Not understanding the negative reaction to this album, again, and again you can all **** yourselves. Give this a good 7/10. Falters a little after FLP but comes back strong in the end I feel.
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Trollheart: Signature-free since April 2018
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