Author Archives: Piper Westrom
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REVIEW: Justin Bieber experiments in too many directions on ‘Justice’
Though it’s technically only been a year since Justin Bieber released his last album, it feels like it’s been a while since we’ve heard from the former prince of pop music. Lyme disease and a young marriage have kept him relatively busy over the last few months, but he’s…
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ALBUM REVIEW: Florida Georgia Line underwhelms with ‘Life Rolls On’
Florida Georgia Line has consistently pumped out country hits for a number of years now, leaving its mark on the genre in many ways. The duo’s 2012 hit “Cruise” was certified diamond, meaning it sold over 10 million units. Five years later they broke genre barriers with crossover hit…
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ALBUM REVIEW: Weezer surprises with introspective ‘OK Human’
Think of the most on-brand thing that Weezer could do. Was your answer to surprise-drop a Beach-Boys-inspired album in the middle of a pandemic while everyone was still waiting a previously announced metal-inspired LP? If not, don’t feel bad. Even lifelong fans of the band couldn’t have seen this one…
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ALBUM REVIEW: Morgan Wallen does it all on sophomore LP ‘Dangerous’
A 30-song album is ambitious, no matter who you are. Morgan Wallen was up to the challenge with Dangerous: The Double Album. Heralded by a handful of singles that fans have already grown to love, Dangerous arrives with heaps of material that the young country crooner has penned recently…
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ALBUM REVIEW: Tori Kelly keeps it classic with ‘A Tori Kelly Christmas’
As we inch closer and closer to the end of 2020, more artists are throwing their Santa hats into the ring. Tori Kelly is among those lending her powerful pipes to the holiday season with A Tori Kelly Christmas. A Tori Kelly Christmas Tori Kelly Capitol Records, Oct. 30 7/10…
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REVIEW: Dolly Parton full of the holiday spirit on ‘A Holly Dolly Christmas’
Christmas has come early this year—thank God—as Dolly Parton is set to release her first holiday album in 30 years. A Holly Dolly Christmas is the latest offering from country music’s queen, and it includes all the merriment of the season. This 12-track album features Parton singing favorites, as…
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REVIEW: lovelytheband shakes it up on ‘Conversations With Myself About You’
Debut single “Broken” captured the attention of millions for lovelytheband. About four years later and still riding that high, the group is back with its sophomore album, Conversations With Myself About You. Rich in indie pop sounds that at times venture into the ’80s techno sound vault, this offering demonstrates that…
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REVIEW: Luke Bryan stays in his comfort zone on ‘Born Here, Live Here, Die Here’
With six albums and numerous headlining tours, Luke Bryan has made his definitive stamp on country music. As one of the more distinctive voices in the genre, Bryan continues to command attention and garner some of the best sales in the industry. Yet, his distinct style and repeated tropes…
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ALBUM REVIEW: The Aces use their influence to charm on ‘Under My Influence’
Provo, Utah natives Cristal Ramirez, Katie Henderson, McKenna Petty and Alisa Ramirez have begun to build a reputation as The Aces. And across the 14 tracks on their sophomore album, Under My Influence, the pop quartet shows an ability to develop a narrative and draw from personal experiences to give impressive depth.…
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ALBUM REVIEW: The Chicks pour fuel on the fire with “Gaslighter”
It’s been 14 years since the band formerly known as The Dixie Chicks released a studio album. The powerhouse trio of Natalie Maines, Martie Maguire and Emily Strayer are back with a times-appropriate new name, The Chicks, and a new collection of songs called Gaslighter. Gaslighter The Chicks Columbia Records,…