flex carti ZOOM0013.WAV

-the below show notes are ai generated from the full transcript available here, and might contain obvious (or not so obvious) errors-

enjoy

subscribe to get show notes straight to your email whenever there’s a new episode.

#013 flex - playboi carti (ft. leven kali) | song review | show notes

Introduction (00:00:01): Welcome back to Relisten. I'm giving random thoughts on Playboi Carti's "Flex" featuring Leven Kali.

Initial Thoughts (00:00:20): I'm outside right now, recording at 12 AM on Sunday, July 14, 2024. I recently reconnected with this song, and it has really grown on me. The way it starts is typical Carti, but the switch in the second part is almost euphoric.

Unique Sound (00:01:02): The second part of "Flex" feels almost fan-made because of its unique sound. Old Carti had this very distinct style that I hope he brings back. The switch in the song is magical.

Production (00:01:59): The producer did an amazing job on this track. The switch, the feature by Leven Kali, everything just works. If I were to rate this song, it would be high. It's like a juicy orange—Carti opens his audience's mouth and pours in the sweet juice with perfect 808s.

Flow State (00:03:10): When Carti is floating, you just feel it. He's in a flow state making these kinds of songs. The new sound is different but intentional. It feels a bit forced, though not in a negative way—just very purposeful.

Organic vs. Intentional (00:03:27): The new style is intentional, but I miss the natural, pure Carti from earlier albums. He used to float on beautiful beats effortlessly. Carti is one of the few artists who can hop on any kind of beat, especially the most classy and mysterious ones.

Versatility (00:04:23): Carti can really murder classic beats. While 21 Savage gets credit for hopping on classy rap beats, Carti has his own niche with a mysterious and classy vibe.

Current Sound (00:04:55): The new Carti, with his dark style from *Whole Lotta Red*, still sounds great in 2024. He hasn't dropped any new albums yet, but his music continues to be impressive.

Conclusion (00:05:04): That's all for now. Thanks for listening to my thoughts on "Flex" by Playboi Carti.

WhenDidYouMakeThis?

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit relistenpodcast.substack.com

-the below show notes are ai generated from the full transcript available here, and might contain obvious (or not so obvious) errors-

enjoy

subscribe to get show notes straight to your email whenever there’s a new episode.

#012 pink tape - lil uzi vert| album review | show notes

Introduction (00:00:01): Alright, so it has been a while since Lil Uzi Vert dropped an album. This new one, Pink Tape, got a lot of hype. I didn't follow the hype until recently, so I didn't know if it was a surprise album. It came as a surprise to me. Suddenly, I started seeing *Pink Tape* everywhere. Uzi even posted that he might drop another album if this one hits number one on Billboard.

Release Date (00:00:22): The album came out on the 30th of June.

Album Length (00:00:52): It's a really long album with 1 hour and 27 minutes of music, including three bonus tracks. I was scared to press play because I didn't want to stop halfway if it was mid. But I pressed play, and it was so good.

Song Reviews

Flooded the Face (00:01:35): The album opens with "Flooded the Face." It's typical Uzi, with a lot of energy. He addresses some rumors and doubts about himself. A nice way to open the album.

Suicide Doors (00:02:22): This song caught me off guard with Charleston White's funny and intense intro. It got really intense and set the tone for the rest of the album.

A (00:04:01): This song gave me Playboi Carti vibes, leading me to wonder if Uzi was copying Carti or vice versa. The rock theme and guitars are great, making it feel experimental yet familiar.

Crush Em (00:08:11): Another high-energy track. Uzi is just on another level with this album.

Armageddon (00:08:54): Not as good as "Crush Em," but still solid. It gives off *Whole Lotta Red* vibes, which makes me wonder about Carti's influence.

X2 (00:09:50): A usual Uzi song. If the whole album was like this, it wouldn't have been as impressive. It's a good song but feels like something we've heard before.

Died and Came Back (00:10:51): This track has *Eternal Atake* vibes and sounds very familiar. It's another strong song on the album.

Spin Again (00:11:52): Not particularly noteworthy, but it's a decent track that fits well within the album.

That Fire (00:13:01): Makes me think of Takeoff. It's a solid track but nothing groundbreaking.

I Gotta (00:13:34): A song that fits the American theme well. It sounds like a national anthem of sorts, fitting the album's theme.

Endless Fashion (feat. Nicki Minaj) (00:14:40): Uzi and Nicki Minaj have good chemistry. Uzi's confident and intentional sound is evident here.

Mama, I'm Sorry (00:16:19): Repetitive but alright. It adds to the album's diverse sound.

All Alone (00:16:26): Another good Uzi track. His use of samples is always on point.

Just Wanna Rock (00:17:11): A viral hit with an infectious beat. It's a standout track on the album.

CS (00:18:21): This song has an energy that reminds me of XXXTentacion. It has a screaming flow that makes it a standout.

Werewolf (feat. Bring Me The Horizon) (00:18:48): One of my favorite tracks. It has an anime-like vibe, reminiscent of Attack on Titan.

Pluto to Mars (00:21:30): Another high-energy track that keeps the momentum going.

Patience (feat. Don Toliver) (00:22:16): A solid track featuring Don Toliver. There's hardly any skips on this album.

Come and Go (00:23:09): Towards the end of the album, there are no standout songs for me, but everything maintains a high level of quality.

Rehab (00:24:08): Sounds like an anime ending theme. It's light and fits the album well.

Bonus Tracks (00:24:51):

- Zoom: A solid track but feels more like a bonus.

- Of Course: An average Uzi song, back to his normal level.

- Fade Away: Another average track, but the album ends on a high note.

Conclusion (00:25:31): Pink Tape is a very good album. Despite its length, it maintains quality throughout. I recommend listening to it fully if you haven't already. If you enjoyed this review, please leave a like and subscribe to get notifications for the next episode. Check the social links in the description. Thanks for listening!

WhenDidYouMakeThis?

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit relistenpodcast.substack.com

-the below show notes are ai generated from the full transcript available here, and might contain obvious (or not so obvious) errors-

enjoy

subscribe to get show notes straight to your email whenever there’s a new episode.

#011 utopia - travis scott| album review | show notes

Introduction (00:00:05): Alright, so Travis Scott has dropped Utopia and wow, I really liked the album. Welcome to another episode of Relisten. On this episode, I'll be looking at Utopia by Travis Scott. It came out on the 28th of July, 2023.

Overview (00:00:33): I haven't been following him closely since 2018 when he dropped *Astroworld*, but this album had so much hype. Honestly, I wasn't even following the hype until close to the release. He was traveling around the world doing different stuff, and I saw the covers, including the one with the naira in it. It was exciting. The album exceeded my expectations and can actually compete with *Astroworld*.

Song Reviews

Hyena (00:01:41): The album starts off with "Hyena." It immediately sets the mood and gets you going. I like how Travis Scott hides the features on the first day, making the first listening experience a surprise.

Thank God (00:02:47): This song builds up energy slowly, and by the time it switches beats halfway through, it takes the album to another level. It's one of my top songs on the album.

Modern Jam (00:03:45): Featuring Teezo Touchdown, this song has a unique style and energy. Teezo Touchdown's singing adds a different life to the track. It's catchy and grows on you.

My Eyes (00:04:59): Travis Scott gets in his feels with this song. The singing at the beginning is great and puts you in a certain mood. It's one of my favorites.

God's Country (00:05:51): I love the hi-hats and the overall switch-ups in this song. The sampling is excellent, and it's a solid solo track by Travis.

Sirens (00:06:40): Initially, I thought Rema might be featured on this track, but Travis handled it well on his own. The beat switches halfway through, and it’s incredible.

Meltdown (00:07:56): Featuring Drake, this song is a standout. Drake's verse is excellent, and the track has a lot of energy.

Fiend (00:09:05): Featuring Playboi Carti, this track is mind-blowing. The different voices and styles Carti brings make it one of the best songs on the album.

Delresto (Echoes) (00:13:06): Featuring Beyoncé, this song didn't quite hit the mark for me. It's not bad, but it didn't match the energy of the rest of the album.

I Know? (00:14:49): Another solid track. Travis Scott talks about some regular stuff, and it’s one of the good songs on the album.

Topia Twins (00:15:10): Featuring 21 Savage and Rob49, this song is decent. 21 Savage delivers as usual, and Rob49 was a pleasant surprise.

Circus Maximus (00:16:10): This track features The Weeknd but hasn't quite connected with me yet. It still sounds strange.

Parasail (00:16:48): Featuring Dave Chappelle and Yung Lean, this is one of my top three songs. The vocals and the overall vibe are great.

Skitzo (00:17:39): Featuring Young Thug, it’s nice to see him on the album despite being behind bars. His feature is strong, adding value to the track.

Lost Forever (00:18:40): Featuring Westside Gunn and James Blake, this song has a unique feel. I prefer the current version over the OG version.

Looove (00:19:50): Featuring Kid Cudi, this song is good but would have been better with Rema. Still, a solid track.

K-POP (00:20:31): Featuring Bad Bunny and The Weeknd, this song is more commercial. It's not a personal favorite but has great mainstream appeal.

Telekinesis (00:21:37): Featuring SZA and Future, this is my favorite song on the album. The drums are crazy, and Future’s verse is excellent.

Til Further Notice (00:25:28): Featuring 21 Savage and produced by Metro Boomin, this song is a strong closer. The 808 patterns and the overall production are great.

Conclusion (00:27:06): *Utopia* by Travis Scott is a very good album. My favorite songs are "Telekinesis," "Fiend," "Thank God," "Meltdown," and "Sirens." Overall, I'd rate the album a solid 9 out of 10. It has a high replay value, although some tracks stretched it out a bit too much.

Final Thoughts (00:28:53): If you've enjoyed this review, please leave a rating wherever you're listening—Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or any other platform. Follow the socials in the description, and I'll see you in the next episode. Thank you!

WhenDidYouMakeThis?

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit relistenpodcast.substack.com

-the below show notes are ai generated from the full transcript available here, and might contain obvious (or not so obvious) errors-

enjoy

subscribe to get show notes straight to your email whenever there’s a new episode.

#010 on the radar freestyle - drake & central cee | song review | show notes

Introduction (00:00:00): All right, welcome to Relisten. This one is just going to be a quick review of a song I recently heard. I lose track of all these releases, but I wanted to make a short review of "On The Radar Freestyle" by Drake and Central Cee. It sounds amazing.

Song Overview (00:00:17): Drake killed this song. He carried about 75% of it and really dominated the track. Central Cee was also really good, which is why I checked out the song. I recently got into Central Cee, so I'm not a longtime fan, but I like the song a lot.

Review (00:00:59): If you've heard it, you know "On The Radar Freestyle" is really good. When Drake enters that special mood where he just wants to go crazy, he's very good at it. Honestly, Drake has been on a streak lately, clearing a lot of doubts.

Drake's Versatility (00:02:05): This freestyle shows how versatile Drake is. While he talks about gang stuff, I don't think Drake is actually living that life. He might work with some tough guys, but I believe he lets his security handle things. He's not like Young Thug with an OVO gang. Despite that, he delivers it convincingly.

Central Cee's Contribution (00:03:30): Central Cee adds a lot to the track. His flow is clean, and he has a unique sound. My favorite song by Central Cee right now is "Sprinter." He and Dave have great chemistry, and their songs together are always good.

Favorite Lines (00:04:35): One funny line in "Sprinter" is, "I'm just one ratchet, they even know who our baby dad is." Central Cee and Dave have a great sense of humor, and they make serious lines sound funny.

Rating (00:05:10): If I were to rate "On The Radar Freestyle," I'd give it a solid 8. It's only going to go up for me. I don't want to be giving out 9s and 10s too easily, but this song is definitely among the very good ones.

Conclusion (00:05:35): Wherever you're listening, subscribe so you get notifications for the next episode. Thanks for listening!

WhenDidYouMakeThis?

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit relistenpodcast.substack.com

-the below show notes are ai generated from the full transcript available here, and might contain obvious (or not so obvious) errors-

enjoy

subscribe to get show notes straight to your email whenever there’s a new episode.

#009 her loss - drake & 21 savage | album review | show notes

Introduction (00:00:00): Welcome back to Relisten. On this episode, we'll be talking about Drake and 21 Savage's album "Her Loss." The album was released in November 2022, and after a few months of listening, I wanted to share my thoughts.

Album Background (00:00:34): The album was released following "Certified Lover Boy" and "Honestly, Nevermind." I was excited that Drake finally dropped a good album. "Her Loss" felt like a return to form for Drake after the mixed reception of his previous projects.

Song Reviews

Rich Flex (00:01:33): The first song on the album, featuring 21 Savage, sets the tone perfectly. It's really good and instantly grabs your attention.

Major Distribution (00:06:02): This is another standout track. The Yachty adlibs are great, and the song has a catchy beat that sticks with you.

On BS (00:06:50): This song is very bouncy and features 21 Savage. It's not my favorite on the album, but it's still a solid track.

Back Outside Boys (00:07:27): Another good song with Yachty's adlibs. It's one of the highlights of the album.

Privilege Rappers (00:08:17): This song has a calm vibe and showcases Drake's relaxed delivery. It's one of the more low-key tracks on the album but fits well with the overall mood.

Hours in Silence (00:09:41): A very calm and relaxing track. The album as a whole has a soothing vibe, and this song exemplifies that.

Treacherous Twins (00:10:26): This song is lower on my list. It's catchy, but 21 Savage's verse didn't have enough energy for me.

Spin Bout U (00:11:26): One of my top five favorites. It's very relaxing, and Drake delivers a great performance.

Pussy & Millions (00:12:10): My favorite song on the album. It features Travis Scott and has a lot of energy. This track stands out as one of the best.

Broke Boys (00:15:37): I like the bars in this song. It's not one of my top picks, but it's still a solid track on the album.

Middle of the Ocean (00:16:00): Recently added to my playlist, this song has a calm vibe similar to "Privilege Rappers." It's definitely in the top 8 for me.

Jumbotron Shit Poppin (00:17:04): One of my top favorites. Drake's flow on this track is impressive, and it's one of the better songs on the album.

More M's (00:18:12): This song is alright. It's another Drake and 21 Savage collaboration. It's not a standout, but it fits well within the album.

3AM on Glenwood (00:18:33): A very good track with a calm vibe. It's perfect for relaxing or reflecting.

I Guess It's F*** Me (00:19:05): One of my favorites despite having lower streams. It fits the ending of the album perfectly and is a strong closer.

Conclusion (00:20:48): I'm happy that Drake dropped this album. "Her Loss" has a very good replay value and shows that Drake and 21 Savage can make great music together. Personally, I'd rate this album a strong 8.5 out of 10. It's an album that I can keep listening to without skipping any tracks.

Final Thoughts (00:22:26): I hope you enjoyed this episode of Relisten. If you're listening on Spotify, please subscribe to get notifications for new episodes. I mostly upload on the weekends, so turn on notifications. If you're listening on YouTube or any podcast platform like Apple Music, subscribe and leave a rating. Thanks for listening, and I'll catch you on the next episode.

WhenDidYouMakeThis?

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit relistenpodcast.substack.com

-the below show notes are ai generated from the full transcript available here, and might contain obvious (or not so obvious) errors-

enjoy

subscribe to get show notes straight to your email whenever there’s a new episode.

#008 a gift & a curse - gunna | album review | show notes

Introduction (00:00:00): Welcome back to Relisten. On this episode, I'll be reviewing Gunna's album. He just released it, and this will not be a short review. He released it on the 16th of June. Going into the album, I didn't really expect too much from it, to be honest.

Album Background (00:00:20): I didn't really care about all the street stuff. I enjoy listening to it, but that's not the kind of life I can relate to. I don't really care about who snitched and who didn't. The hypocrisy in the rap world is fascinating, but the album itself was alright. The single "Back At It" that dropped before the album was very good.

Overview (00:01:06): Overall, the album is simple. Gunna's just rapping—no fancy beats. He has been blackballed somehow. I don't think Gunna even needed to drop this album. He could have just gone back to rapping about his usual themes. This isn't an album I'd listen to for street credibility; for that, I'd turn to 21 Savage or Young Thug. But it's his work, and he chose to release it, and it's far from bad—it's a very good album.

Discussion (00:02:10): Most people judging Gunna or calling him a snitch wouldn't stay in prison for someone else if they were innocent. They'd choose freedom. Expecting someone to stay in prison just to maintain street cred is weird.

Favorite Songs (00:03:08): My favorite songs on the album are "Cash It," "Back At It," and "Back to the Moon." There's hardly any skip on this album. He dropped a very solid album.

Rating (00:03:24): If I were to rate it, I'd give it a 7 out of 10. It's a very good album. Honestly, maybe it's not that bad. Giving it a 7 or rating it so low isn't fair; his peak is just so much more than this album. It's somewhat biased, but 7 is what I'm giving it.

Closing Thoughts (00:04:11): Gunna himself missed his music. Now we don't know when we'll get any new Young Thug music because he's not free. It's frustrating. I'll be reviewing another album next.

Conclusion (00:04:39): If you're listening on Apple Music, Spotify, or YouTube, please like, subscribe, and check the social description. Thanks!

WhenDidYouMakeThis?

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit relistenpodcast.substack.com

-the below show notes are ai generated from the full transcript available here, and might contain obvious (or not so obvious) errors-

enjoy

subscribe to get show notes straight to your email whenever there’s a new episode.

#007 business is business - young thug | album review | show notes

Introduction (00:00:00): Welcome back to another episode of Relisten. On this episode, I'll be covering Young Thug's *Business Is Business*. The album was released a few days ago, and while some people think it's garbage, I completely disagree.

Album Background (00:00:58): The album came out on June 20, 2023, and it’s one of my favorite Young Thug albums in a while. It has two versions: the original and the Metro Boomin version. The Metro version has 17 songs, including new tracks featuring Juice WRLD and Nicki Minaj. Personally, I prefer the Metro version because of the additional tracks. However, I'll be using Metro's version for this review since it's the most recent and complete version.

Song Reviews

Jonesboro (00:01:18): The first song on the Metro version is "Jonesboro." I like the beat, but it has a lower energy compared to the original version, which starts with Drake. I prefer the original start, but both versions are solid.

Mad Dog (00:01:53): "Mad Dog" is just a good Young Thug song. Not much to say here, but it's solid.

Want Me Dead (feat. 21 Savage) (00:02:04): "Want Me Dead" featuring 21 Savage is up next. Anytime 21 Savage jumps on a song, it's a banger. With Young Thug and Metro Boomin, you know it's going to be good.

Future Past (feat. Future) (00:02:17): "Future Past" with Future has an incredible vibe. The sample puts you in a crazy trance, and it's just so good. You have to listen to it in silence to really feel the energy.

Parade on Cleveland (feat. Drake) (00:02:32): My favorite song on the album is "Parade on Cleveland" featuring Drake. Drake is the biggest artist in the world right now, and anytime he features on a track, it’s something special. He kills it effortlessly.

Standout Tracks (00:03:14): The two Drake songs, the two 21 Savage songs, and the Juice WRLD song are all standouts. However, Nicki Minaj's feature on "Money" was the weakest part for me. She didn't really add to the track.

Money (feat. Juice WRLD and Nicki Minaj) (00:03:50): "Money" featuring Juice WRLD and Nicki Minaj opens with a sample. Some of Juice WRLD's verses were cut to clear the sample. This song is one of my favorites on the album. Young Thug opens "Money" so well, and Juice WRLD effortlessly kills his part. This is definitely one of my favorite tracks on the album.

Parade on Cleveland (feat. Drake) (00:05:03): "Parade on Cleveland" is another standout with its clean production and Drake's perfect feature.

With the Racks (feat. Travis Scott) (00:05:47): "With the Racks" featuring Travis Scott is also a good song. Travis Scott's upcoming album has a lot of hype, and this track shows why.

Overtime (00:06:06): "Overtime" is another favorite. The beat and Thug’s flow make it an amazing track. The song feels like he’s calling out the listeners, which adds a unique touch.

Hellcat Kenny (feat. Lil Uzi Vert) (00:07:02): "Hellcat Kenny" featuring Lil Uzi Vert is another crazy track. Uzi has been on fire recently, and his feature here is no exception.

Paranoid (feat. Destroy Lonely) (00:07:47): "Paranoid" with Destroy Lonely is a good track, though it hasn't grown on me as much yet.

Conclusion (00:08:23): Overall, *Business Is Business* is a strong album. If you’re listening on Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube, please subscribe and hit notifications so you get next week's episode. Next week, I’ll be reviewing Lil Uzi Vert’s new album. So subscribe and stay tuned for that. Thanks for listening!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit relistenpodcast.substack.com

-the below show notes are ai generated from the full transcript available here, and might contain obvious (or not so obvious) errors-

enjoy

subscribe to get show notes straight to your email whenever there’s a new episode.

#006 a great chaos - ken carson | album review | show notes

Introduction (00:00:00): Welcome back to Relisten. In this episode, I'll be reviewing "A Great Chaos" by Ken Carson. Let's dive straight into the album.

Discovery (00:00:05): How did I discover this album? Ken Carson was an artist I had heard about but never really listened to. Because of his association with Playboi Carti, whose album got leaked around the same time, I decided to give "A Great Chaos" a listen. Normally, I don't bother with leaked albums, but this one caught my attention.

Release and Context (00:01:09): Ken Carson officially dropped the album in October 2023 under Opium Interscope Records, despite it leaking a few days prior.

Song Reviews

Green Room (00:01:39): The album opens with "Green Room," where Ken talks about his journey from being broke to rich. The flow is catchy and reminiscent of Playboi Carti. It’s not entirely original, but he uses the style well.

Jennifer's Body (00:03:34): The second track, "Jennifer's Body," is a banger. The flow and beats are captivating, making it hard to focus on the lyrics initially.

Fight My Demons (00:04:36): "Fight My Demons" is one of my favorite songs from the album. With 51.5 million streams on Spotify, it's the most successful track. The song has an intense beat switch halfway through, adding to its appeal.

Singapore (feat. Destroy Lonely) (00:05:54): This track features Destroy Lonely. Both artists have a similar sound, making it hard to distinguish their voices. Despite that, it’s a solid song.

Lose It (00:08:10): "Lose It" is produced by Gabe and Legion. It feels like a filler track, but opinions on it might change over time.

Hardcore (00:09:13): "Hardcore" is another favorite of mine. The lyrics are funny, and the beat is excellent.

Me and My Cope (00:09:44): This song has a unique sound, and I really enjoy it.

Over (00:10:01): "Over" stands out with its interesting beat that goes backwards and forwards. The flow might be inspired by someone else, but I can't pinpoint who.

Circle Boss 2 (00:10:38): This track is catchy but gets repetitive. It's about all the girls that are "circle bosses."

Paranoid (feat. Destroy Lonely) (00:11:00): Another track featuring Destroy Lonely. It's one of my favorites, even though I haven’t listened to it as much.

PORTS (00:11:54): "PORTS" kicks off a strong run of tracks, leading into "Like This" with Lil Uzi Vert.

Like This (feat. Lil Uzi Vert) (00:12:09): This song is great, and Lil Uzi Vert's contribution is solid.

Overtime (00:12:31): "Overtime" is another favorite. It feels like Ken Carson is calling out the listener with lines like "you ain't killed nobody" and "you ain't got no swag."

Vampire (00:15:11): In "Vampire," Ken talks about how he never changed while others did. It’s a strong track about staying true to oneself.

Nightcore 1 (00:15:22): "Nightcore 1" is catchy and fun, though a bit repetitive.

Nightcore 2 (00:17:21): "Nightcore 2" is my favorite song on the album. It has insane energy and relatable lines.

Rockstar Lifestyle (00:19:29): This track has grown on me recently, with lines like "if I bought a house and see it, then I built it." It's a solid addition to the album.

I Need You (00:23:09): "I Need You" feels like a calm down after "Rockstar Lifestyle." It’s a bit too upbeat for my taste right now, but that might change.

Conclusion (00:23:31): This album is one of my favorites from the past six months.

Rating (00:23:52): I’ll give "A Great Chaos" an 8 out of 10. It’s a very good album, but I can't rate it higher because it adopts a style that Playboi Carti popularized. Ken Carson made a great album with this style, but Carti's influence is undeniable. If Carti didn't exist, this album would be a 9 for me.

Final Thoughts (00:24:59): That’s all for this episode. If you enjoyed it, please subscribe, like, and share on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, or any other streaming platform. Thank you, and I’ll see you in the next episode, which will drop every Sunday.

WhenDidYouMakeThis?

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit relistenpodcast.substack.com

-the below show notes are ai generated from the full transcript available here, and might contain obvious (or not so obvious) errors-

enjoy

subscribe to get show notes straight to your email whenever there’s a new episode.

#005 aethiopes - billy woods| album review | show notes

Introduction (00:00:00): Hey, welcome to Relisten. This is episode four of Relisten, and I'll be reviewing "Ethiopes" by Billy Woods. It came out in 2022 with 13 songs, running for 39 minutes and 10 seconds. Let's get right into it.

Background (00:00:25): It's been a while since I reviewed anything, but coming back, I want to look at this album by Billy Woods. "Ethiopes" is an album that I listened to about three times before it clicked with me. Initially, it didn't connect, but I kept seeing recommendations for it. The album starts with "Asylum," and this was the first Billy Woods song I heard.

Song Reviews

Asylum (00:01:10): The album opens with "Asylum." Billy Woods' storytelling in this track is compelling. He describes his neighbor's house, which looks like a castle with an automatic gate. He's almost stalking his neighbor, watching his every move. The ending of the song cuts to a Nigerian movie, which I found very interesting. This transition into "No Hard Feelings" is very clean.

No Hard Feelings (00:03:34): The transition from "Asylum" to "No Hard Feelings" is smooth and adds to the album's cohesiveness. These two songs feel like one long track, which I appreciate. I wish there was a feature on Spotify where certain songs would always play in sequence.

Remorseless (00:05:52): "Remorseless" is another standout track. The entire album is an experience, and this song contributes to that. If you listen to the album in a specific order, it enhances the experience. I suggest starting from "Remorseless," then going to "Smith + Cross," "Asylum," and "No Hard Feelings."

Smith + Cross (00:06:37): This track is very spiritual and clean in its production. The transition from "Remorseless" to "Smith + Cross" is seamless. The samples used are well-placed, adding to the song's depth.

Album Experience (00:07:02): The album is well-produced and provides a unique listening experience. The transitions between songs are smooth, and the storytelling is immersive. The combination of beats, lyrics, and samples creates an album that is more than the sum of its parts.

Conclusion (00:09:24): I apologize for not going deep into the lyrics, but I just wanted to give my thoughts on the album. Initially, I would have given it a 2 out of 10 based on my first listen. However, after multiple listens, I appreciate the album's depth and production quality. If Kendrick Lamar dropped an album like this, it would be raking up Grammys. The songs are really good, and the album is a unique experience.

Rating (00:11:04): If I'm rating it now, I'll give it a solid 8 out of 10. It's a rare kind of album that not everyone will appreciate, but it's definitely worth your time. Even though it took me weeks to finish, it's only 39 minutes long.

Final Thoughts (00:11:19): If you agree or have thoughts on the album, let me know. If you're listening on Spotify, please subscribe to get the latest episodes. The same goes for Apple Music or any other podcast distributor. That's all for Relisten this episode.

WhenDidYouMakeThis?

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit relistenpodcast.substack.com

Honestly Nevermind_Final_ ‎26 ‎June ‎2022.wav

(originally published Sunday, ‎26 ‎June ‎2022)

(reposting in 2024 i feel very different about this album)

-the below show notes are ai generated from the full transcript available here, and might contain obvious (or not so obvious) errors-

enjoy

subscribe to get show notes straight to your email whenever there’s a new episode.

#004 honestly nevermind - drake | album review | show notes

Introduction (00:00:00): Okay, so Drake is back again. Welcome back! This episode I'm going to talk about Drake. Drake has dropped this new album. It was a surprise album actually, and I wasn't even expecting it. When I saw the album, I was really excited. I was like, wow, Drake is finally back or something. Maybe Drake has seen all the criticism and decided to drop all this stuff he's been holding back since... Or maybe he saw Kendrick Lamar drop a masterpiece and wanted to respond, give us another "Scorpion" or "Views," you know, good albums.

Overview (00:00:48): This episode will be a short review of Drake's new album and how I feel about it. The album came out last week, Friday, on the 17th of June. It was a surprise release, so I wasn't expecting it at all. I was really excited that Drake was dropping by midnight. However, listening to Drake has not been very consistent recently. To me, the last time Drake dropped a good album was in 2018 with "Scorpion." Before that, it was "More Life."

Album Background (00:01:28): Drake has been a talking point for a long time. Nobody is underestimating what Drake has done; he's a very good artist and a senior artist. He has been in the game for over a decade, so it's not like anyone is trashing his previous achievements. But people are criticizing his recent work. Why is he doing this to his career? As a Drake fan, I find myself critical because the last two albums Drake has made feel like he's abandoning his core fanbase.

Song Reviews

Favorite Songs (00:03:08): My favorite song off the album... After listening to the album for about a week, my opinion on it is that it gives me background music vibes. It's just playing in the background, and it's Drake. It's very mid, not what I was expecting, especially from a surprise album. It sounds okay, not garbage, but not exciting. People are tired of mid albums from Drake. Fans liked the "Scorpion" and "More Life" Drake, but this certified lover boy stage is boring.

Sticky (00:05:22): One of the songs I like off the album. It's catchy, and I enjoy the vibe.

Calling My Name (00:05:30): Another good track. It's enjoyable, but nothing groundbreaking.

Intro (00:05:36): I like the way it started, but it's very short.

Jimmy Cooks (00:06:20): The best song on the album, featuring 21 Savage. Drake actually had a better verse on this song than 21 Savage, which gives me hope that Drake isn't finished. He just wants to drop what he wants to drop.

Album Review (00:06:53): The album feels like background music, something you can play while walking or working. It's okay for that purpose, but if you're looking for substance, it's not there. Compared to "More Life," this album is just plain. It feels like a 52-minute "Passionfruit" album, minus the last track with 21 Savage, which was the standout.

Expectations (00:10:00): I hope Drake drops another album soon and takes the criticism seriously. Every artist wants people to like their work, and I'm sure Drake does too. If he doesn't change, he might end up like Chris Brown—still selling, but not taken seriously. Drake should either go back to his old style or try something new. Even a drill album would be better than what he's dropping now.

Rating (00:10:15): Over 10, I'd give it a 5. It's not garbage, but it doesn't feel like Drake put much effort into it. Compared to his previous works, this album feels low effort. Drake's recent albums don't have the same quality as before, and it shows.

Conclusion (00:12:18): That's the end of this episode. If you enjoyed it, please subscribe and leave a rating if you're on Apple Music or Spotify. I'll catch you in the next episode.

WhenDidYouMakeThis?

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit relistenpodcast.substack.com