Bladee - COLD VISIONS ALBUM REVIEW
theneedledrop
11 min, 17 sec
A detailed critique of Blade's latest album 'Cold Visions', acknowledging the artist's evolution and the album's strengths and weaknesses.
Summary
- The reviewer acknowledges Blade's musical progress and the smoothing out of his sound since his 2018 record 'Red Light'.
- Blade's return to trap and exploration of darker, more distorted sounds on 'Cold Visions' are noted, with some tracks being a return to form.
- The album is seen as potentially bloated with its 30-song tracklist and may benefit from cutting down to its most essential moments.
- Lyrically, Blade's album offers a range of emotional and cheeky content, with some standout tracks but also instances of redundancy and underdevelopment.
- The reviewer gives the album a strong six to a light seven rating, inviting listeners to share their own opinions.
Chapter 1
The introduction of the music review for Blade's new album 'Cold Visions' by Frost the chill Tano, mentioning the artist's background.
- The reviewer introduces themselves and sets the stage for the review of Blade's new album.
- Blade is recognized as the founder of Trash Island records and a member of the Drain Gang collective.
- The artist's recent musical progress and growth from past works are highlighted.
Chapter 2
The reviewer discusses Blade's musical journey and the evolution of his sound from past projects to the present.
- The reviewer addresses their initial dislike for Blade's music and how his sound has evolved over time.
- Notable shifts in production and style are discussed, such as the incorporation of rock, postpunk, UK drill, and ambient pop.
- Collaborative works with other artists like Young Lean and Echo 2k are mentioned, showcasing Blade's versatility.
Chapter 3
The review describes 'Cold Visions' as a return to form for Blade, bringing back familiar elements and collaborators.
- Blade's return to trap and darker themes in 'Cold Visions' is emphasized.
- The album is described as more aggressive and distorted, with Blade fully embracing a rage style.
- Collaborators such as Young Sherman, Young Lean, White Armor, Echo 2K, and Thai Boy Digital are highlighted.
Chapter 4
The review explores the dynamic between Blade's production choices and his vocal delivery on the album.
- Blade's sweet vocal delivery contrasts with the aggressive production, creating a unique listening experience.
- The album's sound is characterized by heavy distortion, saturated bass, and a rough, mixtape-like aesthetic.
- Certain tracks are recognized for their catchy flows and hooks, with Young Lean's contributions noted.
Chapter 5
The reviewer praises certain tracks for their hooks and performance, but notes the album's repetitiveness and lack of variety.
- Several tracks are called out for their engaging hooks and strong performances.
- The album's repetitiveness in terms of aesthetics, vocal processing, and rhythmic patterns is critiqued.
- The reviewer suggests that the album's length and similarity between tracks diminish its overall impact.
Chapter 6
The emotional depth and thematic variety of Blade's lyrics on 'Cold Visions' are discussed.
- Blade's improvement in vocal performance and emotional expression is acknowledged.
- The album's themes include friendship, materialism, loneliness, and introspection, with unique lyrical moments.
- Some tracks are seen as not fully committing to their themes, leading to potential lost opportunities.
Chapter 7
The reviewer gives a final assessment of the album's structure, standout moments, and areas for improvement.
- The album's structure is critiqued for being bloated and potentially benefiting from a more focused tracklist.
- Standout moments and tracks are acknowledged, but the presence of filler content is noted.
- The review concludes with a strong six to light seven rating, inviting listeners to share their own thoughts.
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