This week sees Gym Class Hero's front man Travis McCoy release his debut solo album 'Lazarus' , under the similar name of Travie McCoy. Having already reached number 25 in the U.S album chart, (and still currently climbing since it's June release), it has been eagerly anticipated in the U.K. Having recently confessed to wanting to work with chart topper Professor Green, it looks as though he is a face that will be gracing the U.K charts for a while. Also this week, with single releases being a tad on the quiet side, I've decided to jump forward a few weeks and look at The Count & Sinden's 'After Dark', featuring the Mystery Jets.
Without further ado...
Without further ado...
Travie McCoy - Lazarus:
First track 'Dr Feel Good' featuring Cee Lo Green sets the bar high, kicking off with a playful giggle and soulful vocals. Reminiscent of Gnarls Barkley, the track does exactly what it's supposed to, instantly making you 'feel good'. For those who aren't huge fans of rap, (myself included), there is the perfect balance between McCoy's rapping and Green's vocals, making for a refreshing vibe that I defy you to not tap your toes too!
The tracks that follow what is an honourable start, all come equipped with their own charm. Second track 'Superbad [11.34]' oozes with a harder, rockier influence whilst 'AKidAgain' features a charming, (although sometimes slightly out of sync), chorus sung by a group of children. And let's face it, if it works on cheesy Christmas carols and charity singles, it's no doubt going to work just as well for McCoy.
A track that stands out from the ten on the album is 'The Manual' which features T-Pain and Young Cash. Although I expected a more lively track from this collaboration, 'The Manual' sits comfortably in the middle of what would have been dull and upbeat. A tale of responsibility and determination, the track is inspiring, showing a depth to McCoy and Co that previous tracks failed to highlight. Not to forget the latest single from the album, 'Billionaire' featuring Bruno Mars, which is already gracing the radio waves. An acoustic track which pays homage to reggae, it's a simple summer song, pleasing although sometimes slightly repetitive.
On a rather more negative side, despite nine out of ten albums usually having a few weak tracks, 'Lazarus' features one of the worst I have heard yet. 'We'll Be Alright' is McCoy's own spin on Supergrass's anthem 'Alright'. For McCoy to sample such a classic dose of retro nostalgia came as quite a shock - a particularly bad one at that. Although an avid fan of Supergrass, (so perhaps biased), the track does not do itself justice at all. Perhaps without the misplaced sampling 'We'll Be Alright' would have been classed as a mediocre track on the album, as opposed to the worst.
Despite this, overall the album is a distinguished effort for a solo album, from an artist who is used to performing as a group rather than by himself. With a few well though collaborations and a handful of name drops and inspirations, McCoy's personality comes through at several points, something I find doesn't happen easily with many artists. With a song for everyone's style, it'll be a shame to see 'Lazarus' bomb in the U.K.
Here's single 'Billionaire':
The Count & Sinden Featuring Mystery Jets - After Dark:
Dance outfit The Count & Sinden have enlisted the help of Indie band Mystery Jets, (Will and Kai), in their latest single, which is due to hit the charts in just over a weeks time on the 16th August. I may be jumping slightly ahead of myself, but this is a song I've not been able to get out of my head since it was played on Zane Lowe's radio show at the beginning of the month.
A playful tale of lust, the 80's inspired style of The Count & Sinden teamed with the Mystery Jet's vocals compliment eachother perfectly, resulting in what will undoubtedly be successful when it hits the shelves. Although repetitive, the lyrics - 'We never had a heart to heart, but you still call me up after dark', strike a chord with the best of us in one way or another.
For those who haven't heard it yet, here is 'After Dark':
First track 'Dr Feel Good' featuring Cee Lo Green sets the bar high, kicking off with a playful giggle and soulful vocals. Reminiscent of Gnarls Barkley, the track does exactly what it's supposed to, instantly making you 'feel good'. For those who aren't huge fans of rap, (myself included), there is the perfect balance between McCoy's rapping and Green's vocals, making for a refreshing vibe that I defy you to not tap your toes too!
The tracks that follow what is an honourable start, all come equipped with their own charm. Second track 'Superbad [11.34]' oozes with a harder, rockier influence whilst 'AKidAgain' features a charming, (although sometimes slightly out of sync), chorus sung by a group of children. And let's face it, if it works on cheesy Christmas carols and charity singles, it's no doubt going to work just as well for McCoy.
A track that stands out from the ten on the album is 'The Manual' which features T-Pain and Young Cash. Although I expected a more lively track from this collaboration, 'The Manual' sits comfortably in the middle of what would have been dull and upbeat. A tale of responsibility and determination, the track is inspiring, showing a depth to McCoy and Co that previous tracks failed to highlight. Not to forget the latest single from the album, 'Billionaire' featuring Bruno Mars, which is already gracing the radio waves. An acoustic track which pays homage to reggae, it's a simple summer song, pleasing although sometimes slightly repetitive.
On a rather more negative side, despite nine out of ten albums usually having a few weak tracks, 'Lazarus' features one of the worst I have heard yet. 'We'll Be Alright' is McCoy's own spin on Supergrass's anthem 'Alright'. For McCoy to sample such a classic dose of retro nostalgia came as quite a shock - a particularly bad one at that. Although an avid fan of Supergrass, (so perhaps biased), the track does not do itself justice at all. Perhaps without the misplaced sampling 'We'll Be Alright' would have been classed as a mediocre track on the album, as opposed to the worst.
Despite this, overall the album is a distinguished effort for a solo album, from an artist who is used to performing as a group rather than by himself. With a few well though collaborations and a handful of name drops and inspirations, McCoy's personality comes through at several points, something I find doesn't happen easily with many artists. With a song for everyone's style, it'll be a shame to see 'Lazarus' bomb in the U.K.
Here's single 'Billionaire':
Dance outfit The Count & Sinden have enlisted the help of Indie band Mystery Jets, (Will and Kai), in their latest single, which is due to hit the charts in just over a weeks time on the 16th August. I may be jumping slightly ahead of myself, but this is a song I've not been able to get out of my head since it was played on Zane Lowe's radio show at the beginning of the month.
A playful tale of lust, the 80's inspired style of The Count & Sinden teamed with the Mystery Jet's vocals compliment eachother perfectly, resulting in what will undoubtedly be successful when it hits the shelves. Although repetitive, the lyrics - 'We never had a heart to heart, but you still call me up after dark', strike a chord with the best of us in one way or another.
For those who haven't heard it yet, here is 'After Dark':
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