Bradshaw's Album Reviews

It's been almost three years since I reviewed an album on this blog, and after careful consideration I decided that my first post back had to carry some weight behind it. Although we are now in March 2021, reviewing my Top 10 albums of 2020 feels like a good place to start.  This was not an easy list to make by any means, due to the coronavirus and a global pandemic it meant that a lot of artists were able to record and release music to eager fans who needed to fill their time during quarantine. We certainly were not disappointed. There were 17 albums that I considered for the list, and it was extremely difficult to narrow down.  So, kicking the list off at number 10 is: Playboi Carti - Whole Lotta Red After a two year hiatus, Carti finally returned with his sophomore album - Whole Lotta Red, composing of 24 tracks.  One of the most anticipated hip-hop albums in recent memory, WLR gained an unprecedented amount of hype since it was first announced due to the success...

Gone are the days of burning songs from iTunes to blank CD’s. We are living in a generation dominated by streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music, and this could be for the better. Independent music artists no longer require labels to make their own money and due to social media, making a name for yourself is easier than ever before. Independent Alt-Pop artist Sam Leoh from Bolton, has recognised that streaming is now more popular than hard-copies of music and is looking to take advantage of this. She believes: “I think it’s great that music is so accessible now, it gives everyone a chance to be heard. Streaming opens up doors to be discovered by new audiences too!” Sam and her band recently gigged at Manchester’s Retro Bar in March, and she is excited for what the future holds for an independent artist like herself. Sam said: “I'm embarking on a collaborative project which I am super excited about!” Whilst also not wanting to give too much awa...

Released by XO Records and Republic Records NAV's second studio album release came as a surprise for fans of the Canadian rapper. It was first announced on March 14th when Cash XO randomly posted on Instagram a link to 'Brown Boy EP', that entailed five previously unheard NAV songs. Following Cash's post, NAV instantly announced he was coming out of 'retirement' and he was releasing 'Bad Habits'. For a few months prior to the album release, NAV had vowed that as long as his best-friend Lil Uzi Vert wasn't allowed to release his album 'Eternal Atake', then he was following suit and not releasing any music either.  Bad Habits is executively produced by the founder of XO Records, The Weeknd. NAV and Starboy have linked up on a track before - 'Some Way' from NAV's self-titled mixtape.  Bad Habits is scattered with features, from Philly native Meek Mill, who can't stop winning right now, to Gunna, a frequent collab...

Released by Neighbourhood Recordings 2019 After the release of two singles, 'Black' and 'Streatham', Dave's debut studio album finally arrived on March 8th after a long-anticipated wait. Under the Editors Note's on Apple Music, the album revolves around a year-long therapy session about Dave's life.  Dave has been a standout UK rapper since he burst onto the scene with 'Thiago Silva' featuring fellow UK rapper AJ Tracey. Dave's outstanding lyricism and his ability to talk about topics well beyond his years have always had listeners ears' perked. The past few years have seen him go from an underground freestyler to being one of the most versatile rappers because of his maturity and his political insightfulness that he addresses on 'Black' - the first single released from the album.  Psychodrama is courageous and bold, and follows a similar arc to what Stormzy did with Gang Signs and Prayer in 2017.  Dave kicks off the...