Music Reviews

This is the little dark corner of the internet where album reviews are all we think about. We will be updating reviews weekly, for you and you alone. The first review will be dependant on the album that made it to the number one spot on the Album Chart. The second review will be a review that has been chosen by you, the public.

We will also be reviewing events and newcomer artists (which will be updated when and as we feel like it). For a minute by minute update on the latest reviews, follow British Urban Review on Twitter and Facebook.

If there is an album you wish us to review, please get in touch through the Contact Us page.

08/12/2011 - Number One Album


Olly Murs - In Case You Didn't Know

A feel good album from the X Factor runner-up, but at the same time a very mainstream piece of work. Olly has aimed his album toward the masses and you can definitely tell. It's a mediocre album that in places can be in fact a bit boring. On the flip side, the songs we enjoyed are very feel good and certainly get you tapping your feet. Olly seems like a very happy-go-lucky chap and this is reflected in the songs he writes. We certainly think he has a lot of charisma and perhaps is better suited in front of a camera instead of behind a microphone. This is not to say he can't sing; because he can, just that he hasn't seemed to be able to structure a decent album... yet!

Our top tracks are Dance With Me Tonight, Heart Skips A Beat and Oh My Goodness. The album contains a great collaboration with Rizzle Kicks; who we are a big fans of. This could possibly make a good stocking filler but that is all we're afraid.

08/12/2011 - As Chosen By You


Coldplay - Mylo Xyloto

Another album chosen by you guys. Coldplay are renowned for best selling (or at least very good) albums and this is no exception. A very catchy and enjoyable album from the modern rock quartet. With previous offerings such as X&Y and A Rush Of Blood To The Head they made their stamp in the music world; this album definitely follows that trend. It's an odd comparison, but some songs are slightly reminiscent of Oasis. It's fair to say Chris Martin and the gang have produced some of the best anthems and tracks of the twenty first century.

Our top track list is as follows, Paradise, Every Tear Drop Is A Waterfall and with a random yet exceptional collaboration with Rihanna, Princess Of China. That is the only collaboration on the album but these guys don't need massive collaborations to get their album sales up, as we know. A well structured album for all ages to enjoy and we think it will make an excellent Christmas present.

29/11/2011 - Number One Album


Rihanna - Talk That Talk

Well this was certainly an "interesting" listen to say the least. We all know Rihanna is a self proclaimed good girl gone bad; which is demonstrated all the way through the album. This is a very raunchy, hot and heavy piece of work from the Bajan beauty (with songs like S&M, you'd expect nothing less). There are also a couple of sentimental songs that add colour and diversity to the predominantly sexually intense track list. Making sure to put your morals aside, the album is actually a very good listen. We knew there was a reason Rihanna was dominating the UK charts and this album is that reason.

Our top track list is Cockiness (Love It), We Found Love, Talk That Talk and Drunk On Love. There are incredible collaborations with Jay-Z and Calvin Harris; but that is where it ends we're afraid. We would have loved to see a few more featured artists on the album. Oh well, we can't always get what we want. Saying that, we think the album will remain at the top spot for a while.

Well worth purchasing or downloading!

28/11/2011 - As Chosen By You


Florence + the Machine - Ceremonials

We are aware this is not an urban album! But, we have only you to blame as this was chosen by you guys. By now we're all well aware that Florence Welch has an incredible singing voice. Although, saying that there were only a few songs that blew us away on this awaited album. The rest of the album can be a bit dry in areas and doesn't seem to be as consistent as their previous album. Their last album, Lungs, was an incredible album. We feel they have tried a bit too hard to top their previous success. Unfortunately, they haven't succeeded. 

This isn't to say the album isn't a good one, it's just that it hasn't quite lived up to our expectations from their previous offering. This is a common trend a lot of artists fall into; ranging from Coldplay to Kanye West (oh and even Oasis in their heyday).

Despite this there are a few very cleverly constructed potential hits on the album. Our top track list comprises of the following, Shake It Out, What The Water Gave Me and Seven Devils. All of which stretch Florence's voice to the greatest of it's capabilities.

25/11/2011 - A Personal Loop-Peddle Performance by Prita

 

We sent our review team to Swindon to check out Prita, an Australian newcomer on her UK autumn tour. They came back singing her praises (as well as some of her catchy songs). It was held in a small venue that wasn't packed out; although, this gave the gig a very personal feel. Oh and what a voice! She had our two chaps a little besotted by her and her music. She sings about personal experiences, from being on the road to home life back in the land of Oz. The whole gig had a story telling theme that was very compelling and interesting. 

We have heard of loop-peddles before but we are aware many of you may not have. However, we had never seen one being used live before. It was impressive to say the least. Our review guys are still uncertain as to the science behind these musical contraptions; but we recommend you look them up to try and figure them out for yourself. There was only one criticism from the evening and that was the man in charge of sound check. We found the gig a bit loud for such a small venue, but not so much to detract from the performance itself.

Now, the genre of music is a confusing one; it has branches of Hip Hop, Soul and Folk which is very reminiscent of our main man in the charts at the moment, Ed Sheeran. It was an enjoyable few hours and we recommend you go and see this Australian beaut for yourself. Check out her website prita.com.au for more details on her current UK tour and to sample some of her music. 

Keep plugged in to see our album review on this newcomer. Coming soon!

21/11/2011 - Number One Album

  

Ed Sheeran - +

Well there is definitely a lot to be said for this critically acclaimed début album. The trouble is trying to find a standing point to start from. Let's try the cool vibes, quick singing and meaningful lyrics as the basis for an interesting review. As the cogs span in the minds of our review team, we could produce nothing but praise for the newcomer. The album has a unique sound which is expressed throughout the entire song list; it would appear Mr Ed Sheeran has certainly provided a new genre for this fast moving generation of music.

The top tracks from the album are Drunk, Lego House, Wake Me Up and with it's faster tempo than the rest You Need Me, I Don't Need You. Although, this is not to say the others aren't worthy of a hearing. Every song has it's own emotive storytelling traits that vividly paint a picture. Needless to say Ed has raised the bar and may struggle to produce a better second album; which we at British Urban Review eagerly await.

21/11/2011 - As Chosen By You 


Professor Green - At Your Inconvenience

Another well structured album from the professor of grime and it was far from an inconvenience for our review team. It certainly has a different feel from the first album and has a slower pace. But, different does not necessarily mean worse. It provides a deeper insight to the Professor himself and tells a story about his personal trials and tribulations. It addresses issues he's faced since childhood and those in which he faces now. Although, there are a few cheeky chappy tracks that continues his trend of "celebrity bashing". Hid high profile targets include Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney (and that's just to name a few).

The team worked hard to figure out the top tracks from this album and they came up with the following; Read All About It, D.P.M.O, Trouble and Nightmares. There is one collaboration that stands out from the rest and that is Nightmares featuring Royce Da 5'9. This alone makes it worthy of a top track recognition. The album is a good listen and well worth the money in your pocket to purchase it. 

We just hope the professor keeps doing what he's doing.