jaylon

★ 10.0

album

What's Going On

Marvin Gaye

“One of the greatest albums of all time. A true turning point in Marvin’s career and in the evolution of soul music. Gaye used this album to confront the social and political issues affecting America at the time (war, poverty, and police brutality). All of which we still struggle with today in America. One of my favorite details of the album is that the record label pressured him into not releasing the album due to potential backlash. The albums flows like one continuous piece of music, with tracks transitioning seamlessly into each other blending soul, jazz, gospel, and orchestral arrangements into a cohesive sound. The production of the entire album is sophisticated yet warm, making the album feel intimate. My personal favorite track, Mercy Mercy Me, focuses on the damage humans are causing to the Earth. Calling attention to oils spills, pollution, and radiation, Marvin paints a picture of a planet being slowly harmed by industrial activity. What’s Going On is more than just an album but rather a musical statement about humanity. The albums emotional honesty and powerful message creates a record that still feels relevant to this day.”

★ 9.5

album

Sticking With It

The Dip

“Sticking With It feels like the most complete record they’ve made. This album sounds like a band that fully understands its identity and knows how to bring every element of its sound together. The melodies are richer and more intentional than ever. The basslines never feel like they’re just holding down the groove, they actively shape the emotional direction of each song, giving tracks that deep pocket that makes The Dip so addictive. Then there are the horns, always present but never overpowering, tucked into the background at just the right moments, adding texture, lift, and emotional punctuation. Opening with Paddle to the Stars, this song immediately sets the tone and reminds you why The Dip stands apart in modern soul/funk with their unique sound. The groove is effortless, the vocal phrasing feels intimate, and the instrumentation feels weightless without ever losing that crucial momentum giving the intent of the song. The emotional range becomes clear when you get to When You Lose Someone. There’s a level of maturity throughout this album that separates Sticking With It from their earlier work. The chord movement, the dynamic build, and the confidence in the arrangement make it feel like a centerpiece. It’s the kind of track that shows just how refined their songwriting had become by this album. Then there’s Crickets, the sleeper on this album and my personal favorite. The groove is hypnotic, the vocal delivery carries urgency, and the repeated phrases hit harder with every listen. The background vocals and harmonies are some of the best on the album. Overall, this album has every part of what makes The Dip special. It’s soulful, polished, and melodic without sacrificing its grit and grooves. It feels like a band that knows exactly who they are, and that confidence is all over this record. The songwriting is tighter, the arrangements are richer, and every instrument has its place. This is The Dip at its absolute best.”