Dec 15, 2016

ABC NEWS 3.5 out of 4

J. Cole’s “4 Your Eyez Only” ***1/2
Listening to J. Cole’s fourth album, “4 Your Eyez Only,” it is evident that he is going for more of a low-key, stripped-down approach this time around. The jazzy opener, “For Whom The Bell Tolls” and “Vile Mentality” speak to larger, artier aspirations, even if his songs still maintain a lyrically coarse toughness. But in essence, this is Cole’s chill-out, mature record.

In 2016, it is evident that hip-hop is at a turning point, with a number of releases hitting a “Golden Age”-esque sensibility. This isn’t quite Cole’s classic record yet, but you can tell that he’s aiming for the climb and that such a record is in his sights. Listening to the hushed vulnerability of “She’s Mine Pt. 1” and “She’s Mine Pt. 2,” you can definitely hear that Cole is switching up his sound. These are tender reflections of a new father, just happy to talk to his child and try to give her the best life he can. There’s a verse in part two that nails the Christmas season for its commercialism and really sticks its points.

This album definitely has its own sound and while the pace gets particularly lifted on the key standout, “Change,” this album is full of a sense of calm, even as Cole drops lines about friends and family falling victim to acts of violence. He raps on “Neighbors” about how “The neighbors think I’m selling dope,” over a lush but skeletal beat, while still maintaining a nonchalant energy.

Cole’s last album, “2014 Forest Hills Drive” was also on the downbeat side as an album, but this record takes that approach that much further. It’s a sound he’s apparently honing.

Like all of Cole’s records, this isn’t for the faint of heart, but that probably goes without saying. “4 Your Eyez Only” is a gritty but musically sophisticated offering that shows Cole as one of his generation’s biggest hopes. “4 Your Eyez Only” continues to show J. Cole as one of hip-hop’s growing voices.

Focus Tracks:

“Change” Easily, this is the best and brightest track on the record with Cole getting on the set’s best flow. This track has momentum as Cole drops thought-provoking verses.

“4 Your Eyez Only” Sadly, the title track has nothing to do with James Bond or Sheena Easton. Rather, this is an 8-minute reflection on the everyday struggles of hustling and surviving. Cole’s imagery is vivid and the bassline rumbles in the background, underneath, giving the track a Marvin Gaye “Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)” kind of sensibility.

“Folding Clothes” This is a funky, bluesy workout, finding Cole halfway rapping and halfway singing over a groovy, earthy beat. This is a hard-working and rewarding love song about modern domesticity.

http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/music-reviews-neil-young-jcole-maria-taylor/story?id=44191265

 

Dec 10, 2016

oh, and:

 

Dec 10, 2016

i think pearce makes a bit of a leap in casting a song like "immortal" as activism, but that's a pretty well-written review.