Album review overview: Remi Wolf, Eminem and more
Dozens of new albums arrive at Maxazine’s editorial staff every week. There are way too many to listen to them all, let alone review them. It ensures that too many albums are left behind. And that’s a shame. That is why today we post an overview of albums that arrive at the editors in short reviews.
Eminem – The Death Of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce)
Eminem has officially laid his alter ego Slim Shady to rest with the release of “The Death Of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce).” After weeks of mystery, teasers, and the hit “Houdini,” he unveils nineteen new tracks that mark the end of an iconic phase in his career. The album begins introspectively with “Renaissance” and “Habits,” where Eminem examines his past. “Trouble” and “Brand New Dance” bring energy, while “Evil” and “All You Got” highlight his inner demons. With “Lucifer” and “Antichrist,” he explores religious themes. “Fuel” and “Road Rage” provide an energetic boost, followed by the hit “Houdini,” in which Slim Shady disappears. The strong “Guilty Conscience 2” offers a sharp sequel to the original track with Dr. Dre. “Head Honcho,” “Temporary,” and “Bad One” deliver heavy beats and melancholy, while “Tobey” showcases collaborations with Big Sean and BabyTron. However, these are the highlights. “The Death Of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce)” is not a bad debut album, far from it. But it is Eminem’s 12th album, and you hope for more than the same old complaints. Over and over again, and to be honest: We expect something different from a top rapper like Eminem by now. (Norman van den Wildenberg) (5/10) (Interscope)
Lakecia Benjamin – Phoenix Reimagined (Live)
After her fabulous performance at the International Uhoda Jazz Festival in Liège earlier this year, expectations were high for Lakecia Benjamin’s new album. “Phoenix Reimagined (Live)” more than lives up to these expectations. This album is a masterpiece full of electric energy and unparalleled craftsmanship, captured in remarkably good recording quality. From the opener “Trane,” it is immediately clear how incredibly high the level of Benjamin and her band is. The title track, “Phoenix Reimagined,” elevates the album to an even higher level with guest appearances by jazz giants Randy Brecker, Jeff “Tain” Watts, and John Scofield. Their contributions are mindbogglingly good and enhance the dynamic and innovative sound Benjamin strives for. The musicians on this album, including Zaccai Curtis (piano), Elias Bailey (bass), and EJ Strickland (drums), deliver exceptional performances. “Phoenix Reimagined” is not just a live album; it is a document of an electric evening full of brilliant jazz. Listen to this album with good headphones, and the experience becomes even more intense. The energy and craftsmanship of Lakecia Benjamin and her band shine through every track, making this album an absolute must-have for every jazz lover. (Jan Vranken) (9/10) (Ropeadope)
Orquesta Akokán – Akokán
The album “Akokán” by Orquesta Akokán clearly builds on the sounds of the Buena Vista Social Club but with a slightly more basic production, giving it an authentic character. This approach enhances the nostalgic charm of the album and offers a deep homage to the roots of son and the craftsmanship of the current generation of Cuban musicians. From the first notes, it is evident that lovers of beautifully styled brass arrangements will be fully satisfied with this album. The saxophone and trumpet work, performed by top musicians such as César Lopez, Carlos “Afrokán” Alvarez Guerra, and Santiago Ceballos Seijido, is impressive and powerful. Each track breathes the rich musical traditions of Cuba, with influences of mambo, rhumba, tumbao, and cha-cha-cha, combined with modern Latin jazz. Orquesta Akokán, born from the shared vision of singer José “Pepito” Gómez, producer Jacob Plasse, and arranger Michael Eckroth, demonstrates on this album why they belong to the top of the Latin music scene. Their collaboration is masterful, and their love for the music shines through every note. The tracks are not only technically impressive but also infused with emotion and historical depth. The album was recorded at Havana’s legendary Areito Studios, contributing to the authentic sound. The choice of this recording location is a nod to Cuba’s rich musical past and adds an extra layer of authenticity to the music. Whether this album will earn another Grammy nomination remains to be seen, but “Akokán” is undoubtedly an excellent album. It is a lively and sincere tribute to the musical traditions of Cuba, performed by some of the best musicians from the island and beyond. For anyone who loves the golden era of Cuban music, this album is an absolute must-have. (Jan Vranken) (8/10) (Daptone)
Marc Almond – I’m Not Anyone
Marc Almond, known from the former Soft Cell, is still active in the music industry. A few years ago, he was seen in the Netherlands as a vocal sidekick with Jools Holland’s orchestra, a performance that was not particularly well received. Now, Almond has released a cover album titled “I’m Not Anyone,” featuring eleven songs he claims to have discovered through a YouTube search. As an inspiration, this is quite disappointing. The album includes covers of songs by Neil Diamond, Mahalia Jackson, Don McLean, and even some lesser-known tracks like those by Blue Cheer. The result is a collection of personal favorites without any thematic cohesion, except for Almond’s distinctive voice. One of the album’s highlights is “I’m In The Light,” with backing vocals by Iain Hornall of 10CC and Electric Light Orchestra. This is a compliment for Iain, but not for Marc. The original songs are much better, and the rearrangements add nothing. The cover of Mahalia Jackson’s “Trouble Of The World” is a low point. It’s a bold choice to cover such material, and the result is that people immediately want to play the original. The same goes for Almond’s half-baked version of Neil Diamond’s “Lonely Looking Sky” from the beautiful soundtrack “Jonathan Livingston Seagull.” It adds nothing to the great originals. In my opinion, Marc should stay in the sun in Portugal, where he lives. This album is a miss. (Jan Vranken) (4/10) (BMG)
Remi Wolf – Big Ideas
Remi Wolf became known to many through her performance on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, where she performed the single “Cinderella.” That memory brought me to this album. The same fresh vibe can be found in “Toro,” whose intro is 100% copied from “Loco” by the Fun Loving Criminals. As well as in the relaxed ballad “Motorcycle” and the sing-along alt-rock number “Alone In Miami.” This album, featuring contributions from producers like Kenny Beats, Leon Michels, and the Dap-Kings, exudes eclecticism. The influence of the Dap-Kings, especially as a brass section, is unmistakable. Their presence gives the album an irresistible retro vibe that invites dancing. “Cinderella” may already be a hit among avid radio listeners, but tracks like “Soup” also have an infectious quality reminiscent of Kylie Minogue’s hits and linger in your head all day. Remi Wolf generates an intense, genre-transcending style of indie-pop, effortlessly incorporating elements of classic rock, funky indie, and sunny nu-disco. “Big Ideas” hits the mark commercially; it offers no groundbreaking innovations but is excellently produced. This album, often labeled as “radio-friendly,” is perfect for a car ride to a summer festival or a garden party. Small, refined details, such as the cowbell in “Toro” and the Nirvana-like vocal style in “Alone In Miami,” indicate that Wolf’s music is much more than standard pop music. Although the influences are sometimes clearly recognizable, such as the gothic psych-pop à la Tame Impala in “Cherries & Cream,” this aligns seamlessly with the current trend of music full of references and hidden details. A track like “Wave,” which blends hypnotic ska with a powerful nu-metal chorus, shows how this approach leads to refreshing results. “Big Ideas” is a light and pleasant album that successfully balances commercial success and artistic nuance. It is the perfect soundtrack for a cheerful summer day and guarantees a good mood. When you hear the entire album, you’ll keep thinking, “Where do I know that from?” That in itself is an achievement. (Elodie Renard) (7/10) (Island)
