Album reviews: Neck Deep, Luke Bryan, Dr. Dre
With the new school year rolling in, there is also lots of great music that has come along. From Dr. Dre’s “Straight Outta Compton”-inspired album to the raspy notes of Ben Barlow of Neck Deep, August has brought new music for everyone.
“Life’s Not Out to Get You” by Neck Deep
Release date: Aug. 14
Genre: Pop-punk
Rating: 4/5 stars
In the fourth studio album, Neck Deep stays true to their pop-punk roots. Relating to bands like The Story So Far or Man Overboard, Neck Deep is starting to rise in the alternative music industry. With the high-energy single “Can’t Kick Up the Roots,” there is a sing-along type chorus that everyone can rock out to. Not only has the band grown as musicians, but their lyrics have also become deeper and more meaningful, which can be heard in songs such as “Smooth Seas Don’t Make Good Sailors” and the acoustic track, “December.”
Go stream: “Smooth Seas Don’t Make Good Sailors”
“Kill the Lights” by Luke Bryan
Release date: Aug. 17
Genre: Pop-country
Rating: 3/5 stars
Known for his pop-country party anthems, Luke Bryan creates yet another album all about having a good time with your friends. The album title track, “Kill the Lights” almost has a 70s groove vibe in the beginning, which doesn’t seem to fit with the rest of the instrumentals. The rest of the album continues to have the same kind of songs, along with a love story ballad — “Strip it Down” — and his back road country anthem, “Kick the Dust Up.” Overall, the album stays true to Luke Bryan’s style of music and fans will enjoy it just as much as they enjoy his other albums.
Go steam: “Kick the Dust Up”
“Compton” by Dr. Dre
Release date: Aug. 7
Genre: Hip-hop
Rating: 4/5 stars
Inspired during the filming of “Straight Outta Compton,” Dr. Dre created his final album, according to his Beats 1 radio show. Pointing at his N.W.A past, Dre creates a compilation album that ranges from 80s gangster rap (“Issues,” “One Shot One Kill”) to modern styles of hip-hop music (“Genocide”). Loaded with features, Dre has stars such as Snoop Dogg and up-and-coming rapper Anderson Paak. From the heavy and raw lyrics, Dre seems to be paying homage to his past band and where it has brought him in life. This album will appeal to all generations of hip-hop fans, due to the changing style of the record.
