Sia, St. Lucia stand out this week with eclectic sounds
Over the last week, three eclectic, interesting albums were released. Between Rhianna finally releasing new material, Sia being just as quirky and fascinating as usual and St. Lucia releasing a record with a fun hit single, these albums are sure to make your week better.
“This is Acting” by Sia
Released: Jan. 29
Genre: Pop
5/5
With her unusual, eclectic style, Sia can make one record range from pop to hip-hop to alternative. Along with the vastness of genres she can cover, her overall persona is also intriguing, as she regularly tries to cover her face when in public and she uses her superlative, Maddy Ziegler, as a younger version of herself. “Bird Set Free” starts off the album with a melodic piano that leads to Sia’s raspy vocals that play with an alternative feel. “One Million Bullets” takes the album on an R&B type of ride but switches styles yet again during “House on Fire,” which sounds like the next pop hit. Sia’s interesting approach to her music can draw in a vast array of listeners from people who mostly enjoy alternative to those who enjoy mostly hip-hop. Download: “Bird Set Free”
“Matter” by St. Lucia
Released: Jan. 29
Genre: Electornic-Indie
4/5
St. Lucia’s fourth studio album does not fail to bring the ‘80s pop vibe that the group’s other albums have shown. With the hit single “Dancing on Glass,” listeners will not be able to sit still. Just like “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk the Moon, this song will literally make you want to move – it also may take Walk the Moon’s place on the charts. “Love Somebody” brings the record a slow-jam-esque sound but maintains their staple, electronic groove. “Help Me Run Away” is the epitome of St. Lucia’s ’80s dance vibe. With the rhythmic drums at the beginning of “Stay,” listeners will be drawn into the ghostly, echoing vocals of Jean-Philip Grobler. Download: “Dancing on Glass”
“Anti” by Rihanna
Released: Jan. 27
Genre: R&B/Pop
3/5
Rihanna’s long overdue LP “Anti” saw a sloppy rollout by the record label. Anyone can listen for free on Tidal, and this isn’t the album Rihanna should have aimed for. There are some great cuts on this record such as “Woo,” which features an aggressive yet atmospheric production from Travis Scott. RiRi’s cover of Tame Impala’s “New Person, Same Ol’ Mistakes” is beautiful. The problem with “Anti” is Rihanna’s lack of risk-taking. It took a long time for the album to drop, and she took the safe route with glitzy, yet boring, radio-friendly filler. Rihanna had the perfect opportunity to make a statement with this LP, and she made some really fun tracks, but it’s nothing new for her. Half of the album is still pretty impressive, but Rihanna made two huge mistakes, letting the album spin out of control and lacking creativity.
Download: “Woo”