How We Review
A review that only describes what's on the album is a tracklist. We engage with intent, execution, context, and impact. A good review should deepen a listen you've already had, or prepare you meaningfully for one you haven't.
What Makes a Great Album
Coherence: the tracks work together as a whole, not just as singles. Development: the artist is doing something they haven't done before, or doing a familiar thing better. Durability: the record rewards repeated listening without revealing itself fully on the first encounter.
The Streaming Effect on Albums
Streaming has reshaped how albums are made and experienced. The economics favour tracks over albums, introductions over slow-burns, hooks over development. Some artists resist this entirely. Others have found ways to make the album form work within streaming constraints. Both strategies produce interesting music.