AN ALBUM REVIEW: A Seat at the Table by Solange

I've been thinking a lot about music lately. It's had more of an affect on me, than any other art form. Usually art, literature, or film is what influences me the most, but with Frank Ocean and Solange on this planet how can I not owe every ounce of my energy to them? At first, I wanted to dedicate an entire post to both Blond by Frank Ocean and A Seat at the Table by Solange, but I decided that I needed to focus on the latter. 

If you've slept on Solange all these years... what are you doing? how???? She embodies everything I want to be; poetic, beautiful, art, outspoken, radiant. Besides all of these qualities, I've come to realize, thanks to her new album, that she has the most beautiful voice and songwriting abilities. 

I should stop blabbering and get into the good stuff: why the album is so great. 

1. First Impressions

Solange has the voice of an angel. It's the perfect mix of soul and alternative R&B, a combination that I'm livinggggg for. If you know of the artist Yuna, whose song Crush featuring Usher had everyone in their feelings, including me, she and Solange share a similar sound. Besides Solange's beautiful voice, I was also taken back by the lyrics, which is something that doesn't normally impress me, given the trash music that we have in 2016 lol. Anyway, each lyrics means something, and helps communicate an overall message or tone of the song. To be honest, I'm usually one to be more attracted to the songs that make me want to millyrock, and not the songs that make me want to be a better person, so I guess A Seat at the Table is exactly what I need in my life. Lastly, but not least, the album cover is poppin. It almost makes me think that it was taken in the 70s with a 35 mm film camera, and if that's not what she was going for thennnnnnnnnnn... welp. 

2. Sound

I haven't heard instruments in the background of a track in what seems like years. My parents always go on and on about how much value instrumentals add to music, and I finally understand why they said that all of these years. The combination of the instruments in the background, and Solange's angelic and soulful voice, give the album such a relaxed and romantic vibe. This is what separates her music from everyone else's; she's not trying to fill your ears with robotic, pop-like tunes. She's giving you vibes, romance, hope. Yes, hope. Her music is the type of music you listen to when the world is falling apart and you need to escape. Future is not going to help you figure out how to get rid of the negative energy in your life!!!! Future is going to help you stay with that negative energy/people, and buy their VIP tickets at the club, and pay their child support, and other things that rappers brag about in their music!!!! 

3. Composition 

All the sounds on the album are cohesive, as are the messages she's discussing. Most of the messages surround feminist ideals (eg. "Cranes in the Sky") and the oppression that black females face ("Don't touch my Hair"). She finds a way to tell a story, or several stories, without them getting repetitive or tacky. This way, the listener can experience the phenomenons she's discussing and feel a personal connection to the lyrics and/or sound. Besides all that deep stuff, all the songs are litt and you could play them one after another and not get tired of it. However, the intervals are a littttllllle annoying, but I digress. 

4. Recommendations 

1. Don't Touch my Hair (feat. Sampha) 

2. Mad (feat. Lil Wayne) 

3. Cranes in the Sky 

4. Weary