By Colin Barrett, Contributing Writer
• September 17, 2016
This album exemplifies a complete return to the band’s traditional form as they it comes back to their its folk roots. “Star Wars” was more of an psych-indie rock album, while this album is shaped with softer midwestern tones. Tracks like “Common Sense” invoke a hypnotic beat and sense of confusion, while others, like “Nope,” have a more cool and collected rock tone.
Despite the title, Michaelson’s new album is her most logical and cohesive compilation to date. Her typical quirky sound, complete with witty lyrics and sweet sentiment, sounds much more mature than in her previous albums.
Her signature 90s sound — the peppy synth beats, generic bass drops and basic lyrics — feels stale compared to her contemporaries, like Nicki Minaj and Beyoncé. Each song may have topped the charts in Spears’ heyday, but now the tracks feel forced and inauthentic. Her album may have been better received had she made more of an effort to stay current.
By Sam Fischer, Contributing Writer
• August 30, 2016
Packouz and Diveroli’s relationship is certainly an entertaining one: The combination of Packouz’s snarky personality and Diveroli’s ignorance makes for funny dialogue. However, the protagonists of “War Dogs” aren’t dynamic; there doesn’t seem to be much growth or change for either character. Not to mention, the story itself didn’t do a great job of making the audience feel connected to the characters.