R&B – The Ithacan

‘Heaven knows’ this album transcends TikTok virality

By Jess Williams, Staff Writer • November 16, 2023

PinkPantheress used to crank out new songs nearly every day, releasing these bite-sized, hooky and minimal pop songs on TikTok to a small audience. It didn’t take long, however, for the ’90s drum and bass samples, dreamy synths and high breathy vocals to spread on the platform like wildfire. These songs stitched together sticky choruses, ear-catching production and virality in tiny packages, usually shorter than two minutes long.

Corrine Bailey Rae masters a new musical frontier in ‘Black Rainbows’

By Sarah Payne, Staff Writer • September 19, 2023

The near 45-minute album is liberating, inspired and transformative. “Black Rainbows” is unafraid to be gritty in the humanity, hope and pain that fuels the topic matter, as well as in its spunky, yet sensual, production. The intricate focus clearly put on placing these songs in the right order on the tracklist helps enhance the listening experience.

Review: R&B trio blends musical ideas to great effect

By Andrew Tell, Contributing Writer • February 14, 2023

"Heavy Heavy" sees the R&B Scottish trio, Young Fathers, beautifully showcasing the power of blending musical cultures together.

Review: Rina Sawayama never holds anything back

By Matt Minton, Co Life and Culture Editor • September 26, 2022

On Rina Sawayama's second studio album following her smash hit “SAWAYAMA," she moves toward introspection, showing real growth as an artist.

‘Re:Mixing’ – “In-person Cyberbullying” with Alexis Manore and Frankie Walls

By Eva Salzman, Eva Salzman • December 9, 2021

In this episode of Re:Mixing, host Eva Salzman sits down with Editor in Chief Alexis Manore and Managing Editor Frankie Walls. The two talk about their 10-song collaborative playlist “In-person...

Review: Rap artist copes with adulthood and meaning of life

By Eva Salzman, Staff Writer • September 2, 2020

In his latest album "Limbo," Aminé uses his storytelling skills to contemplate the difficulties of growing up and the search for meaning in his own life.

Review: Bieber transforms former pop style into electro-R&B

By Dylan Campbell • February 25, 2020

What is the sign of true growth? Is it the humility of self-awareness or the willingness to learn from the past? More importantly, does change indicate growth? In Justin Bieber’s new album, “Changes,”...

Review: Loss and pain explored in moving R&B album

By Arleigh Rodgers, Assistant Life & Culture Editor • September 4, 2019

Raphael Saadiq’s 40-year-long music career is one well-versed in R&B. Although he frequently participates in collaborations over solo music — acting as songwriter or producer for major singers...

Review: Khelani’s mixtape was worth the wait

By Hannah Fitzpatrick • March 3, 2019

Last year was arguably one of the most successful years for R&B singer-songwriter Kehlani. She served as a supporting act on tours for artists like Demi Lovato and Halsey while promoting her major-label...

Review: Singles for the week of 2/22

February 23, 2019

“Feel Something” Adam Lambert Released Feb. 22, 2019 More is More, LLC Since his American Idol days, Lambert has been known for his gutsy, rock ‘n’ roll vocals, but this single shows...

Review: Singles for the week of 2/17

By Olivia Riggio, Life & Culture Editor • February 17, 2019

Raise a Man Alicia Keys Released Feb. 11, 2019 RCA Records Passionate, sultry and strong, Alicia Keys’ latest track chronicles the difficulties — and triumphs — of deep love. It is lush...

Junior musician writes, produces and performs

By Ashley Stalnecker • February 14, 2019

Ithaca College junior Kyra Skye approaches the microphone at The Haunt, greeting her audience with a smile. She laughs and asks the crowd if they can handle things getting “a little weird.” As she...

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