here they are:
"Freedom" by Illiterate Light and Devon Gilfillian: The neo-psychedelic pop sounds of Illiterate Light and the smooth neo-soul sounds of Devon Gilfillian were two of the best things to grace adult alt radio in 2020! A year later, not only are they both still going strong, but they've decided to join forces with one another! Who knew, eh?! Their first effort together, "Freedom," doesn't quite sound like Illiterate Light OR Devon Gilfillian, yet somehow they manage to make it work here! The song has a funky indie-dance-pop flavor fit for any millennials who might not have heard their music previously. The highlight of the song, perhaps, is Devon's vocal solo in the middle of the song. His sweet yet powerful R & B suited vocals really sell the point of the song right where it seems most comfortable, smack dab in the center of it all!
"Keep Your Name Outta My Mouth" by The Black Keys: Why am I reviewing a Black Keys song that has been out for 10 years, you may ask?! Well, it's because up until recently, no one even knew it existed! "Keep Your Name Outta My Mouth" is actually an outtake from The Black Keys' breakthrough record, "Brothers," which features such great soon-to-become-classics (if they aren't already) as "Tighten Up" and "Howlin' For You." "Keep Your Name..." doesn't seem like it has quite the staying power those songs did, but it still has the signature Black Keys sound that melds blues-rock with rhythm & blues. The song oozes blues influence from head to toe, and not just musically either. The lyrics of the song have a sort of "my woman done me wrong" feel that seemed present throughout the album. Here's to hopefully another 10 years of The Black Keys!
"The Bandit" by Kings of Leon: Where in the world are Kings of Leon?! Out to catch the bandit, that's where! For a guy who has recently become nostalgic for the classic, geography-based PBS game show, "Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?" KOL's latest song has a lot of interesting (and probably unintentional) parallels! "Must catch the bandit"? Well, that was the object of the show, wasn't it?! It features such other lyrics fitting for a geography centered chase like, "200 miles to clear, chasing a sound I hear." The music is as exciting as its lyrics, with that blend of Springsteen-ian sincerity and blues-y grittiness that KOL have cultivated since 2008. I'm not sure what "bandit" KOL are actually trying to capture, but what an adventurous thrill this song gives me! Hope it does the same for you!
