"My friends tell me these days, that I've been falling away. But I don't know what to say, say. You can't expect me to stay.....Strangers sayin' they know me, know me I'm just hidin' the fact that I'm lonely, lonely. And I know It Could Be Worse though, worse and all I know, this is what I chose..." Today, Dallas native Adrian Stresow released his latest album, "It Could Be Worse" on all streaming platforms as a birthday gift to himself. .The 10 track project is filled with poppy synths and production by Stresow and frequent collaborators Kyle Stemberger, Playful Ryan, Asaiah Ziv along with Stunna815 and Werewlf. It Could Be Worse" comes right on the heels of his last two projects, "I'll Explain Later", fan favorite "The Kid In His Room" and "At Least I Tried". Although Stresow claimed that the songs on his project "I'll Explain Later" was just the compilation of all his 2017 singles, the structure of the songs and the details of the artworks (done by Stresow's exclusive graphic designer Kevin Hackett) said a different story as they all correlated together. And in my personal opinion, the artworks for Adrian's previous projects all make a story that leads up to "It Could Be Worse" . Starting with the fading view of Dallas in the background to Stresow waking up on his mattress in the ocean to him struggling up a snowy hill, Kevin Hackett has helped to give a picture to Stresow's words of reaching his peak. Adrian has stated before in previous songs that he is aware that he hasn't 'made it' yet but he's on his way and , well to put it plainly, things haven't been the greatest, but it could be worse.
On "It Could Be Worse", Stresow follows the style of his recent projects by only featuring 2 other artists; and on this album, that honor goes to Justin Stone and Drew Famous who both have released projects within the past 6 months. This whole project gives off that perfect summer night party vibe that will last with you even after the album ends. The opening track, 'It Could Be Worse', Stresow brings a new style to his musical style with the ultra-catchy hook and bridge. The vulnerability that he brings on this songs makes it both personal and mood-setting. The track's production and vocals bring up vibes of driving the boulevard on a summer night. The second track, 'Games' featuring Justin Stone is rap-pop fusion that finishes the question that Adrian asks in his song 'Waste My Time' on The Kid In His Room" ('Why do you make it so hard?' asks Stresow in the song). And on track three, 'Lie To Me', Stresow brings those questions to a close with a question/ultimatum of his own. 'Lie To Me' is that one song that once you hear it, you won't forget it. On 'Never That', Adrian tells both his fans and his haters that he will never quit and that he'll never sacrifice his values or integrity for clout and temporary success. 'Where You Been' is the answer to Stresow's haters about what he's been doing and why he's been silent; when you're working to be the best at what you do, you have to go ghost to build yourself. Adrian continues his response to the haters on the next track 'Pronto'. The quick trap beat with the snapping 808's with Adrian's sly vocals make it clear that he' going to reach his goals and all that he's owed needs to come pronto. One of those things that Stresow wants pronto is the bag; but not just one 'cause that ain't gonna cut. Stresow wants the 'Bags'. Stresow talks about how he has no time for girls or haters because the dream is more important. The next track is definitely for fans of producer Tay Kieth's hit song "Look Alive" by BlocBoy JB. 'On God' is a smooth track where Stresow brags about his independence and how everyone around him wants to be his friend because of his success. 'True Colors' featuring Drew Famous is all about Stresow and Famous keeping their eyes peeled for snakes; because you have to be aware of everyone's 'True Colors'. On the closing track 'Ain't Done Yet', Adrian assures his fans and the world that this is still the beginning for him. On the poppy cinematic mastepiece, we are assured about Adrian's dedication to never give up. He's not done growing up and he's not done living his dreams. The lesson that Stresow has been teaching us since he started out at age 13 is that nothing is impossible; keep going no matter what stands in your way. As I write this review this is my (I actually lost count after my 4th time through) 7th time listening to the album and each time through I keep hearing more and more that I need at this time. I highly recommend that you take a listen to the project and share it with your friends and family. If you have been impacted by "It Could Be Worse" the way I have, you can agree that it is a 10/10. This is not a fan's exaggeration; this is a true, unbiased review by your trusted source for all things good in music: Xzander Snow.
0 Comments
|
AuthorsAll Who Are Trying To Become Musicians, Song-Writers, And Producers! Ancient Music
June 2018
Genres
|