Drake wants you to know that “More Life” is not an album. With it’s staggering 22 tracks – a handful of which do not even feature Drake’s hypnotic-melodic inflection – it is, in fact, a playlist. It’s no secret that Drake (and critics) were disappointed with “Views,” his 2016 album which featured radio hits like “One Dance” and “Hotline Bling.” Despite being a commercial success, the album itself was labeled as lacking in creativity and a cohesive subject (think: tiny, sad Drake sitting atop the CN Tower). So it’s no wonder that the Toronto native wants to steer his artistic expression away from the suffocating effects of a studio album, moving instead into the realm of “playlist,” a buzzword here implying a collection of stand-alone, significant tracks. “More Life” bursts at the seams with it’s deluge of talent: from Kanye on “Glow,” to Sampha’s “4422” and Black Coffee and Jorja on “Get It Together,” the playlist plays host to a world-wide conspiracy to make Drake sound good. And dagnabbit, it worked. For the most successful rapper in the biz with the least amount of street cred, Drake must situate himself close to those that can give him broader appeal. “More Life” is all we’ll get from Drake this year. At the end of closing track, “Do Not Disturb,” Drake announces that he’ll be taking a break from new music until 2018. Until then, I’m sure the Internet will provide us with a surplus of Drake memes in his absence.
Very rarely is a debut album as powerful as “Process.” For the soft-spoken, English born Sampha Sisay, who was introduced to the piano at the age of three, music creates for him a means of self-expression. For Sampha, whose wavering voice commands sober sovereignty in “(No One Knows Me) Like the Piano” a masterfully stripped down ballad about finding one’s voice and coping with grief through the comfort of music, tragedy strikes at every turn. Both of his parents were taken by cancer, and their absence fills the lyrics and quiet spaces of the album. Sampha too, was faced with his own mortality when he suffered a cancer scare not too long ago, discovering a lump in his throat, which he chronicles in “Plastic 100°C.” Previously, Sampha had lent his talent to big name artists, like Drake, Kanye, Solange and Frank Ocean, but with his debut album, Sampha begins anew. The album’s title can be seen as shorthand for “the grieving process,” or can refer to Sampha’s ongoing journey of self discovery. Either way, we’ll be right there with him.
Loving music is a requirement for working at Blackfire Research. As a wireless entertainment technology company, we’re listening to music all day while testing wireless speakers, surround sound systems, music streaming applications, and more. Although we specialize in perfecting wireless home entertainment, there’s plenty of excitement to experience outside the home. One of the best aspects about being located in San Francisco is the immense access to all the live concerts, shows, music festivals, and events that the Bay Area has to offer. And, believe me, there’s a lot. Here’s a list of some upcoming concerts near the City by the Bay we’re excited for this month.
On Friday, February 24, indie rock band and Oakland natives, Rogue Wave, best known for their 2007 song “Lake Michigan,” returns to the Bay Area to host a night full of ‘80’s jams for “Rogue Wave presents Cover Me: A Night of ’80s Classics.” They’ll be teaming with up-and-coming Australian indie band, MIDDLE KIDS, who will be making their San Francisco debut. The event is presented by Bay Area favorites Popscene and Noise Pop at Rickshaw Stop in San Francisco. Click here for ticket information.
Also on February 24, Grammy-winning R&B singer and all around Diva, Chrisette Michele, will grace The Warfield stage in San Francisco as part of The Milestone Tour, in celebration of her fifth studio album, Milestone. For more information, click here.
February 25th marks the Bay Area return of legendary pop rock icon, Bonnie Raitt, whose career spans over four decades, and is most famous for her 1991 hit “Something to Talk About.” Not only is Raitt a nine time Grammy Award winner, she is also an outspoken political activist. She’ll be playing for one night only at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium. Tickets are on sale now for what is sure to be an explosive performance.
Heading into March, San Jose welcomes Rock and Roll icon, Bon Jovi, to the SAP Center as part of his “This House Is Not For Sale” U.S. tour. On March 1st, Bon Jovi fans will be treated to the band’s classic rock anthems, as well as new hits off their latest album. This will be the band’s first tour since 2013.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers take on The Oracle Arena in Oakland on March 12 as part of their World Tour in support of their latest album, “The Getaway.” With a thirty year career under their belt, the band has experienced an epic, Rock and Roll story filled with major musical successes, drug abuse, and fame. In 2012, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
California native and Kanye West protege, Big Sean hits the stage at The Nob Hill Masonic Center on March 23. Big Sean (Sean Anderson) was raised in Detroit and discovered by West on the radio, signing him to his label, GOOD MUSIC, in 2007. Big Sean is touring the U.S. as part of the release of his fourth studio album, “I Decided,” which features verses by big name artists like DJ Khaled, Drake, and Chris Brown. Get in on all the action here.
What concerts or events are you most excited for this month? Let us know in the comments below!
