In an age where Kanye is still thriving after spouting a wide variety of outlandish and unfounded hot takes over the past few months, I feel like it may be time to bring back a series that I started five years ago - Underrated/Overrated. Quick recap for those who are just joining us, this is a series where I discuss two albums - one overrated, the other underrated - and explain my thoughts on them. I am not comparing the two or pitting them against one another, just letting you know my thoughts on them both. Disclaimers out of the way, here are the first two in the series...

UNDERRATED ALBUM

This artist is actually a relatively new discovery for me. Late last year I stumbled upon Tierra Whack's tune "MUMBO JUMBO" and it was cemented in my head solidly the whole week after first listen. I just couldn't get enough of it. So much so that I should really have had enough of it by now but here we are and I'm still upset it didn't make the cut on the debut album but that should say enough for the calibre of the rest of these tracks. Whack World a mere 15 minutes long - each track spanning one quick minute - gives you a brief but beautiful look into the colourful mind of Tierra Whack and 100% leaves you asking questions and wanting more. Tierra's definitely got a lot more eyes on her since the release, and the artistic and original visual below. Original is not a word I get to use so much anymore when describing music and Tierra's originality and authenticity were two of the first things that made me think of Whack World for this spot. Take 15 minutes out of your day to give this a spin.



OVERRATED ALBUM

Given that his name sparked the idea in my mind to bring this series back, I feel it only fitting that we give this first overrated album spot up to Kanye for his muddled - ye. Now, there will never be a day where Kanye badly produces an album, he's definitely amongst the upper echelon of producers of our time and I say that very confidently. However, lyrically, he's been touch-and-go ever since My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy if I'm honest, and since Yeezus if I'm generous. I think a lot of people have been fooled into thinking that this is a good album purely because of the quality of the production but please, do not be deceived... this album is a confused, throw up of thoughts and ideas with very little thought or feeling behind it. The people encouraging this album simply because it's 'controversial' or 'funny', again please please don't use these descriptors for reasons why it should be considered a genuinely good body of music. This record has only added to Kanye's descent into drivel. Going merely on the vein of instrumentals, I'd say my favourites from the short 7-track album are "Yikes", "Wouldn't Leave", and "All Mine". However, I doubt that I'll be listening back to this album much again.

August has arguably been the busiest month for music this year, so this is just a snippet of some of the headlines that I've seen sprawled across my timeline recently. Alongside the different pieces of news, some of my favourite albums of the year so far have finally been released in a rush to make all of those end of year lists. I'll be interested to see what September holds.


PARAMORE ANNOUNCE TOUR 3
Once again the UK shores are being blessed by the presence of Paramore. Tour 3 is only 5 dates long but is being played in some of Britain's biggest arenas. After having these last few months to jam along to After Laughter in all of its' greatness, the prospect of seeing it amplified live is all I could wish for. The tour starts off in Cardiff on the 11th of January, what a way to start off the new year.

TAYLOR SWIFT NEW MUSIC VIDEO "LOOK WHAT YOU MADE ME DO"
I normally prefer to write about things that I've enjoyed or that show some potential, but I felt like I should say something about Taylor's new one. Supposedly this is intended to be a "diss track" aimed at Kanye. To be honest, after watching the video, I was embarrassed not only for Taylor, but also for myself for kind of liking it. Yep, the video's pretty eye-catching. In terms of the music however, it's lyrically sub par, and musically very boring in my opinion. BUT credit where due, as much as it pains me to say it - "Look What You Made Me Do" is a pretty good music video.

MARMOZETS NEW MUSIC VIDEO "PLAY"
It's been a long time since hearing anything new from Marmozets and after choosing their debut The Weird and Wonderful Marmozets as my number one album in 2014, it goes without saying that I was expecting big things. "Play" lyrically is not their best tune but this song will definitely be a hard hitter in their live shows. Already one of my favourite live bands ever, I can't wait to see this one added to the roster.

BEST EX NEW MUSIC VIDEO "SEE YOU AGAIN"
Previously known as Candy Hearts, Best Ex are here with a new summer anthem, and their first under the new name. Mariel has a voice that'll make you smile whatever the track, and this is no exception. "See You Again" comes from their debut EP Ice Cream Anti Social and the only thing I'd say is that if nostalgic pop punk is your vibe, then this is right up your street.

SYD NEW SINGLE "BAD DREAM/NO LOOKING BACK"
Yes yes. Syd's had her unmistakable vocals on a lot of tunes this year, making it a very busy year in her camp. Now she's blessed another slow bop with her sensual singing, and I suspect I'll hear this on the Insecure soundtrack sooner rather than later. I love hearing Syd create on her own, but "Bad Dream/No Looking Back" has definitely made me more excited for a potential third The Internet album in the future.

INHEAVEN NEW SINGLE "STUPID THINGS"
This popped up on my "Recommended" list on YouTube and thought I'd give it a listen after hearing good things about Inheaven. It's been a long time since I've listened to shoegaze-y, alt rock singles like "Stupid Things" and this was done refreshingly well. I'll definitely be checking out their new album on the 1st of September.

JORJA SMITH X PREDITAH NEW SINGLE "ON MY MIND"
Jorja Smith, back with a shoutout to old school UK garage, and I love it. Back in the day and even now, I'm a sucker for UK garage so to have it back on the airwaves gives me hope for the radio. People still continue to call her underrated, but since finding out about her last year she's taken some pretty huge steps recognition-wise, and I feel like it's just the beginning for her. Ratings will continue to pile up after "On My Mind".

DAUGHTER NEW SINGLE "BURN IT DOWN"
Another one that I've been looking forward to for a while now. After I heard this new single I had to admit to myself that Daughter are 100% one of my favourite bands of the decade at the moment. Grand statement but I stand by it. Elena Tonra's voice is just magical and the drums on "Burn It Down" definitely keep the song lodged in my head.

IAMDDB NEW MUSIC VIDEO "SHADE"
After her recent appearance on Berlin Colors, people are finally starting to take notice of IAMDDB and the smooth sounds she's been bringing to the table, and rightfully so! Since her debut EP Waeveybby Volume 1 I knew it was only a matter of time before she made herself known. This new video for "Shade" doesn't showcase her best music to date in my opinion, BUT aesthetically, this is what IAMDDB is all about.

KNOWER NEW MUSIC VIDEO "OVERTIME"
This is actually a new discovery for me and Knower have left me with a very memorable impression. While watching "Overtime" I was thinking "ah! a new band having a go at DIY" and then as the video went on it became more and more apparent how professional these musicians actually are. Then I looked at their Facebook page and it all clicked into place - 30K+ likes. On a similar thread to Hiatus Kaiyote, this is a new band for me that I'll be keeping an eye out for.  

ROAM NEW MUSIC VIDEO "PLAYING FICTION"
It's been a pretty great month for Pop Punk with Neck Deep's new album, MAYPINE's debut EP and now ROAM's new single "Playing Fiction". After the last album, this single is a big step up and if it's anything to go by, then the new album out on the 13th of October is going to be a collection of their best work yet and could even be a contender on a lot of this year's "album of year" lists. As for the video, it'll be one that sticks in my mind for sure - creative concept, very well executed.

The man who won 2016 - Chance The Rapper here with Coloring Book. This wasn't even an album! Whoever said mixtapes were irrelevant - eat your heart out. The only mixtape to make it onto every single 'top albums of the year' list this year. Chance has given this year all the lift that it needed.

I never really thought of Chance as a soul/gospel rapper but this record did everything for my soul. To be honest I shouldn't have been surprised after his soulful feature on Kanye's The Life Of Pablo earlier this year but here we are. He even had believers and non-believers alike singing "how great is our God?", he managed to move so many people with just 14 songs. In less than an hour, he managed to become one of the most powerful and recognisable voices around at the moment. It didn't even stop with the record, every time Chance has appeared live with this album, he's captivated people and managed to take each track to a new level. He is pretty much the living embodiment of creativity.

On top of all that, this album brings out just about every kind of good emotion you'd ever associate with listening to music. I say that with confidence. It makes you laugh, feel uplifted, smug, joyful, thoughtful and just overall content. The first time I listened to this I was travelling to work and by the time I got in, nothing could've made that day go wrong for me. Some personal go-to favourites for me when I need a pick-me-up are "No Problem (feat. Lil Wayne & 2 Chainz)", "Blessings", "Juke Jam" and "All Night (feat. Knox Fortune)". Nothing but good vibes with this record for me. In a year that's had so much go wrong with it, this is one of the few things that's brought pure light to a multitude of lives. If you haven't already claimed your blessing yet - do yourself a favour and have a listen.

This will be a difficult one to top, a commendable peak in anyone's career - but I have faith that Chance will find a way to move upwards. I don't know when we'll hear something new but I know it'll be a blessing no matter what nor when. I can only hope that I get to see this live someday.

Here we go, welcoming us into the top five is ScHoolboy Q with Blank Face LP. This album has been a blessing to my 2016. Some of my favourite songs of the year come from this record alone; it's just great to have one of the masters of Top Dawg Entertainment back for what I think is his best album yet.

I'd be surprised if you managed to go the whole year without hearing "THat Part (feat. Kanye West)" played somewhere - this song has been all over the place and for me, everytime felt like the first time. The amount that I listened to it, I should have been bored with it towards the end but I was just as hype every time. With a 17 song tracklist, I was definitely expecting the album to waver at some point during the middle, but ScHoolboy showed his lyrical strength the whole way through - I can only imagine how many songs didn't make the cut.  I was left smiling, head nodding and sometimes even laughing at the lyrics and brilliance of the beats throughout. Q truly put a lot of a work into curating and producing these tracks.

Some of my favourites from the album are "Groovy Tony/Eddie Kane", "WHateva U Want" and "JoHn Muir" but that changes with almost every listen. Each song has been a favourite at some point. After catching his set in Birmingham last week (gig review pending), it simply solidified his spot on the list. His personality comes through strongly on the album, not even close to being overshadowed by a crazy list of features. Quincy gave me one of my favourite rap albums of the year (there were many other amazing ones) and it stood out so much to me because he spoke about life as candidly as J. Cole but gave us some of the best beats in the business whilst keeping it fresh and thought-provoking. Also, the visuals to back the singles up were some of the most memorable I've seen all year.

ScHoolboy's given us a classic with this one, I'll definitely be referring back to this for years to come. A big future must be on the cards for Q after this gem.

Now, 2015 has been a pretty phenomenal year for new music - I'm sure I've still got a few albums to catch up on if I'm honest. However, there are some artists that I can't help but wish had released a record this year. There's always next year though!


DAUGHTER
It's been a couple of years since their debut If You Leave and I still listen to it on a very regular basis. Beginning to end, no matter the order, that record is stellar. Luckily, Daughter released a new single a couple of months ago here and if it's anything to go by, then their sophomore record out next year should have no problems making it onto my top albums of the year list - I just wish it'd come sooner, but suppose good things come to those who wait.

FRANK OCEAN
The king of procrastination himself. Frank had the whole world waiting for a new album this year around July and we're still all waiting - no news of a release date, time schedule, absolutely nothing. Channel Orange was a brilliant record and was maybe actually a little underrated as a whole piece but 3 years on - let's go Frank! I don't know when we'll get a second record but when we do, I'll be expecting very big things.

KANYE WEST
Speaking of procrastinators, here's another new record that I'd expected to hear around mid year and am still waiting (semi)patiently for. After the controversial Yeezus this new record was supposed to be a complete 180 and I was so ready for the differing views and undeniably brilliant tracks but instead we got a big bowl of nothing. Okay well, we got "All Day" but still - album in 2016 please.

RIHANNA
Continuing on the thread of artists who made us false promises this year, bad girl Rih Rih has been teasing us since the year began, with music videos, the absolute banger "Bitch Better Have My Money", album covers, and even album titles but still we've seen nothing. Still unsure of a release date at this point but with a tour already announced for next year, I'm sure we won't be waiting much longer.

THE NIGHT VI
To be honest, I've been waiting for this band to release an album since I first discovered them in 2013 here and last year seemed a little bit promising with new single releases and covers. We did get an EP this year to be fair so they didn't leave us with nothing but I just want a big breakout debut album that won't be able to hide under the radar. No signs of that happening anytime soon though so until then I guess I'll just keep listening to Maybe That's How I'm Feeling.

LAURA MVULA
Laura's been making new music ever since her debut record came out - we just haven't heard any of it yet. The only thing I'm worried about with her sophomore is that the same thing that happened to Alt-J and SBTRKT will happen. She was something so new and different when she debuted and now it might be too hard to keep a unique sound without overdoing it. Will just have to wait and see if she can prove this theory wrong.

HAIM
I feel like I haven't heard anything from Haim in the longest time! I know it's only been a couple of years but they blew up so quickly and had so many hits in such a short space of time that when they dropped off the scene to record new material, their absence was very noticeable. I wasn't their hugest fan but I liked what they were doing and a need them to come back and fill that Haim shaped hole in my life.

BALANCE AND COMPOSURE
After The Things We Think We're Missing in 2013 I've been waiting for any opportunity to see this band live. That record was some of the best pop rock I've heard in a while! Again, an album that return to frequently, so when rumours started coming up about them breaking up earlier this year I was pretty devastated. Thank God they later came out with a statement that they're not breaking up and they're actually recording new music - just wish it'd come out this year.

ARCANE ROOTS
Another cop out - they did release an EP earlier this year here and it was definitely good, but after the gold that was Blood & Chemistry I was hoping to get my hands on another musical masterpiece this year. Either way, now that the band are getting more and more recognition this might result in more music soon. I haven't heard anyone in the same space do it quite as well as them just yet.

CHARLOTTE OC
In fairness, I did only discover her last year but since discovering her music, she's blown up quite a bit and released quite a few new singles - only right for me to assume that a new album's on it's way right? Well I was mistaken. She did however (like most of the other artists on this list) release an EP earlier this year here - no signs of a debut record yet but I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Now for the final part of January's music news and after this we can start off February on a clean slate and with glorious new music on our iTunes...

YEARS & YEARS NEW MUSIC VIDEO "KING"
So I've actually only just caught wind of Years & Years in 2015 but they're good... like really good! I saw them featuring on Tourist's newest track "Illuminate" and since then they've just continued to impress me. I'm interested to see what an entire record of theirs would be like but for now check out their new music video here.


NAO NEW SINGLE "IN THE MORNING"
After her stunning support performance on the Little Dragon tour last year I've been waiting for something new to come from Nao. January just seems to be granting all of my wishes. If you get the chance to see her live, don't pass it up - great performer. I mean, just listen to these vocals here.


THE STAVES NEW SINGLE "STEADY"
Speaking of spectacular vocals, the queens of harmonies are back with a new track from their upcoming album - If I Was. I really love the way that this track swells - this is going to be a brilliant sophomore record. The Staves are definitely ones to check out if you haven't already. I'd start with this new single here.


THE NIGHT VI NEW SINGLE "TOO LATE TO LIE"
I've been writing abut The Night VI's new singles for over a year and a bit now and I still haven't heard a whiff of a new full length album!! As good as this new single here is, I am just more than ready for a full record.


DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE NEW SINGLE "BLACK SUN"
I've never really listened to Death Cab religiously. I've heard quite a few of their songs and I've liked each one including this new single here. However, now I think it's time for me to play catch up - I've missed out on a lot of good music here it would seem.


KANYE WEST, PAUL MCCARTNEY & RIHANNA NEW SINGLE "FOURFIVESECONDS"
There has been so much press surrounding this collaboration that it'd be pretty difficult for anyone to get away from it but I thought I'd write about it anyway. Although this might seem like a strange mix of artists at first, each of them offers up something great to make it work. Have a listen here.


ST. VINCENT NEW SINGLE "BAD BELIEVER"
I'm not sure that I'll ever figure out for certain how I feel about St. Vincent's music to be honest. This song does not appeal to me at all, but I know that a bunch of people out there will really enjoy it. I guess it's just each to their own in this situation but as much as I like St. Vincent as a person and a performer, most of her music is just not enjoyable. Have a listen here.


GENGAHR NEW SINGLE "SHE'S A WITCH"
It's nice to see this band getting a bit more well deserved recognition. I'm expecting to see Gengahr on a few festival line-ups this year for sure. But sadly as we're a long way from summer, have a listen to this great new single to tide you over - here.


THE CRIBS NEW SINGLE "AN IVORY HAND"
The Cribs are finally blessing us with a new single from their upcoming record and as expected, it's a good'un. I'm really looking forward to seeing them do this track justice live later this month. I'm not sure how many more awesome tracks they have left in them but I hope that it's a lot because this is a gem. Check it out here.


FAKE LAUGH NEW SINGLE "DOPEY HEAD"
Another discovery that I made earlier this year on Twitter. It was nothing like what I expected it to sound like. In an age of electronics, often this isn't what you expect to click on on Twitter. I can't say that I like Fake Laugh much but maybe in a different time this would be a really great track. See for yourself here.


LIL' WAYNE NEW SINGLE "FINGERS HURTING"
I honestly didn't think that Lil' Wayne would be making anymore solo music. I'd expected that he would feature on a couple artists' tracks here and there but I hadn't expected another whole album. However, here it is! And here is a new single from it. Let's just say, in my opinion, he should've stopped a long while ago.


FKA TWIGS NEW MUSIC VIDEO "PENDULUM"
Still taking the world by storm. Even though most people will have heard this song a long while ago, having the new music video with it can definitely make you like it more. FKA Twigs is just as much as visual artist as she is a vocal one and this new music video here shows just that.


PETITE NOIR NEW SINGLE "SHADOWS"
Just after the release of his new EP -The King of Anxiety - Petite Noir releases this single from it to the world. I'm not sure - I really liked Petite Noir when I first heard about him last year and I was worried that the novelty would wear off a little bit. However, this new track here has definitely proven me wrong.


THE SUBWAYS NEW MUSIC VIDEO "TAKING ALL THE BLAME"
A name that I've heard around me countless times but have never really gotten into. When I saw this new music video pop up on my timeline I thought, no time like the present. I'm a little sad it took this long but yeah The Subways are a cool band. Not "my new favourite" or anything but a strong band nonetheless. Here's the new video.


DANGERKIDS NEW MUSIC VIDEO "WE'RE ALL IN DANGER"
I just sincerely want Dangerkids to get all of the recognition owed to them because they are amazing! Diligently waiting on a headline UK tour but until then, fans can enjoy this awesome new music video here, and maybe catch them supporting Crown The Empire on their EU/UK tour.


THE PRODIGY NEW SINGLE "THE DAY IS MY ENEMY"
If somehow you haven't already heard, The Prodigy have announced a relatively small venue UK tour commencing later this year AND they're releasing a new record - The Day Is My Enemy - out on the 30th of March. Check out the newly released title track here.


THE BOHICAS NEW MUSIC VIDEO "TO DIE FOR"
After seeing them at Field Day last year I knew that The Bohicas would be a strong studio band as they're each so technical gifted and precise. This new single (although fairly repetitive and predictable) proves me right. Have a watch of the slightly confusing but surprisingly entertaining new music video here.


DAVID GUETTA NEW LYRIC VIDEO "WHAT I DID FOR LOVE (FEAT. EMELI SANDE)"
It's been a long while since I've seen Emeli Sande feature on anything so I'm hoping this means that there'll be a sophomore album out any day now! Her voice still sounds fabulous and David Guetta is still making those annoyingly catchy pop beats. Have a listen here.


GALLOWS NEW MUSIC VIDEO "BONFIRE SEASON"
YEEEESSSSS! 2015 really is going to be an insane year for album releases. Gallows' new record - Desolation Sounds - comes out on the 13th of April. It will be big. It will be beefy. And if this new single is anything to go by, it's sounding a little different too! Have a listen to the new sound here.


CHILDISH GAMBINO NEW MUSIC VIDEO "SOBER"
From his latest EP - Kauai - Childish Gambino. He's a strange character for sure but his music is anything but. All of his tracks catch my attention in one way or another and this single here is no different. The mind of a true artist - I would love to see him live one day!

We've had a few good musical trios recently like Chris Brown, Lil Wayne and Tyga on "Loyal" but at the end of the day, nobody does it like the old school and here's one of the best threesomes of the noughties...

KERI HILSON - Knock You Down (feat. Kanye West & Ne-Yo)