by Kris Harrell
I normally stick to my show tune and pop-punk ballads, but when we got sent a new request to review a particular album, I knew I had to step out of my playlists comfort zone and put on to some new music.
So, I have no one else to thank but one Trojan Living reader, Reyna Harris, for introducing me to Bryson Tiller’s debut album, “TRAPSOUL”
I love the melody of the instrumental backing track at the beginning of the album, and Tiller’s words flow along with it. Not so much a fluid flow, but still solid enough to feel the emotions that he’s trying to convey while still not punching you in the gut with meaning.
This makes for an amazing listening experience, where I can work peacefully while listening and still appreciating the music. Perfect for, let's say, writing and editing different articles.
The theme of relationships, igniting a love’s flame that died out, and wanting an exclusive relationship within the entire album are themes that hit hard for me, and I found myself getting lost in Tiller’s words.
This next part of the album, beginning with “Ten Nine Fourteen”, is a bit more brutal and upfront, but it hits a home run with each song.
Honestly, “Ten Nine Fourteen” is my favorite song from the album. Tiller tells the listener his background, how he had to fight for where he is now, and why he continues to fight:
“I went through the storm not knowing whether it was green on the other side or not / That shit would bring out the best of me.”
This next portion was more upbeat and faster paced than the beginning of the album, but I still found myself jamming to song after song.
I love the variety of pace among the songs, a nice mixture of smooth-slow easy listening to hard hitting medium speed jams.
Honestly, I’m so glad that I took the time to step outside my normal listening style and give this a try. Now I have 10+ more songs to add to my playlists! I highly suggest giving this album a listen if you have some homework to complete, or just want to jam out in the car while commuting.
Again, thank you to Reyna Harris for requesting this all-time favorite of hers.
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