Reviewed: Hirie's "Mood Swing"
"Mood Swing" delivers the type of soundscape that leaves you wondering if you want more.. or if something is missing..
- The Reggaeologist
Hirie is one of those stateside artists that has spent time trying to refine her sweet spot in the global Reggaesphere, and though a well-produced effort, her latest 12 track album "Mood Swing" delivers the type of soundscape that leaves you wondering if you want more.. or if something is missing..
Ironically she kicks off with Diamonds, aesthetically engaging, and lyrically sound, its simplicity is pleasing, and though it is technically a solid production, something feels missing.
Thief In The Night drops in a soundscape that fits..but like Blacklist feels somehow dated in its reflection of Rihanna in a time almost forgotten.
Chocolate is exactly what it is...and probably one of the album's unexpected treats, that leaves listeners with warm rubadub sonics that steps up the vibe of the album.
Give her big props for her features.
As stated earlier Hirie dials down in each project and aptly drew on some of today's emerging names to bring credence and a sense of authenticity to the project.
What is a Reggae album without a few homegrown features??
Blast Soon featuring Kabaka Pyramid is clinically delivered, and though the song hits all the right marks it lacks musical chemistry...the element that can only be felt and not written.
Sway gives way to Hello, a much-anticipated collab with Anora, Chelley, and Homegrown talent Naomi Cowan who brought her strength to the two and half minute feature.
Spragga Benz shows his support on "I Miss You" which was one of her first hints of the album released early summer,though shortlived on the charts.
"Like a Drum" rolls uneventfully into "Sweet Tooth", a nice island-themed ballad that ebbs into "Voices..."
"Mood Swings" closes with "Replay" but the sentiment won't necessarily be reciprocated but for a few choice tracks.
All in all Hirie's latest full length studio effort "Mood Swing" showcases the evident growth in an emerging act that has put in the work to study her craft, but still has room to find her musical chemistry.
