Music > Album Reviews

Blood Orange - Negro Swan

23/08/18

This album is an incredibly provocative, emotional body of work that allows the listener very special insight into the complexities and difficulties regarding racial inequality; as experienced by Devonté Hynes himself.

Negro Swan features several incredible artists throughout, all of which bring their own distinctive style to the track in question. The likes of Puff Daddy, ASAP Rocky, Project Pat and Tei Shi are all strong artists in their own right; but as collaborators they complement and enhance a body of work that with it, carries such a powerful message.

The album is soulful, sensual, multi-layered, but incredibly down to earth. There is a real mixture of instrumental work ranging from simple plucking of a guitar, to pan pipes, to synths. Hynes sings acapella one minute, to then be joined by what sounds like a full-scale gospel choir the next- it really is a feast for the ears from start to finish.

It is difficult to pick out a track that stands out specifically because I really feel this album should be enjoyed as a whole. However, ‘Hope’ (ft Puff Daddy & Tei Shi) ‘Chewing Gum’ (ft ASAP Rocky& Project Pat) and ‘Nappy Wonder’ are particular favourites of mine. I also like the addition of speech/spoken word that is added in throughout the album as it provides an extra dialogue to what is already a very honest and raw outpouring of emotion through music.

10/10