Music can perfectly capture the essence of moments, and as often as it can, it is one way to preserve time by escaping the present and going back to transcend into other worlds through vibe. blackbyrd (formerly known as mikeyblackkk), with his latest album release titled “120 Minutes: A Visual Album,” presents an interesting concept that will capture your attention through its unique combination of sounds that would induce a nostalgic trip down memory lane while carrying the freshest elements of modern music. Through this album, blackbyrd managed to deliver an intimate project with lyricism carrying the same spice of Kendrick Lamar and musical and elemental textures from famous bands such as The Smiths, the Cocteau Twins, and Radiohead—a bold move from the artist but definitely worthy—as this album guarantees a unique listening experience.
With this album, blackbyrd managed to reflect his artistry on each track, opening with the track “Charmed.” It is an interesting track that carries the artist’s core and story to the track. It is a haunting track, as clearly depicted in its music video, which features scenes from A Ghost Story, which added to the eeriness of the whole visual and vibe of this track. It reflects how the artist sees himself through the music industry—a ghost that makes a noise and waits for the right people to hear, hence making this whole song relatable on a much deeper level.
Each track featured on this album offers a different kind of spice, and “Pictures of You,” a melancholic classic from this artist inspired by The Cure, brings in the mood for the whole album. The perfect melancholic harmony of this track is also accompanied by blackbyrd’s aesthetic old-school rap that carries a strong litany about unrequited love that is told through strong synths and beats that would keep the listener’s attention as they enjoy the great blend of elements of hiphop and indie influences through this piece.
On the other hand, “Cold World” carries catchy and emotionally packed lyrics tackling the rise of AI in this world head-on. It leans on the side of the dystopian theme, which makes the whole track thought-provoking and intense, amplified by this potent rock energy influenced by Radiohead’s “Airbag.” Each line of this track is pointed and critical, making it a perfect combination of a song that is catchy and enjoyable while carrying a potent and strong societal statement.
The album closes with the track “Marty,” which also carries a sharp lyricism brought by blackbyrd’s creative mind. It is a song that merges dream pop and hip-hop, inspired by Cocteau Twins’ “Lorelei.” This track, is a clear show of this artist’s ability to transcend from one genre to another without any problems, making this a strong closing for the whole album, which also signals the arrival of blackbyrd in the center of the musical stage.
Finally, 120 Minutes: A Visual Album is a great offering from blackbyrd. It is a powerful album that is packed with clean production, great instrumental arrangements, deep lyrics, and also catchy beats and synths. This also showcases blackbyrd’s growth as an artist; he managed to show how genres don’t restrict him from making strong and impactful songs that carry enjoyable sounds and deep messages. Each track is a unique listening experience, and if you haven’t listened to it yet, now is the perfect time to check out “120 Minutes: A Visual Album” by blackbyrd. This album demands your full attention, and be sure to check its music videos on YouTube—give blackbyrd a follow on social media too! This album is an experience you wouldn’t want to miss, so stream 120 Minutes: A Visual Album by blackbyrd now!
Follow blackbyrd
About the Author
Tine Quirino, also known as Kristine, is a writer (frustrated one), a dreamer (serial sleeper), an INFJ (also INTP/J), a (professional) fangirl, and a good listener (‘literally and figuratively,’ she states).
She is just here, lurking somewhere, enjoying all your music. Music of any kind is still music, after all.
