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Oddisee “The Beauty In All”
The new album from Oddisee “The Beauty In All”, speaks to the level of quality that we have come to expect from him. The latest instrumental offering from Oddisee since 2011’s “Rock Creek Park”, delivers a much more ambient and consistent project.
Described by Oddisee as a dedication to imperfection, and the sense of pride we get from our struggles and accomplishments. ‘The Beauty In All’ demonstrates a broad musical palette with a lot of layers and a new sense of texture to Oddisee’s brand of soul.
The stand out track on the album for me would have to be the albums opening track “After Thoughts”. There is certain sense of understanding you get once the beat kicks in. With it’s heavy set piano rolls, subtle notes and driving bass line – all layered through these dark-esque synths and chords that just keep building up, changing, and resting… then reintroducing themselves. Throughout the albums opening 5:25 mins – there’s a multitude of different shades and colours that all build up on top of each other to illustrate the standard of production that Oddisee is capable of. The structure of this track makes a perfect stand point for the albums tone and direction.
Some other standout tracks on the album for me would be “No Rules for Kings” and “One Thing Right”. Both tracks really have this beautiful melodic working that creates the difference from this body of work to any of his previous, recent releases.
Unfortunately for me the problem with the album is that the best track is the first track. The layering and structure in “After Thoughts” really doesn’t resonate with the other tracks. Although each one of the other tracks offers some sense of building and structure, I feel the best production is in “After Thoughts”. This however can all be overseen because the album does come as a double package – bundled with “Tangible Dream” – A 13 track mixtape described by Oddisee as a deconstruction of the traditional idea of success. The theme works hand in hand with ‘The Beauty In All’. Both records have an amazing contrast to each other… yet flow well together when listened to as a whole.
Oddisee “Tangible Dream”
“Tangible Dream” as it’s own body of work displays a different side of the coin for Oddisee’s productions and brings in the vocal aspect to the music that some people may have of been expecting from ‘The Beauty In All’. As an MC, Oddisee shines. He knows how construct his beats to compliment his flows, and his voice always has the character to match that of the track.
The album has a much more gritty sound and it’s tone is derived directly from it’s concept. The stand out tracks on the mixtape for me are; “Tangible Dream”, “The Goings” On Ft. Ralph Real and “Tomorrow Today”.
One of the most powerful tracks on the album for me would have to be “Own Appeal”. An excellent beat over such a simple and effective notion. The further we dream – the harder those dreams seem, but… we all have our own dreams. The lyrics in this track really make me wish a lot more people would pay attention to Oddisee and all he has to offer.
As a package the set delivers something for everyone and there’s definitely something in there for any fan of Oddisee’s previous works. Although the real refined work here is “The Beauty In All”. An accomplished piece of production with a clear purpose and an excellent finish for its sounds and it’s many layers. ‘The Beauty In All’ gets 8/10 from me.
Purchase “The Beauty In All” & receive “Tangible Dream” for free here