The album begins with a spoken word intro before heading into the single "Famous," which carries some seriously hot beats while Taelor flows nicely. The combination of stellar production and head-nodding lyrical flow are a staple throughout the entire release and can be enjoyed on other tracks, such as "In.Secure" and "Cold," just to name a couple. "Gorgeous" comes along and delivers one of the best listens on the entire album. The combination of thunderous beats, Taelor's talents teaming up with Tragic Hero and B. Reith, and lyrics that hit home on inner beauty is simply awesome. Later on, you'll catch more themes, with "Vogue" focusing on vanity while Taelor honestly sings "just me being honest" and "Mike Lowry X Marcus Graham," which deals bluntly with male chauvinism. Each songs begs the listener to search themselves deeply and to realize that we are messy people and our bad choices aren't worthy in the end.
"Powdered Toast Man" offers an old school hip hop vibe which fits perfectly in the middle of this listen, while "Scapegoats" hits home on many levels about the failures of this world with Taelor spitting "All I wanted was an ear, but you gave me a Pharisee," which speaks to a people that we as Christians must refuse to be. Ending this freshman release is "Hallow Man," featuring Taelor's brother Christon Gray, and the two work together to make an epic worshipful track. Taelor cries out, "I don't need the world's ears, I just need Yours" and then about halfway through, the beat drops and Christon destroys it on the track making for a perfect ending to a great album.
All in all, you really can't find any flaws here. The album's focus is on-point, the production of Swoope, Wit, Wes Pendleton, and Peace 586 is simply on fire, and Taelor is a fully talented musician who just dropped a stellar debut album. If you're into Tragic Hero or the cocktail of R&B and hip hop, The Mocker and The Monarch is definitely an album that you should go and pick up.
- Review date: 10/7/15, written by Kevin Hoskins of Jesusfreakhideout.comRecord Label: None
Delilah Welcomes for KING and COUNTRY's Luke Smallbone to Popular Podcast Wed, 15 May 2024 14:30:00 EST |
RCA Inspiration Celebrates 15 Nominations for 39th Stellar Awards Wed, 15 May 2024 12:30:00 EST |
Millennial Reign Releases Lyric Video for New Single, "Wandering" Wed, 15 May 2024 12:20:00 EST |
Rapper Damac Pays Homage to His Mom with Powerful New Concept Album For "Mama Mac" Wed, 15 May 2024 12:10:00 EST |
JRA Heads Into Its 40th Year Of Serving Today's Christian Artists and Speakers Tue, 14 May 2024 14:10:00 EST |
Skillet's Seth Morrison and Wife Announce Pregnancy Tue, 14 May 2024 14:05:00 EST |
Redemption Praise Unveils the Heartfelt Story Behind Single, "Jesus" Tue, 14 May 2024 13:30:00 EST |
New Studies Link Improved Mental Health to Use of Digitally-Delivered Faith and Prayer Thu, 02 May 2024 20:42:48 +0000 |
DAD TIRED FOUNDER JERRAD LOPES EXPANDS POPULAR MINISTRY WITH DEBUT CHILDREN’S TITLE Wed, 10 Apr 2024 17:07:46 +0000 |
“Anything Goes” by Andrew Kerhoulas of Brother K Thu, 04 Apr 2024 02:54:00 +0000 |