ALBUM REVIEW: Not Waving, But Drowning

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Not Waving, But Drowning by Loyle Carner

Loyle Carner is a British rapper whose style consists of spoken word, rap, and jazz variations throughout his impressive and creative songs. His album features a mix or emotional and sensitive feelings and topics, that includes memories of his family life and personal experiences.

Not sticking to the conventional way of how a rapper's music usually is channeled, is the main reason why I appreciate Loyle's music; because he appears to do the opposite. He's incredibly gifted, inspirational and not afraid to reach beyond musical boundaries too. Loyle Carner is most definitely an artist to look out for more in the future, so catch him headlining Sundown festival this summer or have a listen to his episodes of specially selected music treasures from his collection on BBC 6 Music Artist in Residence.

Dear Jean

This was a beautiful song to start the album with, it definitely set the expectations high for the rest of the songs but already I'm in love with his voice.

RATING: 8/10

Angel

Again, this songs begins which a very warming tone; with it now being Tom Misch’s voice. I really enjoyed the harmonies behind Loyle’s rapping; it just adds a more comforting style behind it. Tom really added to this song, especially on the bridge which just made me want to close my eyes and take in the touching lyrics.

RATING: 7.5/10

Ice Water

Loyle’s songs always captures me in straight away which is such a sick thing to be able to do. This song is about how he met his girlfriend, and I really liked how effortlessly descriptive it was, and it wasn’t overwhelming but I could still create images of the story he was portraying.

RATING: 8.5/10

Ottolenghi

This song briefly features at the end of the previous one in a voicemail which was a very creative addition to bring in this song next. I'm not as intrigued about this one as the previous ones, but I can feel his passion through this song which I really enjoy when hearing artists sing. The chorus was short but strong.

RATING: 6.5/10

You Don't Know

I like the Caribbean instrumental type sounds which was plays in the beginning; already this song has a great tone to it. I’ve never heard of Kiko or Rebel before but wow, both their parts were shockingly incredible; I’m very impressed. Might be one of my faves!

RATING: 8/10

Still

When Loyle raps more slower, it sounds more jazzy and unique and it’s a really cool touch about him, so I really liked listening to this song. Another favourite for me because this one just felt really calming to listen to. So far, this would be my top recommendation.

RATING: 9/10

It's Coming Home?

This was a filler song of a conversation, bit unsure of it's purpose so it will not be given a rating.

Desoleil (Brilliant Corners)

This was an intimidating beginning, but I was intrigued instantly. This was filled with so many creative elements that I was astounded by and I love it. This song was very heart-warming and Sampha’s part just created that extra feeling of that. If anyone has listened to Spencer Elmer’s freestyles in the past couple years then I'd think you'd hear similar vibes in this song.

RATING: 8.5/10

Loose Ends

I’ve always appreciated Jorja's voice but it’s never been one that is my favourite so I was bit unsure about this song. It was definitely good but I don’t know if I like it or not but my favourite part is the post-chorus as both their voice both blend really well together. As the song went on I did start to enjoy it a lot more though.

RATING: 8/10

Not Waving, But Drowning

Another filler type song so I will not be reviewing it but I weirdly enjoyed it as it was just comforting somehow.

Krispy

I really liked this song, and he was rapping slower again, which I obviously love. It was a very short song but I still enjoyed it’s sentimental touch to it, including the outro of instruments which gave a reminiscing feeling like the lyrics and meaning too.

RATING: 7/10

Sail Away Freestyle

This was my least favourite so far as their just wasn’t anything too special about it that made it stand out or make me feel a type of way. Compared to the other songs it was just more generic and normal, as well as being a bit unnecessarily long and repetitive, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that he has an immense amount of talent.

RATING: 6/10

Looking Back

I was very interested with this as it told a powerful story that I just didn’t want to stop listening to. He spoke about racism and his heritage and I loved the wordplay in this. This was another short song but the meaning behind it made it very effective.

RATING: 8/10

Carluccio

I wasn’t too fascinated by the song when it first began but as it got to the second verse I felt more connected to it. It isn’t one of my favourites but I don’t have anything bad to say about it.

RATING: 6.5/10

Dear Ben

Ending this album on this emotional and heartfelt song was such a blessing to hear. The whole album was pretty much about relationships and love, interpreted in various ways, so the album beginning with a poem to his mum, and ending with a poem by his mum to him was perfect.

RATING: 8.5/10

This album did not let me down at all. I had high expectations for it and it still managed to exceed them. It wasn’t just the lyrics behind the songs but every small detail that added to this creative piece as a whole. Both filler songs (even though I was very unsure of them at first, I realised really did just add to the album), the small backing vocals in them and the meaning behind them were just astonishing.

Listening to this made me acknowledge even more how talented and creative Loyle Carner is, and having the first and last song resemble each other was a masterpiece, as well as including many outros of phone calls and conversations; which I believe, personally, are so cool to have in songs.

OVERALL RATING: 9/10

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