Chalked up Reviews

11/01/2025

For fans of Japanese Breakfast’s prior work, “Orlando in Love” may seem like a quieter chapter. Listen deeper, and you will find that within its simplicity lies complexity—a testament to Zauner’s growth as a songwriter who is unafraid to linger in the spaces between joy and sorrow.

For fans of Japanese Breakfast's prior work, "Orlando in Love" may seem like a quieter chapter. Listen deeper, and you will find that within its simplicity

11/01/2025

In Christmastime in Rio, Lubambo and Driggs succeed in blending the universal appeal of holiday music with the distinct beauty of Brazilian musical traditions.

The magic of the holiday season finds a new home in Christmastime in Rio, a radiant collaboration between guitarist Romero Lubambo and vocalist Pamela Driggs.

11/01/2025

The Eye is the First Circle reflects how live performance, combined with multimedia elements, can deepen a listener’s connection to the music being recorded.

Simone Dinnerstein has long been recognized as a pianist with an unerring ability to find ways to connect music with emotion, in even the most challenging

11/01/2025

This version of Silver Bells evokes imagery of twinkling lights and cozy gatherings while maintaining a refined musicality that makes it stand apart from other holiday recordings.

Jane Monheit's new single "Silver Bells," released through CLUB44 RECORDS, invites us to experience the holiday season in a distinctly Latin-inspired jazz

22/11/2024

In Blue Christmas…Duh, Megan Moroney has crafted more than just a holiday EP—she’s created a snapshot of what it’s like to experience the full spectrum of emotions during the season.

Megan Moroney has officially kicked off the holiday season with Blue Christmas…Duh, a surprise EP for anyone who's ever felt the warmth and the bittersweet

22/11/2024

Fever Longing Still is an album that hits the senses like a gathering of old friends—comfortable, warm, yet filled with surprises.

Paul Kelly, the troubadour whose voice has carried the stories of countless Australians for over four decades, returns with Fever Longing Still. This album is

22/11/2024

Ric Harris and The Heat Merchants have delivered a compelling follow-up with Along The Avenue.

Ric Harris' sophomore effort, Along The Avenue, is a vibrant celebration of blues tradition infused with the guitarist's journey and boundless creativity.

22/11/2024

“Apt.” has an undeniable cross-cultural appeal that is particularly enhanced by Rosé’s K-pop influence, which adds a distinct world music flavor, blending Eastern pop aesthetics seamlessly with Bruno Mars’ Western soul and funk elements.

by Amity Hereweard

22/11/2024

What stands out most in Unfoldings is Wardenski’s ability to marry his theoretical inclinations with a deeply felt emotional resonance.

Ian Wardenski's latest endeavor, Unfoldings, is structured as a compelling five-movement suite featuring the distinctive contributions of his quintet: Ian

22/11/2024

In the twilight of his career, Willie Nelson continues to astonish, not by doing anything wildly different, but by remaining true to his essence while being open to transformation.

Willie Nelson has always been a master of reinvention. At 91 years old, he still finds new ways to surprise us, reimagining the familiar and elevating the

22/11/2024

Whether it’s the gentle unfolding of “Now It Begins” or the tender interplay found in “Tender,” Daydreamer provides a space for contemplation and tranquility.

YANA's latest release, Daydreamer, invites the listener on a delicate odyssey through layered textures and contemplative soundscapes. The album plays out like

22/11/2024

While Blues Blood is undoubtedly a challenging album, Wilkins’ music reflects on the past and invites us to engage with the present, confront painful histories, and transform them into something that can nourish and sustain us.

Immanuel Wilkins' third album, Blues Blood, leaps into today's music and cultural memory, blending various musical and sensory experiences that explore

22/11/2024

Ultimately, Winter Storm is an ice-cold reminder that ENSIFERUM still has the power to captivate and conquer.

https://www.chalkedupreviews.com/rock/ensiferum-winter-storm-review/

22/11/2024

Tension II is a dance-pop record designed for the clubs, filled with reliable infectious beats.

Kylie Minogue's Tension II is an electrifying dancefloor-ready sequel to her 2023 chart-topping album Tension. From the get-go, the album positions itself as

22/11/2024

Al Di Meola once said that when he writes music, everything around him disappears.

Al Di Meola's new album, Twentyfour, is Di Meola fusing the flamenco-rooted virtuosity that's become his hallmark with sweeping cinematic arrangements,

22/11/2024

In Bite of the Street, Mac Gollehon & The Hispanic Mechanics have delivered an album that is a celebration of cultural diversity through musical fusion.

Bite of the Street, the latest release from Mac Gollehon & The Hispanic Mechanics under Nefarious Industries, bursts onto the scene with an eclectic blend

22/11/2024

This EP is grounded in their roots while moving forward with organic modern country sounds.

by Amity Hereweard

22/11/2024

The Southern is a powerful reflection of The Cold Stares’ Southern identity. With a more expansive sound and intricate songwriting.

The Cold Stares' latest album, The Southern, via Mascot Records, finds the band digging deep into their Southern roots while expanding their musical palette.