 |
| My review for Brockhampton's "Saturation" album (also the cover art for Saturation, edited by me) |
If you read my "Best Verse from Each member of Brockhampton" post then it's no secret that I'm fond of these guys. After reading over that post, I've realized a lot of my picks for best verse for many of the (recording) members came from the first Saturation. So, it's only right that I review the project that got Brockhampton all of this internet attention and hype.
As far as origin story goes for this boyband, I briefly touched on it in the aforementioned 'best verse' post above, but basically Kevin Abstract, the founder of Brockhampton, posted on an online forum and basically said "Hey, wyd, lets make a boyband, hmu" and essentially recruited people via the internet.
These random internet strangers, would come together, and eventually release a project called "All-American Trash" in 2016, which did garner a little bit of attention but as far as anyone was concerned, they were still nobodies.
Fast forward to 2017, and these music videos for singles off their upcoming album "Saturation" start making rounds on the internet. I still remember the first video I ever saw from them and was for the single "STAR". It was interesting, quirky if you will, like seeing an animal at the zoo that you've never seen before. A breeze of curiosity passed by me and so I decided to check out the rest of the music videos that were released to promote the first Saturation album ("FACE", "HEAT", "CANNON", "GOLD" etc.)
1. HEAT
 |
Single Art for "HEAT" by Brockhampton
Immediately starts off fiery and aggressive as the title "HEAT" would imply. "HEAT" has an instrumental that I could see Zack de la Rocha rhyming over. The rock elements that evoke a "Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me" emotion are clearly present in the production. I can also see why new listeners immediately gravitate toward Brockhampton member Ameer Vann, his rap style is a lot more aligned to what a lot of trap artists use in their own songs. Commanding, yet menacing delivery, mentions of drugs, women and guns. Engaging stuff, although lyrically basic. Then Merlyn Wood, another member, has more of a chanting, Ol' Dirty Bastard style. Upon first listen, I couldn't make out what Merlyn was saying, but it kept a distressed vibe throughout, which is what I think the song was going for, but it felt like Merlyn was just making sounds that fit the feeling of the instrumental, as opposed to actually rapping a coherent verse. Then you have Dom Mclennon, who's verse feels like he's rapping just to connect words together rather than rapping with intent, you know, to get an actual point across. There's lots of rapping for the sake of rapping in his verse, which makes it seem pointless. The verse goes in one ear and out the other for me. After JOBA recites his simple, yet aggressive bridge, Matt Champion closes out the song with a voice that I feel sounds the best over the garage rock sounding type beat that is "HEAT". Solid intro, but if I'm being honest, it's the weakest single from that Saturation 1 era of music videos. Not my favorite. Song goes crazy live though, so there's that.
|
2. GOLD
 |
| Single art for Brockhampton's single "GOLD" for the album "Saturation" |
If you had to credit one song for the breakthrough success of Brockhampton, it'd be this one right here. "Gold" to Brockhampton is like what "Best I Ever Had" is to Drake except Brockhampton achieved achieved internet fame through "Gold" while Drake broke through to the mainstream. Both songs were a lot of people's introduction to the artists, and often times, the songs formula would replicated in future songs by the same artists. Backed by danceable, smooth, pop production courtesy of Brockhampton members and duo Q3, 'Gold' features a straightforward hook, that even the most far removed from hip hop music listener can enjoy. Lots of crossover appeal in this song as each member keeps their verse light and fun, which in turn maintains the upbeat energy of the song. The boyband in Brockhampton is truly in effect on here, it's no wonder why it's their most viewed song on youtube. Pop appeal for days. Good stuff.
3. STAR
 |
| Single art for Brockhampton's single "STAR" for the album "Saturation" |
You know what I find crazy about the song "STAR"? It's one of the least typical Brockhampton songs that they've released as a single (only features 3 of the 7 recording members of the group, and doesn't have a catchy hook from Kevin Abstract, just three straight rap verses) yet "STAR" is the song that has the music video that defined the group's "blue man group meets one direction, meets wu-tang" aesthetic. It's also (for some reason) constantly replayed and re-performed at concerts. It's definitely a very special song to the group as a whole, and it is to me too. A definite favorite of mine from this album and what's impressive to me is how smoothly the references are worked in the lyrics, none of it feels forced, it really feels like a freestyle session between set to a beat. Three good friends messing around via lyrics. A "who can name drop the most?" competition set to rhymes, in other words, it doesn't sound like anyone's trying too hard. It also allowed for Kevin Abstract to get a little more attention for his sexuality, but I've touched on that in my 'best verses of brockhampton' post.
Annoyingly repetitive hook. Could've definitely substituted the word "boys" for something else for a little more variation in the hook but I digress. Not feeling the hook, but Ameer's verse is catchy. As for Matt Champion, he was forgettable, Merlyn didn't stand out at all for me either (his outro is WAY too long and repetitive, much like the hook) and if you couldn't already tell I didn't really like this song. I could say this song sounds good in the background but then I'm not really listening to the music am I? That would basically be saying "It sounds good, if you don't really listen to the music." Anyway, to summarize, I'm good on this song. Next!
Looking back on it, the first Saturation was a learning experience for the group. They had learned that they had caught on to a formula that was getting them more attention than they ever got with their 2016 mixtape. So, they needed to capitalize on it, which is why I'm glad they released the Saturation trilogy in the same year. Saturation 1 was like the first draft of a really good movie. Some kinks needed to be worked out, but overall, it was the start of something that would eventually get them the fanbase that they currently have now. However, the misfires are really apparent here, and I still, to this day, rate this as the weakest of the 3 Saturations, but that doesn't mean it's horrible, it just means I like the other 2 better.
4. BOYS
 |
| Single art for "BOYS" by Brockhampton |
Annoyingly repetitive hook. Could've definitely substituted the word "boys" for something else for a little more variation in the hook but I digress. Not feeling the hook, but Ameer's verse is catchy. As for Matt Champion, he was forgettable, Merlyn didn't stand out at all for me either (his outro is WAY too long and repetitive, much like the hook) and if you couldn't already tell I didn't really like this song. I could say this song sounds good in the background but then I'm not really listening to the music am I? That would basically be saying "It sounds good, if you don't really listen to the music." Anyway, to summarize, I'm good on this song. Next!
5. 2PAC
Okay. This is going downhill fast. Why is Ameer's voice pitched up? Damn Kevin and his MIA influences (which is where he gets the whole chipmunk voice pitched up thing). '2Pac' isn't a full song per say, but serves as an interlude where Ameer spits a short verse followed by a sing song-y outro by Kevin. Both members are rapping, and singing in high pitched voices. I don't like it, they sound like dying chipmunks. The instrumental (provided by Brockhampton member Kiko Merley, who is also one half of the crew's production duo Q3) is pleasant enough but when paired with these whiny pitched vocals, it creates a bad taste in my mouth, or more accurately, a bad sound in my ears.
6. SKIT 1
One day, someone from Brockhampton needs to spell out how exactly all of the skits in the Saturation trilogy related to each other and the respective album that they are placed on. Even when I read the translations, and explanations on rap genius, I'm still confused. I suppose this is how Brockhampton keeps (and helps expand) their rabid fanbase. The Brockhampton stans can get to decoding the skits like the davinci code or something to put together an overarching story that involves Brockhampton member Roberto.
Yeah, next song.
7. FAKE
 |
| "Best Chipmunks since one direction" |
I remember when I played "Fake" in my car while my father and his lady friend were also in my car. They immediately wanted me to turn this song off or wanted another song played instead. I, on the other hand, actually liked "FAKE" but wasn't surprised when I found out it didn't translate well to other people. I like how the hook has just enough word variation to not get boring and the whole song has a whimsical quality to it that appeals to me. The production (handled, once again, by Q3) feels like the teacup ride at the Disney World amusement park. Dizzying, goofy, but fun and somewhat addictive. I can't really say the same about the verses though. All the verses are coated in that pitched up, vocal effect that makes everyone sound like a rapping version of Alvin & The Chipmunks (I prefer natural rapping voices, if you gotta make your voice higher, don't do it to where you sound like you breathed in massive amounts of helium). I will say Dom Mclennon's verse stood out to me in a good way, I felt his rhymes this time unlike on "HEAT". Other than the beat and the hook, the verses leave a lot to be desired. With "FAKE", I gravitated toward the hook but ONLY the hook, so that's got to count for something, even if the song as a whole isn't anything to write home about.
8. BANK
No. No. No. This song is a mess. First, the whole song gives off a jungle feel, which is fine, but it sounds more like a video game soundtrack that the group found and rhymed over rather than an actual, original beat provided by Brockhampton members Romil and Jabari. It is unique as something that can be classified as a hip hop song so, I'll give it that. Overall, however, it is still a very forgettable song with too much repetitive hook and not enough stand out moments. The song doesn't work for me, the instrumental to "Bank" belongs on an official sound track for the latest Donkey Kong jungle game, not on a boyband album. So yeah, it's a no from a me dawg.
9. SKIT 2
See my comments on SKIT 1 for thoughts on this skit.
10. TRIP
The same problems I had with "Boys" and "Fake" are both present on "Trip". Hook too repetitive to the point where it is tiresome, also there's that God. DAMN. CHIPMUNK VOICE again. I don't get why they'd rather slather chipmunk auto tune on this song. For what? MIA aesthetic? It doesn't work. Did not enjoy this song, the verses were grating to me, I appreciated Kevin using his natural voice on the hook, but the sameness of the hook didn't make this song anymore enjoyable for me. There's a reason why I also rank Saturation 1 as the lowest of the Saturation trilogy, even though Saturation 1 has a lot of songs that define Brockhampton. It's this weak run in the track listing from "STAR" up until "BUMP".
For what it's worth, Dom Mclennon's verse is heart felt and touching as he talks about his insecurities growing up, but the effect on his voice just annoys me so much I can't stomach sitting through it. Oh well, it is what it is.
 |
| Every time the chipmunk voices show up, Alvin and friends show up in gif form too. |
11. SWIM
Songs feels like a single from the next Kevin Abstract solo album featuring Dom Mclennon and Merlyn Wood. Kevin takes over and pretty much relegates the other members to background singers with occasional solo sections. Saturation 1 got that 6.5 from Pitchfork for a reason, and this weak middle part is why. Also, it feeds into the whole "Nobody understands me! Woe is me!" Schtick that I originally pegged Brockhampton with last year in my top 10 mid year songs of 2017. Song is not for me, will never listen to this again. Indie song with hip hop elements on a mainly hip hop album. Hard next from me on this track. I'm good.
12. BUMP
Finally, we're back on track with some pleasant sounding tracks to my ears. A belligerent sounding, potentially speaker blowing out, bass heavy track, produced by Brockhampton producer Romil Hemnani is the perfect backdrop for this boyband to talk about their now rockstar lifestyle before the hook pulls a complete 180. By a complete 180, I mean the beat stops and is replaced by a lone guitar as an instrumental while Kevin Abstract croons out "When this ends/At least I'll a reason to live" twice before a blood curdling scream is heard and the bass heavy instrumental drops back in. I like it. It makes the song dynamic enough to where it keeps everything interesting every bass drop as a new member takes over the mic after every soft serenade by Kevin Abstract. Everyone does well in their verses, as they all seem to be familiar with that high energy, raw sound. Kevin adds a nice contrast with the soft guitar driven chorus. The whole thing works well.
13. CASH
 |
| Custom single art that I (Joseph Sanker II) made. |
By far, the most underrated song in the entire Saturation trilogy. "CASH" is what made me go "Okay, there's something here, these aren't just a bunch of random guys, making purposely bizarre hip hop type music, they are actually trying to be artists'. In other words, this song made me become more than just a casual listener (I didn't become a fan until later, but "CASH" is what made me come back to 'Saturation', for a while it was the LONE song that made revisit 'Saturation') On "CASH" Kevin Abstract, Merlyn Wood, Ameer Vann, and Dom Mclennon deliver 4 short but potent verses that address issues that personally effect them such as homophobia, gentrification, drugs, violence and classism. Accompanied by an instrumental that perfect blends hip hop with elements of rock music (shoutout to Romil) and a hook that goes in perfectly with the bass drop of the main chorus ("Get money, big bands, simple bands' is so catchy I didn't even mind the voice effect on Kevin Abstract's voice). It's a shame this song didn't get a video though, could've showcased a more serious side of Brockhampton, but then again maybe they didn't want to be mistakenly labeled as a political group. Who knows? What I do know though, is that this song broke through to me, and kept me coming back to check on what Brockhampton was going to do next with 'Saturation II'.
14. SKIT 3
I need to brush up on my spanish speaking skills. I used to be lowkey nice with it, but like martial arts, you got to keep at it, or else you fall off and get rusty. As for this skit? More spanish speaking, still don't understand how all the skits fall into the Saturation trilogy, maybe the Brockhampton subreddit has the answers to this. 🤔🤔🤔
15. MILK
Merlyn shines the most on this song, bar none. Although Kevin and Ameer's parts are nice and memorable, Merlyn approaches the song in the most genuine fashion, he keeps it short, simple, yet personal to him, no one else could've spit that verse other than Merlyn. That's why I picked "Milk, verse 2" for Merlyn's best verse, cause it's like 'Wait, who is this? Oh that's Merlyn! Niceeee'. No disrespect to the rest of the song, but it feels like Kevin Abstract made this his own solo song for the rest of the song, after Merlyn's verse, I tune out. "American Boyfriend" Kevin Abstract rears his head for a little bit too long (I'm glad this became way less apparent on the future Saturations) on "MILK" and it sort of turns into Kevin Abstract featuring Merlyn Wood and Ameer Vann. Matt drops in to drop a not memorable verse, and Dom ends it with a spoken word poem that I wasn't feeling (it reminded me of well prepared student delivering a book report to his classmates, the content was nice, but I wouldn't return to "MILK" just for Dom's part, you know?) Not that it doesn't work, the song is decent in itself, but the song doesn't feel as unified as other subsequent releases from this group. Solid, but I wouldn't call it a favorite or anything like that, although I do have a favorite part from Merlyn.
16. FACE
 |
| Single art for "FACE" by Brockhampton |
The boyband's best attempt at a low key song on "Saturation" and their best low key song at the time (until one "BLEACH" from Saturation III took that title). "FACE" (produced by half of Q3 and Brockhampton member Kiko Merley) is pretty good for what it is. The song deals with themes of love and longing for someone, you know typical "Girl, I want you" type stuff. Armed with "I want you" raps Dom, Matt and Ameer plead their case with their objects of interest and do so convincingly without coming across as insincere, but really, it is the jack-of-all -trades of the group, JOBA, who shines the most on this track, as he sings the hook that sets the low key, love sick tone of the song and who's voice also compliments the beat the most. JOBA really is the "STAR" of the show here (pun intended) and after listening to the song it'll be clear why. Good song through and through.
17. WASTE
For "TEAM EFFORT" or whatever they're going to call their next project. Brockhampton should put Bearface as the opening voice on the first track, but that's just me, wishfully thinking. Anyway, the silver, lone ranger of Brockhampton who's still part of the team. Shows up and closes the group's breakout, debut album with a solo showing that is all parts rock and indie and has no rapping to be found on it. Which, I don't mind, the whole songs feels like that track that plays at the end of the movie when the credits roll. While Bearface is a capable singer and his vocals are nice, I can't help but feel like he embodies that persona of that guy in college who just plays guitar and sings to girls in order to get laid lol. It's not a bad thing but that's honestly what Bearface reminds me of, maybe I'm just projecting...Anyway, this was a good way to close out the album. Bearface definitely feels like Brockhampton's secret weapon that can draw in more fans of the group by allowing them to reach that audience that doesn't necessarily love rap, but still likes that moody "I made this song in my room with just my microphone, my guitar and my sadness :(" sound.
Overall:
My reaction Brockhampton's 'Saturation'
 |
| Sometimes Brockhampton's style worked, some of the time it didn't, overall, A for Effort. |
Looking back on it, the first Saturation was a learning experience for the group. They had learned that they had caught on to a formula that was getting them more attention than they ever got with their 2016 mixtape. So, they needed to capitalize on it, which is why I'm glad they released the Saturation trilogy in the same year. Saturation 1 was like the first draft of a really good movie. Some kinks needed to be worked out, but overall, it was the start of something that would eventually get them the fanbase that they currently have now. However, the misfires are really apparent here, and I still, to this day, rate this as the weakest of the 3 Saturations, but that doesn't mean it's horrible, it just means I like the other 2 better.
Closing Words:
Did 'Saturation' deserve that score of 9 out of 10? In my opinion...no. While 'Saturation' was certainly interesting to listen to straight through, there are more misses than hits on the first of the Saturation trilogy. Don't get wrong, the first 3 songs on this album rank among the group's best work and are the reason why the group propelled so quickly to where they are now. To put it simply, it's a good thing they released 2 other albums later in 2017. Had it not been for those, I wouldn't have given a second listen to these guys. 'Saturation' has some interesting ideas, but there's a lot of room for improvement that the group luckily has made strides to work on in subsequent releases. This is an interesting first draft, and like a comedian who's just starting out, you're not going to be the greatest in your first outing, but if you keep at it, eventually, you'll find your groove and not suck as much as you did before.
I'd recommend listening to only the favorite tracks I've listed down below, and avoiding everything else (if you're one of the only 10 people on the internet who hasn't listened to the first 'Saturation').
Favorite Track(s): GOLD, STAR, BUMP, CASH, FACE, WASTE
Least Favorite Track: TRIP
Score: 5/10
Written by Joseph Sanker II on 3/2/18
Listen to Brockhampton's "Saturation" here.
Follow me on all the socials regarding this blog:
~ Leave a comment on this blog itself! Trust me, I get notified of everything. (Just scroll down and you should see an option to post a comment or click on "No comment" to leave the first comment.
Until next time! Peace out! One.
Written by Joseph Sanker II
No comments:
Post a Comment