NOTEWRTHY: Better Together

Welcome back to NOTEWRTHY, now back from hiatus with another year under my belt.

Today, let’s talk about a specific kind of album, and one that we’ve seen a lot of recently. When an artist releases or hypes up a new project, everyone always wants to know who they’re working with. But when an artist announces that they’re working with someone for an entire project, not just a song, it’s a very special occasion. That’s right, we’re going to be talking about collab albums today, meaning my general thoughts, and then a quick ranking of my top 3 collaboration projects.

First up, my general thoughts.

Personally, I love collab albums. I think they’re an excellent way for an artist to not only show off their own artistic talent and abilities in general, but also their ability to work well with others and create something truly special by doing so. Plus, who doesn’t like seeing 2 things they enjoy by themselves combine and make something great?

But enough of that, let’s get to the list. Keep in mind, this is just my opinion, and I’m well aware that other people think that different projects are better.

Coming in 3rd place, we have SAVAGE MODE II by 21 Savage and Metro Boomin. When this album came out in 2020, I have to admit I wasn’t a huge fan of Metro or 21 at the time, but this album helped me start to see the light. With a producer as well established and accredited as Metro working with someone who, some say, has never dropped a bad verse like 21 Savage, it’s hard not to enjoy a collaboration between the two. Especially given that we got a 5 song run from “Runnin” to “Slidin” where every song in there was some absolute heat, this album deserves the hype it gets and then some. On top of all of this, we got Morgan Freeman, yes, THAT Morgan Freeman, as a narrator for this project. Everything on this album came together beautifully and made an album that is still talked about to this day.

Next up, taking 2nd place, we have the self-titled KIDS SEE GHOSTS by KIDS SEE GHOSTS. The short-lived duo of Kid Cudi and Kanye West may have only dropped 1 project, but the project they dropped was 1 for the record books, without a doubt in my mind. In the interest of full honesty, I used to not understand the hype for this album. Most of the people I heard talk about it gave it a high 8 or a light 9 when I thought it was a 5 at most. However, I have since changed my tune. This album has some insane production quality, and with songs like “Reborn” and “Cudi Montage,” it’s hard not to enjoy this album. Plus, Kanye and Cudi up to the release of this project had collaborated frequently, meaning they knew how to work together even better than most. Even though this project clocks in at just under 24 minutes long, there’s not a single minute of it that I don’t enjoy. That being said, there is a collaborative project I think is a cut above the rest.

Taking the honor of 1st place, and my favorite collaborative album of all time is An Evening With Silk Sonic by Silk Sonic. This 2021 release from the duo of Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak is an amazing 70’s inspired fusion of funky and chill beats with some insane vocals from both performers. Individually, we know these artists to be wildly successful in their own right, but together, they created something truly special. This album, which is set up to feel like a live performance, is hosted by Bootsy Collins, and truly is an album best experienced in 1 sitting. There’s something about listening to it in its entirety that brings an even greater sense of cohesion to the project. Better still is the wide variety of songs we get in just a 36-and-a-half-minute release. We get smooth vibes like “Smokin Out The Window” and “Leave The Door Open” along side more energy filled tracks like “Skate” and “Fly As Me,” as well as many others that are just as good. Overall, anyone who listens to this album can see why I give it my top collab album of all time spot. Please go listen to it if you haven’t already.

Anyways, that’s all I’ve got today. I’ll see you all next week.

Follow me on Instagram @notewrthyofficial and @press.play.radio