Review: Muse x Alycia Bella

It feel like being lost in the right direction. The first lines of the opening track Cue the Sun are the perfect description to Alycia Bella’s recently released album. Admittedly, this is my first introduction to her music. Friday is the unofficial new release day (s/o Beyonce), and prone to albums where first listen becomes the only listen. That was not the case for Muse, which leaves a strong first impression for such a soft and smooth album. Based on this project Alycia Bella’s sound sits somewhere between BOSCO and QUIN. The chill but always cool west coast energy is present with perfectly placed appearances from WESTSIDE BOOGIE, Vince Staples, and E-40.

Filled with Lush dreamy down-tempo and sometimes sensual production, Muse is a calming album that tricks you into your feelings. Yet, even with its honest emotions (see stand out track Mississippi Gun Rights) it is nowhere near a sad girl album. The album could easily become the soundtrack for millennial dating (see Link) and all the feels that come with it. Cohesive but not one dimensional, Muse takes you on a trip and is worthy addition to the “new” R&B scene. Mesmerizing yet surprisingly intense and relatable lyrics paired with Alycia Bella’s delicate voice pull you in to her world for you to let the album straight through the way good music should.

Favorite Tracks:

• Cue The Sun

• God, Drugs, and You

• Dark Art

• Link

• Summer 2009

• Seasons