BROCKHAMPTON – “Roadrunner: New Light, New Machine” Review
Hip-hop boy band BROCKHAMPTON has released its sixth studio album “Roadrunner: New Light, New Machine.”
With many members, voices, ideas and sounds, listeners now have a new pop album to listen to. This album sounds a lot like the Wu-Tang Clan’s (with perhaps a dash of Kanye West) take on pop music.
The group of 13 men joined together in 2015 and have been successful ever since. They have over 9.3 million monthly Spotify listeners.
BROCKHAMPTON became more popular thanks to the social media platform TikTok. Hopefully the app doesn’t ruin any more of their songs into dances...
13 members means 13 tracks, and around half of the tracks have features, including Danny Brown, JPEGMAFIA, A$AP ROCKY, A$AP FERG, SoGone SoFlexy, Charlie Wilson and Baird. This is the first time that BROCKHAMPTON has ever had collaborations on an album.
Before releasing the album, the band teased fans with two singles “BUZZCUT (featuring Danny Brown)” and “COUNT ON ME.”
Something that BROCKHAMPTON is known for is its ability to make any depressing lyric sound playful. Each album the group makes is just that but with more developed lyrics on topics or different ideas. Many of the songs are about traumatic events that have occurred in their own lives that they want to share with others. For example, “DEAR LORD” and “THE LIGHT PT. II” give that hope and uplifting messages that listeners need after hearing negativity.
Most fans agree that every song from the group is wildly different, so people can’t expect a smooth transition from song to song. The more popular songs from their discography are funky and out there, especially from their 2018 album “IRIDESCENCE.”
While some songs on “ROADRUNNER” are quirky, this album is also more relaxed. It is uncertain whether BROCKHAMPTON wanted to calm down with its beats or if the group is conforming to popular hip-hop sounds. Either way, the songs are relatively good—not their usual club-bumping bangers, but there are songs that people can listen to while driving in the car or hanging out with friends.
According to the “leader” of the group, Kevin Abstract, this is their second to last album. However, fans should take this news lightly, as BROCKHAMPTON has made similar announcements in the past.
Generally, “Roadrunner: New Light, New Machine” is pretty good. People will find a song that they will be hooked to, playing on repeat. Nonetheless, it’s no “SATURATION” trilogy. Sometimes, BROCKHAMPTON’s music can be too much.
Give it a listen, and maybe you will find some new songs to add to your playlist.
Rating: 7/10
Reviewer’s Favorite Songs: “CHAIN ON (feat. JPEGMAFIA)” and “COUNT ON ME”
Reviewer’s Least Favorite Songs: “THE LIGHT” and “WINDOWS (feat. SoGone SoFlexy)”
Emily McGlynn is a freshman majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email esm5378@psu.edu.
