As many studio sessions go for a rock band, the finished or mastered product of a track can sound much different than the artist expects when played back. The predictability of sitting in front of a computer and hashing out all the sounds in front of a keyboard can take out all the variables. However, heavy electro funk producer GRiZ has never been afraid to go towards musical recordings as one of the pioneers of the live EDM movement along with artists like Gramatik. His new album “Say It Loud” does not shy away from musical expression and unpredictability, evidenced by the wild diversity in his tracks. He also relies on a number of talented artists who give his album life.
“Say it Loud” has 11 tracks (this is his third album in follow up to Rebel Era and Mad Liberation). Earlier this year, some tracks from the album were released like “A Fine Way to Die,” which features a great vocal from Orlando Napier. The soulful New Yorker adds plenty of soft nostalgia to another track on the album “Turnin',” a smooth slow jam for the ride home.
While there is some typical anthem funk that reminds us of classic Griz like “A Fine Way to Die” and “Funk Party,” there's plenty of smooth, easy slow jams. A collab with Talib Kweli called “For the Love” stands out with a great verse over a classic melodic flow. A bonus track, “Take it High,” has even more of a 90's R&B vibe with feel-good instrumentals. The collab with Ivan Neville etches Griz in another category of EDM yet again.
GRiZ commented in the description of “Say It Loud” that this particular album took him across the world to pursue different creative platforms that will make this record stand out among others. With the first track, “The Anthem”, GRiZ reaches a new creative edge by simply adding a children’s choir to perform alongside his hip-hop electro beat. Instead of focusing mostly on the use of his saxophone, he favors pairing his sound with an electric guitar. “The Anthem” is evidence of GRiZ’s evolvement as an artist, able to branch out to not improve, but add to his already dominating sound. It set a high bar for the rest of the album.
“It’s All Good” is the fifth track on “Say It Loud” and this particular single perfectly shows the diversity among this album. Similar to Opiuo, the song is a mixture of future funk, and glitch with heavier bass. It’s a change from the slower, hip hop focused tracks, and relies more on the blending of multiple sounds for a crazier feel.
Listen below and check out the rest of the tunes! Support GRiZ below and make sure to check him out on Tour in the U.S. with these upcoming dates.
GRiZ: Website, Facebook, Twitter, Soundcloud.
co-written by Gianna
