Album Mode
Journalist Demar Grant and Adriel Smiley, host of The Cool Table, break down and review the latest albums. Each episode features a new album where both hosts dive in-depth about the project and the artist's path to its release.
Episodes
Olivia Rodrigo, "you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love" and sometimes boring | REVIEW
Démar and Adriel discuss Olivia Rodrigo's third studio album "you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love", whether she's a rock artist fighting her destiny and if she's the best songwriter of our time.Timecodes:4:00 The growth of a Young Star9:06 Past Reviews10:20 Stupid Song14:05 How Good a Singer Is She?14:40 Purple18:31 Begged25:10 Expectations29:15 u + me = <332:05 The Cure35:30 Miley Cyrus
Vince Staples' "Cry baby" gains consciousness | REVIEW
Démar and Adriel discuss Latto's seventh studio album "Cry Baby", whether Vince Staples is a conscious rapper and how Paris Texas was the blueprint to "Cry Baby"'s sound.Timecodes:2:37 - Album Mode Venn Diagram6:10 - 4th Vinces Staples Review8:49 - Only in America13:54 - TV Guide20:53 - The Big Bad Wolf22:40 - Rap/Rock Era30:32 - Is Vince Staples a conscious rapper?37:13 - The Cover42:34 - The Sco
Latto finds her "Big Mama" sound | REVIEW
Démar and Adriel discuss Latto's fourth studio album "Big Mama", whether not having a hit song to pair with the album is a problem and did she finally find her core sound?Timecodes:04:04 Her influences05:53 Past Reviews08:15 The Rap Summer Walker13:04 Did Crodie Write it?18:50 The Latto Sound22:17 Government-mandated Sexyy Red Feature25:33 Her Improvement as a Singer28:00 Daddy’s Girl Interlude32:
fakemink is "Terrified" of being boring | REVIEW
Démar and Adriel discuss Fakemink's debut studio album " Terrified, whether it's good or just interesting, and his lyrics being mythic or lost in the sauce.Timecodes:03:14 How He Talks About Himself04:13 The Voice6:12 All Eyes On Me9:57 Distortion is the new Autotune12:29 Chinese Dictator Bars15:54 Rewind24:25 Essex Girls35:20 The Score=================================== Follow us:TikTok: Album Mo
Drake's "Iceman" is not so nice, man | REVIEW
Démar and Adriel discuss Drake's latest three albums, but primarily 'Iceman", whether current Drake is Lakers Lebron and if this is a true comeback for The Boy. Timecodes:2:14 The Biggest Comeback in Music History7:15 Comparisons to Taylor Swift12:32 Jordan/LeBron comparisons24:22 Past Drake Reviews32:49 What does lyrical growth look like for Drake?41:00 Ran to Atlanta43:44 Brat vs Iceman51:25 Are
Isaiah Rashad "It's Been Awful", ain't awful | REVIEW
Démar and Adriel discuss Isaiah Rashad's third studio album 'It's Been Awful", whether 'a vibe' is an accurate description of his music and how his lyricism reveals his battle with addiction.Timecodes2:56 Introduction to Isaiah Rashad4:40 The Timeline10:00 Isaiah Rashad vs Ab-Soul13:52 RIP Young17:15 Domnic Fike feature20:30 Boy in Red29:45 Fan of the flows32:53 M.o.M.38:05 Ain’t Giving Up45:40 Th
Kehlani's "Kehlani" is new, old school pop R&B | REVIEW
Démar and Adriel discuss Kehlani's fifth studio album 'Kehlani", whether the songs are pale imitations and the difference between Démar and Adriel's R&B taste.The Love List: Folded, Back and Forth, No Such Thing, PocketTimecodes2:00 - Expectations vs. Anticipation6:40 - Folded11:15 - The Features18:00 - Shoulda Never19:45 - The center of Pop/R&B31:00 - Pocket is Demar’s favourite song38:20
Angine de Poitrine's "Vol. II" is good... right? | REVIEW
Démar and Adriel discuss Angine de Poitrine's second studio album 'Vol. II' and whether skipping the intro to songs that are great afterwards makes for a good albumTimecodes2:35 The Viral Video7:15 Is it Intentional?11:34 Angor14:54 Mixed reactions online20:00 Similar to Rosalia23:10 The Cover29:30 The ScoreFollow us:TikTok: Album Mode: https://www.tiktok.com/@albummodepodAdriel: https://www.tikto
Arlo Park's new sound brings 'Ambiguous Desire' | REVIEW
Démar and Adriel discuss Arlo Park's third studio album 'Ambiguous Desire', how drastically her sound has changed since the beginning of her career and the regression of her stellar songwriting.Timecodes 2:49 First inductee into the Album Mode Hall of Fame4:11 Past Reviews8:35 No more guitars12:12 Heaven20:55 Jetta24:45 Luck of Life27:37 What If I Say It?30:05 South Seconds31:29 What this means fo
Yeat's 'ADL' is nearly DOA | REVIEW
Démar and Adriel discuss Yeat's sixth studio album 'ADK' how his venture to the centre has hurt his sound and why normal doesn't work for Yeat.Timecodes05:59 Past Yeat Reviews9:00 Let King Kylie Talk12:45 2010s trap era18:52 The rapping is lacking22:48 Hip-Hop politics28:05 Yeat trying new things34:34 Swizz Beatz is back39:25 What I want45:39 What does ADL mean for Yeat’s career?51:51 The ScoreFo
underscores' 'U' is hyperpop's best written album | REVIEW
Démar and Adriel discuss underscores' third studio album 'U' how shocking well written it is and whether her songs need transitions between them or just within.Timecodes3:34 What genre is this?5:35 Production9:00 The power of Dubstep14:43 The Peace17:50 Daft Punk mixed with Justin Timberlake?22:50 More on Hyperpop28:45 Bodyfeeling35:08 The cohesion39:03 Who should she collaborate with?42:36 The Co
Jack Harlow's 'Monica' exceeds his body's limit | REVIEW
Démar and Adriel discuss Jack Harlow's fourth studio album, 'Monica', how he's doing what black hip hop fans say they want white artists to do, and how his artistry has exceeded his body.Timecodes1:47 Past Jack Harlow Reviews8:04 The internet jokes12:16 Four Rules for Monica12:35 Production16:57 New to Neosoul20:20 Using his tools26:26 Strong songwriting30:10 All My Friends32:02 Good for his caree
Harry Styles 'Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally' is British pop centrism | REVIEW
Démar and Adriel discuss Harry Styles' fourth studio album 'Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally' who he is as an artist 10 years after One Direction and whether he's just a watered down version of other British artists' aesthetics.The Love List: Aperture, Are You Listening Yet? Carla's Song Timecodes2:45 Past Reviews5:42 Aperture is the Intro10:10 Coming Up Roses is a Billie Eilish song12:05 De
Bruno Mars and "The Romantic" fall off | REVIEW
Démar and Adriel discuss Bruno Mars' fourth studio album 'The Romantic' how it is edgeless and how Bruno Mars' songwriting has suddenly fallen off a cliff.The Love List: Why You Wanna Fight?Timecodes:4:00 - First time hearing Bruno Mars9:38 - Favourite song from his catalogue14:10 - I Just Might21:53 - Cha Cha Cha24:55 - The Debt33:25 - Adriel compares Bruno Mars to Don Toliver39:39 - Biggest Fall
Baby Keem runs out of luck at the "Ca$ino" | REVIEW
Démar and Adriel discuss Baby Keem's sophmore album 'Ca$ino' how he's changed in the 5 years since his last project and how close his lyrics cut to the bone.The Love List: I am not a Lyricist, Good Flirts, Circus Circus Free$tyleTimecodes:4:55 The Melodic Blue6:30 The Next Generation of Rap14:40 Production17:45 Momo Boyd21:05 I am not a Lyricist26:19 Dramatic Girl29:35 Sex Appeal 35:25 Lyrics42:4
Brent Faiyaz has lost his 'Icon' aesthetic | REVIEW
Démar and Adriel discuss Brent Faiyaz's latest album 'Icon' his misaligned aesthetic and him losing the grip on his songwriting.Timecodes: 3:26 Top 10 Albums of the Year:00 Past Brent Faiyaz Reviews12:30 Beauty Behind the Madness14:58 Two pop songs21:25 The World is Yours 28:25 Larger Than Life31:55 Positions era Ariana Grande39:40 Lyrics43:43 Concept Album49:15 What does icon mean for his career
J.Cole's "The Fall-Off" is a love letter in disguise | REVIEW
Démar and Adriel discuss J.Cole's final(?) album, The Fall-Off, whether he accomplished what he wanted in his career and if "The Fall-Off is Inevitable" is one of the best songs in hip hop history.Démar’s rating: 7.5 / 10Adriel's rating: 8.5 / 10The Love List: The Fall-Off is Inevitable, The Villest, Bunce Road Blues, Poor ThangTimecodoes3:10 How Drake vs Kendrick affected The Fall Off10:49 The Fa
Don Toliver is high "OCTANE"
Démar and Adriel discuss Don Toliver's latest album "OCTANE", whether his lyrics matter and how his melodies and production are second to none.Timecodes:4:18 4th time reviewing Don Toliver7:50 Best Feature10:30 ATM15:55 Falestto for Falsetto25:25 Potential features38:15 Where does he rank amongst his peers?45:21 Covers47:30 The ScoreFollow us:TikTok:Album Mode: https://www.tiktok.com/@albummodepod
Ari Lennox's "Vacancy" is renewed
Démar and Adriel discuss Ari Lennox's latest album "Vacancy", her toned down lyrics and what a label switch can do for her moving forward.Follow us: TikTok:Album Mode: https://www.tiktok.com/@albummodepod Adriel: https://www.tiktok.com/@adrielsmileydotcomDémar: https://www.tiktok.com/@godkingdemiInstagram:Album Mode: https://www.instagram.com/albummodepod/Adriel: https://www.instagram.com/adrielsm
Drop January and J. Cole's "Fall-Off" begins
It's apparently "Drop January" as a plethora of artists have annouce they have new projects coming up Déma rand Adriel talk about what that means for music this year. Also J. Cole released his first single for his upcoming album, "The Fall Off", Adriel tries to dodge the question but Démar asks how he feels about the rappers alleged end coming up.===================================Follow us: TikTo
A$AP Rocky's "Don't Be Dumb" is aged wine | REVIEW
Démar and Adriel discuss A$AP Rocky's comeback album "Don't Be Dumb", whether he took too long to return and if his music is experimental anymore.Timecodes:2:00 The Kanye Zone6:18 1st A$AP Rocky Review11:55 Is LONG.LIVE.A$AP a classic album?15:45 TESTING24:04 Favourite Feature31:20 Moshpit energy39:46 A$AP Rocky vs The Discourse53:15 The mature version59: 00 Female Rappers with A$AP Rocky1:08:25 C
Top 10 Albums of 2025
Finally the episode you've all been waiting for, Album Mode's top 10 albums of 2025! Adriel and Démar list their best albums of the year. After years of reviewing music together the duo divergence has become more obvious and this year's year-end list is evidence.P.S. Demar's Spotify listening age is 25, Adriel's is 45.TIMECODES:3:30 - A lot of albums that we did not review4:10 - Don’t Tap The Glas
Esdeekid and everyone else you should know from 2025 + Spotify Wrapped
Démar and Adriel discuss who popped off in 2025 that we're looking forward to their work in 2026.Timecodes1:10 The Criteria2:20 Esdeekid6:50 Timothee Chalamet11:38 Uzi mixed with Future12:48 Odeal18:25 Young Miko20:26 Similar to early Don Toliver24:36 Kwn31:23 The Black performative male32:10 Dijon40:35 Rebecca Black45:06 Not New/But Changing51:48 Spotify Wrapped54:17 The Dominance of Drake56:37 S
Summer Walker's "Finally Over It" is a feature fest| REVIEW
Démar and Adriel discuss Summer Walker third studio album "Finally Over It", whether Aaliyah is the GOAT and the strength of the album's feautres.Démar’s rating: 7 / 10Adriel's rating: 7 / 10The Love List: Robbed You, No, Go Girl, Heart Of A Woman, BallerTimecodes:4:04 - Background on Summer Walker8:55 - The Singles9:49 - The influence of Aaliyah11:50 - What a Summer Walker song sounds like14:10 -
Rosalia's 'Lux' is technically brilliant, but is that enough? | REVIEW
Démar and Adriel discuss Rosalía's fourth studio album "LUX", its technical excellence and whether an album that's so orchestral can be considered pop.Follow us: TikTok:Album Mode: https://www.tiktok.com/@albummodepodAdriel: https://www.tiktok.com/@adrielsmileydotcomDémar: https://www.tiktok.com/@godkingdemiInstagram:Album Mode: https://www.instagram.com/albummodepod/Adriel: https://www.instagram.
Dave's "The Boy Who Played the Harp" sometimes forgets the song | REVIEW
Démar and Adriel discuss Dave's third studio album "The Boy Who Played the Harp", its abscence of drums and Dave's ability to make songs instead of poetry with a soundtrack.Démar’s rating: 6 / 10Adriel's rating: 7.5 / 10The Love List: The Boy Who Played the Hard, No Weapons, SelfishTimecodes:3:00 - Adriel doesn’t like EPs5:58 - The tone of the album6:43 - Favourite feature12:50 - Where are the dru
Tame Impala's "Deadbeat" Follows the Crowd | REVIEW
Démar and Adriel discuss Tame Imala's fifth album "Deadbeat", how Tame Impala became a follower with is production and the decline of a once great artist.Démar’s rating: 5.5 / 10Adriel's rating: 5.5 / 10The Love List: Dracula, Loser, Afterthought, My Old WaysTimecodes:2:44 - Have they ever been mainstream?3:58 - First time hearing Tame Impala8:50 - Adriel’s favourite song11:05 - Demar’s Dad cosig
Khalid is revealed "after the sun goes down" | REVIEW
Démar and Adriel discuss Khalid's fourth studio album "after the sun goes down", his lack of vocal colour and whether his simplistic pop lyrics are a negative.Démar’s rating: 7 / 10Adriel's rating: 4 / 10The Love List: medicine, nah, nobody (make me feel), impulsiveTimecodes:2:20 - Technically still very popular4:18 - Past Khalid Reviews8:44 - Demar compares ‘True’ to Kidz Bop9:50 - R&B Khalid
Embracing D'Angelo's Influence
The Father of Neo Soul has passed, Adriel and Demar discuss how important he is, why so many different artists are mourning him and how boundless his influence has become in modern music.Follow us: TikTok:Album Mode: https://www.tiktok.com/@albummodepod Adriel: https://www.tiktok.com/@adrielsmileydotcomDémar: https://www.tiktok.com/@godkingdemiInstagram: Album Mode: https://www.instagram.com/album
The Disappointing Diddy Verdict + Nicki vs. Cardi B is unnecessary
Diddy has escaped the RICO charges but that doesn't mean he's gone unscathed. Also, the duo breakdown the Nicki and Cardi B beef, hip hop is ahead of the "head bitch" archetype but does Nicki know that? Keep it locked here on Album Mode.Follow us: TikTok:Album Mode: https://www.tiktok.com/@albummodepod Adriel: https://www.tiktok.com/@adrielsmileydotcomDémar: https://www.tiktok.com/@godkingdemiInst
Taylor Swift's "The Life of a Showgirl" is a Farce | REVIEW
Démar and Adriel discuss Taylor Swift's latest album "The Life of a Showgirl", how Taylor's songwriting has collapsed and why she's chasing the people that she's influenced.Démar’s rating: 2.5 / 10Adriel's rating: 4 / 10The Love List: The Fate of Ophelia, Ruin the FriendshipTimecodes:1:39 - Is the fandom bigger than the music?7:22 - Past Taylor Swift reviews13:30 - Fate of Ophelia16:56 - Actually
Doja Cat's "Vie" for Pop Appeal is a Success | REVIEW
Démar and Adriel discuss Doja Cat's latest album "Vie", how her singing might have eclipsed her rapping and Janet Jackson's indelible influence on her music.Démar’s rating: 8.5 / 10Adriel's rating: 8 / 10The Love List: Cards, Jealous Type, Take Me Dancing, Acts of Service, Gorgeous, All MineTimecodes:3:03 - Last Doja Car Review7:30 - Best at Pop Rap8:36 - Démar compares Doja Cat to Kyrie Irving14:
Cardi B's Viscious Bars Make it Clear "AM I THE DRAMA?" | REVIEW
Démar and Adriel discuss Cardi B's latest studio album "AM I THE DRAMA?", how her bars dance on the line of funny and vicious and why she seems to not care about album cohesion.Démar’s rating: 7 / 10Adriel's rating: 6.5 / 10The Love List: Hello, Magnet, Pick It Up, Better Than You, Principal, Imaginary PlayerzTimecodes:2:37 - Démar's Favourite Cardi B verse of all time8:16 - Bodak Yellow was cool1
Earl Sweatshirt "Live Laugh Love"s Complexity | REVIEW
Démar and Adriel discuss Earl Sweatshirt's latest studio album "Live Laugh Love", Earl's unorthodox song structures and whether his complexity is worth it for a regular music listener.Démar’s rating: 7 / 10Adriel's rating: 6 / 10The Love List: FORGE, WELDONE!, CRISCO, TOURMALINE, exhaustTimecodes:01:35 - Demar is down on Earl4:59 - FREE EARL8:52 - An album with no singles11:35 - Adriel's favourite
Chance the Rapper's 'STAR LINE' is a Lifeline | REVIEW
Démar and Adriel discuss Chance the Rapper's second studio album "STAR LINE", whether it's the comeback album of the year and how Chance the Rapper is underrated as a songwriter.Démar’s rating: 7.5 / 10Adriel's rating: 8 / 10The Love List: Gun In Yo Purse, Back To The Go, The Negro Problem, Ride, No More Old MenTimecodes:4:37 The Big Day8:25 The Success of Coloring Book16:35 Favorite Chance song?2
JID Thinks "God Does Like Ugly" And We Do Too | REVIEW
Démar and Adriel discuss JID's fourth studio album "God Does Like Ugly", how his music is now rappable and being able to adapt to sounds he's never done before.Démar’s rating: 6 / 10Adriel's rating: 7 / 10The Love List: Glory, WRK, Gz, SK8, No BooTimecodes:5:30 - His Past Albums6:08 - Surround Sound7:28 - JID & NewJeans9:25 - Highest Charting Single15:18 - Production is the Star of This Album1
"DON'T TAP THE GLASS" Around Tyler, the Creator's Aura | REVIEW
Démar and Adriel react to Tyler the Creator's latest album "DON'T TAP THE GLASS", discuss whether he's a mainstream artist and if this is his first flop.Démar’s rating: 8.5 / 10Adriel's rating: 5 / 10The Love List: Sucka Free, Ring Ring Ring, I'll Take Care of You, Don't You Worry BabyTimecodes: 3:54 - Tyler does big 1st week numbers 9:19 - Not a concept album13:20 - Past Tyler the Creator reviews
Clipse "Let God Sort Em Out" and Won | REVIEW
Démar and Adriel react to Clipse's latest album, 'Let God Sort Em Out', geriatric hip hop and the idea of artists making hip hop well into their 50sDémar’s rating: 8.5 / 10Adriel's rating: 7.5 / 10The Love List: E.B.I.T.D.A., Ace Trumpets, Let God Sort Em Out/Chandeliers,Timecodes:1:25 - Every corner of the hip-hop world that’s not part of the mainstream was waiting3:40 - Is this album really happ
Justin Bieber's "SWAG" is Back | REVIEW
Démar and Adriel react to Justin Bieber's latest album, 'SWAG', Bieber's closeness to the black community and whether he still is that guy we thought he was in the 2010s .Démar’s rating: 5.5 / 10Adriel's rating: 6 / 10The Love List: ALL I CAN TAKE, DAISIES, DADZ LOVE, DEVOTIONTimecodes:5:30 - This album is showing he’s spending time with the black community6:29 - Past Jb review8:29 - Interested in
Haim's Songwriting Barely Saves 'I Quit''s Bland Production | REVIEW
Démar and Adriel break down Haim's latest album 'I Quit', their closeness to black music and the idea of going 'indie rock mainstream'.Démar’s rating: 6 / 10Adriel's rating: 5.5 / 10The Love List: Gone, Relationships, Spinning, Million YearsTimecodes:1:41- Where does one go after peaking above indie pop mainstream2:26 - In some circles, people know them 4:44 - MJ comparison8:10 - First memory12:2
'Honestly Nevermind' Has Aged Like Fine Wine 3 Years Later | RETROSPECTIVE
Honestly, Nevermind was met with confusion when it first came out but its fandom has been growing over the past 3 years since it's release. Démar and Adriel do a little bit of a retrospective on the album and look into how it Honestly, Nevermind continues to age like fine wine.Timecodes:0:55 Original review – Demar said in the future people are going to fuck with this2:25 Is a very much do you kno
Little Simz Blossoms With 'Lotus' | REVIEW
Démar and Adriel break down Little Simz's sixth studio album 'Lotus', how the production sounds nothing like a hip hop album and whether this is Simz's best written album.Démar’s rating: 9 / 10Adriel's rating: 9 / 10The Love List: Thief, Hollow, Free, Blood, Lotus, LonelyTimecodes:3:08 - The view over her career because she is from the UK4:55 - Black Thought comparison as a rapper6:09 - 7:39 - Tha
Miley Cyrus' Raspy Voice is 'Something Beautiful' | REVIEW
Démar and Adriel break down Miley Cyrus' ninth (!!) studio album 'Something Beautiful', how her voice allows her to make music beyond her years and how underrated she is as a songwriter.Démar’s rating: 8 / 10Adriel's rating: 6.5 / 10The Love List: Prelude, End of the World, More to Lose, Easy Lover, RebornTimecodes:3:23 - Hannah Montana – moved past that8:44 - Did they get it right with the single
Common's 'Be' is an Instant Classic That Still Holds Up 20 Years Later | REVIEW
Démar and Adriel break down Common's classic album 'Be', how much hip hop production has changed in the past 20 years and how intricate "real rap" was in 2005.Démar’s rating: 8 / 10Adriel's rating: 8.5 / 10The Love List: Be (Intro), The Corner, GO!, The Food, They SayTimecodes:3:16 - Listening as an adult has a different tone4:25 - Song bigger than the album5:48 - Common’s longevity6:36 - The Soul
'13 Months of Sunshine' Cements Aminé's Summer Status | REVIEW
This week Démar and Adriel discuss Aminé's third studio album '13 Months of Sunshine', Aminé cementing himself as a summer artist and how mortal enemies Drake and Pusha T are his main influences.Démar’s rating: 8 / 10Adriel's rating: 8.5 / 10The Love List: 13MOS, Feels So Good, New Flower!, Cool About It, TemptationsTimcodes:2:42 - Previous Aminé album rating – surprised how high5:00 - Feels like
Kali Uchis' 'Sincerely' is a Reversion to Glory Days | REVIEW
This week Démar and Adriel discuss Kali Uchis' latest album 'Sincerely,' how she's tracing her musical lineage throughout the album and whether her reversion is worth it.Démar’s rating: 8.5 / 10Adriel's rating: 7.5 / 10The Love List: Illegal, Tonight, Noises, Stateside,Timecodes:1:34 - Demar’s favourite women's weekend5:40 - No Features6:39 - Song structure 10:40 - thinks it has regressed a littl
PinkPantheress Becomes the John Wick of Music with 'Fancy That' | REVIEW
This week Démar and Adriel discuss PinkPantheress' latest mixtape 'Fancy That', PinkPantheress the producer beginning to outshine PinkPantheress the artist and how PinkPantheress has become the John Wick of music.Démar’s rating: 8.5 / 10Adriel's rating: 7.5 / 10The Love List: Illegal, Tonight, Noises, Stateside,Timecodes:2:42 - Demar is a superfan4:56: - Too short because it’s good5:30 - John Wick
Yung Lean leans Into Apathy on 'Jonatan' | REVIEW
This week Démar and Adriel discuss Yung Lean's latest album Jonathan, what he meant to cloud rap, his transition to rock and how his lethargic singing tilts into apathy.Démar’s rating: 3.5 / 10Adriel's rating: 4.5 / 10The Love List: Might Not B, Horses, My LifeTimecodes:3:30 - How do you feel about reviewing YL6:25 - The modern swaggy trap white rapper7:16 - His influences8:40 - Two stand-out line
Wiz Khalifa Revives His Sound on 'Kush + Orange Juice 2' | REVIEW
This week Démar and Adriel discuss Wiz Khalifa's latest mixtape Kush + Orange Juice 2 how he was one of the kings of the blog era and how his trademark sound is one step away from becoming cutting edge.Timecode:2:34 Freestyles leading up to the project 3:17 Most influential rappers of the last 15 years4:16 Wiz day to day vlogs5:46 OKAY Wiz Khalifa Voice6:46 The cargo shorts 9:12 Say Yeah9:32 Mixt
Bon Iver's 'SABLE, fABLE' finds it's groove but never embraces it | REVIEW
This week Démar and Adriel discuss Bon Iver's fifth studio album SABLE, fABLE how it nears greatness before ultimately shying away and how it feels longer than its 41 minute runtime implies.Démar’s rating: 4 / 10Adriel's rating: 4 / 10The Love List: THINGS BEHIND THINGS BEHIND THINGS, S P E Y S I D E, I'll Be ThereTimecodes:1:29 - Thought it was one dude2:36 - Sampha comparison 04:43 - Adriel’s D
The Greatest Debut Albums in Album Mode Review History
Cue the filler music! Adriel and Démar are taking a look back into the annals of Album Mode history and to find the best debut projects they've ever reviewed. When you've been podcasting for nearly 5 years, you can do that. We're talking Unknown T, Olivia Rodrigo and of course the goddess, PinkPantheress and more!Timecodes:5:36 - Framework of the context of the artist6:28 - The album that is the f
Lucy Dacus Sets the Post-Boygenius Tone with 'Forever is a Feeling' | REVIEW
This week Démar and Adriel discuss Lucy Dacus' fourth studio album “Forever is a Feeling” how the album is a tone setter for her post Boygenuius and how her lyrical longingness escapes being cheesy.Démar’s rating: 7 / 10Adriel's rating: 6.5 / 10The Love List: Ankles, Limerence, Talk, Most Wanted ManTimecodes:3:25 - Songwriter-type music 5:23 - The reset button and how that affects their career8:4
'Equus Asinus' Cements Men I Trust as the Biggest Band of the Last 6 Years | REVIEW
This week Démar and Adriel discuss Men I Trust's latest studio album “Equus Asinus” how the band's production has shifted in this latest release and how you can get drop a Men I Trust lyric in your relationship to sound poetic.P.S. Where's the Clairo feature??Démar’s rating: 8 / 10Adriel's rating: 8 / 10The Love List: I Come With Mud, Bethlehem, Paul's Theme, Frost Bite, Girl (2025) Timecodes:5:11
Is Playboi Carti's 'Music' Pure Aura? | REVIEW
This week Démar and Adriel discuss Playboi Carti’s third studio album “Music”, his new deep voice, the album’s incredible production, and how Carti’s aura and influence is pivotal to his fandom.P.S. SWAMP IZZO!!!!Démar’s rating: 7 / 10 Adriel's rating: 4.5 / 10The Love List: POP OUT, RATHER LIE, MOJO JOJO, WAKE UP F1LTHY, OLYMPIAN, OPM BABI, LIKE WEEZYTimecodes:6:00 - Hip-hop Christmas song9:16 -
Lady Gaga | MAYHEM
This week Démar and Adriel discuss Lady Gaga's latest studio album 'Mayhem', how she's navigated her fame throughout her career and why this entire project sounds like it got pulled straight out of the 1980s.P.S. heavy Siouxsie and the Banshees vibes on AbracadabraDémar’s rating: 7.5 / 10 Adriel's rating: 7.5 / 10The Love List: Disease, Die With a Smile, Perfect Celebrity, Vanish into YouTimecodes
Lisa | Alter Ego
This week Démar and Adriel discuss Lisa's debut solo studio album 'Alter Ego', how it might be one of the most expensive albums of the year and whether her alter egos are just an excuse for a lack of vision.Démar’s rating: 2 / 10 Adriel's rating: 5.5 / 10The Love List: Moonlit Floor, Lifestyle, BADGRRRL, New WomanTimecodes:3:03 - Americans don’t listen to K-Pop4:00 - Gangnam Style7:32 - What genre
Drake & PARTYNEXTDOOR | $ome $exy $ongs 4 U
This week, Démar and Adriel discuss Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR's collab album '$ome $exy $ongs 4 U', how this album is 10 years too late for old-school Drake fans and why this album is just another milestone in Drake's path of late stage mediocrity.The Love List: NOKIA, DEEPER, SMALL TIME FAME, MOTH BALLSTimecodes2:24 A lot of Drake fans wanted a Drake PND album3:12 Listening experience has changed6:
Kendrick Lamar vs. The Narrative feat. Jorja Smith
After all the dialogue Demar and Adriel drop their thoughts on the Kendrick Lamar Super Bowl performance. They also discuss whether Not Like Us is getting old and whether we should move on from a beef that is nearly a year running. Also the Duo talk about the Latest AJ Tracey and Jorja Smith song 'Crush' bringing back Demar's hot take on Jorja Smith making the wrong genre of music.Timecodes 2:23 -
The Weeknd | Hurry Up Tomorrow
This week Démar and Adriel discuss The Weeknd's sixth studio album 'Hurry Up Tomorrow', how the album feels like a DJ set instead of an album, whether the name retirement is legit and how he's transitioned from R&B to being an electronic artist.Timecodes1:25 Is the End?3:03 Dawn FM8:34 Demar explains 18:27 We just wanna hear The Weeknd talk his shit20:09 Favourite Weeknd songs24:30 Wake me up
Central Cee | Can't Rush Greatness
This week Démar and Adriel discuss Central Cee's debut studio album 'Can't Rush Greatness', how America cares more about his music than the UK and how he's a pop rapper by UK standards but almost a lyricist in America.P.S. Young Miko just gained two new fansDémar’s rating: 8.5 / 10 Adriel's rating: 7.5 / 10The Love List: 5 Star, Limitless, Don't Know Anymore, Gen Z Luv, GataTimecodes1:27 Album or
Drake's Beef Elevates to UMG
Drake's beef is no longer with Kendrick Lamar, it's with their mutual label UMG and Drake is suing for defamation. Watch as the dynamic duo of Demar and Adriel breakdown what exactly is in the lawsuit documents and what it could mean for hip hop if Drake actually wins the lawsuit.Timecodes:4:02 Upset at UMG for putting out not like us4:56 UMG is aware these allegations are false 7:18 If Drake wins
Mac Miller | Balloonerism
This week Démar and Adriel discuss Mac Miller's secpmd posthumous album 'Balloonerism', how mac was ahead of his time sonically and his eerie, Tupac-like lyrics.The Love List: Stoned, Mrs. Deborah Downer, 5 Dollar Pony Rides, Rick's Piano, Tomorrow Will Never KnowTimecodes:4:38 - Saved songs6:05 - Fav Mac Miller album7:03 - Westside Gunn comparison8:36 - Growing up between KIDS & Watching Movi
Bad Bunny | DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS
This week Démar and Adriel discuss Bad Bunny's sixth studio album 'Debí tirador más fotos', his double entendres to Puerto Rico, the album's varied production maintaining its roots and how he's doing what Drake should've done back in 2020.The Love List: The Club, TURiSTA, PIToRRO DE COCO, VOY A LLeVARTE PA PRTimecodes:4:17 - Not the Highest he peaked on Spotify 7:18 - What are you thinking going i
LiAngelo Ball Just Dropped the Song of the Year and Billboard’s Top Artists of the 21st Century
LiAngelo Ball just dropped the song of the year and we're only in the third week! Demar and Adriel break it down and how everyone around them was asking for their approval before admitting they liked it. Also the TikTok ban looks like it'll be heading into full effect the duo discuss what that'll mean for music. Lastly Billboard’s Top Artists of the 21st Century drops and they have a laugh.Timecod
Lil Baby | WHAM
This week Démar and Adriel discuss Lil Baby's fourth studio album 'WHAM', his pump fake production, falling behind Gunna and Lil Baby possibly entering the NBA Youngboy zone (also what the NBA Youngboy Zone means).The Love List: I Promise, Listen Up, So Sorry, Streets ColderTimecodes:6:23 - Street Gossip / not on the train9:23 - People at that time were touting his rapping ability10:26 - Why my tu
SheelovesKP on the Drake vs Kendrick Aftermath & His Top 5 albums of 2024
Album Mode is joined by its first ever guest, Kyle Parkinson! (@sheeloveskp) It's the end of the year so we've decided to breakdown our favourite music moments of the year and how the landscape has changed. Also Kyle gives us his top 5 albums of the year and exlpains how the UMG pulling its music from TikTok affected him. Strap in for a first ever and maybe first of many!Follow Kyle:Instagram: htt
Top 10 Albums of 2024
Finally the episode you've all been waiting for, Album Mode's top 10 albums of 2024! Adriel and Démar list their best albums of the year and hand out some honourable metions to cap off 2024. There's some surprises in both lists so strap in for our year-ender.TIMECODES:1:25 - 5 Top 10 albums of this year5:18 - Album from this year that people will remember6:40 - Lucky Daye10:40 - We don’t trust you
J Cole | Friday Night Lights
This week Démar and Adriel discuss the re-release of J Cole's third mixtape 'Friday Night Lights' on Apple Music and Spotfy. The also talk about J Cole being the intial foil to Drake and how underrated J Cole is a producer.Démar’s rating: 8.5 / 10Adriel's rating: 9 / 10The Love List: Back to the Topic, Villematic, In The Morning, See World, Too Deep for the IntroTIMECODES:3:20 - Hip-hop fans have
Kendrick Lamar | GNX
This week Démar and Adriel discuss Kendrick Lamar's sixth studio album 'GNX', Kendrick Lamar allowing himself to make music without an overacrching concept and Kendrick taking his LA centric sound to an international audience.Démar’s rating: 8.5 / 10Adriel's rating: 7 / 10The Love List: wacced out murals, squabble up, peekabo, hey now, luther, gloriaTIMECODES:2:17 Jack Antonoff5:00 At a place wher
Cordae | The Crossroads
This week Démar and Adriel discuss Cordae's third studio album 'The Crossroads', why what he raps about hasn't changed since his debut and his features being the stars of his album.Démar’s rating: 6 / 10Adriel's rating: 6.5 / 10The Love List: No Bad News, Syrup Sandwiches, Summer Drops, Saturday MorningsTIMECODES:4:01 - How many Cordae songs do you have liked7:00 - Young Nudy vs. Denzel Curry vs C
2025 Grammy Predictions
The latest Grammys nominations just dropped so you know we had to make some predicitions. Since Adriel and Demar have lost all hope in the Grammys ever getting it right, we predict who we think is going to win in the most cynical fashion.TIMECODES:2:10 - Who was the Grammy’s fav white woman?2:40 - Context going into the Grammy’s where race does matter3:08 - Album of the Year always feels like a po
SahBabii | Saaheem
This week Démar and Adriel discuss SahBabii's fourth studio album 'Saaheem ', how amazing the prodcution is and his influences have become an unbearing weight around his music.Démar’s rating: 6.5 / 10Adriel’s rating: 4 / 10P.S. Belt Boyz, Belt Boyz, Belt Boyz, Belt BoyzThe Love List: Belt Boyz, Viking, Mirror Picz, Sylvan Rd Ridin Down DillTIMECODES:2:56 - Confused to how we got here4:42 - Diehard
Lil Uzi Vert | Eternal Atake 2
This week Démar and Adriel discuss Lil Uzi Vert's fourth studio album 'Eternal Atake 2', how the rest of rage (and hip hop in general) has passed them by and if they can ever recover from being Kid Cudi'd .Démar’s rating: 3 / 10Adriel’s rating: 3.5 / 10P.S. Meteor Man has gotta be Uzi's worst song ever... Right?The Love List: We Good, Chips and Dip, Space HighTIMECODES:1:06 - Demar not looking for
Album Mode Celebrates 200 Reviews!
Somehow we've made it to 200 album reviews on Album mode! Shoutout to everyone who's been following us since the days of only video and shoutout to everyone who's subscribed since we've made the jump to YouTube. Here's to 200 more!TIMECODES:3:14 - Taylor Swift is one of the more interesting ones4:11 - Cleo Sol/biggest regrets7:18 - Leaders on the Nas resurgence8:05 - Separating the narrative from
CC. Tyler, The Creator | CHROMAKOPIA
This week Démar and Adriel discuss Tyler, the Creator's eighth studio album 'CHROMAKOPIA ', how his production has had a slight regression and how Tyler, the Creator has reached a point where we care enough to release such a personal album.Démar’s rating: 7 / 10Adriel’s rating: 7.5 / 10The Love List: St. Chroma, Sticky, I Killed You, Balloon, Hey Jane, Darling, I, Thought I Was DeadTIMECODES:3:26
CXCIX. YEAT | Lyfestylë
This week Démar and Adriel discuss Yeat's debut album 'Lyfestylë ', how his production has become a playground, whether his lyrics matter in anyway and if Yeat's music is something you need to 'get' to like.Timecodes 1:58 What’s a Yeat? 4:34 Is he building a world again / trailer?8:39 How many songs saved from this artist?10:13 Demar has 92 Yeat songs saved 11:30 You are watching a master at work
CXCVIII. GloRilla | Glorious
This week Démar and Adriel discuss GloRilla's debut album 'Glorious ', how she's transitioned from being a singles artist, her masterful ear for production and the album's stunning features.Démar’s rating: 7.5 / 10Adriel’s rating: 7 / 10The Love List: HOLLON, TGIF, STEP, I LUV HER, PROCEDURETIMECODES:2:02 - Background on Glorilla2:24 - FNF 3:29 - Live review of the FNF / saw the vision 5:57 - Fivi
J Cole Doesn't Realize He Damaged His Legacy on Port Antonio
J. Cole just dropped his latest single 'Port Antonio' and it sounds like he doesn't understand the damage he's done. When he stepped outside the beef he sealed his fate but somehow he's still rapping about being the best. The duo breakdown Cole's misguided raps. TIMECODES: 1:05 Instagram only drops 2:25 Dat Piff / Going back in time 4:08 Coming from The Fall Off 4:44 Like when things are addressed
Diddy Gets Hit With 120 New Sexual Assault Allegations
The allegations are flying in. Diddy is facing more allegations in civil court, and the number of allegations is staggering. The patented duo breaks things down.TIMECODES4:50 120 allegations coming forward7:03 Going after the accomplices 11:03 Put doubt in celebrities 11:52 Trump comparison12:18 Power dynamics13:48 Every time their phone rings, their heart drops14:59 Diddy’s name is so corrosive17
CXCVII. Leon Bridges | Leon
This week, Démar and Adriel discuss Leon Bridges's fourth album 'Leon', why Bridges can't really make a bad song and whether he's actually a blues artist instead of R&B.TIMECODES:2:08 Largely successful at the start of his career2:30 Coming home4:09 Typed in Leon into Spotify / Who is the best Leon6:52 In this group, that doesn’t make bad songs7:24 Not as R&B when it comes to some songs11:
