SZA, Z | Album Review

SZA leaves a superb first impression on her full-length debut album ‘Z.’

Sifting through all of the musical hype

Sifting through all of the musical hype

SZA leaves a superb first impression on her full-length debut album ‘Z.’

Although The Pinkprint is a scattered effort, rapper/singer/songwriter Nicki Minaj’s third studio album proves to be captivating.
![J. Cole, 2014 Forest Hills Drive [📷: Columbia]](https://i0.wp.com/themusicalhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/j-cole-2014-forest-hills-drive-columbia.jpg?fit=768%2C768&ssl=1)
J. Cole surprised everyone by dropping his third album, '2014 Forest Hills Drive' with short notice. Here are five takeaways after listening to the album.

With his major-label sophomore album, Cadillactica, Mississippi rapper Big K.R.I.T. constructs an album that goes above and beyond the expectations.

Consistent and enjoyable throughout, Stevie Nicks reminds everyone why she’s such a revered musician on '24 Karat Gold.'

'Luke James', the self-titled debut by R&B newcomer Luke James is imperfect, but offers plenty for the hungry R&B enthusiast to sink their teeth into.

Maroon 5 returns with its fifth studio album, 'V'. Like previous album 'Overexposed,' Adam Levine and company focus on delivering slick, modern pop songs.

Country up-and-comer Chase Rice makes a major label splash with 'Ignite The Night.' Overall, 'Ignite The Night' is an imperfect, but enjoyable album.

Bleachers delivers a fine, enjoyable debut effort with Strange Desire. Sometimes it’s overdone, but more often that not, it shines.

Alternative pop collective Neon Trees excel at ‘neo-, New Wave’ on their third album, Pop Psychology.
![Shakira, Shakira. [Photo Credit: RCA]](https://i0.wp.com/themusicalhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/shakira-shakira-rca.jpg?fit=768%2C768&ssl=1)
Shakira. is a sound, enjoyable effort from the Latin-pop superstar that misses a “Hips Don’t Lie” caliber hit.
![Bruce Springsteen, High Hopes [📷: Columbia]](https://i0.wp.com/themusicalhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/bruce-springsteen-high-hopes-columbia.jpg?fit=768%2C768&ssl=1)
High Hopes may not be the best or most memorable Bruce Springsteen album, but it’s still pretty doggone good.