By Cristian Padilla
Photo by Tada Images
This year started off strong musically. Coming off of 2024, with pop culture at one of the most active points it has ever been with iconic moments such as BRAT summer and the Drake/Kendrick Lamar beef, everyone is waiting for what’s next. Will 2025 surpass or even live up to the hype 2024 had? These January releases offer hope that captivating artistry will continue into the year.
“Eusexua” by FKA twigs
“Eusexua”, released Jan. 24, is FKA Twig’s third full-length album. With 11 tracks and a runtime of 42 minutes, it has become a fan favorite for those in the art pop and electronic scene. Characterized by its deep emotion and raw energy, it speaks of transcending the human plane to become an amoeba of feeling.
It opens with the title track to describe what Eusexua is, a feeling of pure bliss. The song is an introduction to not only the album but the beginning of the transition into “Eusexua”. As we go further into the project, we see Eusexua transform into a person. They become a love interest. Eusexua is not a person, however, but a symbol of bliss. It is that feeling and a version of FKA Twigs herself. She battles with her partner constantly leaving her and trying to accept this unfamiliar happiness.
The electronic instrumentals are effervescent, overflowing with different emotions. The psychedelic production is one of the main highlights of the project. My favorite song was “Sticky”, as I feel it was the song I connected with most off of the album.
Eusexua grappled with my vision of self-worth and whether I deserve it. Its down-to-earth subject matter allows it to connect with almost anyone. It’s a very enjoyable listening experience that takes most out of their comfort zone.
Final rating: 8/10
“DeBi TiRAR MaS FOToS” by Bad Bunny
“DeBi TiRAR MaS FOToS” is Bad Bunny’s seventh studio album. Released on Jan. 5 of this year, it was a bang to start off with. It went incredibly viral after a TikTok trend using “DTMF” gained traction. This is on top of Bad Bunny’s already incredible popularity. It pays homage to his Puerto Rican roots, constantly using samples and snippets from classic Puerto Rican songs.
He uses his massive platform to advocate against the gentrification of Puerto Rico, and uses his voice as a call to action. The song “LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAII” is a good example as it touches on gentrification and describes what happened to Hawaii as a warning sign.
The album entrances listeners into a state full of nostalgia and thankfulness with its beautiful melodies and soothing production. Even for non-Spanish speakers, “DeBi TiRAR MaS FOToS” is a great listen. This album is truly a masterpiece and to some, it might be Benito’s Magnum Opus.
The mix of genres it has is amazing. It sweeps you away with its vibrant salsa and pushes you back in with its energizing reggaeton. The collection of features only adds to the emotion displayed but never outshines the skill Benito once again proves he has. Overall, it’s a beautiful musical experience that everyone should try at least once.
Final rating: 8/10
“Ballonerism” by Mac Miller
“Ballonerism” is Mac Miller’s second posthumous album release. It was released by his estate on Jan. 17, exactly five years after his first posthumous release “Circles”. It’s a beautiful, emotional piece to remember him through. Many of the songs have floated around through leaks and online snippets, however, it finally got an official release.
It was rumored to be recorded between 2013-2014, around the same time as his EP “Faces”. Diving into this project, I had high expectations as I love most of Miller’s previous work. Its well-thought-out lyrics and hypnotizing vocals were what first drew me into the album’s world.
As it progresses though, I found myself losing my focus. I felt as if this project disappointed me slightly. It didn’t connect to me as much as Miller’s previous projects had. Although it is always amazing to hear new Mac Miller music, I just didn’t like this album as much as I do “Circles” or “Swimming”. There were songs that didn’t feel like Miller had discovered what he wanted to sound like or the type of person he wanted to be through his music. He develops this in his later work, and we see the early development of this through this album, just not fully formed yet.
Miller’s ability to connect with everybody is a highlight in all his projects, including this one. Some of the album felt like a transition period in life and not the rapper’s best work. However, to many Mac Miller fans, this may feel like a drink of water after a long drought without Miller’s music.
“Ballonerism” is a decent album that is overshadowed by the artist’s previous work. Overall, it was not what I was expecting. While the album is a beautiful piece of work that deserves to be given its flowers, it sits in the shadows of his two previous albums. Nonetheless, it’s a pleasant listen that would make any Mac Miller fan happy.
Final rating: 6/10
January’s music was an eventful way to start the year. The talent shown off in these three projects is impressive and a positive introduction to this year’s catalog. Albums like these are special and can be a sign of what is to come: a great year for music.