XXL Lavateam - Listen
R&B, Hip hop, Trapsoul
Ohio, United States
Overall Impression: Right off the bat, the introduction is deep and powerful, drawing the listener in, and with "Why Won't You Listen?" it almost challenges the listener to finish the song, even though the vocalist is speaking to the subject of the song. The lyrics are constant and intense, further driving the meaning of the song, and provides a message that many people can relate to and need to hear. I especially enjoyed the breakdown, as it felt like I was being talked to individually, which is a very effective moment in the tune. The mix is also terrific and keeps the energy and direction of the line up throughout the entire song.
Strongest Point(s): The song conveys a personal feeling and is super authentic, being delivered from a point of pain and misunderstanding, and with immense soul. The lyrics themselves are really tight, and the rhythmic interplay with the lyrics and mix is exquisite - generally doubling+ the rhythmic intervals in the beat. The balance feels really great in the ears, with no voice overpowering another or understated. Lastly, the quality of the voice is terrific, even including some different vocal styles from straight talk, to falsetto singing, to grunge strain and screaming, really impressive job.
Target Audience Appeal: You set yourself up for a cross genre hit; fans of hip hop, rap, trap, rock, alt rock, pop, trap, today's hits, even grunge listeners will enjoy this song. This song would accompany a video really well. Along with this I would recommend advertising this song in use over all sorts of streaming media, from radio to films, tv, streaming services like Hulu and Netflix, even games and ads
Artist target suggestions: XXL Lavateam has a strong, unique voice that could make a crater of an impact in the musical world, and although influences and role models are important, your voice is most important to your musical future. XXL Lavateam, Anthony Hamilton, August Alsina, Beyonce, Chris Brown, DaBaby, Drake, Kevin Gates, Lil Baby, Lil Wayne, Lloyd, Mario, Meek Mill, Omarion, Rod Wave, Usher, YFN Lucci, Young Thug, YoungBoy Never Broke Again
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About the Reviewer:
Rob Lawson is a professional percussionist, composer, conductor, teacher, and recording artist. He holds a Master of Arts in Music Performance from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He has performed with the Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, Horn Choir, Pit Orchestra, and Keystone Winds. He has composed, arranged, and premiered works for Percussion Ensemble, Pep Band, and Brass Quintet at IUP, and conducted the Pep Band, Symphony Band, Percussion Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, and Chamber Ensembles, along with various recitals. Rob graduated from Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music, where he earned a Bachelor’s of Music in Performance, was the Principal Percussionist and Timpanist of the Wind Ensemble, Percussionist and Drummer with the Beatles Band, and conducted the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra, New Music Orchestra, and various Chamber Ensembles. Rob also has experience with the recording process, both in front and behind the mic, from solo pieces to rock bands to full orchestral ensembles. He also teaches private lessons in percussion, conducting, music theory, and has taught high school marching percussion.