September’s soundtracks: A review of the latest album releases

Featuring albums by Rex Orange County, Lil Tecca, and Katy Perry

Mitchell Eng, Web Sports Editor • Oct 12, 2024

“The Alexander Technique” – Rex Orange County, September 6, 2024

Rex Orange County’s fifth studio album, “The Alexander Technique,” is an interesting next step in his musical journey. Rex Orange County, whose real name is Alexander O’Connor, is known for his raw vocals and fluid instrumentation. He executes this album well, being his grandest attempt at introspection. My favorite track, “Look Me In The Eyes,” is a collaboration with James Blake where their voices mesh together beautifully. Beyond that track, while the instrumentation of the LP is generally great, it often overshadows O’Connor’s vocal performance, which deserves more attention. The song “Therapy” is an exception to that problem with his rhythmic singing being backed by an organ.

Although this was among the best of Rex Orange County’s albums, it could have definitely been more memorable. The instrumentals are a highlight for me, but the lack of vocal presence is slightly disappointing.

“PLAN A” – Lil Tecca, September 20, 2024

For a long time, I considered Lil Tecca’s music to be basic trap hip-hop with little depth. However, recent releases like “PLAN A” have changed my mind. Released only a year after “Tec”, “PLAN A” is a musical step up, featuring top-notch flow and production from the artist. The highlight for me was the smooth transitions between songs and the exceptional production of tracks like “120” and “I Can’t Let Go.” While Lil Tecca’s voice and lyrics have never been outstanding, they have certainly improved since his debut and sophomore albums. My main critique of the project is the lack of originality during the second half of the LP, with basic hip-hop tracks like “Mama” and “4U” that have little to no depth.

While Lil Tecca’s music is still far from perfect, “PLAN A” is a project that I enjoy. The first half is electric with solid songs throughout, but the second half feels dragged out and unnecessary. For that reason, there are songs I would add to my rotation, but also songs I would never listen to again.

“143” – Katy Perry, September 20, 2024

If I had to describe Katy Perry’s most recent album “143” in a single word, it would be “confusing”. It feels like it has been a decade since the pop star released a project that could be taken seriously, and “143” continues that trend. Features by rappers 21 Savage and JID feel out of place in the mainstream pop sound she’s trying to create. With its over-the-top production and lyrics that come off as repetitive and cheesy, I consider this one of the worst albums of the year. It’s a disappointing return from an artist who has the capacity to create classics like “Teenage Dream” or “California Gurls.”

After releasing her sixth studio album “Smile” in 2020 to widespread criticism, Perry had four years to create a comeback project. “143” is a swing and a miss, and at this point, I believe that she has lost her musical ability which made her one of the most popular artists of the 2010s.

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About the Contributor

Mitchell Eng, Co-Editor-in-Chief

Mitchell is a senior and serves a Co-Editor-in-Chief for the Oracle. Outside of school, he enjoys photography, listening to music, and spending time with friends.