October’s overtures: A review of this month’s album releases

Writer Mitchell Eng’s thoughts on recent releases by Coldplay, Halsey, and Tyler, the Creator.

Mitchell Eng, Web Sports Editor • Nov 4, 2024

“Moon Music” – Coldplay, October 4, 2024

Coldplay’s tenth studio album,“Moon Music,” blends shades of the band’s early style, while also feeling somewhat shallow. With lead man Chris Martin promising only two more albums to follow, Coldplay leans into the nostalgia of their classic sound. My favorite song, “JUPiTER,” effectively shows the band’s emotional depth, a quality Coldplay has struggled with in recent years. On the other hand, “GOOD FEELiNGS” falls flat, being repetitive and overly simplistic, feeling more childish than charming.

Though “Moon Music” has its flaws, I find it to be a good album that justifies our fondness for Coldplay’s music. While the album’s tones may be inconsistent, it reminds us how much we will miss them when they inevitably retire.

“The Great Impersonator” – Halsey, October 25, 2024

“The Great Impersonator” is a project that feels promising in concept, but falls short in execution. Halsey tries to pay homage to musical inspirations like Fiona Apple and Björk, yet it feels like an imitation rather than a true Halsey album. However, “The End,” inspired by Joni Mitchell, stands out as being one of the album’s best, offering a raw glimpse of Halsey’s thoughts while they dealt with health challenges. Yet, tracks such as “Darwinism,” feel more like missed opportunities than meaningful homages.

While certain moments are enjoyable, I find much of the album struggles to move past imitation and often feels like more of a concept than a completed project. Known for her unique visions, Halsey falls short and this album is a mediocre attempt at imitation.

“Chromakopia” – Tyler, the Creator, October 29, 2024

Announced midway through October, Tyler, the Creator’s “Chromakopia” is a contender for hip-hop album of the year, if not album of the year overall. Fully written, arranged, and performed by Tyler, the album features contributions from the likes of Childish Gambino, GloRilla, and Lil Wayne. While most probably anticipated “Chromakopia” to be a sequel to Tyler’s 2019 album “Igor,” it was instead a darker, introspective work that deals with topics such as parasocial relationships in “Noid,” monogamy in “Darling, I,” and unplanned pregnancy in the track “Hey Jane.” My favorite tracks, “Darling, I” and the lead single “St. Chroma” feature beautiful vocals and catchy melodies that complement each other perfectly.

While it may not have as many radio hits as Tyler’s previous albums, “Chromakopia” is an album that I see gaining more and more appreciation in the future. Tyler broke the expectations that had been set for him by the music industry, and I am willing to bet that, in five years, this project will be considered one of his best.

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About the Contributors

Mitchell Eng, Web Sports Editor

Mitchell is a junior and serves as Web Sports Editor for the Oracle. Outside of school, he enjoys playing soccer, listening to music, and spending time with his friends.

Ava Li, Web News Editor, Social Media Manager

Ava is a senior and serves as Web News Editor and Social Media Manager for the Oracle. Outside of school, she enjoys dancing, drawing, and running hurdles for track.