November’s Notes: A review of this month’s album releases

Writer Mitchell Eng’s thoughts on recent releases by Kendrick Lamar, Shawn Mendes, and Linkin Park.

Mitchell Eng, Web Sports Editor • Dec 9, 2024

Shawn – Shawn Mendes, November 15, 2024

While Shawn Mendes’ “Shawn” explores themes of self-identity well, I find the album feels like a mixed bag. After canceling the tour for his 2020 album Wonder and experiencing a public split with Camila Cabello, Mendes reflects on the inner conflict he has experienced. The album opens with the short folk-inspired track, “Who I Am,” a deeply personal song with raw and vulnerable lyrics that I think are quite beautiful. The repetition of “I don’t really know who I am right now” reinforces the depth of his uncertainty, making each word very compelling. Mendes showcases his storytelling well with “Why Why Why,” where he discusses his mixed feelings after a pregnancy scare and career struggles. However the repetitive use of cliche lyrics in “The Mountain” and “Rollin ‘Right Along” makes the album feel bloated and uninspired.

Shawn highlights the strengths of Shawn Mendes’ music, yet it also reveals that many of the past flaws he dealt with, such as his reliance on cliches and predictable pop structures, persist. While there is room to improve, Mendes’ storytelling shows definite moments of growth. Ultimately, while Shawn captures Mendes’ vulnerability and growth, I find its inconsistency leaving me wanting a more cohesive artistic vision.

From Zero – Linkin Park, November 15, 2024

After a seven year hiatus following the passing of former lead man Chester Bennington, Linkin Park returns with a solid album, From Zero. With a new vocalist and drummer in Emily Armstrong and Colin Brittain, the album blends rock and metal music effectively. My favorite songs, “Heavy Is the Crown” and “Two Faced,” stand out as energetic and fast-paced while simultaneously discussing themes of rebirth. However, the track “Over Each Other” falls flat, with repetitive lyrics and a bland instrumental.

Armstrong delivers a compelling performance as the group’s new lead singer, stepping into the big shoes left by Bennington. While some tracks feel uninspired, plenty stand out as impressive. After all these years, Linkin Park has officially made its comeback, reaffirming its place as one of the top modern rock bands.

GNX – Kendrick Lamar, November 22, 2024

GNX, Kendrick Lamar’s surprise sixth studio album, may be regarded as a “lesser” entry into the Compton rapper’s discography by some, but I disagree. Following a feud with Drake and winning the opportunity to perform at the 2025 Super Bowl, Lamar returns with an album packed with aggressive and confident tracks, with some moments of introspection interspersed. The opening track, “wacced out murals,” blends Mariachi elements with Lamar’s intense lyrics. Other tracks such as “tv off” and “peekaboo” feature up-and-coming Californian rappers, all of which contribute to the project’s West Coast sound. While I have no nitpicks in terms of singular songs, I think GNX is slightly less cohesive narratively compared to his past albums, particularly his 2015 album To Pimp a Butterfly.

I first listened to GNX in health class, about five minutes after it was released. After another few listens, I find this album to be excellent and expect it to compete with Tyler, the Creator’s Chromakopia for rap album of the year. However, as Tyler so eloquently puts it in the song “Rah Tah Tah,” he’s “the biggest out the city after Kenny, that’s a fact now.”

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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.