Lullapop Lullabies

Lullapop Lullabies

Razor & Tie Records, 2018

http://www.concordmusicgroup.com/artists/lullapop-lullabies

REVIEW BY: Tom Haugen

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 04/18/2018

Well, here's a new twist on the concept of an album of covers. Razor & Tie, a label known for legions of metal-core outfits, goes the exact opposite direction and, I kid you not, released lullaby versions of pop songs by Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber, Adele, Justin Timberlake, Sia, Rihanna, Bruno Mars, and Drake, plus many more. Relying heavily on glockenspiel, harp, and piano, the songs here are designed to soothe and calm the young ears, though parents in tune with today's pop will also reap the benefits of these 21 instrumentals.my_heart_sings_the_harmony_web_ad_alt_250

Opener “Despacito” (Luis Fonsi), lets us know exactly what we're getting into with a dramatic string and key interpretation, and the following tune, “Shape Of You” (Ed Sheeran), continues with warm harp plucking. “Can't Stop The Feeling!” (Justin Timberlake) takes a solemn turn with heavy pianos, before the playful and charming “Let Me Love You” (DJ Snake).

The middle of the album doesn't stray too far from the first several songs, although “Cheap Thrills” (Sia) does offer a nice orchestral slant, as do the aching strings of “Rockabye” (Clean Bandit). The album highlight, DNCE's “Cake By The Ocean,” is found here and features bright xylophone sounds over a subtle guitar melody, though the tense version of The Chainsmoker's “Closer” is very close.

The second half of the album follows a similar course, with standouts being the busy “Don't Let Me Down” (The Chainsmokers), the sophisticated, calming “What Do You Mean? (Justin Bieber), and very elegant, cascading beauty of “Don't Wanna Know” (Maroon 5).

If you're up to speed on current pop, this will be a fun listen for any age. If you're like me and are only vaguely familiar with a portion of the originals, you might be hoping to hear a Lisa Loeb cover when you see “Stay” on the track listing. Nonetheless, it's nearly an hour of music at a low price ($7.99!) with unique versions and mature delivery.

Rating: B

User Rating: Not Yet Rated


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