Swollen Members: Review

By Maggie Wrobel - UWO Gazette ; Vol 96, Iss 48

Rundown: As Canada's latest hip-hop success story, Swollen Members burst onto the mainstream scene two years ago and haven't looked back. After the massive success of their first two albums, the Members return with what they've dubbed "album 2.5." Monsters is a collection of older, previously unreleased tracks, as well as three new singles.

Key Tracks: The album is a mix of the group's crunchier, darker sound of days past and their recent, more melodic ventures. Standouts include "Act On It," which challenges listeners to follow their dreams. The slick radio singles "Steppin Thru" and "Bring It Home" allow Moka Only to take the spotlight, while "Breath" and "Long Way Down" feature guest vocal appearances by two of Canada's most famous songbirds: Nelly Furtado and Sarah McLachlan.

Sounds Like: With Monsters, Swollen Members prove they're definitely not like the one-dimensional, bling-bling obsessed, booty-lauding rappers of today. The variety of producers and guest stars help create a diverse album that deserves the attention of any serious hip-hop fan on the scene today.

[UWO Gazette]




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