BROCKHAMPTON’s 5th studio album Ginger came out August 23rd this year, and there is so much to talk about. People have been waiting for this album for about a year now, and I am excited to tell any Grande Ledge BROCKHAMPTON fans what I think this album is all about. Since their last release Iridescence, fans have been itching to see the direction the boy band is going to go in. In a lot of people’s opinions, Iridescence did not pack the same punch as the Saturation Trilogy, and I would agree; they went for more of an experimental sound than on their previous albums and although they did all right, they were really missing their group dynamic along with some songs that just did not pack the punch on the hooks. 

    A lot of this is most likely because they had little time to regroup and come up with something after the Ameer Van controversy (if you have not heard one of their best lyricists was accused of sexual misconduct along with several other accusations that were product of the #metoo movement on Twitter, https://www.nme.com/news/music/brockhampton-kick-ameer-vann-following-sexual-assault-allegations-2326510 ). The group made the choice to eject Vann, but it was not without a heavy heart. Many felt betrayed by his actions and did not know what to think which really affecting the groups’ dynamic.

    All of this being said, GINGER is the group’s first real rebound after the controversy and as a pre statement to my thoughts on this album, I will say that it is a lot better than Iridescence (their previous album). GINGER provides a lot more shining moments for the group’s individual members which is nice to see. For example, Joba’s entire verse and bridge on “Big Boy” brings a lot of insight into his emotional state and it does so in such an introspective and beautiful way. A lot of the songs feel more emotionally fueled than some of their previous work, and this could differ from person to person, but I feel like it is a new and unique step for them and it worked very well. This album has a lot of relistenability, and I see myself going back to this album to listen to songs like “Big Boy”, “No Halo”, and “If You Pray Right”. A lot of songs on this album seem to have this somber overtone that fuels the mood. Which reminds me of one disappointment for the album; it lacks the energy and fast paced tone of some of my favorite songs by them like BOOGIE and JUNKY. both more aggressive and energetic songs that really established a unique sound for them. As much as I love some of their old sounds I am not gonna say it is bad that they are going in a different direction. I enjoyed this album, more than I thought I would, but personally, I do not think it tops any of the SATURATION trilogy.

    Overall, if you have never heard of BROCKHAMPTON or have not gotten around to listening to them I would say this album is a good one to give a shot, or SATURATION II because that is my personal favorite.