Green Day has one of the most celebrated catalogs in Rock/Pop/Punk music history. The group’s storied career (filled with hits like “Basket Case” and “Boulevard of Broken Dreams”) has spawned over 25 years. Bill Joe Armstrong, Tre Cool and Mike Dirnt have resurfaced after a four year silence, with Revolution Radio. I’m not ashamed to go on record and say today was my first time listening to a Green Day album in its entirety. Sure, I know all of their radio hits, but never listened to any of their albums. Now, I may have to revisit some of the CDs in their catalog.

A large part of Green Day’s appeal is their uncanny ability to garner attention. Let’s face it, it will likely be years before another Rock band comes close to the sales they racked up with the diamond selling Dookie and their rock opera, American Idiot. However, the fact that their latest release is worth listening to is not the surprise. The surprise comes with their inspiration behind it. Billie Joe Armstrong sites Black Lives Matter movement as inspiration to write the songs for the album. Revolution Radio clearly has a social and political charge with lyrics like “With your hands up in the sky, like you want to testify” on its title track.

However, even the music video for the project’s lead single, “Bang Bang”, depicts the trio as crazed bank robbers. They sing about being “daddy’s little psycho and mommy’s little soldier”. Revolution Radio finds Green Day at the controls this time, producing their own music. The outcome is radically sensational. The syncopated claps and guitars that fill “Say Goodbye” serve up one of the CD’s best offerings. This song is one of several politically charged tracks peppered throughout the CD. The group also exhibits a playful persona as well, as perhaps best evident on songs like “Bouncing Off The Wall” and “Youngblood”. “Outlaws” reflects on their maturity on the things that may have been damaged in their youth (and in today’s society).

The latter half of Revolution Radio sees Bill, Tre and Mike get serious. “Troubled Times” and “Still Breathing” specifically tackle today’s social issues we can’t escape. “Still Breathing” really takes center stage though. I expect this song to be a big hit for Green Day, resonating with many fans. Green Day has indeed served up quite an audible revolution that echoes today’s tense climate. Look for Green Day on tour this Spring in support of Revolution Radio.

Jaysyd has been in the music industry for over 15 years. He is a Dallas, TX based singer and songwriter. His sound is mellow, with a flavor reminiscent of Trey Songz and Bryson Tiller. Chance of Rain (hosted by his UK DJ Mr Shox), Jaysd’s first mixtape, was released in 2014. His music career has been moving full speed ahead since then. Jaysyd’s second EP, Her, was just released. The first couple of tracks on the EP detail his desire to lure a love interest away from her no good man (“Honest” and “Love You”). “Love You” gives a taste of 90s nostalgia, with it’s sample of Jodeci’s “Freek’N You”. The entire EP is void of guest features. Honestly, Jaysyd proves he doesn’t need a slew of guest artists to raise the bar on his music.

Her gets deeper on “I Guess”. The song is an account of a complicated love affair he knows isn’t good for him. Lyrically, this is one of the most interesting songs on the EP. However, an R&B project wouldn’t be worth its weight in gold without a hint of seduction. “Alone” is direct and to the point. The song’s direct approach is coupled with slick production. This song is easily one of the standout tracks from Her. “Body” takes the slow grooves even further. Here, he croons “rest in peace to your body baby” in a smooth, southern drawl. The song provides a sexual manual of requests he’s asking of his lover. He has no issue proving his love for the worthy woman though.

“Ukno”, my personal favorite on the album, promises that he will lie, die, cry and take shots for his special lady. Hey, if that’s not love then I don’t know what is. Jaysyd questions if a past lover still thinks of him on “About Me”. This song is one of the most honest tracks on the EP. He even goes into detail about seeing his ex on Instagram and pouring a few drinks in her honor. Interestingly enough, he knows his ex is thinking about him too. The EP closes out on a fitting note with “4am”. His delivery is slower here. He proceeds to recount the happenings of a call in the 214 (Dallas area code) at 4:oo am. Look for some big noise to come from Jaysyd this year. His cool and confident delivery pair well with his laid back style.

I would have liked to hear a couple of uptempo tracks here. However, the contents of Her are not disappointing by any means. So, I look forward to see what Jaysyd offers musically in the near future. Something tells me we will still be hearing about him for years to come. Her is a solid R&B effort from top to bottom. This is one EP you don’t want to sleep on. Her is available on all online retailers now.

No one sings pain like the Queen of Hip Hop Soul. Mary J Blige’s career took off nearly 25 years ago with classics like “Real Love,” “Love No Limit” and her rousing rendition of “I’m Goin’ Down”. Since then, she has evolved into a modern day legend. A large part of her appeal is her willingness to share her struggles. Her musical transparency is what people love about her. Some fans have shunned her for being so positive in recent years though; particularly when she married former manager Kendu Isaacs. However, that was then and this is now. Several recent accounts state that some fans may got a dose of her pain once again..

Mary J Blige is currently on tour with Maxwell, co headlining their King and Queen of Hearts tour. During one of her recent performances, she gave fans a taste of her new music. “Thick Of It” is her new single, rumored to be written by Jazmine Sullivan. In a nutshell, she’s angry here and hurting over a love gone wrong. She’s bold and confident here though, knowing she did all she could to make it work. Supposedly, Kendu Isaacs was caught cheating on Mary J Blige with Karrine “Superhead” Steffans. If you don’t know who Superhead is, just Google her.

Fans have been going wild over “Thick Of It”. Mary J Blige is clearly back and in full effect. Check out the song for yourself below. Would you Bump It or Dump It? I think it’s safe to say Mary J Blige will have some interesting content to sing about on her upcoming CD.

One Republic has been talking about their upcoming album, Oh My My, for quite some time.  They have already given fans a sample of the new album with “Wherever I Go” and “Kids”. The group just released “A.I.”, featuring Peter Gabriel this weekend. One Republic was barely able to get Peter Gabriel on the record. One Republic front man Ryan Tedder mistakenly missed two writing sessions with Gabriel. Two months later, after repeated apologies, Peter Gabriel agreed to join them for the song. One Republic’s sound has evolved over the years. “A.I” finds their sound leaning more towards electronic pop. The song’s lyrics speak of craving automatic and artificial love simultaneously. There is a tug of war going on inside their heads. However, we are left to decipher who the victor may be.

I would be lying if I said I’m crazy about One Republic’s new single. The song is good, but not one of my favorites from them. However, I still plan on checking out their new CD, based on the strength of their existing catalog. One Republic has always had a unique sound and positive lyrics, which is very admirable for any artist in today’s music industry. While it does serve as great bragging rights to say you’ve recorded with Peter Gabriel, the group could have easily carried the song by themselves. Look out for Oh My My on October 7^th. What are your thoughts on “A.I.”? Would you Bump It or Dump It? Check out the song for yourself below.

Also, in other new music news, check out my 120 second review of Solange’s new album, A Seat At The Table. Her latest effort features appearances from Lil Wayne, Kelly Rowland, The Dream, BJ the Chicago Kid and Q-Tip. Even Tina and Matthew Knowles drop off their words of wisdom on two separate interludes as well. With so much new music being released lately, this may be one you don’t want to miss out on. Either way, the album has already created quite a buzz since it’s release on Friday.

Some people still may not know who Skylar Grey is, despite the fact that she just released her third studio album. However, Natural Causes is only her second release under this stage name. Holly Brook was her former name, used during her debut album. She has been recording since 2006. She really hit big in 2010 though, for writing Eminem and Rihanna’s massive hit, “Love The Way You Lie”. Skylar Grey has been keeping busy since her 2013 release (Don’t Look Down), writing for the likes will.i.am, Eminem, Cee-Lo and Moby. She even appeared on the Suicide Squad Soundtrack, with one of the best songs on the album, “Wreak Havoc”. Now she’s taking center stage again with Natural Causes.

As the album cover (her head with roots growing beneath her neck) suggests a darker, more serious tone than her previous work. The album opens with the eerie “Wilderness” (“Everyone’s an animal/But you’re my favorite kind”). “Jump” follows closely behind, with cleverly orchestrated guitar riffs and chants. Skylar Grey sings delicately over the minimalist track in a subdued tone. Eminem offers the only guest feature on the edgy and disturbing, “Kill For You”.

“Straight Shooter” is pure genius and sounds like it could be unreleased track from Alanis Morisette’s Jagged Little Pill album sessions. This one is a no brainer for a single. “Off Road” offers a jagged jungle of drum patterns and pleads to get away from Skylar Grey. The album does have a few dimly lit moments (“Come Up For Air” and “Real World”). Thankfully, those road bumps aren’t enough to derail the entire album. The rousing, delicate “Moving Mountains” is easily one of the best ballads of her career. Her maturity as an artist and a songwriter is clearly evident here (“Instead of moving mountains/Let the mountains move you”). “Picture Perfect” has soulful influences, with its smooth production and soothing vocals. She even tries her hand at rapping here and pulls it off very well.

Skylar Grey is an artist who will likely always march to the beat of her own drum. Natural Causes comes off as a message of death of sorts of her former self. Although she doesn’t make it painfully clear how she got to this state, she definitely grew from it. Her evolving artistry mysterious ambiguity is part of what makes her such an interesting voice of today’s music.

Favorite Tracks: “Jump”, “Kill for You”, “Straight Shooter”, “Moving Mountains” and “We Used To Be Bad”

The drum pattern starts and you instantly know what it is. Ronnie, Ricky and Mike changed the face of music, with hits like “Poison”. Their unique brand of R&B and Hip Hop fusion was undeniable. Bell Biv Devoe branched off from the extremely successful male band, New Edition. New Edition is preparing for the release of their 3 part mini-series chronicling the rise of the group. Bobby Brown was the wild child. Ralph Tresvant was the smooth operator. Johnny Gill was the soulful crooner. But BBD combined all of these elements, setting the blueprint for the style of today’s urban music scene. Now, the trio has reunited for the first time in over 15 years. Their new single, “Run” was just released last week.

Bell Biv Devoe are still as cool as they were in their heyday. Their latest single, lifted from their upcoming album, Three Stripes, is a thumping club track that puts an unappreciative woman in check. Adding to its nostalgic appeal, the song samples Herb Albert’s 70s hit “Rise” (made famous by Notorius B.I.G. on “Hypnotize”). The guys are sick of their lady playing mind games and are fed up with her shenanigans. I must admit, I didn’t know what to expect from the song, but I was pleasantly surprised. They took a big risk taking so many years off (despite numerous New Edition reunion concerts) in a fickle music business that exists today.

The New Edition Story is set to air on BET in 2017. The film is directed by famed music video director Chris Robinson. Bryshere Y. Gray (Yazz on the hit TV show Empire) is arguably the most famed actor of the cast, who plays Michael Bivins. An interesting fact that many people may not know is Michael Bivins is responsible for Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes’s stage name. He thought her left eye was prettier than the right. So, he called her “Left Eye” and the name stuck. Ronnie Devoe has been married to Shamari Fears of the group Blaque (who Left Eye discovered) since 2006. The group’s history as well as New Edition’s as a whole, should be quite a roller-coaster to watch next year.

What are your thoughts on Bell Biv Devoe’s “Run”?