You only get a handful of chances to cross paths with artists that have the ‘IT’ factor, and I think Charles Luck’s latest album, ‘Ai12die’, is actually it. Let me discuss the album at length and read why this is an album you don’t want to miss.
‘Beep Bop Boop’ is an upbeat song that has a mix of human instrumentation and multi-syllabic rap flow that has an overflowing 2010s vibe. It perfectly captures the era where the two influences were being mixed to capture both fans from the hip-hop/rap scene and the casual listeners.
I specifically like the song flow because it created this nostalgic and profitable flow that producers during that time created. I call it the ‘Money Playbook’ because it’s cash flow right in your ears.
On the other hand, ‘Underwear’ created a different vibe by harnessing rap flows and beats from artists like Eminem and 50 cent but with production created in the early 2010s mimicking styles from songs like ‘The Monster by Eminem and Stereo Hearts by Gym Class Heroes’. It’s evident in the beat samples, chorus hook flow, and the overall song flow.
‘Like a Fish to Water’ has this oozing flow because of its grooviness, the nostalgic melodical flow, and the short and simple chorus hook paired with a rap flow formula that was very successful during the early to late 2010s. Huge props to that reggae guitar fill. It easily created interest in me to really listen, and I’m sure it became the hook for other listeners to keep on listening.
What I specifically like about ‘Which Way Will I Go?’ is the chorus hook. It’s really short and has a catchy melody that is easy to remember. It got stuck in my head for hours on end because of how catchy it was. The rap flow in the verses works hand in hand with that chorus hook. Huge props to the clap sample at the beginning of the track. It worked its magic and created a new burst of energy, leaving room to anticipate excitement for the rest of the track.
‘The Dust God (Remix)’ started with this acoustic guitar lick that created an early 2000s vibe to the overall feel of the track. The drum samples in the latter part of the track elevated it into a track easily relatable because it’s a common theme/style similar to songs in the early to late 2010s.
‘Zero’ has this undeniable rap flow that can make anyone’s head turn because of how cool it sounds. Regardless of what beat or how the arrangement is created, the rap flow is just to good to pass up. Rap is a skill of its own, and the ones who are good at it know how to use it correctly. It’s rhythmic pattern, and with the right set, it can be a head turner for sure.
What I like about ‘Statement’ is the interesting use of an ethnic sounding scale mixed with a hip-hop pop track. There are certain things that you don’t want to do to make sure you don’t disrespect the culture, but not only did it become a banger, but it also elevated the idea of creativity for me.
‘Golden Retrievers’ is the differentiator from the bunch because of the reggaeton elements. ‘Alive’, on the other hand, is what I call mainstream pop from start to finish because of the overall song flow. ‘The Juices’ is set in a different era because after 9 tracks, we finally have an acoustic track.
‘Gems of Genesis’ feels like a concept pulled from a theater play, re-arranged for a pop anthem, then added that undeniable Charles Luck rap and song flow. ‘Life Goes So Fast’ sounds like a song inspired by a Nickelback playbook of pop music. It’s groovy and has a little bit of country elements to it, but of course still has that Charles Luck rap flow.
‘Chakra Flow’ is by far the most Charles Luck-sounding track on the album. Simply put, I feel like if I can recommend a track to understand who the real artist is, it should be this track. ‘Maze’ is by far the darkest track of the album because of its flow and the theme itself. It’s like listening to a trailer of what the next album is going to be. Then we end the album with ‘Hoopty.’ A track that has a bouncy flow laced with influences from Eminem and other artists during that time.
Charles Luck’s LP, ‘Ai12die’ is what I call a rollercoaster ride. You have tracks that are the highest of highs and tracks that are in the grey area. It’s an album filled with gems that are ready to set fire to the industry. With proper marketing and probably a label to support it, I can see some of these tracks climbing the charts in no time.
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About the Author
He has been in the music industry for two and a half decades. Currently, he plays bass guitar for a rock-reggae band called EnjointPh and a funk-fusion trio called Banky. He also hosts a podcast titled Usapang Musiko with Ervin Besana, which explores topics such as music, arts, and philosophy.
