Example Album Review

Here is a review I produced for "SCOOP" magazine, our creation for an assignment.

After Examples soaring chart success over the past few months, I was awaiting the release of his newest album, Playing in the Shadows, with great anticipation. And it’s fair to say that it doesn’t disappoint.

The overall tone is notably different to his previous album, Won’t Go Quietly, but after listening to the tracks, I have taken this as a welcomed change.

The singer has shed his kooky image (the crazy, spiky hair and upbeat, mainstream sound) in favour of a more relaxed, dark approach, complete with a new flat haircut. He has definitely changed a considerable amount in terms of both his image and his music, which in essence gives this latest offering a whole new vibe.

However, hard-core fans of his original dance orientated style shouldn’t be disheartened; as the artist still encapsulates the quirky and lyrical package that is Example. He doesn’t fail to disappoint vocally, whether that may be whilst delivering rapid raps or slowing the pace in more heartfelt tracks, as his distinctive voice blends in with the stomping background beats.

In fact, the more downbeat style he has adopted only accentuates his development as an artist and his experimental nature, as the new album reflects his gradual move into the darker sounds of electronica and dubstep.

It contains the number one tracks “Changed the Way You Kiss Me” and “Stay Awake” and recent release “Midnight Run” as well as a whole host of other exciting songs.

My personal favourite is “Microphone”, which sees a moderately slow-tempo start up follow up beautifully to an impacting and powerful chorus. The lyrics are laced with thoughtful lyrics expressing what I find to be a rather interesting insight into Example’s life.

Combine his more sentimental, meaningful “Under the Influence” and “Anything” with the more sinister sounds of his “Playing in the Shadows” – which sustains Examples usual portrayal of promiscuous antics – and you have an extremely varied collection of catchy songs that you won’t easily tire of.

Example has gone from strength to strength in his musical career and although his music has altered markedly, he remains charismatic in character, has a flair for writing rhymes and is talented enough to incorporate rapping and singing in the album with his adaptable voice.

Overall it’s a highly enjoyable listen; a combination of catchy songs, clever lyrics and dominating beats secures Example as a unique and extremely talented artist who is fast becoming ever more prominent in the music scene.

8/10