Snoh Aalegra – TEMPORARY HIGHS IN THE VIOLET SKIES (Album Review)

Snoh Aalegra reaches new heights in “TEMPORARY HIGHS IN THE VIOLET SKIES.”

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TOP 5

HONORABLE MENTION. LOST YOU

You won’t lose “LOST YOU” while galloping through this album.

“LOST YOU” was produced by No I.D. and co-produced by Maneesh (I’m surprised that Kanye also wasn’t involved in the making of the song). The two producers bless the song with an uptempo/hypnotizing/smooth instrumental that is very easy to get lost in. As for Snoh, she compliments the instrumental with vocals that are comforting and lyrics that will resonate with anyone who tends to be a little too forgiving when it comes to relationships. All in all, I f**k with “LOST YOU” a lot.

5. NEON PEACH

I will pay one million dollars to find out how Snoh Aalegra and Tyler, The Creator know each other.

Do you know what “NEON PEACH” reminds me of? A Mariah Carey and Ol’ Dirty Bastard track. While Snoh provides the bubbly vocals and mushy lyrics, Tyler provides the grungy and cringey vibes (Sorry, I couldn’t find another word to use). I don’t quite see this song being a major commercial hit, but I can see it getting Snoh’s semi-hype brunch get-togethers poppin.

4. IN YOUR EYES

Pharrell’s influence is written all over “IN YOUR EYES.”

Not only does the instrumental that you hear in “IN YOUR EYES” remind me of some classic The Neptunes s**t, but the song also features melodies, bridges, and adlibs that I can easily see post-Chilly Usher f**king with. If you don’t think that “IN YOUR EYES” is one of the best tracks on this album, I get it and I apologize, I just love nostalgic s**t.

3. IN THE MOMENT

Both tracks that feature Tyler, The Creator on this album are great. I personally believe that “IN THE MOMENT” is slightly better than “NEON PEACH.”

Even though Snoh and Tyler seem like two completely different people, their chemistry in “IN THE MOMENT” is outstanding. I absolutely love how they help each other finish their sentences, how they try to compromise with one another when it comes to handling issues, and how they each get a chance to do what they do best musically. Aside from Snoh and Tyler, I like the song’s quirky/therapeutic instrumental.

Bless Tyler’s heart for trying to keep up with Snoh vocally.

2. VIOLET SKIES

“VIOLET SKIES” could fit in easily on the Brown Sugar soundtrack.

“VIOLET SKIES” is such a special song. I love the reflecting and soul-searching that Snoh does in the track, in addition to the hypnotizing melodies and therapeutic vocals she blesses us with. If you’ve ever felt major regret in a relationship that you were in, this song will definitely strike a chord with you.

1. WE DON’T HAVE TO TALK ABOUT IT

Only two people on this planet can make a song like “WE DON’T HAVE TO TALK ABOUT IT:” Alicia Keys and Snoh Aalegra.

I just love how silky smooth “WE DON’T HAVE TO TALK ABOUT IT” is. Throughout the song, Snoh merges unbothered vibes with magical vocals and passive-aggressive lyrics with bold lyrics. The instrumental is also a good mix of gentle and bumpy.

SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN

1. INDECISIVE (4/5)

2. LOST YOU (4/5)

3. IN YOUR EYES (4/5)

4. JUST LIKE THAT (4/5)

5. NEON PEACH (4/5)

6. WE DON’T HAVE TO TALK ABOUT IT (5/5)

7. TANGERINE DREAMS (3/5)

8. TEMPORARY HIGHS (3/5)

9. VIOLET SKIES (5/5)

10. IN THE MOMENT (5/5)

11. ON MY MIND (4/5)

12. TASTE (4/5)

13. EVERYTHING (5/5)

14. DYING 4 YOUR LOVE (5/5)

15. SAVE YOURSELF (4/5)

RGM RATING

(B+)

This was one of the hardest albums to review. I feel like I could’ve made three top 5 lists (That’s how f**king good it is).

When we talk about R&B queens in the music industry, we tend to forget about Snoh Aalegra. Even though she doesn’t have an extensive resume, the little that she has done in the last couple of years has been very impressive. As good as the music is on her previous album, I think she shifts to another gear on TEMPORARY HIGHS IN THE VIOLET SKIES.

Throughout TEMPORARY HIGHS IN THE VIOLET SKIES, Snoh impresses vocally, assimilates herself with both modern and vintage styles of R&B, goes toe-to-toe with Tyler, The Creator twice, and talks about relationships in ways that are refreshingly petty, extremely mature, and very relatable. While moseying through the album, you will find yourself trapped in Snoh’s spell over and over again. You will also realize that she is one of the few artists in the music industry that sounds comfortable tackling very uncomfortable situations.

Put down all of the trap music and give TEMPORARY HIGHS IN THE VIOLET SKIES by Snoh a shot!