Record label 88rising continues to assemble Asian and Asian American artists, placing them high on the charts. Unlike other albums, “Head in the Clouds II” is a compilation of artists from the label under the collective name, 88rising.
The album showcases the group’s ability to freely move outside their comfort zone with reflective and dreamy hip-hop.
Following the release of their first successful family album, “Head in the Clouds II” collectively conjures up a romantic, trancey feel with 16 tracks that nod to the groups evolution as Asian and Asian American artists.
The sophomore album opens with the single “These Nights,” featuring internet star Rich Brian and South Korean popstar Chung Ha. It’s the perfect song to kick off its dreamy vibrations that continues with the remaining tracks.
It follows a classic upscale R&B beat and a catchy tune, leaving no question why the group would utilize this song as a single.
“Tequila Sunrise,” featuring AUGUST 08 and GoldLink, compliments the album with beach trip vacation vibes. It’s easy to imagine sipping a piña colada or driving down a street with the top down on a summer night.
Its beat and tropical aesthetics easily makes it a favorite on the album, adding an impeding influence from Hong Kong artist Jackson Wang.
“Need is Your Love,” is a groovy, pop-like song that’s easy to dance to and perhaps one of the catchiest beats on the album.
The album has a heavy influence from Joji in all of its songs, considering his role as executive producer. It’s clear he is the mastermind behind the project, with many songs bearing his unique mumbly hip-hop style.
He benefits tremendously from songs like “Breathe,” which showcases his unique vocalizations and hypnotic slower-paced signature beats. Lyrics like “Hold My Breath / Until You Call My Name” emphasize the aura Joji presents himself with, as a hopeless romantic artist.
It’s romantic and devastating at the same time, highlighting an airy heaven-like atmosphere. The song is short, sweet and simple, a classic Joji track.
Throughout the album however, it can seem as if Joji’s influence overpowers the individuality of other artists. While he’s featured in three songs, you can feel his authority in the making of other songs.
The album does feature the distinctive stylings of others, but it can seem like its production has injected much of his imprints.
This is an aspect listeners can either love or hate, considering the family album’s marriage is supposed to drive the distinctive diversity among its labels artists.
Rich Brian is one of the main featured artists, but his appearances seem to fall flat and drowned in autotune and basic SoundCloud-esque rapping.
While his songs are catchy, upbeat and fun; it calls to question what his performances of these songs would be like live.
The real star of the album is NIKI, an Indonesian singer, songwriter and producer. The tracks that feature her are eclectic, different and catchy. She stands out among the blending of mumbleness and trance from Joji and the autotune that continually follows Brian’s voice.
NIKI is visible early on the second track, “Strange Land,” which is a slower acoustic ballad. Its romantic pace takes on a classic singer songwriter hint, while “Shouldn’t Couldn’t Wouldn’t,” shows her strong R&B vocals similar to artists like Kehlani.
“Indigo,” is among one of the favorites on the album. It’s a song that screams bad girl vibes, with its incredible falsettos and breathy chorus, unlike other verses on the album.
She shines as an upcoming R&B artist and it’s easy to imagine poses of girlfriends bumping the songs she’s featured in.
There’s a nod to electro house with the track “Just Used Music Again,” and “Walking,” the latter of which features electronic dance music icon Major Lazer. These songs are less meaningful than other tracks, but the creative nuanced house-like crescendos make them fun tracks.
The album has its fair share of simple songs on romantic heartbreak, love and loss, including highlights like “Calculator,” which is a perfect nod to failed love.
“I Love You 3000 II,” is a romantic and trance-like sequel to the first song featuring Stephanie Poetri. Its organic, acoustic guitar-picking ballad is contemporary and fitting for the title of the sophomore album.
The album ends perfectly with a track called “Gold Coast,” which exceptionally wraps up the album’s lush, tropical daze and broad-ranging sounds.
While slightly predictable in some areas, “Head in the Clouds II” does exactly what it was meant to do: highlight its commitment to the incredible diversity of Asian and Asian American artists, continuing to put them on the map for future releases to come.
