A complex mix of introspective songs that demonstrate a strong affinity for both production and song-writing
The boyband 99 Neighbours have dropped their second studio album this Friday. It arrives after a slew of singles, 3 of which are on the album, dating back to late 2019.
99 Neighbours formed in 2018 and is comprised of 7 members total all from Burlington, Vermont. 4 are songwriters and 3 are producers among other things. Their style of music is primarily hip hop with touches of rock, jazz and R&B as well.
“Wherever You’re Going I Hope It’s Great” includes a total of 14 tracks that cover a broad range of topics. Right from the opening verse of the first track, it’s clear what sort of album this is going to be: one filled with the struggles and experiences of the group and how music has become not only a coping mechanism to their pain but something that has brought them closer together as friends and artists. While the world is raging on around outside them, music is a safe space for them to truly convey their purest selves in an artistic fashion. This is best shown in tracks like “Rageless Hope”, “Trunk” and “Murder Mart”.
Where the group thrives is their execution. Anybody can write and make music about their struggles, but it’s the attention to detail, uniqueness and raw talent that sets this group apart. The group does a great job, however, at weaving in some more upbeat tracks or sections of tracks that keep the listener engaged. “Live a Little”, “Table Jam” and “Tontine” are all amazing tracks on their own but their placement in the album in relation to them being a bit more upbeat, elevates them even further. It’s the little things like this that set this group apart. While the more introspective songs are what makes this album so compelling, balancing them with a healthy mix of lighter tracks serves to make this album feel more whole and cohesive.
Track List
- Live a Little
- Trunk
- 49er
- Cards
- Murder Mart
- Hazel
- Hometown Famous
- Eastside
- Table jam
- Right Now
- N. Michigan Gospel
- NMGR
- Tontine
It should also be mentioned how well done the production is. They do an amazing job at giving us tracks that elevate the vocalist, production or both. The album just sounds really good. There are so many tracks that need to be listened to at least 3 times to hear everything that’s going on in the background. Multiple tracks have drastic beat switches or changes of pace that leave the listener on the edge of their seats throughout the album.
Overall, the album truly feels like a coming of age for the group and shows a broad range of diversity in the sounds that they can create. It’s always super encouraging to see a group find their identity and it feels like 99 Neighbours have really started down that path here. While this album carries hints of their last album “Television”, it also demonstrates the insanely high potential this group has.
To conclude, this album is a must listen and one that sits right up there with Brockhampton’s “ROADRUNNER: NEW LIGHT, NEW MACHINE” and Tyler, the Creator’s “CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST” for album of the year in the genre so far. If this album is any indication of what’s to come, the sky is the limit for this group and I for one am beyond excited to see where they go next.