January is always a good time for music fans. The first quarter of the new year is a popular time to drop new projects and 2020 was no exception. The likes of Halsey, Selena Gomez, and even Eminem dropped last month. I have chosen two albums to review today, Circles by Mac Miller and Modus Vivendi by 070 Shake.

In the age of experimental albums by artists like Tyler, the Creator and Frank Ocean, the sixth studio album Circles by Mac Miller stands tall. Released on the 17th, Circles was the second project I listened to that day. It’s a sobering experience listening to anything posthumously especially when it’s an artist you’ve grown to love. Mac covers a variety of subjects with a variety of different sounds. With slower, more lo-fi type records such as Circles and I Can See, and more synth laden beats like Complicated and Woods. The track that stands out to me is Good News. He sounds so at peace over this record, the way he just lets his voice drift across the beat makes the track sound like something out of a dream. It might just be recency bias, but Circles is my favorite Mac Miller project.

Modus Vivendi meaning “way of life” in Latin is the debut project by New Jersey’s very own 070 Shake. Shake has slowly been climbing the musical ladder into the limelight with features on Pusha T’s “Daytona,” DJ Khaled’s “Father of Asahd,” and Beyonce’s Lion King album’s “SCAR” with Jessie Reyez. However, I remember the first time I heard Shake’s voice was on the track “Ghost Town” off of Kanye West’s “Ye.” I immediately went to find out more about her and listened to everything she had on Spotify, Soundcloud, and YouTube. I became obsessed with hearing all she had, and her 2018 EP “Glitter” became one of my favorite projects in a long time. Shake’s voice is truly unique and she knows how to use it across all kinds of beats. Modus Vivendi is a dynamic piece of art. Shake sits in a lane with artists like Childish Gambino, Frank Ocean, and SAINt JHN; artists who don’t stick to just one genre, but stick to using their musical talent to make good music no matter what the song. Modus Vivendi is the perfect debut for 070 Shake. She raps and sings, and truly makes every song feel like a unique experience. Every time I listen I have a new favorite song, but “Guilty Conscience” is the one I keep coming back to. Shake uses a 80’s synth sound a number of times throughout Modus Vivendi, but it shines through in this record. The album is a must listen if you like artists who can bend genres at will. The rawness of her voice coupled with incredible production makes Modus Vivendi a piece of art. 070 Shake is my favorite artist to come out in a long time, and the 22-year-old looks poised to become a star for years to come.