Cisco Adler – Aloha
Tracklist:
1.) You’re A Fool (featuring G. Love)
2.) Boom Boom Boom (featuring Don Carlos)
3.) Classic
4.) Sunshine Or Rain
5.) Waking Up in Paradise (featuring North Mississippi Allstars)
6.) Rock Me All Night
7.) Tha Good Life (featuring Mod Sun and Pat Brown)
8.) Medicine
9.) Try You
10.) You And I
11.) California In Winter
12.) Ur The One
13.) Sunday Afternoon
The Pier Album Rating:
Release Date: October 23rd, 2012
Record Label: Bananabeat Records
Official Website: Cisco Adler Website
Group Background:
So-Cal rock-reggae, hip-hip, pop musician and producer Cisco Adler has been making music since the early-2000’s. Adler made a name for himself by producing light hearted, island-infused songs about the good things in life—like Corona and Lime. He began his career as the front man of Whitestarr, and later teamed up with hip-hop artist Shwayze to release summer jams “Buzzin” and “Corona and Lime.” In 2010 Adler started his own label, Bananabeat Records,—eventually releasing both “Aloha EP” and the full length album version in 2012.
Album Review:
On Adler’s debut solo release, Aloha, he stayed true to familiar themes, like girls, the summer breeze, partying, sex and California. The album is a demonstration of Alder’s strong skills as a producer—including his ability to almost seamlessly blend multiple genres into the album.
The album features a little bit of something for everyone—reggae, pop, hip-hop, acoustic and a dash of dub. The feel of the album is summed up nicely in the song Sunday Afternoon, saying “this is music for people who like to kick-it.” Comparatively, it is hard not to hear a mix of modern day Michael Franti and Spearhead, and G. Love. Hold on though—don’t get too excited—this is a loose comparison for demonstration purposes only. The problem is that the comparison to Franti and G. Love creates high expectations that Aloha simply doesn’t come close to fulfilling.
The strength of the album is definitely not the “depth” of the lyrical content, nor the musicianship. Honestly, how deep can a song really be if the lyrics are about “eye f*cking” a girl at a club? Likewise, unless you’re T Pain, how many songs really need auto tune? For all the album lacks, it (nearly) makes up for in fun, very danceable, head bobbing (and thoughtless) tunes—not-to-mention an impressive group of collaborators. Aloha features the likes of G.Love, reggae legend Don Carlos and Hill Country blues-rockers Luther and Cody Dickenson of the North Mississippi Allstars, among others.
In all, Aloha has the “likability” factor, but lacks almost any semblance of musicianship and meaningful lyrical content—both elements that keep music relevant beyond the first listen. Ultimately, the lack of these elements leads to a short shelf-life for listeners. In other words, the album is fun for awhile, but after the fun wears off Aloha is easily replaced by the next album for people who like to kick-it.
Written & Reviewed By: Kit Chalberg
[Editors Note: All reviews are reflective of the album in it’s entirety, from start to finish. These reviews are the honest opinion of each writer/reviewer, expressing their feedback as a genuine fan of the music. Each star rating reflects their review of the album, not the band. Music is subjective. Regardless of the review or star rating, we encourage you to listen to the music yourself & form your own opinion. Spread the awareness of all music in its art & contribution]