[baystateoftheart]

No Favours has some major positives going for it: the production is dope, and Footsie brings a high level of energy throughout. No shortage of bangers here. For weaknesses, the album has its share of iffy lyrics and poor hooks, and there's a real lack of variety in subject matter and approach. I'm not sure how much is front-loading and how much me tiring of repetition, but the songs seem to get increasingly cookie-cutter toward the end. A pretty good record overall, but not one that makes my top 100 for the year. There are a few highlights that would definitely enhance a playlist though. 3/5.

As for The Balladeer, the vocals and instrumentals are both very good, and as a side note I appreciate that she's a fellow Bay Stater (although that makes the twang... strange). But while vocal and instrumental chops are necessary prerequisites, at its core this is a stripped-down album that lives and dies on its songwriting. The results are mostly positive - there are a couple great songs, and the others are largely quite nice. This album is sappy as hell, but for the most part sappy in a good way. I can totally understand someone who doesn't much appreciate lyrical sentimentality giving this a low score, but for me it works. 3.5/5.
_________________
Join us in the canon game :) / Add me on RYM

[Hayden]

Footsie.

Both very good picks though.
_________________
Doubles & Conch

[mickilennial]

Generally speaking I will pick a folk album over a grime album every time. It's just preference. Grime doesn't really speak to me on the same level, even if it is quite engaging which, yes, No Favours, was quite engaging but lyrically and sonically it just isn't quite at McKenna's level for me. I'll give it a few more listens but The Balladeer meant a lot to me as much as the first listen as the sixth and twelfth listen and that is not likely to happen here.

I want to make it clear that I don't give five or four and a half ratings often and The Balladeer was one of those such albums. Lyrically engrossing, sentimental, nostalgic, but also world weary. The taste of rustic Americana with feminine pain and longing. It's Tanya Tucker meets Emmylou Harris. There is no weak song here and the evocative storytelling always makes me be sure to listen carefully and with precision.

[baystateoftheart]

The Balladeer defeats No Favours 12-10 to advance to round one.
_________________
Join us in the canon game :) / Add me on RYM