We Speak Music
Mickelson Delivers His Most Personal and Politically Charged Album Yet
After years of carving out a name as one of the most compelling voices in Americana and folk-rock, Mickelson returns with, If You Can’t Be Right, Be Loud., a record that showcases his ability to dissect the complexities of modern life with unflinching honesty.
Lauded by critics for his genre-defying approach, Paste Magazine describes his music as “the balance between strong, subtle, unexpected, and sophisticated.” On this latest album, Mickelson embraces that ethos fully, weaving together politically tinged anthems and introspective ballads.
A highlight of the album is “Amplify,” a powerful opening track that encapsulates the tensions of the current political landscape. “I couldn’t ignore what was happening around me,” Mickelson explains. “This song, and really the entire album, reflects the frustration so many of us feel.”
Yet, If You Can’t Be Right, Be Loud., is not just a protest record—it’s also a deeply personal journey. “Glowstick” and “Two Flat Tires” explore mental health and addiction with striking vulnerability, while tracks like “Small Town Scandal” lighten the mood with sharp humor.
Mickelson’s meticulous craftsmanship shines throughout, as he not only wrote and performed much of the album himself but also handled the production. The result? A collection of songs that, as Glide Magazine notes, feature “fervently emotive vocals and melodic precision that reminds the ears of Steve Earle.”
A particularly exciting moment on the record is Mickelson’s collaboration with **Colin Moulding of XTC, whose bass work on ‘Only Grey Matter Boiling In My Head’ and ‘Blue Is The Warmest Color’ elevates the songs to new heights. “Having Colin on these tracks was a real honor,” Mickelson says.
With, If You Can’t Be Right, Be Loud., Mickelson proves yet again why he remains one of the most essential voices in modern Americana. Americana UK sums it up best: “The combination of the layered vocals and instrumental textures, along with a tune that feels immediately familiar, is what makes this album anthemic.”
Ghanaian rappers Bravo ISR and Amos K have officially announced their upcoming joint EP titled ‘Double Trouble’ during a recent interview with Mase on Pure FM (Kumasi).
The duo revealed that their latest single, ‘EL CHAPO’, released on February 19th, serves as the lead single off the highly anticipated project.
‘EL CHAPO’ sees Amos K and Bravo ISR comparing themselves to the infamous figure El Chapo, expressing a relentless drive to secure wealth and live a life of comfort. The track delivers hard-hitting verses layered over a captivating beat produced by Dab Beatz. Demonstrating his versatility, Amos K personally handled the mixing of the track, while the mastering was expertly done by Emunah.
Amos K and Bravo ISR are no strangers to collaborating. Their musical partnership began with Amos K’s “Loading Freestyle” in 2021, marking their first official collaboration. The chemistry between the two quickly gained attention, leading to Bravo ISR’s “Bitch Ass N**s” and, more recently in 2024, Bravo ISR’s debut EP “Grit and Grind”, where Amos K featured on the final track “On Dem”.
Fans have been captivated by their undeniable synergy, making ‘Double Trouble’ a highly anticipated release that has been long in the making.
The announcement of ‘Double Trouble’ has sparked excitement among fans, who are eager to hear what the dynamic duo has in store.
With ‘EL CHAPO’ already making waves, ‘Double Trouble’ is shaping up to be a must-listen for fans of Ghanaian hip hop. Stay tuned for more updates on the release date and tracklist.
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