Reflection on Orange
I don’t usually write about music when it comes to media criticism. It’s odd, because it’s easily the most accessible form there is as compared to movies, television or even video games, and also the easiest to like and visualize in my head. But however, it’s also the hardest for me to analyze and dissect, having so many elements that one can miss and also not quite fully get, being subjective to its core. Even the simplest of such tunes can be hard to say something with a point about the person, how it sounds and what it says. I mean we do try our best.
In Summer of 2021, I wrote an article being an essay/review of the (then) new Emotional Oranges album The Juicebox. I really did reflect on what I liked about the act and the previous two projects as part of The Juice series. I did elaborate on why I liked those two albums, but then I contrasted that with what I assumed was the biggest problem. See, the standout feature in comparison is that all the songs have a featured artist rather than entirely solo. I was understandably skeptical considering how tight the chemistry is without extra voices. It originally resulted in a listening experience that, while still solid, felt lesser and more anonymous, with all of the guests.
Before, let’s say that comparing these to fruit and a juice box respectively is very well written. But for the most part, I actually liked it more this time around. That was mainly because I listened to it with headphones at a greater volume. That’s not saying that how I listened to it was terrible, but it was a noticeable improvement with songs that the bass is very prominent in. It allows you to hear each of the voices, including the guests. I was able to identify whose voice was who’s alongside the slinky vibes. It’s still not the most distinctive, but honestly if it stands out among the vibes then it would feel somewhat awkward, much like Vince Staples on “Back and Forth”. The other guests fit right in, and there is a greater variety of sounds compared to the Juice albums such as Reggaeton (although not authentic at all) or mid-2000s R&B. Sure, it does drag a bit at the end but for the most part, it’s a more solid summer album than I gave it credit for.
Although it was meant to be a breakthrough for more attention in the mainstream by the label, it didn’t exactly pan out. And now they have left their label- but not without one last project. To end off 2022, they close the book with the final volume of the Juice albums. It’s extremely easy to like right from the beginning with a playful melodic and sticky tune like “Bounce” along with the other songs. It doesn’t really hit the highs of the previous two outings and you can definitely feel like this type has a bit more limited shelf life. But it’s still solid regardless and bop your head around the grooves. They took some experience from Juiceboc in creating a diverse sonic palette such as 2000s R&B, more toned down tunes, and new jack swing-esque, but thankfully it is more fitting here despite percussion sounding weird in a few spots. The lyrics are more centered around “A” this time as sort of an autobiographical text, but and V and the music help give this subtext as usual that helps with these songs giving an added layer of nuance. It also is a major standout that the chemistry is as tight and harmonious as ever.
I’m surprised that I found out about it later than usual given that I’m a fan, but it was released during December of last year during list season with virtually no promotion. I’m guessing the two are already tired of the label shenanigans considering they have gone independent and are now raising funds for their tour. Good for them - the world is now their oyster to explore new possibilities and spreading their produce to the masses.