Amaarae - Fountain Baby ALBUM REVIEW

[@MaesuMaesu]

I co-wrote this album with Amaarae!! Thank you so much for the honest review melon!! 🍈🍈

[@nostromofidanza1502]

I love this album so much. As you co-wrote it, may I ask: where did the German lines in Aquamarine come from?

[@savvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvva]

Yeah, sure lol

[@MaesuMaesu]

@@nostromofidanza1502 thank you!! That motif was actually decided by Ama herself! She probably has a personal reason as well but with this being a world pop album we wanted to tastefully include a collage of cultures. The german a lines in the outro of Aquamarie follow that worldliness. 🌍

[@thejoaocouto]

phenomenal work

[@pyro6570]

​@@savvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvaimagine replying like this when you know nothing

[@averyjoseph6855]

Angels in Tibet is a musical masterpiece

[@thesassynerd]

This is such a banger, one of my favorites for sure

[@UnkNwN334]

Yes.

[@finnaboing]

the fact that Anthony basically listened to this out of spite and came out of it with what could end up being a top 10 of the year contender for him is so funny to me

[@finnaboing]

@breadonbuddder5827 I mean it *is* don't get me wrong, I love the album too, I just think the context of this review is hilarious lmao

[@ArthurBizkit]

The texture on this album is too divine.

[@BigOwl51]

Moral of the story: send more shade filled tweets toward Anthony’s way until he reviews your favorite new album.

[@davidb5205]

Almost always disagree with Fantano on pop/dance/R&B, but it's nice to see him acknowledge how great this album is. I've been obsessed with Fountain Baby this summer.

[@SteMail926]

It's interesting to hear this almost never got covered. It's been one of the most critically acclaimed records of the year, but I get the sense that there will be loads of TND viewers that don't look at other reviews outside of Anthony's. This is obviously fine, but I do wonder sometimes if some might miss out on cool records if only going to one source. TND might be the busiest music nerd, but he's one man and cant possibly cover everything, so would recommend keeping your ear to the ground to publications that might cover things you like outside his wheelhouse. Good review though and exciting to see this covered!

[@HangryinBrussels]

any recommendations for good sources?

[@GizzyDillespee]

I don't think melon's reviewed even a single DAWless Jam, for example.

[@SteMail926]

@@HangryinBrussels The Quietus, The Wire, Bandcamp Daily, Stereogum's New Music section, Boomkat and Resident Advisor. I'd also reccommend just seeing what writers you like and following them individually

[@HangryinBrussels]

thanks!@@SteMail926

[@samo6895]

He covers an aright amount, but the man misses a lot of great shit that comes out each year. People need to seek out more beyond him.

[@Mark.mp3]

So happy u enjoyed this!! This will be great exposure for ppl who haven’t listened to her yet 🤩🤩

[@lmaoluke]

the aquamarie luvs ecstasy and water from wine combo always eats

[@untamedbanana3794]

co-star (as straight forward as it is compared to the rest of the album) is definitely one of my top ten songs of the year

[@highmarx4205]

#1 for me currently

[@azmilog]

it works sooo well within the album!!!

[@tinkerella]

air i need some air

[@jessesuny7043]

It is literally the best song I have ever heard in my entire life

[@EvaQuielIon]

Very well deserved rating definitely one of my favorite albums this year

[@Boogalyhu]

Been following her since 2019, the career trajectory has been insane. Glad to see Fantano finally giving some heavy recognition. Hopefully more Alté artists start getting shine as well, Santi (Cruel Santino) especially since he originated this sound.

[@FabulousResults]

Finally, the people can hear how good this record is.

[@Whenhomermetsatan]

my take away so far is that while her singing style can get a little repetitive too quickly for my taste, the production and songwriting on this album is very lush, versatile, and ambitious. She takes risks in switching up the flow and style of the record and it actually pans out really well. The punk track and the closer are fucking bangers.

[@Sofiaode18]

I’ve been listening this album on repeat and while the lyricism isn’t my favorite, the production is so creative. Really fun and inventive beats.

[@Whenhomermetsatan]

@@Sofiaode18 A very colorful and rich vibe for sure 💯

[@thesassynerd]

The production is fire but I do admit that her voice disturbs me sometimes

[@Whenhomermetsatan]

@@thesassynerd that’s interesting cause it reminds me of when i played chapel of love while doing closing tasks at work and one of my coworkers said the group vocals were scary lol so i kinda get where you’re coming from

[@thesassynerd]

@@Whenhomermetsatan i dont find her vocals scary but its so high that I can’t concentrate myself all the time. She sounds sometimes like a child in anime

[@ryankm4056]

i’m counting this as a 10 idc. this album was amazing.

[@user295.]

you should check out his 11/10 albums like TPAB then

[@thesassynerd]

A strong 8 for me but I agree it’s fire

[@cybercollectorgeorge9180]

Amaarae's "Fountain Baby" was just named "METACRITIC's Official #1 Album of 2023" 🏆🥇 Congratulations !!!

[@noahdecker1240]

You should review Asake - Work of Art. Its one of my favorites this year. Nigerian pop artist that isnt too sugary or auto-tuned and the production brings in elements of Amapiano

[@unathr7053]

Not a good album tbh. Gets quite repetitive and it's only reddening qualities which are it's Yoruba adages won't be understood by fantano

[@alexcrisci1764]

I was so scared this was going to end up on a yunoreview at this point! I'm so happy you finally got around to this amazing record!

[@cdmp777]

I had to double take the title of the video, was not expecting you to review let alone like her album! I love Amaarae! My favorites are definitely come home to gos and sociopathic dance queen!❤️ thanks melon! hopefully she keeps getting more attention and love!

[@Absolutely_zooted]

So glad you took a look at this one!! Well deserved rating :)

[@VinnieDangerous]

This album is amazing! So amazed at the versatility & creativity from start to finish

[@dadjeans1655]

That zoom in on the artwork lol

[@nostromofidanza1502]

Yeeeay, so happy you finally reviewed it. It's so far my AOTY and I was really shocked about how little was reported on it.

[@DaSpartanProductinos]

This record bounces. I feel like that's the best thing I could think of. Very good, Disguise is one of my favorite songs of the year.

[@Armada474]

Finally, I stumbled upon this very randomly and was obsessed instantly

[@owentanner113]

I really am loving Ammarae these days. Her feature on Kaytranime was really great on that album in my opinion. Also love all of her visual stuff, her style is so cool!

[@trentynn_global]

Sossaup is a vibe bro 🔥

[@cmooreHD]

I am beyond shocked he listened to this! I had to blink hard 3 times seeing this being posted today! I been listening to this heavy ! Def in my top 3 of the year! Ps: that punk rock song makes me wish for her to either start a band OR do en entire album wit a sound like this. It’s 1 of the best highlights for me!

[@abelkeke]

I just listened to this album tonight for the first time and it was pure bliss!!! Thnx melon for introducing me to Amaarae! This year there were already so many artists making amazing music, I didn't think there'd be another album to be a serious contender for AOTY but here we are 😁

[@axelmoriya2708]

This was a 10/10 Antonio, I'll never forgive you

[@mistermallory94]

His name is Anthony

[@joaquin5929]

Be glad he even reviewed it lmaooo

[@ozymandias___868]

😡🔪

[@user-gm1cf1if5d]

Who the fuck is Antonio

[@soumyadeepdas3886]

Antonio fantanio here...

[@ana4665]

So glad Fountain Baby finally got a review!!! Definitely one of my favorite releases from this year 🤩

[@_MYSTICWOLF]

YESS!! IM SO HAPPY U REVIEWED THISS!!! ITS ONE OF MY FAVORITE ALBUMS THIS YEAR!

[@urunique7033]

YOU FINALLY DID THIS！！

[@linusstammberger5272]

So glad I am subscribed to theneedledrop! This album was great and I would have never knew it existed.

[@jalensera]

JEEEESUS I have been waiting for this review for so long. Seriously one of my AOTYs. Glad you liked it

[@Mark.mp3]

Damn took u long enough!! This is my AOTY so far, EASILY. Every song is an ear worm. So fun and fresh

[@TheAndrewj96]

You should listen to her debut album. It’s fucking fire, too. I’ve honestly found that one has helped me through some shit with how fun and catchy it is, even with its somewhat darker moments.

[@ayo4637]

disguise and wasted eyes are just perfection and princess going digital arghhhhhh

[@chakryand]

Album of the summer FOR SURE.

[@theboi5584]

How can people say this year has been mid for music with albums like this coming out

[@joebarnum5098]

Because they only listen to hip hop and its been a pretty weak year for hip hop outside of Peggy and Danny and Travis

[@joebarnum5098]

Also hate that I forgot billy woods. He has my 2nd favorite hip hop album of the year and I forgot him lol

[@theboi5584]

@@joebarnum5098 I agree. But it’s still crazy how people say it’s been weak for Hip Hop this year when we’ve gotten STH, Maps, Utopia, etc.

[@taylornelson2416]

​@@joebarnum5098McKinley Dixon, nas, Paris Texas all dropped solid hip hop albums too

[@joebarnum5098]

@@theboi5584 that's basically it tho. Killer Mike was decent, Navy Blue was pretty good, and Larty June was decent. Cant think of any hip hop projects outside of those this year. We usually have at least 5-10 great hip hop projects by this time of year. This year, it's only like 3

[@juju-vl7oj]

Nice, never heard of her. I'm gonna listen to it before bed tonight.

[@jclem8767]

very fun listen, hope you enjoy it!

[@juju-vl7oj]

@@jclem8767 I did, it was amazing. I'm a dude and I couldn't stop twerking.

[@jclem8767]

@@juju-vl7oj i am also a dude and also could not stop twerking

[@ssbperidot5574]

Glad you love this record so much! Honestly surprised you even reviewed it, pulled another Oh Me Oh My

[@sarcasticallyfantastical3662]

The yellow flannel has affected me so much I go crazy when I see it

[@sudaniyasoud]

this album went platinum on the airbuds charts lmao glad you loved it!!!

[@whhatwut]

ok but are we not not gonna review the new death’s dynamic shroud album?

[@babygii]

I’ve been obsessed with co-star😍 this album is unreal

[@danmering]

took you long enough, but thanks for reviewing it anthony❤

[@manuelmora26]

My heart dropped

[@lucianfick2218]

Thanks for the turn on - you're my go-to for new sounds. The best in the biz afaic!

[@Wuffskers]

ngl saw this album kinda bubbling under the surface but I wasn't seeing a ton of popularity or hype around it so at the very least I wasn't making it a priority, but it's gonna get the fantano bump now, and I'll definitely be part of that lol

[@leonaabrera1163]

learning crystal kay was a part of the making made me so happy

[@jamesmoore159]

If you’re just getting into her you really should check out her album The Angel You Don’t Know (my personal favourite of hers)

[@RewindTime4]

Insane amount of Yellow Flannel in the past couple months

[@FolidFnake]

Same as you, I listened to this album totally randomly and it's the only one in my best album 2023 list so far.

[@MrGidget97]

I didn’t know about this album before this review; your score and comments encouraged me to give it a listen and I instantly loved it. It’s the first time I’ve given an album a chance just based off a review and it paid off incredibly. Unsubbed 👍🏻

[@shinigami1357]

This is giving me hope for a Rema album review 🤞🏾🤞🏾

[@luisloika94]

soooooo happy you decided to listen to this.... been loving her since her debut !!

[@humanrat9773]

I was expecting u to do her dirty, but omg this album is absolutely one of my favorites

[@azmilog]

spellbinding record 10/10 for me:)

[@wpbn5613]

surprised Fantano didn't talk about how queer this album is. how Come Home to God being an extremely queer/sapphic song with the "God" in the song obviously referring to Amaarae herself

[@dontcaretbh]

Album of the summer imo! set the tone nicely 👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽

[@josefranciscopascolideandr6021]

Hope we get Fantano bringing more attention to the african alté scene, with artists such as Cruel Santino, Odunsi, Lady Donli

[@kojoemma1]

Wow really wasn’t expecting this big ups to her. Gotta go give this album a listen

[@thesassynerd]

I love both her first album as much as this one. I think she improves in a lot of points, Amaarae is incredible

[@fabbarnes]

Absolutely beautiful album, I can listen multiple times w no skips. I scream when people ask me “Who?” Like whaaaaa

[@mannavj]

review RUAB by Dhanji it’s an Indian Jazz Rap album and pitchfork gave it a 7.8 but i think you’ll have more to say

[@allofthehandlesiwantedaretaken]

If it was called To Pimp a Fountain Baby you would’ve gave it a 10

[@MrJacobeee]

Late to the party but it’s an absolutely fantastic pop album! Been bumping it all summer 🤙

[@luxmar1]

If you’re reviewing old albums can you finally review Raveena’s album

[@RandomheadProduction]

Review more afrobeats / afro fusion albums

[@antihinduismisbased]

0:16 the most weirdest story behind this review, that somehow makes sense.😂

[@teamkockroach4080]

> waits two months to give an underground LP a 9 WOOOOO BABY MELON DID IT AGAIN

[@otunlaisaac5666]

Anthony has discovered Alté. There's a genre of similar artists that don't fit into any particular genre like Amaarae

[@tavencio879]

Drop the names plss

[@eddiesussex]

loved this review!!! listened to the album last night after putting it off for so long but now it's def one of my favourites! sex, violence, suicide and sociopathic dance queen are probably the best tracks imo

[@harrier-dubois-king-of-disco]

YELLOW FLANNEL

[@havingaparty21]

*Ah-ma-ray 😉

[@phothewin6019]

This should've been the first 10 of the year. This project is their most coherent from both a structural and thematic standpoint. The production is sharp, pristine, and innovative. Sonically, it largely differentiates itself from its peers; working around the conventions of the genre while still maintaining it's alternative r&b roots. It's a masterpiece on so many levels, I just don't understand how you could give it anything less than a 10.

[@wholefoodstm4790]

Girl shutup, 9 or 10 doesn’t matter, the album is still good 😭

[@SteamyNachos77]

Cry about it lmao

[@davidcremin3837]

I love this record so much

[@T_Dot94]

Fantastic Find Fantano. So many good tracks on this album. Thank you for bringing her to my attention.

[@masseysmaineentertainment]

Just an ok album for me. I don't vibe on this quasi anime meets auto tune voice but the music is fantastic...gave it a 7.25. Maybe after a few more listens....maybe a top 20 for the year in a relativity weak year.

[@Batman__]

That thumbnail definitely did its job lol u lured me in

[@kojoboateng999]

You should review SARKODIE’s music

[@tochibedford]

Love this review. I produced Princess going digital & SVS 🔥🔥

[@Ur_Sun_Bro]

Hey, could you review an artist named anees. He has one album called summer camp, and I think you might enjoy it

[@ohwell2963]

At long last! One of my favorites this year too!

[@chrisjojooppong5016]

Crazy I met you in Boston and told you to review Afro beats especially Amaarae and he actually did it 😭

[@gabiocampos]

I’ve been playing sociopathic dance queen on repeat for a straight week. Shit is so addictive.

[@arthurstudios916]

It's funny because there are so many popular Afrofusion albums out there and fantano pretends not to notice them. Like African Giant by Burna boy Love, Damini by Burna boy Work of art by Asake

[@brylesantiago]

SHE REALLY DID SAMPLE WAMP WAMP

[@apricotking]

Had this on repeat all summer tbh

[@thebandthis]

Thank you, Anthony, for this pop-reviews playlist. very helpful as an artist. Would you have any favorite videos you have done that you would recommend an indie act listen to in preparation for recording a single, and then follow up albums? This may sound crude but I want to make MONEY! A money-makers playlist from you would be TIGHT!

[@kjsinsaino]

"Come Home to God" is my favorite song on the album. I play it every time I'm drankin!

[@thecolibris]

The atmosphere of this album is amazing🌌 Also, Europen indie bands are on the rise! It would mean the world to us if yall gave us a listen!💜

[@austeeeeeeena1503]

Finally! Been wondering why this album got slept on

[@gyebig9277]

wish y’all could hear her debut

[@Icecool242]

finally! cant wait to buy a physical copy of it!

[@JordanNMusic]

It’s funny I heard this the other day and really enjoyed it…says a lot cause I always thought Sad Girlz Luv Money was just ok.

[@kahindo.]

one of my favorites of the year

[@Jashmenall]

I’ll never forget the first time I heard Counterfeit, rewound that song immediately.

[@pandroidmusic]

na endlich, Zeit ist es geworden. ein super Album! Habs auch reviewed, falls hier deutschsprachig interessierte unterwegs sind.

[@chelseabondzanga5922]

Counterfeit is a Y2K masterpiece and Disguise was one of my favourite songs of the year