Jhantu Randall reviews "Beyond Clouds" album by IMAGINE

With a name like Imagine and a title of “Beyond Clouds,” I have to admit that my interest was definitely peaked but I really wasn't sure what to expect. This song could have been either transcendent or colluded, distorted and disconnected. With that being said, sonically, the production was very pleasing, but lyrically, I was bracing myself. After the initial shock of Imagine’s vocal tone, I began to fall into the words he was speaking and the feeling he was reflecting upon.

Starting with a sound that is a mixture of horns and drum patterns that leave you feeling vibrant, its the vocals of the artist himself who makes the biggest first impression. It may take a few listens to get used to his sound but once you do, you’ll really appreciate the attention to detail, especially in the aspects of wordplay and flow. A song to zone out to in a session, its arrangement has you running through your mind, contemplating random thoughts and connecting with the tale Imagination is weaving. Imagination. What a high bar to set for yourself as the name holds endless possibilities accompanied by quick consequences if you don’t manage to create an atmosphere. Judging off this song alone, Imagination not only lives but thrives within this world that exists for 4:03.

While it’s Imagination’s verse structure and rhyme schemes create a world it’s The Homegirl Monie’s voice that breathe the elements of life that give this track a whole new layer. Her chorus pulls together the struggles that's being rapped about by giving it a nurturing tone which makes the track more relatable towards the casual listener. The surprise comes as she spits in the final part of the song. A sharpness that cuts through with a poetic tone, a blunt delivery and a certain type of sincerity that leaves a lasting impression on the listener.

With just this track to base everything on, I will say my minds always looking for a way to escape at times. In those moments, it’s artists who are bold enough to create a full on movie score to accompany their rhymes that has a strong draw on me, personally. To create a world is bold, to truly pull it off? Very rare. This track does sound very promising and leaves one wondering if they can build upon this track and take the listener on a journey for a while? I’ll say that if theres truly no limits to the Imagination then let’s get ready to fly. If there’s something Beyond the Clouds, I’m eager to see it but am also preparing for a turbulent yet entertaining ride.