Let me just preface by saying in no way am I intending to attack any individual or platform. I had planned to write this article a different way, and things took a turn when I read this review about Memories Don’t Die from a writer of Pitchfork.
The author basically sh!t on the album and reviewed the album based on his distaste for Tory Lanez.
I understand that critics are supposed to be critical and that they can’t praise every album or musical project that comes out. However, I think that the review by Pitchfork is wildly shallow and the album wasn’t given a fair chance. I don’t think that an artist’s personal life should be taken into account when reviewing an album. So, the short blurb regarding Lanez’s and Drake’s relationship feud is irrelevant to the matter.
The writer complains about the length of the album. If you’re listening to an album just to review it right after, then I can understand how this might impact you. I don’t think that an 18 tracked album is really anything new. If you look at Frank Ocean’s and G-Eazy’s last album, it’s all around the same length.
Memories Don’t Die is a continuation for Tory Lanez’s fans, to understand him more and dive deeper into his past and thoughts. He maintains some of his same past sounds and experiments with new ones at the same time. Storytelling through his lyrics is something that Lanez is phenomenal at, and he does so in Benevolent, Happiness x Tell Me, and Pieces. That is when the listeners get a deeper glimpse into him as he opens up. On the other hand, tracks such as “Shooters,” “Real Thing,” “Skrt Skrt,” “B.I.D,” “48 Floors” are an instant hit because of the beat and the catchiness.
The writer at Pitchfork gave Memories Don’t Die a 5.5/10, but I would give it a 7.5 or 8/10. I recommend giving the album a chance if you find yourself with spare time. Tory Lanez is a star and will continue to shine for Toronto. Don’t sleep on him.
Check out the album below:
