Peter Michaels Jr.’s latest album, Angry Oranges for Dinner, is a delightful musical journey that fuses a wide range of genres into a seamless, 27-minute experience. With its catchy grooves, impressive vocals, and innovative arrangements, this album is a must-listen for fans of funk, baroque pop, neo soul, jazz, and hip-hop.
The album’s title, Angry Oranges for Dinner, is a bit of a head-scratcher, but it somehow works. It’s a quirky and unexpected title that perfectly encapsulates the album’s whimsical and eclectic sound.
The album opens with the intriguing synth and mesmerizing neo soul funk jazz fusion sound of “Almost Five.” The catchy funk grooves, combined with the hip-hop foundation, make this song an instant earworm. The keys on this track are particularly impressive, adding a touch of swag that sets the tone for the rest of the album. “Free From the Brain” continues the infectious groove and introduces Michaels Jr.’s impressive vocals and harmonies.
The blend of genres and arrangements throughout the album is striking, showcasing Michaels Jr.’s versatility as a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Tracks like “Everything” and “Talk About Us” bring baroque rock elements with a fusion twist, while “With Him” takes a nostalgic trip to the soundscape of the Fab Four. “Burned” delivers a high-paced retro rock ‘n’ roll number, while “Don’t Call Us” adds a touch of retro electro.
Throughout the album, Michaels Jr. proves his mastery of innovative songwriting, production, and musical styles. From the flamenco-style guitar on “I Wish You Well” to the smooth bass and velvety arrangements of “sadboys,” each track presents a different facet of the sonic scope of the record. The album concludes with “The Sun Guide,” a song that encapsulates the wacky feel of the entire album, blending phenomenal chord voicings, and string arrangements into a musical masterpiece.
The album’s artwork is also very striking. It features a colorful painting of a man sitting at a table with a bowl of oranges in front of him. The painting is both abstract and realistic, and it perfectly captures the album’s unique sound.
Angry Oranges for Dinner is an album that exudes happiness and would fit perfectly in a Wes Anderson movie. Peter Michaels Jr. has crafted a collection of excellent compositions that showcase his wide range of musical influences. With its fusion of genres, infectious grooves, and undeniable musical genius, this album is a must-listen taking you across a whimsical funk, baroque pop, neo soul, jazz, and hip-hop fusion. Prepare to be enchanted by the whimsical magic of Angry Oranges for Dinner.
Overall, Angry Oranges for Dinner is a delightful and refreshing album that is sure to please fans of funk, baroque pop, neo soul, jazz, and hip-hop. It’s an album that is both catchy and sonically rich, and it’s sure to leave listeners wanting more.
Listen to Angry Oranges for Dinner
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