"Orion" by Orion Sun
Orion Sun’s new self-entitled album was released in 2024, but I am just putting my hands on this beautiful project. I had known of her because of her song Lightning. The song explores a rather less-known genre of R&B and was very different from what I used to listen to at the time. That is why (in addition to seeing one of her live performances on TikTok) I was excited to hear that she had put out an album during the past years.
Distinctive voice, signature raspiness and long syllables. Makes new songs somehow sound nostalgic, feels like 2015-2018. Unfortunately, this project isn’t one I would recommend others to listen to as a whole — you find the songs you like and you stick to them. In short, it lacks melodic variety; often having the same vocal progressions, the songs end up merging into each other unintentionally. There are simply too little remarkable and distinctive songs. They sounds almost the same. Maybe more melodic exploration would have made the album listening experience more enjoyable. This 13-song album could have been way smaller and should have probably been an EP.
Release: September 2024
TRACKLIST RATINGS:
Score above or equal to 7.5 = recommended
When I Was in Love 7.5/10
Wish it was a longer song, but since its the intro that is no big issue
Already Gone 6/10
Not a very impressive song, which is why the score is so low. It’s not very remarquable, vocally, and melodically.
Mary Jane 8/10
More engaging melody than the last song and interesting metaphorical lyricism. It has a mysterious chorus that you cannot exactly predict which is a hard task to accomplish.
Sweet 8.5/10
Though it has a simplistic formula, it offers a great value in collective listenability. You could listen to it alone or not and it would still be one of the best mood setters.
Sick 8.8/10
The beat carries this song with an emotionally heavy bass, as if it were rapping Orion’s vocals. The chorus’ melody is tantalizing.
Take My Eyes 5/10
Not for me, I guess. It’s like a boneless chicken wing. It’s ok but i’m not like overexcited or anything. Although, I do like the strings at the end.
Nights Like This 6.5/10
Don’t think I will be listening to this one too often but it has a very playful sound, which I like. Playful songs are becoming a rarity.
Twilight Zone 6/10
Unremarkable, I only like the bass guitar… and the rap… might swell have not done it.
If I Never See You Again 6/10
Unremarkable. Sounds like the last minus the funky bass guitar…
Coming Home 5/10
Although it’s an interlude, I do not see it’s purpose in the album, it doesn’t offer a new sound, redirect a story, nothing..
These Days 7.8/10
More interesting melody, the instruments work together to elevate the emotions transmitted by the lyrics. And Orion’s vocal’s are pristine. (Kind of sounds like something HopeTala would make)
Rather Be 6/10
Unremarkable, beat carries.
Don’t Leave Without Me 6/10
…
Gannie 6/10
Gets a pass since it’s an outro.
OVERALL: 7.1/10
