Track List
Beyond all the controversy surrounding Tory Lanez, it's impossible to not still appreciate the music he continues to create. I for one am not a music critic, however, that won't stop me from marveling at the artwork that is Alone at Prom. Similar to modern architecture, modern music in many aspects has also been reduced to a ghost of its former self. There are only a limited number of skilled artists still creating music that has meaning, that makes you feel something and Tory Lanez is definitely one of them. The album is filled with references to 80s music in a myriad of creative ways. So even though he seems to be shadow banned on popular music platforms, that's not going to stop me from reviewing one of my favourite albums of all time, almost 3 years on from its release (Free Tory).
Enchanted Waterfall - 8.5/10
Part of what makes this album so special is its nod back to a time where music was at its peak. And the start of Enchanted Waterfall immediately takes you to the 80s with its bass line similar to that of Beat It by Michael Jackson. As you continue to make your way through the journey along what feels like an audio manifestation of a literal enchanted waterfall, you will soon be met with the saxophone that hints back to the same decade of the 80s. It is very quickly where you realise why, as Tory switches voice and sings an interpolated melody of George Michael's Careless Whisper. One of the best songs on this album, 8.5/10.
Pink Dolphin Sunset (feat. Tee) - 7/10
At the risk of sounding like someone obsessed with every minor detail of this album, I'm going to emphasise how much I love these mystical song titles. Class. As we move onto the second song on this album its quick to see that an 80s theme is going to be the very ethos of this album. Although my rating for this song may seem low, it doesn't mean I don't appreciate its creativity. The song opens with a drum beat that feels like the opening of a Stranger Things episode, set of course in the 80s. My analysis of the song doesn't really go much further that this. There is definitely more to unpack here but this song just hasn't enticed me enough to explore its depths. However still a quality song that is on my 'Night Drive' playlist, 7/10.
Midnight's Interlude - 5/10
Not really much to unpack here as it's just an interlude (there are probably some music critics seething right now at this). I've only listened to Midnight Interlude maybe once before right now, but as I listen to it now, it seems like a transition from the heavy 80s theme in the first two songs, to the style of the next.
The Color Violet - 11/10
As someone who is a harsh critic of any style of art, a score of above a 9/10 is virtually non-existent in my reviews. However from the moment I first heard this song earlier this year, it has gotten better and better with each listen. The vibe of the song feels like a dive into the soul of a midnight driver, reminiscing about their past relationships, and its lyrics complement this theme perfectly. Early on we are hit with the line "I left the party with a Barbie, marking X on the dot," which sets the stage to a back and forth between him and this girl which he introduces as the "barbie". Even though Tory tries to distance himself from the eventual "pain" she will bring by stating that he's a "loner," she still pushes on as she's enticed by his "watch, droptop and persona". The rest of this verse explores the thrill of his journey with her with the metaphor of "hitting the highway" as she has no fear if "they crash". As we make our way to the chorus, we see why the lyrics complement the vibe of the song so perfectly as we hear "I gave my heart, Speedin' car, goin' ninety in the rain, She took my heart, filled it with nothing but pain." The Color Violet's reminiscent theme is what hits so hard, and the lyrics double-down. They set the scene of something many of us have found ourselves in, minus the speeding of course. Driving at night on a highway reminiscing of times of the past. The next verse is where the song really gives itself the 11/10 rating as we are taken to the "Afterparty" a continuation from the story at the beginning of the song. The next line "you got the notion that somebody else was with me first" explains that the last girl from earlier has ruined his chances with the next as he's stuck on her. My interpretation is that his mind is stuck on her and no matter how great the girl in front of him is, she'll never live up to what he's built the first girl up to be in his head. This perfectly leads us back to the chorus as he begins to reminisce again. His emotional vulnerability leads to realise that he's a "playboy" that doesn't "dance, dance, dance." So next time you listen to the song, pay particular attention to the lyrics and see that its more three dimensional than you may have realised. 11/10. Also, the saxophone solo at the end is just perfect.
Lavender Sunflower - 9/10
Even though I just stated I never give a score of 9/10 or higher, any score less wouldn't do this song justice. I won't dive into the lyrics of Lavender Sunflower as I did for The Color Violet, they're really not that special, and pretty much just explore the temptations of a possible affair, but the rest of the song is almost perfect. It's probably the least 80s themed song on the album however it for some reason reminds me of You Rock My World by Michael Jackson with the emotion behind the chorus. Great bass line, drums, and other musical elements combine to create the second best song on this album, 9/10.
Ballad of a Badman - 6/10
We return right back to the 80s with the opening of Ballad of a Badman. This song is one of the only ones I haven't saved onto my Apple Music library, however as I listen to it now it has quite a boppy vibe that I quite like. To me its the best of the lesser significant songs on the album, which thankfully include no 'filler songs.' I read online that its a rip-off of Blinding Lights by the Weekend, but that just makes me like it more, 6/10.
Lady of Namek - 9/10
I'm really not living up to this "harsh critic" label (that I've given myself), but Lady of Namek just pulls through as a 9/10. Its lyrics are something I haven't deep dived into as much as The Color Violet, but I'm sure if I did I'd love it even more. This song again is just one that evokes the kinds of emotions that only come from a very high standard of music. The way Tory sings the word "Baby" out of time may seem insignificant on paper, but give the song a listen and you'll see exactly why I'm highlighting it. It sets the tone immediately as a song that deserves its score, 9/10.
Pluto's Last Comet - 9/10
Ok fine I'll admit, I might not be as harsh a critic as I made myself out to be. But this album does this to you. It immediately opens with a sample of Madonna's 'Into the Groove' and right after borrows rhythm from Rick Astley's 'Never Gonna Give You Up' (The Rick Roll). The intersection of the 80s style and its modern lyrical feel create a perfect blend that culminates into a unique style that gets you bopping while marveling at its creativity and quality. That really is the purpose of art, to make you feel something, to transcend the physical and take you to a different place (regardless of what many ugly modern artists tell you). Great song, 9/10.
'87 Stingray - 7.5/10
Again the 80s theme and modern lyrical style intersect expertly here in '87 Stingray. But that's pretty much what makes this song. To me it doesn't have anything more to give it a higher rating. What's great about it is that its one of the only songs on the album that doesn't involve heartbreak. I know a lot of people love this song, and I respect it, but it just doesn't do it for me personally, 7.5/10
Hurt From Mercury - 8/10
A song that I only added to my library a few days ago, this song has both the 80s/modern blend + that ability to evoke emotion that puts it among the top songs of this album. The lyrics are a little too depressing, and I usually prefer sadder lyrics hiding behind metaphors and other techniques, but the chorus of Hurt From Mercury is just quality. An instant addition to almost every playlist in my library, solid 8/10.
Last Kiss of Nebulon - 5/10
Not really much to unpack here, would probably class this song as the only 'filler' of the album. Its not bad but not good either, 5/10.
Conclusion
Overall this album has to go down as one of my all time favourites. It started with just The Color Violet, but as I slowly explored each song on the album, it elevated itself onto a new level with each listen. Its not often where I like pretty much every song on an album, the only exceptions are 'Motion' by Calvin Harris, 'Nothing but the Beat' by David Guetta, and 'Thriller' & 'Bad' by Michael Jackson. Well done Tory! Top class album. (Who likes Megan the Stallion anyway)