The Debut Album that Shaped a Narrative About Hassan Maikal
Introduction
The debut album painted a picture of Hassan Maikal as a product of the suburbs. The second album continues to deepen this image successfully, as reviewed by critic Arttu Seppänen.
Album Review: “Ilmaista terapiaa” by Hassan Maikal
Genre: Pop, rap
Album: Hassan Maikal: Ilmaista terapiaa. Sony.
Rating: ★★★
Exploring the Themes in “Ilmaista terapiaa”
In his second album, Hassan Maikal explores the themes of love and trauma. The album builds on the narrative established in his debut album, “Betonitarha,” delving deeper into his background and experiences with expressive storytelling.
The title track, “Ilmaista terapiaa,” beautifully showcases Maikal’s style, but the album’s strength lies in its more powerful tracks that revolve around the themes of love and trauma.
Analysis of the Album
The album captures the essence of the 2020s with its focus on emotional expression, a prevalent trend in Finnish pop and rap music. Maikal’s music reflects a cleansing ritual, akin to a therapy session, in its emotional depth and honesty.
The overall tone of the album is melancholic, reminiscent of The Weeknd’s dramatic moments, with haunting synths and honeyed falsetto vocals that echo Abel Tesfaye’s signature style.
Songs like “Isäongelmii” vividly depict the impact of intergenerational traumas, while “Eileen” stands out as the album’s strongest performance both lyrically and melodically, showcasing Maikal’s charisma and angelic voice.
Album Structure and Critique
The 17-track album is structured like a classic rap album, featuring uneven material and several interludes, a trend that is making a comeback in album compositions. However, the interludes in “Ilmaista terapiaa” serve mainly as transitions between tracks, lacking a clear focus.
Despite its flaws, “Ilmaista terapiaa” contributes to a larger narrative about Maikal as an artist. References to his debut album, “Betonitarha,” throughout the album highlight themes of pain, home, and security.
Conclusion
Hassan Maikal shows promise as a singer-songwriter, but there is room for growth and development in his music. “Ilmaista terapiaa” serves as a continuation of his artistic journey, showcasing his ability to tell compelling stories through music.
FAQs About Hassan Maikal’s Album
- What are the main themes explored in “Ilmaista terapiaa” by Hassan Maikal?
- How does the album reflect current trends in Finnish pop and rap music?
- What sets Hassan Maikal’s storytelling apart in his second album?