Ronald Jenkees: Album Review
Mikey 17 comments
Ever had one of those moments that catch you completely off guard? Listening to Ronald Jenkees' debut self titled album does just that. It instantly commands you to sit up and pay attention.
Based on I expected his album would be good, but I didn't expect it to be amazing. Deep inside this cap wearing, easy-attitude apparent goof-ball lays the soul of an accomplished musician. Who knew the unassuming geek had it in him?
This album could have easily been a series of FL Studio loops with some crazy keyboard solos layered over top, but thankfully this isn't the case. Instead there are very well thought out arrangements that could easily satisfy the most discerning of instrumental music aficionados.
That said, the last two of the fourteen tracks (which seem slightly out of place to have been included on this album) are not instrumental with Ronald's unique rapping ability taking the serious edge away. The most notable being '56k Rap', where Ronald tells the humorous story of buying a 100mhz Dell with 56k modem and being the master of the Internet, performed with the attitude of an online gangsta. It works surprisingly well.
The insane improv keyboard solos Ronald is famous for are not featured as heavily as you would have thought, if his Youtube performances are anything to go by. But that should not by any means discourage you.
The 14 tracks cover a broad range of moods, but Ronald makes no apologies for a preference towards the easy listening style of 'phat' beats which compliment a well generated atmosphere.
On the subject of atmosphere, there is a movie soundtrack quality to a lot of the tracks, and if he were interested Ronald could probably forge a career in said arena.
It's hard to choose the most stand out tracks as they all offer something quite unique, but so far 'Loui', 'Gold Spinners', 'Almost Undamaged' and 'Neptune' are on the highest rotation.
If you haven't guessed by now I am quite enthusiastic about this album, and so I will rank it accordingly: 4.5 stars out of 5.
Track list.
- 01) Derty
- 02) Neptune
- 03) Canon in D Remix
- 04) Clutter
- 05) Super Fun
- 06) The Rocky Theme - Remixed
- 07) Snap
- 08) The Sunfish Song
- 09) Loui
- 10) Gold Spinners
- 11) Remix to a Remix
- 12) Almost Undamaged
- 13) 56 Rap
- 14 Aint no Thang Rap
Links:
linny
Friday 20th July 2007 | 09:40 AMgood review for a marvellous album. gold spinners is the best song.
There's a lot of similarities in our reviews, Michael. His diverse range really shows on the album and keeps it fresh with each listen.
Oh and he really needs to get a hip-hop lyricist to add vocals to Almost Undamaged and get it out on the radio...it's a huge hit in the waiting...
Agreed Adam. It's quite a contrast to see the fun-lovin' aficionado put out some music that sounds...well sounds a lot more mature than you would have thought! No offence if you are reading this Ronald :-) I mean it in a good way LOL.
'Almost Undamaged' is also officially my favourite track on the album.
Wendy W
Friday 20th July 2007 | 04:34 PMAlready said this on the interview page but brilliant album. So what's next for ronald?
Kent C.
Friday 17th August 2007 | 05:40 AMRonald is the best. I rather listen to him than anything I hear on the radio these days.
Jeff
Thursday 25th October 2007 | 08:05 AMI was hoping for more improv on the album. I understand why he didnt do more... but the improv on the youtube videos are amazing. Overall... good album
I found him on youtube a couple of months ago when I was doing a search for "Korg". Apparently we have the same board and strangely enough have a similar playing style. I have been tempted to do a video response to one of his videos with me banging at the keys mixing to one of his beats. Anyway - I think he is a funny guy not to mention an amazing artist.
- leathersich
john G (London, England)
Thursday 10th April 2008 | 06:31 AMFound RJ's rocky vid while on youtube, downloaded whole album straight off, what an awesome find, great sounds.....
John G
London, England
FrankWhite
Wednesday 30th April 2008 | 11:05 AMThis guy is incredible. I heard one song (YouTube video) and bought the entire album without thinking twice.
Amazing.
FrankWhite
Wednesday 30th April 2008 | 11:10 AM...in response to this comment by FrankWhite. Oh yeah, I forgot to add, the best tracks are:
1. 56k - if you think his rap sucks you don't get it
2. Gold Spinners
3. Ain't No Thang
He could produce for any rapper on the planet. I'd love to see him do something with somebody equally unique/quirky like E-40, The Parcyde, or any of the former Gravediggaz.
Ashraf S.
Tuesday 6th May 2008 | 04:48 PMA true genius at work ... plays from the heart ... never heard anything like this!
Keep the good work coming!
Mat Howlett
Monday 12th May 2008 | 06:23 AMI watched a couple of his YouTube videos and immediately bought the album. I really like the album, even though it's quite different to the more popular videos, but it's still very very good. I can't wait to hear the new album and of course will be buying it as soon as it's available. Great stuff Ronald.
Markus
Tuesday 19th August 2008 | 04:26 AMFound Ronald on YouTube this evening and was totally blown away, I just ordered his album.
Can't wait to hear it. Love his Style...It's so wonderful.
Kaimor
Tuesday 7th October 2008 | 07:02 AMRonald Jenkees is a genius. That was the first thought that came to my mind when I saw one of his videos on YouTube. The same thought came to mind when I heard the first song from the album. The guy is a genius, not only because he has crazy piano skills, but because he brings something new, something that I have never heard before. Rappers get your hands on this guy while he is still available. Mark my words he's going to be BIG. And give this guy some money already, he deserves it.
2 of my favorite songs are: The Rocky Song Remixed (finally someone remixed this awesome song) and Remix To A Remix (love the strings).
Scott Storch and Timbaland BEWARE!!!
He's THE piano man, yes THE piano man...
BARTSTAR
Sunday 16th November 2008 | 12:52 PMTimbaland is a first grader compaired to ronald. this guy will be on the top the charts soon. I would like to see RJ hook up with lil wayne! I don't think the music world is ready for RJ. He will easily be maken millions sooner than you think.
jenkeesisfake
Tuesday 3rd March 2009 | 11:11 PMFinally a youtube video that shows how Ronald Jenkees is a fake.
Spread this vid.
Ferris B
Thursday 19th July 2007 | 07:54 AMI was driving to work when I first played 56k rap and it made me laugh so loud I nearly drove through a stop sign! The album shows pure class for an amateur muso.