WATCH // "Up Against The Wall"

I normally like to start with some positives about the music I'm reviewing. There are none with 'Up Against The Wall,' except maybe the fact that the production is clean and not shoddy. Otherwise, we'll get on with the rest of the review.

Okay, so in essence, 'Up Against The Wall' is a pile of crap. It embodies every cliché in modern r'n'b / hip hop / pop music that exists. We have the auto-tuned voice, for starters - this diabolical invention is one that haunts me still to this day. I like to see a vocal talent sing naturally; autotune ruins that. Plus, it doesn't even sound good. If a large record company like Geffen Records signs JRand, they must have a decent voice at least, so why not showcase that? Following on from this is the lyrics. Is there anything more clichéd than singing about a girl in a club? I mean come on, this has been done so many times now, it's just painful and cringe worthy to listen to. It genuinely sends a shiver down my spine, and not in the good way.

Another point I'd like to make is the distinct lack of genuine music involved in 'Up Against The Wall'. There is a simple drum beat, presumably plucked from a database on a music software programme, and some simple chords that are put on repeat. I'm quite appalled and disgusted to even call this a song. There is nothing to engage and hook the listener in, it's so easily forgettable.



Quite frankly, this song is terrible. There is no other way to put it, except utterly bluntly. I'm so shocked that Geffen Records even signed JRand as I see no obvious talent. Don't even waste your time listening to 'Up Against The Wall'. You'll only be begging for the minutes back.