Review: Kinetics & One Love – You Are Not Alone

BY ALEX BARNARD

You Are Not Alone is the second album from New York based hip hop group Kinetics & One Love. While attending Cornell University, Jeremy “Kinetics” Dussolliet and Tim “One Love” Sommers formed the group.  Since then they have been writing for several rappers such as Eminem, Nicki Minaj, and B.O.B.  Throughout the album one thing is clear; Kinetics & One Love is trying to break away from the stereotype of traditional hip-hop music using their unique lyrical content & style.

You Are Not Alone takes hip hop far from its traditional territory.  Songs cover complex issues that many rappers typically shy away from. “Sign Language” is a sad tale of teenage suicide, while “From Gorillas to Cyborgs” is an amusing tale of evolution, and “You Can Save Us All” covers the over prescription of pharmaceutical drugs by doctors.  Each song utilizes an assortment of clever lyrics that grasp onto the listener’s attentions.  While many other hip hop groups would shy away from these issues, Kinetics & One Love boldly explores them.

Kinetic’s lyrical style makes its mark in each song.  Kinetics’ lyrics are heavily influenced by both Eminem and Lupe Fiasco, however Kinetics uses a very poetic approach to his rapping.  “Sign Language”, an emotional track that is sure to catch the listener’s attention, especially feels as though it could exist alone as a powerful poem.  In order to keep its message and somber tone clear “Sign Language” features a soft melodic instrumental and strong chorus by Wynter Gordon, which adds to the overall mood of the song.

Each song conveys its message with a very distinct musical style.  The album consists of a variety of electronic music produced by One Love, and each song utilizes a musical style that directly enhances the power of Kinetics’ lyrics.   “Will You Be Remembered”, a song covering the somber topic of relationships, uses an interesting blend of Steel Drums and a Latin snare rhythm to convey a mellow mood.  While the first track “I Am a Computer” openly mocks the modern cookie cutter rap industry with hard techno beats.

Kinetics & One Love have created a brilliant album with You Are Not Alone.  The duo’s blend of entrancing electronic instrumentals and hard hitting rhymes make this album great for anyone who enjoys electronic or hip hop music.   Each song on the album has its own distinct theme and musical essence that makes the entirety of this album well worth a listen.