‘Algorhythm’ Review: Todrick Hall’s Uneven Results

metroweekly.com:

Algorhythm (★★☆☆☆) represents an attempt to take his music to the next level, albeit with uneven results.Hall has billed Algorhythm as something of an homage to the ’80s, although “infused” with ’80s sounds and elements rather than a lazy copy-paste.The album begins with “Dance Forever,” a synthpop banger that delivers nicely on that promise.It’s very danceable and very Todrick with its high-energy beat ready-made for a high-intensity workout playlist, with a captivating ’80s shimmer layered over it.

Hall also flexes the higher ends of his vocal range for Prince-like effect, an interesting innovation that he brings out again a few more times throughout the album.“Dance Forever” turns out to be a bit of an outlier as the album progresses.

Despite the sound of the ’80s being cited as a major influence, those sounds actually come across somewhat muted throughout, and even feel absent altogether on many of the songs.

When they do come to the forefront, they are used to great effect, such as the flashing synths and key change on “Higher” and the breakdowns in “Call You.”Where Algorhythm is most indebted to the ’80s is “Pre-Madonna,” a track that is not so much indebted to the sound of the era as it is a tribute to vogue and ballroom culture as it was before Madonna popularized it with “Vogue.”The accompanying music video is probably the single most impressive thing to come out of the album.