Dear listeners and readers of Soundville,
Today we’re diving into the stunning album ‘V’ by Michael Joseph Green, a record that challenges the artist himself, the music, and the world around him. Michael Joseph Green has just released his fifth album in five years, calling it, quite symbolically, ‘V’. And you know what, dear friend? He’s not stopping there. Ten albums in ten years? That’s a bold bet, and trust me, it’s one you should expect from this artist, because each of his releases breathes with fresh life, new genres, and raw energy. Take ‘V’, for instance: it’s a mind-bending blend of styles, from jazz to rock, from lo-fi to hip hop. Orchestral elements? Michael Joseph Green is doing that too. I had a chance to hear ‘V’ before its release, and even then I had a strange thought, something here works differently. It’s as if Michael is constantly chasing a new musical hook, unwilling to settle into any one style for too long.
And yet, he walks that line, somewhere between genre-blending chaos and a sound that still feels cohesive. What grabbed me most was how the genres interact. They layer over one another in a way that makes you want to hit pause halfway through a track just to go back and ask – wait, what just happened? Why does this sound so good? And through all of that, it holds together. It’s the kind of unexpected effect you get when you imagine each track as a chapter of a book, all connected by one story, even if each is written in a different voice. Intrigued yet? Then grab your favorite headphones and let’s try to uncover the secret behind ‘V’.
A few tracks stood out to me in a special way. The first, ‘BLUE RUIN’, opens with a playful rock tone that, by the chorus, transforms into something completely different with unique harmonies and a gentle wave of pop and hip hop. Flirty, passionate, and I’d even say sensual. The music pulls you in, and it feels like the next track will pick up where it left off, but… With ‘BONUS POINTS’, a light synth pop sound completely shifts the atmosphere. A loud, bouncy bass sets the tone, bringing in a feeling of ease, spring, and love. When the tight guitar rhythm kicks in, it’s impossible to sit still. You just want to move and enjoy every beat that wraps you in this warm sense of lightness. ’32’ absolutely caught me with its hip new wave, which instantly fills the space. Stylish strings set a minor tone and it feels like a strong rap verse is about to drop, but then the sound fades into soft soul.
How is that even possible? It’s original, unexpected, and maybe one of my favorite tracks on the release. I felt like I dropped everything, tuned out the world, and was just here, in the moment. Fantastic! If you think you’ve figured out the sound of Michael Joseph Green, get ready, because ‘ROMANTIQUE’ brings in a rich jazz sound that fills everything around you. Great rhythm, dense layers, horns, and Michael Joseph Green’s vocals flow together inside a complex rhythmic pattern. I could imagine hearing this track as a live improvisation in a jazz club I found by accident while walking through the city. This one is incredibly atmospheric. There’s no need to worry. Michael Joseph Green never lingers too long in one genre or style.
That’s why ‘CAMERA’ sounds like the soundtrack to a melodrama that made your grandmother cry, then your mother, and now here you are, caught in the same tender and romantic story, discreetly wiping away a tear. Yes, it has the weight of a classic, which makes it feel so delicate, deep and flawless. And I can say for sure, the lyrics do their job, breaking through even the toughest walls in your mind and hitting exactly where they should. Brilliant. Like balm and sweet liqueur pouring straight into your thoughts, ‘KILL DARLINGS’ follows with a bright pop dance groove that bends the usual rules of what a dance track should be. Coming right after something as soft and emotional as the previous song, it brings a sense of calm, while every beat strengthens the urge to crank the volume during the verse and just dance. Bold. Vivid. Like no one’s watching.
To be honest, I had my doubts. With this kind of genre split, the whole thing could have turned out overblown or scattered in too many directions. But here, the transitions between tracks actually flow into something continuous. It all feels natural, familiar and perfectly stitched together. That’s why the track ‘CHEAT CODE’ doesn’t come off as a grand finale. It’s a gentle mix of pop, dreamy rock and hip hop, with high vocals dissolving into electronic pads. A flawless ending that leaves you wanting to know what comes next, and then pressing play again, searching for new sounds, rhythms and harmonies you missed the first time. No doubt, this is a vibrant and bold album, and its secret lies in freedom and a genuine drive to create something truly one of a kind. So go ahead, add your favorite tracks to your playlist so you don’t lose that spark. This was flawless. You felt it too, didn’t you?
Hey Michael Joseph Green! Thank you for releasing such unique music. You know, when I was listening to your album, I was constantly surprised and completely drawn in. So much work went into this release! So many ideas! Such complex rhythms, harmonies, and each track lives in its own perfect harmony. This is a huge effort and an incredibly strong release that will be hard to beat. I’m completely charged with your energy and your style, and I can’t even imagine what kind of energy your live sessions radiate if the recording already sounds this powerful. I’m your fan! And I’ll show your music to everyone, let them hear truly unique music born from love for music, art, and true inspiration. I love it and I want more! Yeah
With much love,
Soundville
SoundVille ~ Music reviews, Interviews and Podcast .V. 