Review by vaty
Album Review: Watch Out by Thelonious Coltrane
Alright, let’s talk about Watch Out, the 2019 release from Thelonious Coltrane. This self-released project is a wild mashup of Hip Hop, Electronic vibes, and that smooth Jazzy Hip-Hop style that just kinda sneaks up on ya. It’s not your typical rap album—there’s something deeper going on here, like Coltrane took all his influences, threw them in a blender, and hit puree. And honestly? It works. Most of the time.
The tracklist has some bangers, but I gotta shout out two tracks that really stuck with me: “Uhhh Lord” and “Time Will Show.”
“Uhhh Lord” kicks off with this hypnotic beat that feels like it’s floating. The production is minimal but packed with soul—you can tell Coltrane wasn’t trying to overdo it. The lyrics are raw, almost like he’s spitting straight from the heart without filtering anything. There’s this one line where he pauses mid-verse, and you’re just sitting there like, “Yo, what’s coming next?” That unpredictability keeps you hooked. Plus, the jazzy undertones give it this chill vibe, perfect for late-night drives or zoning out when life gets too loud.
Then there’s “Time Will Show,” which hits different. It’s slower, more introspective, and the beat has this lo-fi crackle to it, like it was recorded on an old tape deck. The hook is simple but sticks in your head for days. What makes this track stand out is how personal it feels. Coltrane talks about growth, mistakes, and second chances, and it’s hard not to relate. At one point, he says something about learning lessons the hard way, and man, don’t we all know that struggle? It’s the kind of song that makes you stop scrolling through your phone and actually listen.
Other tracks like “She Cracked My Heart” and “Blend It!” have their moments too, but they don’t hit as hard as those two. Still, the whole album flows pretty well, even if some songs feel a bit experimental. You can tell Coltrane was testing boundaries and seeing what sticks, which is cool—even if it doesn’t always land perfectly.
One thing that surprised me? How much replay value this album has. On first listen, I thought, “Yeah, it’s decent.” But after a few spins, certain lines and beats started jumping out at me. It’s like the music reveals itself over time, kinda like peeling layers off an onion (but way less tear-inducing).
So yeah, Watch Out isn’t perfect, but it’s got character. It’s the type of project that reminds you why indie artists are so important—they take risks major labels wouldn’t touch. And hey, maybe that’s why it’s self-released. Who knows?
Final thought? If Thelonious Coltrane ever drops another album, I’m definitely tuning in. Just… y’know, keep tissues handy for the emotional rollercoaster.
