Album Review: Another Side Of Counterflow by Various
Yo, let’s talk about Another Side Of Counterflow. Released back in 2004, this hip-hop gem came out on Counterflow Recordings and Handcuts Records, hitting shelves (and stereos) in the US and Japan. It's one of those albums that kinda sneaks up on you—no big flashy singles but packed with vibes that stick around long after the tracklist ends.
First off, can we just appreciate how smooth "Make It Count" is? There’s something about its beat—it’s not too busy, not too lazy, just right. The instrumental version really lets you soak it all in without any distractions. You know when a song feels like it was made for late-night drives or zoning out while staring at the ceiling? Yeah, that’s this one. I swear, every time I hear it, I’m transported to some alternate universe where life moves slower and everything makes sense.
Then there’s “When She Smiles She Lights The Sky.” Man, this track hits different. It’s got this dreamy, almost nostalgic vibe that feels personal, like someone whispering their secrets directly into your ear. The lyrics are simple yet heavy, painting pictures of love and longing without overdoing it. Honestly, I didn’t expect to connect with this track as much as I did. It’s the kind of song you play on repeat when you’re trying to figure out your feelings—or maybe avoid them altogether.
The rest of the album has its moments too. Tracks like “Panthers (Tony Galvin Remix)” bring energy, while deeper cuts like “An Errors End” keep things introspective. And props to whoever decided to include remixes—they add layers to the listening experience, making the whole thing feel more dynamic. Plus, shoutout to “Interlude,” because sometimes you just need a breather between bangers.
What’s wild is how cohesive the album feels despite being from various artists. Like, these tracks could’ve easily clashed, but instead, they flow together like an impromptu cypher session. Maybe it’s the chill production style or the fact that everyone involved seemed to vibe off each other. Either way, it works.
Reflecting on Another Side Of Counterflow, I think what makes it special is its understated charm. This isn’t the type of album that screams for attention; it quietly earns it. Listening to it now feels like rediscovering an old mixtape tucked away in a drawer—you remember why you loved it in the first place.
Oh, and here’s a random thought: If this album were a person, it’d probably be the quiet friend at parties who says little but always knows exactly what to say when they do speak. Weird analogy? Maybe. But hey, music’s all about connections, right? So go ahead, give this one a spin—you might just find yourself nodding along like, “Damn, this slaps.”
