17: First Impressions
XXXTENTACION - 17
XXXTENTACIONS's latest project, 17, has created a lot of buzz since it's drop. It's only been a day but there is already plenty of talk about this emotion stirring album. Everyone has their own opinion of this artist. Many even refusing to listen to the album because of their feelings towards him. I've personally always enjoyed his music-- everything from the hard hitting thrashy songs, to the emotional melodic songs. I've always thought X was talented due to the fact that he is able to execute various styles, and always has his heart in the music. Most people were knocked off their feet when they first heard 17. It's interesting because people were expecting this album to just be "lots of screaming". So i'm glad we were all hit with one of the most emotional albums to date, because it opened up people's eyes to the diversity they neglected to see in X previously. Beginning to end, 17 takes you on an emotional rollercoaster. "The Explanation", from the start, made me appreciate this album in it's entirety. I initially created this blog to delve into the emotional side of music. Now, of course, I appreciate all music and all aspects of it. But I think there's a huge problem today in the fact that many people are unconcerned with artists true intentions, feelings, and emotions backing the music they release. I appreciate X including and starting with "The Explanation" because it blatantly brings to light his intentions and hopes for this album. It's safe to say this album hit home for most people (even those opposed to X as a person) because of how raw, honest, and unrestrained X was when it came to articulating his depression and translating it musically.
Speaking completely off of personal experience, X was able to capture a lot of emotions I felt when I was at my worst from both heartbreak & life in general. "Jocelyn Flores" made me feel loss all over again, and the feelings I knew would go through my friends and families hearts had I ended things in my life when I felt that was the only way out. "Depression & Obsession" brought back the reminder of loves ability to be an unhealthy addiction in the midst of feeling alone and unhappy with myself. "Everybody Dies in Their Nightmares" depicted perfectly the long nights spent in the dark, thoughts racing, because there were no distractions from my mind when I was alone in bed late at night. "Revenge" made me remember how emotionally charged I was when I was heartbroken, not thinking about anything but him, what he did, and how justified my hurtful words and actions were because of it. "Save Me" was the cry for help I wish people would have payed more attention to when I felt I would break on my own. "Dead Inside" actually brought tears to my eyes because all I felt was the touch I didn't ever want to feel again. "F**k Love" would have been the love song I listened to and sent him during that breakup to let him know I still cared while trying to convince myself I didn't. "Carry On" reminded me of the nights I was so angry with them that I got lost in myself just to have something worth fighting for because I knew I was all I had. "Orlando" is the epitome of how alone I felt, with no words to express how real the end was for me because no matter what I did, I couldn't bring myself out. "Ayala" prompted me to remember that all the obstacles I have overcome, and all the "regrets" I once had, have only taught me lessons I now cherish. Even if it hurts to remember why I learned the lesson in the first place.
I really encourage everyone to give this album a listen if you haven't already. Solely from a human perspective, I truly think 17 is something worth turning to, to emphasize you are never alone. Even if its a simple song you can relate to, you'll know all the negative and terrifying feelings you have/had can be overcome, even in the slightest bit.