Chronicles of a Diamond

Last updated

Chronicles of a Diamond
Black Pumas - Chronicles of a Diamond.png
Studio album by
Black Pumas
ReleasedOctober 27, 2023 (2023-10-27)
Length42:53
Label ATO
Producer Adrian Quesada
Black Pumas chronology
Black Pumas
(2019)		Chronicles of a Diamond
(2023)
Singles from Chronicles of a Diamond
  1. "More Than a Love Song"
    Released: August 22, 2023

Chronicles of a Diamond is the second studio album by American band Black Pumas, released on October 27, 2023, through ATO Records. [1] It was produced by group member Adrian Quesada, co-produced by fellow member Eric Burton and John Congleton, and mixed by Shawn Everett. The album was preceded by the lead single "More Than a Love Song". [2] [3]

Contents

Background

On August 24, 2023, Black Pumas announced the release of Chronicles of a Diamond, along with the first single More Than a Love Song. [4]

Eric Burton acknowledged that while the band were "under pressure" with their second album, it was still "a fun process and very cathartic as well" and "feels more like a second debut". With Chronicles of a Diamond, Burton stated that he "had a lot more to do with the creation of the music outside of lyrics and melody" than the band's debut. [5]

Singles

The first single from the album, More Than a Love Song, featured at number 1 on Billboard's Adult Alternative Airplay. [6] Consequence of Sound described the single as a song "built on a jangly groove and fleshed out with some orchestral strings, bold electric guitar riffs, and a gospel choir." [7]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic 76/100 [8]
Review scores
SourceRating
Clash 7/10 [9]
Dork Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [10]
Exclaim! 7/10 [11]
Far Out Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svg [12]
Mojo Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [13]
NME Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [14]
The Observer Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svg [15]
Uncut 6/10 [16]

Chronicles of a Diamond received a score of 76 out of 100 on review aggregator Metacritic based on ten critics' reviews, indicating "generally favorable" reception. [8] Mojo commented that "the production ideas and songs, however smart, won't change the world; they will, however, prompt large swathes to sing along". [13] Clash 's Emma Harrison called it a "cross-cultural heavenly palette of starry-eyed soul, psychedelic rock, jazz funk and symphonic pop" as well as "the most expansive expression yet of Black Pumas' frenetic creativity and limitless vision to date". [9]

Thomas Smith of NME described it as "a more realised offering to the world and exceeds their debut album" and observed that "you can't help but hear Burton's confidence growing across the album's running time, his potential still untapped and with room to grow". [14] Uncut felt that "while the material is frequently just serviceable, the arrangements are inspired thanks to the virtuosic interplay of JaRon Marshall's gilded piano, Brendan Bond's percolating basslines and Quesada's sizzling solos". [16] Glide Magazine's Ryan Dillon opined that it is "bursting with colorful experimentation and pure musicianship that showcases a diversity that wasn't present on their debut". [17]

Track listing

All tracks are written by Eric Burton, except where noted.

Chronicles of a Diamond track listing
No.TitleLength
1."More Than a Love Song" (Burton, Adrian Quesada)4:47
2."Ice Cream (Pay Phone)"3:52
3."Mrs. Postman" (Burton, Quesada, JaRon Marshall)4:08
4."Chronicles of a Diamond"3:29
5."Angel"5:05
6."Hello"3:57
7."Sauvignon" (Burton, Quesada)3:19
8."Tomorrow"4:51
9."Gemini Sun"4:23
10."Rock and Roll"4:52
Total length:42:53

Personnel

Black Pumas

Additional Personnel

Technical

Charts

Chart performance for Chronicles of a Diamond
Chart (2023)Peak
position
Austrian Albums (Ö3 Austria) [18] 21
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders) [19] 15
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Wallonia) [20] 19
Dutch Albums (Album Top 100) [21] 20
French Albums (SNEP) [22] 21
German Albums (Offizielle Top 100) [23] 16
Hungarian Physical Albums (MAHASZ) [24] 19
Scottish Albums (OCC) [25] 18
Spanish Albums (PROMUSICAE) [26] 79
Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade) [27] 19
UK Americana Albums (OCC) [28] 4
UK Album Downloads (OCC) [29] 24
UK Independent Albums (OCC) [30] 10
UK R&B Albums (OCC) [31] 2
US Billboard 200 [32] 69
US Folk Albums (Billboard) [33] 4
US Independent Albums (Billboard) [34] 14
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard) [35] 7
US Top Rock Albums (Billboard) [36] 14

Related Research Articles

<i>Slippery When Wet</i> 1986 studio album by Bon Jovi

Slippery When Wet is the third studio album by American rock band Bon Jovi, released on August 18, 1986, by Mercury Records in North America and Vertigo Records internationally. It was produced by Bruce Fairbairn, with recording sessions taking place between January and July 1986 at Little Mountain Sound Studios in Vancouver. The album features many of Bon Jovi's best-known songs, including "You Give Love a Bad Name", "Livin' on a Prayer", and "Wanted Dead or Alive".

<i>New Jersey</i> (album) 1988 studio album by Bon Jovi

New Jersey is the fourth studio album by American rock band Bon Jovi, released on September 19, 1988, by Mercury Records. The album was produced by Bruce Fairbairn and recorded at Little Mountain Sound Studios in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The album was the follow-up to the band's third album, Slippery When Wet, and reached number one on the Billboard 200 chart in its second week of release after debuting at number eight. It remained at the top for four consecutive weeks and was Bon Jovi's last album to do so until Lost Highway (2007). The album was named after the birth state of Jon Bon Jovi, New Jersey.

<i>Astronaut</i> (Duran Duran album) 2004 studio album by Duran Duran

Astronaut is the eleventh studio album by the English pop rock band Duran Duran, released on 28 September 2004 by Epic Records. It was Duran Duran's first studio album since Pop Trash (2000), and the first full album since Seven and the Ragged Tiger (1983) to be recorded by the most famous five-member lineup of the band.

<i>Down to Earth</i> (Ozzy Osbourne album) 2001 studio album by Ozzy Osbourne

Down to Earth is the eighth studio album by English heavy metal singer Ozzy Osbourne. Released on 16 October 2001, it reached number 19 on the UK Albums Chart and number four on the US Billboard 200. "The Ozzfest was doing well", Osbourne explained. "I just wanted to be like the Grateful Dead and keep it going by touring, but the record company said they'd like a new Ozzy album."

<i>Genexus</i> (album) 2015 studio album by Fear Factory

Genexus is the ninth studio album by American industrial metal band Fear Factory, released on August 7, 2015. It is the third Fear Factory album since guitarist Dino Cazares rejoined the band in 2009, their first album to feature drummer Mike Heller, and the final album they released with vocalist Burton C. Bell before his departure from the band in 2020, although his vocals appear on the band's next album, Aggression Continuum, which was initially recorded in 2017 but not released until four years later. Genexus is also Fear Factory's first release through Nuclear Blast. Upon its release, the album received positive reviews from critics.

<i>American III: Solitary Man</i> 2000 studio album by Johnny Cash

American III: Solitary Man is the sixty-sixth studio album by Johnny Cash. It was released on October 17, 2000, by American Recordings. It is the third album in Cash's American series, and the penultimate studio album to be released during his lifetime.

<i>Black Diamond</i> (Angie Stone album) 1999 studio album by Angie Stone

Black Diamond is the debut studio album by American singer Angie Stone. It was released on September 28, 1999, by Arista Records. The album is named after Stone's then-teenaged daughter Diamond Ti'ara.

<i>Black Rain</i> (Ozzy Osbourne album) 2007 studio album by Ozzy Osbourne

Black Rain is the tenth studio album by English heavy metal singer Ozzy Osbourne, released 22 May 2007 via Epic Records. It is Osbourne's last album to date to feature drummer Mike Bordin, and the first to feature bassist Rob Nicholson. It is also the first album since 2001's Down to Earth to feature guitar player Zakk Wylde. However, he left again after the album's release, but reappeared again on Osbourne's 2022 album Patient Number 9. Black Rain debuted at No. 3 on the US Billboard 200, selling about 152,000 copies in its first week; making it Osbourne's highest debut to date. The album has been certified Gold in US.

<i>Sonic Boom</i> (Kiss album) 2009 studio album by Kiss

Sonic Boom is the nineteenth studio album, and the first in 11 years, by the rock band Kiss, released on October 6, 2009. The album was recorded at Conway Recording Studios in Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA and produced by Paul Stanley and co-produced by Greg Collins. This is the first album to feature new lead guitarist Tommy Thayer. It also features the return of drummer Eric Singer following his return to the band in 2004. Thayer and Singer also have lead vocal performances on the album. Stanley stated, "the purpose of this album isn't to let people know that we're still around – it's to let people know we can still knock out anybody who's out there!".

<i>Monster</i> (Kiss album) 2012 studio album by Kiss

Monster is the twentieth and final studio album by American rock band Kiss, released on October 9, 2012. It was recorded at Conway Recording Studios in Hollywood, California and The Nook in Studio City, Los Angeles. As with 2009's Sonic Boom, Monster was produced by Paul Stanley and Greg Collins, and featured the lineup of Stanley, Gene Simmons (vocals/bass), Eric Singer (drums/vocals), and Tommy Thayer (guitar/vocals).

<i>Here and Now</i> (Nickelback album) 2011 studio album by Nickelback

Here and Now is the seventh studio album by Canadian rock band Nickelback, and is their last to be released on Roadrunner Records. The album was released on November 21, 2011. It is the follow-up to their multi-platinum selling Dark Horse in 2008. On September 26, the band officially released two singles, "When We Stand Together" and "Bottoms Up". Both songs were made available for download on September 27, 2011. The first track of the record, "This Means War", was released on November 10, 2011 as the third single. The album's cover features Vancouver's Gastown Steam Clock. The clock is set at 11:21, the date the album was released.

<i>What a Time to Be Alive</i> Collaborative commercial mixtape by rappers Drake and Future

What a Time to Be Alive is a collaborative commercial mixtape by Canadian rapper Drake and American rapper Future. It was released on September 20, 2015, by Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records, Republic Records, Epic Records, A1 Records and Freebandz. The mixtape was executive produced by Metro Boomin, who also produced or co-produced eight of its 11 songs. Additional producers include 40, alongside Southside, Allen Ritter, Boi-1da, Frank Dukes, and others. It was released on the iTunes Store and Apple Music, and debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200.

<i>Turn Up the Quiet</i> 2017 studio album by Diana Krall

Turn Up the Quiet is the thirteenth studio album by Canadian singer Diana Krall, released on May 5, 2017, by Verve Records.

<i>Mania</i> (Fall Out Boy album) 2018 studio album by Fall Out Boy

Mania is the seventh studio album by American rock band Fall Out Boy, released on January 19, 2018, on Island Records and DCD2 as the follow-up to their sixth studio album, American Beauty/American Psycho (2015). The album was produced by Jonny Coffer, D. Sardy, Jesse Shatkin, and longtime collaborator Butch Walker, as well as self-production from the band. The album was preceded by five singles; "Young and Menace", "Champion", "The Last of the Real Ones", "Hold Me Tight or Don't", and "Wilson ".

<i>Everyday Is Christmas</i> (album) 2017 studio album / Christmas album by Sia

Everyday Is Christmas is the eighth studio album and first Christmas album by Australian singer-songwriter Sia, released on 17 November 2017 by Atlantic Records and Monkey Puzzle. Her first album with Atlantic, it features original Christmas songs. Initially released with ten tracks in 2017, the album has since been reissued in 2018, 2021, and 2022 with new bonus tracks each time. The lead single, "Santa's Coming for Us", was released on 30 October 2017, and "Snowman" was released as the second on 9 November.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Black Pumas</span> American psychedelic soul band

Black Pumas is an American psychedelic soul band based in Austin, Texas, led by singer/songwriter Eric Burton and guitarist/producer Adrian Quesada. The group received its first Grammy Award nomination in 2020 for Best New Artist.

<i>Black Pumas</i> (album) 2019 studio album by Black Pumas

Black Pumas is the debut album by American band Black Pumas. It was released on June 21, 2019, through ATO Records. The deluxe edition was nominated for Album of the Year at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards on November 24, 2020, while "Colors" received two nominations for Record of the Year and Best American Roots Performance.

<i>Jordi</i> (album) 2021 studio album by Maroon 5

Jordi is the seventh studio album by American band Maroon 5. It was released on June 11, 2021, through 222, Interscope and Polydor Records. The album features guest appearances from Megan Thee Stallion, Blackbear, Stevie Nicks, Bantu, H.E.R., YG, and late rappers Juice Wrld and Nipsey Hussle. The deluxe edition of the album features additional guest appearances from Anuel AA, Tainy, and Jason Derulo.

<i>I Never Liked You</i> (album) 2022 studio album by Future

I Never Liked You is the ninth studio album by American rapper Future. It was released on April 29, 2022, by Freebandz and Epic Records. The production on the album was handled by multiple producers including ATL Jacob, FnZ, Southside, Taurus, TM88, and Wheezy, among others. The album features guest appearances from Kanye West, Gunna, Young Thug, Drake, Tems, EST Gee, and Kodak Black. The deluxe edition was released three days later on May 2, 2022, with additional guest appearances from Babyface Ray, 42 Dugg, Lil Baby, Lil Durk, and Young Scooter.

<i>Being Funny in a Foreign Language</i> 2022 studio album by the 1975

Being Funny in a Foreign Language is the fifth studio album by English band the 1975. It was released on 14 October 2022 by Dirty Hit. The album was recorded primarily at Real World Studios in Wiltshire. The band released the lead single "Part of the Band" on 7 July 2022, which was followed by the subsequent singles "Happiness", "I'm in Love with You", "All I Need to Hear", "About You", "Oh Caroline", and "Looking for Somebody ".

References

  1. ↑ Liebig, Lorie (August 22, 2023). "Black Pumas Announce New Album Chronicles of a Diamond, Share Jubilant Lead Single". American Songwriter . Retrieved August 30, 2023.
  2. ↑ Jones, Abby (August 22, 2023). "Black Pumas Announce New Album Chronicles of a Diamond, Share "More Than a Love Song": Stream". Consequence . Retrieved August 30, 2023.
  3. ↑ Minsker, Evan (August 22, 2023). "Black Pumas Announce New Album Chronicles of a Diamond, Share Song: Listen". Pitchfork . Retrieved August 30, 2023.
  4. ↑ Murray, Robin (August 24, 2023). "Black Pumas Announce New Album". Clash . Retrieved July 30, 2024.
  5. ↑ Duran, Anagricel (August 22, 2023). "Black Pumas tell us about new album Chronicles of a Diamond: 'It feels more like a second debut'". NME . Retrieved August 30, 2023.
  6. ↑ Anderson, Trevor (September 26, 2023). "Black Pumas' "More Than a Love Song" Hits No. 1 on Triple A Airplay". Billboard . Retrieved July 30, 2024.
  7. ↑ Jones, Abby (August 22, 2023). "Black Pumas Announce New Album". Consequence of Sound . Retrieved July 30, 2024.
  8. 1 2 "Chronicles of a Diamond by Black Pumas Reviews and Tracks". Metacritic . Retrieved July 30, 2024.
  9. 1 2 Harrison, Emma (October 27, 2023). "Black Pumas – Chronicles of a Diamond | Reviews". Clash . Retrieved October 28, 2023.
  10. ↑ Quin, Emma (October 30, 2023). "Black Pumas – Chronicles of a Diamond". Dork . Retrieved July 30, 2024.
  11. ↑ Ayiku, Vernon (October 31, 2023). "Black Pumas Are a Vibe on 'Chronicles of a Diamond'". Exclaim! . Retrieved July 30, 2024.
  12. ↑ Scanlon, Kelly (October 26, 2023). "Black Pumas: Chronicles of a Diamond album review". Far Out . Retrieved July 30, 2024.
  13. 1 2 "Black Pumas – Chronicles of a Diamond". Mojo . December 2023. p. 84.
  14. 1 2 Smith, Thomas (October 27, 2023). "Black Pumas – Chronicles of a Diamond review: how 21st century soul should sound". NME . Retrieved October 28, 2023.
  15. ↑ Morris, Damien (October 30, 2023). "Black Pumas: Chronicles of a Diamond review: Swaggers from the speakers". The Observer . Retrieved July 30, 2024.
  16. 1 2 "Black Pumas – Chronicles of a Diamond". Uncut . December 2023. p. 27.
  17. ↑ Dillon, Ryan (October 24, 2023). "Black Pumas Streak Bold On Long-Awaited Sophomore Album Chronicles of a Diamond (Album Review)". Glide Magazine. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
  18. ↑ "Austriancharts.at – Black Pumas – Chronicles of a Diamond" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
  19. ↑ "Ultratop.be – Black Pumas – Chronicles of a Diamond" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved November 5, 2023.
  20. ↑ "Ultratop.be – Black Pumas – Chronicles of a Diamond" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved November 5, 2023.
  21. ↑ "Dutchcharts.nl – Black Pumas – Chronicles of a Diamond" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved November 4, 2023.
  22. ↑ "Top Albums (Week 44, 2023)". Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique. Retrieved November 6, 2023.
  23. ↑ "Offiziellecharts.de – Black Pumas – Chronicles of a Diamond" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved November 3, 2023.
  24. ↑ "Album Top 40 slágerlista (fizikai hanghordozók) – 2023. 44. hét". MAHASZ . Retrieved November 9, 2023.
  25. ↑ "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved November 4, 2023.
  26. ↑ "Top 100 Albums Weekly". El portal de Música. Promusicae . Retrieved November 7, 2023.
  27. ↑ "Swisscharts.com – Black Pumas – Chronicles of a Diamond". Hung Medien. Retrieved November 5, 2023.
  28. ↑ "Official Americana Albums Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 30, 2024.
  29. ↑ "Official Album Downloads Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved November 4, 2023.
  30. ↑ "Official Independent Albums Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved November 4, 2023.
  31. ↑ "Official R&B Albums Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved November 3, 2023.
  32. ↑ "Black Pumas Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved November 7, 2023.
  33. ↑ "Black Pumas Chart History (Top Americana/Folk Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved July 30, 2024.
  34. ↑ "Black Pumas Chart History (Independent Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved November 7, 2023.
  35. ↑ "Black Pumas Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved July 30, 2024.
  36. ↑ "Black Pumas Chart History (Top Rock Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved November 7, 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.