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"Icy Colors Change" is the second studio EP by Azealia Banks. It was released on December 20, 2018 digitally and on December 22 of the same year it was released in physics (CD and vinyl) through the CHEAPYXO page.
Background[]
"Icy Colors Change" was conceived after the widespread coverage of the release of the title track on December 26, 2017, which sampled "Airglow Fires" by Lone, a long time collaborator of Banks.[1]
"I will re-release this on vinyl fully mixed and mastered next Christmas [as] it’s a work in progress as a part of a full holiday project I’ve been working on." Banks said and also recorded a punk rock cover of "Sleigh Ride" which her label at the time, eOne, removed from the electronic version of the EP.[2]
Critical reception[]
The EP presents moderately mixed reviews. Idolator said:
“Unfortunately, it is not an instant classic. She opens the project with the title track, which feels like a fitting follow-up to “Anna Wintour” with its unique blend of house beats and seasonal production. On it, she oscillates between singing and rapping about watching the season’s change with a loved one. It’s a unique concept. But a bloated runtime really kills the vibe. The “212” rapper could have had her social media accounts suspended several times over before the song finally ends.
After giving original festive fare a shot, she warbles her way through some jazz-infused covers. The first is a rendition of “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve.” Recorded with a live band, Azealia gives it her all. There are a couple spots where her voice verges on grating, but it is a fresh take. My personal favorite is the closer – “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.” The iconic standard opens with an extended instrumental. When she finally starts singing in earnest – around the two-and-a-half minute mark – the hitmaker is at her best. This is the only track where the five-minute-plus runtime is not unwarranted. Meanwhile, the rest of the EP lingers past its expiration date.
After a couple of listens, Icy Colors Change is not as terrible as I first thought. However, I’m not sure I’ll be asking for the deluxe version as a stocking stuffer anytime soon.”[3]
While Hot New Hip-Hop said:
“Banks lets the most wonderful time of the year guide her through a magical yet brief musical outing.”[4]
Track listing[]
| Standard Edition | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| # | Title | Length | ||
| 1. | "Icy Colors Change" | 05:28 | ||
| 2. | "What Are You Doing New Years Eve?" | 05:31 | ||
| 3. | "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" | 05:18 | ||
Gallery[]
References[]
- ↑ https://www.thefader.com/2017/12/26/azealia-banks-icy-colors-change-holiday-song-demo
- ↑ http://exclaim.ca/music/article/azealia_banks_gifts_us_with_new_christmas_ep
- ↑ https://www.idolator.com/7690021/azealia-banks-icy-colors-change-ep-is-not-an-instant-holiday-classic?chrome=1
- ↑ https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/azealia-banks-delivers-holiday-themed-ep-icy-colors-change-new-mixtape.118761.html