Greatest Album by Album: RL Grime’s ‘Play’

Albums are a labor of love and offer a glimpse into an artist’s universe where they create entirely new worlds. With a full-length album, an artist can truly flex their creative muscles, crafting a more cohesive piece compared to a single or an EP. Because of that, an EDM album is often dynamic, exploring different facets of an artist’s style beyond just their primary genre.

Welcome to “The Greatest Album by Album” series, where we dive into albums that I believe belong in the top echelon of the industry.

RL Grime – Play – Released in 2023

RL Grime has consistently proven himself as one of the GOATs of EDM, and his 2023 album Play only solidifies that legacy. Arguably the greatest trap artist to date, RL Grime continues to innovate and push boundaries with this incredible work of art. The album is divided into three distinct parts, each with its own vibe spread across a massive 21 tracks. The first part is dedicated to his classic trap sound, the second focuses on vocal-driven bangers, and the third explores a groovier, glitchy house sound. In essence, this album is a trilogy in itself, proving once again that RL Grime is at the top of the game—and he’s here to stay.

The album kicks off with Apex, a track packed with the classic trap sound we know and love. True standouts from this section include his collaboration with ISOxo, “Jewel,” which is a powerful trap anthem guaranteed to send any crowd into a frenzy, and Breach, a collab with Juelz featuring piercing trap drops that destroy everything in their path.

As the album transitions into its second part, Grid, we get more vocal-driven tracks. A standout here is “Pour Your Heart Out”, where 070 Shake drives intense emotion through her incredible vocals. Another highlight is “Borderline,” a heart-wrenching track with Emeline’s voice soaring over a creative bassline.

The final section, Rush, is my personal favorite because it showcases RL Grime’s creativity in a way we haven’t seen before. “Around Me” is his take on the popular stutter house genre, with manipulated vocals swirling around the listener. The album wraps up on a high note with “The Afterglow,” a track that blends complex rhythms and accents with a simple yet captivating groove.

RL Grime has once again proven that he’s operating on another level, showing why he remains at the pinnacle of the EDM scene. He continues to push the boundaries of the genre forward, serving as a rising tide that lifts all boats. Cross your fingers for his return to Arizona—because when he does, it’s going to be a monstrous, must-see show!

Connect with RL Grime: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify | SoundCloud