For the long-awaited launch of Mark’s first solo album, he’s selling with a title observe named after his start yr. Birthdays apart, 1999 was an superior yr for music. Everybody was in get together mode as a result of impending flip of the millennium. Pop music was numerous and dominant, with MTV and TRL serving as hubs for youth tradition. Whether or not Mark’s 1999 is in search of to attract upon that power or not, its playful sound belies expectations.

The tune sees Mark change from rap verses to a delicate croon for the catchy, melodic refrain. This works fairly properly throughout 1999‘s first half however will get a bit muddled as we transfer on. There’s a lot taking place inside this observe because the music makes an attempt to distill its many influences. On this method, the tune is fairly “1999” in spirit. Mark does a pleasant job skirting between these varied efficiency types. I really desire him as a singer on this observe, because the rapped moments usually really feel extra gimmicky.

Spikes of operatic vocals pepper 1999 for no different purpose than to be zany. I admire the sudden injection of texture, however  I want these moments had been in service to a greater set of melodies. 1999‘s hook is a breezy sing-song that echoes parts of late-90’s alt-pop. However fairly than forge an thrilling centerpiece, this refrain retreats right into a restrained — nearly anti-drop — construction that neuters 1999‘s cartoonish power. I a lot desire the tune’s rousing finale, when all these varied parts fuse collectively to ship the observe off on a excessive.

Grade: C+