Saturday, March 7, 2015

Cheryl Cole: 3 Words Album Review

 I seem to be obsessed with pop music more and more these days.  Today I'll be reviewing Cheryl Cole's first album "3 Words", which is a little ironic because that album had an R&B/pop sound to it.  Anyway the album was released back in 2009 a couple months after Girls Aloud took their hiatus.  Here is my track by track review:

1) 3 Words (featuring will.i.am): The title track and second single from the album.  While the video was strange, the song itself is amazing.  The "3 words" are obviously "I love you" since it's mentioned in the song.  Cheryl's vocals are amazing as well as will.i.am's parts.  It peaked at number 4 in the UK.  10/10

2) Parachute: The third and final single from the album.  After I listened to it once I couldn't get it out of my head.  I had the "I don't need a parachute baby if I got you, Baby if I got you I don't need a parachute" line stuck in my head for weeks.  But that's what you want a song to do in order for it to do well, to have one lyric that is so memoriable it makes you want to get the song.  The song was co-written by singer, "Ingrid Michaelson" who gave the song up because she felt it was too poppy.  Thankfully Ingrid released her own version later in 2010, the same year that Cheryl released the song as a single.  The song is about being safe in a relationship, which at the time was ironic given that Cheryl was separating from her then husband Ashley Cole at the time.  The song was also close to being the first single from the album.  Even though it's my favorite song on the album, I'm glad it was released as the third single instead of the first.  The song peaked at number 5 in the UK.  10/10

3) Heaven (featuring will.i.am): The second out of four songs that have will.i.am.  The song isn't bad, but it doesn't stand out like the rest of the songs on the album.  I feel this is the weakest song on the album but I still listen to it from time to time.  6/10

4) Fight for This Love: The first single from the album.  When I first heard it I questioned why it was released as the first single, let alone a single at all, but after I listened to it more I liked the song.  It's about how love can be hard sometimes but it's worth fighting for so you shouldn't give up when everything gets tough.  It' Cheryl's most successful single peaking at number 1 in the UK for 2 weeks.  9/10

5) Rain On Me: The more I listen to it, the more I love the song.  This song was the last song recorded for the album and I love the "let it rain, let it rain on me" part in the song.  The song is about not showing your tears to the one your because as Cheryl sings, "coz if you think I'm weak, then that makes you strong."  10/10

6) Make Me Cry: I always forget about this song because the first few seconds are nothing like the rest of the song.  Another thing that surprised me is that will.i.am produced this song.  It was also inspired by will.i.am's girlfriend.  Cheryl also co-wrote this song.  It took awhile to like this song.  9/10

7) Happy Hour: When I thought about reviewing this song a month ago, I had this one as my least favorite song but it grew on me.  The "some days I'm sweet and some I'm sour, but I can't help but drink you up coz you're my happy hour" line got stuck in my head.  The song also samples "Nevermore" by Renaldo Domino.  9/10

8) Stand Up: "Taio Cruz" co-wrote, co-produced, and even rapped on this amazing song.  It was one of two songs he co-wrote, the other was "Break Your Heart" which didn't make this album and was put on Taio's "Rokstarr" album.  But back to this song, Cheryl's voice is amazing and this song should've been a single because it's perfect.  10/10

9) Don't Talk About This Love: This song is actually a cover.  It was originally recorded by Nikola Bedingfield for her ep, where this song was the title track.  Cheryl does a great job on this song.  The song is about wanting to keep your love a secret until you're comfortable admitting it to world so then people won't judge.  I love this song and I wish this song was a single as well.  Why does Cheryl's first album have so many amazing songs?!?!  10/10

10) Boy Like You (featuring will.i.am): The third out of four songs that feature will.i.am.  The song samples "Fleetwood Mac's" hit single, "Little Lies" from their album "Tango in the Night" which is the reason why Cheryl recorded the song.  The song is about finding a boy that you want because there's something about him that attracts you to him.  The chorus is what made me like the song.  8/10

11) Heartbreaker (will.i.am featuring Cheryl Cole): I was actually confused to see this song on the album because Cheryl's listed as a featured artist when it's her album.  The song was released as the second single from will.i.am's third album, "Songs About Girls".  The song is about a guy admitting he's a heartbreaker with Cheryl singing "you're a heartbreaker" in the chorus.  That being said, the song is really good.  The song peaked at number 4 in the UK.  9/10

 Cheryl's first album did very well.  It was number 1 in the UK and all it's singles were top 5 hits.  I just wish she released more singles because the album is amazing and is also my favorite album from her.  My favorite songs are: "Parachute", "3 Words (featuring will.i.am)", "Don't Talk About This Love", "Stand Up", "Rain On Me", and "Happy Hour".  Out of 110 points I give the album 100 points which is 90%, an A.  Thank you for reading this review, I hoped you liked it and if you haven't check the album out because it's really good!

Friday, March 6, 2015

Play: Under My Skin Album Review

 Today I will be reviewing Play's final album, "Under My Skin".  The album was the first (and only album) to feature new Sanne Karlsson as well as the return of Faye Hamlin, who left the group in 2003.  The album was recorded while the original line-up were on a show called "Made In Sweden" after Play had disbanded in 2005.  While Anais and Faye returned to the group, Anna did not participate in the group reunion and Rosie dropped out at the last minute.  Janet was already busy with a solo career so they held auditions for a new member.  Sanne joined the group after coming in to demo a song for the album.  Here's my track by track review:

1) Famous: The first single from the album, as well as the only song to have a video.  The song was covered by "Big Time Rush", funny enough the same year.  I think it's okay song but I think it would've been better as the third single.  The song did hit number 1 in Sweden though so maybe I'm wrong.  9/10

2) Consequence of You: This song talks about trying to get over your ex even though it's hard but you know it's the right thing to do.  Great song.  10/10

3) Show Me What You Got: Another great song.  This should've been the second single and I think it would've done good worldwide if the album wasn't just released in Sweden (you can get the album on Amazon.com though).  Fun song to dance to.  10/10

4) Not the One: The second and final single not just from the album but also Play's overall final single.  It's a pop/rock ballad about ending a relationship because the person you're with is not "the one".  It's a good song but I was annoyed that the song was a single.  8/10

5) Under My Skin: The title track.  The song is an empowering song that talks about how people can look and act more superior but you don't let them phase you because you know that as much as they try, they can't get "under your skin".  One of my favorites.  10/10

6) Trash: In this song the girls talk about how a girl would rather be lazy all day except when it comes to partying.  It's an upbeat song that will have you dancing instantly.  9/10

7) Second Hand Love: This song is about being in a relationship with someone who isn't over their and you're sick of the person not getting over the person.  The song is unfortunately very forgettable and is the weakest song on the album.  6/10

8) Girls: This was one of the first songs recorded for the album.  It was also supposed to be the first single from the album.  That didn't happen and it was a b-side for "Famous".  The song talks about girls just wanting to have fun, no it's not a cover of Cyndi Lauper's song.  The song is my favorite on the album, even though I'm a guy (yeah I admit I like the song).  It should've been a single!  10/10

9) When Love Is Bleaching Bad: This song was actually co-written by the group.  It's an amazing ballad about wishing that the relationship didn't end.  The vocals are amazing and like a lot of the songs on the album, it should've been a single.  10/10

10) Personal Victory: Like "Under My Skin", this is an empowering song.  It's about getting over a breakup and instead of feeling sad, you feel empowered and glad that to be able to their own decisions.  10/10

 "Under My Skin" proved to be an amazing album and should've been the follow-up album to "Replay" instead of "Don't Stop the Music".  Play planned on releasing the album in the U.S. but Faye left the group and was then replaced by Emelie Norenberg.  Play were very close to releasing an EP in the U.S., unfortunately the group broke up again.  Hopefully the group will reunite again one day because "Under My Skin" was amazing and we need more from this group!  My favorite songs on the album are: "Girls", "Under My Skin", Show Me What You Got", "When Love Is Bleaching Bad", Personal Victory", and "Consequence of You".  Out of 100 points I give the album 92 points which is 92%, an A.  Hopefully this isn't the end of Play.  Thank for reading this review!

Thursday, March 5, 2015

Vanessa Carlton: Be Not Nobody Album Review

 Today I'll be reviewing Vanessa Carlton's first album, "Be Not Nobody".  It's strange to think it's been almost 13 years since the album was released.  It's also strange that I still have no idea why the album was titled "Be Not Nobody".  If anyone knows why then please let me know in the comments.  Anyway here's my track by track review:

1) Ordinary Day: The second single from the album.  I mentioned in my review for Vanessa Carlton's "Icon: Best of Vanessa Carlton" that the song was originally called "Divide and Conquer" because of a lyric that the song initially had before being changed.  The song is Vanessa's second, and to date last, single to reach the top 40 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.  One of my favorites on the album.  10/10

2) Unsung: From start to finish the song is amazing.  I wish it was released as the fourth single from the album.  It's about wanting to say what you feel without feeling judged.  I think we can all relate to that.  10/10

3) A Thousand Miles: The first single from the album and to date Vanessa's most successful single.  Like, "Ordinary Day", I reviewed this song on my review of Vanessa Carlton's "Icon: Best of Vanessa Carlton" and I mentioned there that the song was originally titled, "Interlude" but it was changed before it became a single.  10/10

4) Pretty Baby: The third and final single from the album.  The song was remixed for a single release.  Not sure why it was remixed but both versions are great.  The remixed version of the single was included on some versions of the album once it was released.  Like "Ordinary Day" and "A Thousand Miles" I reviewed this song when I reviewed Vanessa Carlton's "Icon: Best of Vanessa Carlton".  The song failed to hit the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, which is sad because it was a great choice for a single.  10/10

5) Rinse: When Vanessa was first signed to a record label, she recorded an album called, "Rinse".  The album was never released but five of the songs from "Be Not Nobody" (including this track, obviously) were originally on "Rinse".  This song is about not wanting but needing to "rinse away" a relationship that needs to be finished.  The song has a haunting sound to it.  9/10

6) Sway: I really like this song.  It took me awhile to figure out what the song was about though.  Apparently the song is about a person in a relationship saying one thing but then doing another and it upsets the other person.  And to think when I first heard it I thought it was a happy song.  Boy, was I wrong.  9/10

7) Paradise: I usually skip this song.  I'm listening to the song as I type this review and I have to say it' pretty good.  It's a sad ballad and hopefully it'll grow on me.  6/10

8) Prince: This song should've been called "Willing and Able" because the word, "Prince" is only heard once.  The song is okay, but it doesn't stand out to me on the album at all.  5/10

9) Paint It Black: This is the only song that Vanessa did not write.  This is because it is cover of "The Rolling Stones" song that was a hit back in the '60's.  Vanessa does a pretty good job of covering the song.  I heard her version of the song before I heard the original.  Great song.  10/10

10) Wanted: This song shows off Vanessa's amazing piano skills.  The song is also pretty good.  I wasn't a fan of the song at first but after a couple listens I liked it.  It's about wanting to be "more than wanted".  9/10

11) Twilight: Like "Ordinary Day", "A Thousand Miles", and "Pretty Baby" I reviewed this song in my review for Vanessa Carlton's "Icon: Best of Vanessa Carlton".  With that being said I still haven't listened to this track that much.  I do like the ending of the song though.  7/10

 To this day, "Be Not Nobody" is still Vanessa Carlton's most successful album.  Vanessa's fifth album, "Liberman" will be released later this year and I can not wait!  My favorite songs on the album are: "Unsung", "Ordinary Day", "A Thousand Miles", "Pretty Baby", "Paint It Black", "Sway", "Rinse", and "Wanted".  Out of 110 points I give the album 95 point which is 86%, a B+.  Thank you reading this review and I apologize for it coming so late at night.  I'll try to type one up earlier tomorrow.  Hope you liked this review!

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Play: Don't Stop the Music Album Review

 Today I'm reviewing Play's third album, "Don't Stop the Music".  The album was released in 2004 and was the first album to feature new member Janet after Faye had left the group before the end of 2003.  Here is my track by track review of the album:

1) evergirl: The second and final single from the album.  The song was used to promote a clothing line of the same name and for some reason it had two videos.  Two videos for a crappy song, I don't understand.  The song is not just their worst single but also the worst song they ever recorded.  Hate the song.  1/10

2) Don't Stop the Music: The title track.  The song is a cover and was originally recorded by Swedish pop singer, "Robyn" who also co-wrote and released the song has as a single.  I prefer Play's version more because Robyn's voice sounds way too high.  The song is much better than the previous song.  10/10

3) Every Little Step (featuring Aaron Carter): The first single from the album.  This song is also a cover that was originally performed by "Bobby Brown".  The song didn't have a video but it did get some radio airplay on Radio Disney (hey, it's better than the airplay that "evergirl" got which was no airplay).  Once again they do a good job covering this song with Anais and Janet singing lead and even Aaron Carter's feature is pretty good.  10/10

4) Girls Can Too: From three pop songs to a pop/rock song.  The song is a reworked and reworded version of Japanese singer "Nanase Aikawa".  It's an empowering song that say "anything that boys do, don't cha know that girls can too."  Good song.  8/10

5) Hand in Hand: This song is a ballad where Anna and Rosie both have a lead.  Sadly the song isn't as memorable as the rest of the songs on the album, despite the vocals being good.  6/10

6) You Found Me: This song was one of my favorites when I first heard it but now it's kinda boring.  6/10

7) It's the Hard Knock Life: This song is from the musical/film "Annie".  Play initially covered and made a video for the song with Faye before she left the group.  This version of the song has Janet's vocals on the song.  I like both the version with Faye and the version with Janet so I'm glad to see the song on here.  10/10

8) Ain't No Mountain High Enough: This is obviously a cover song since I mentioned that when I reviewed Play's "Replay" album which had a different version of this song.  This version has Janet singing Faye's parts in the song.  While I think it's strange that they'd cover the song again I kinda like this version better than the one on "Replay".  10/10

9) Seven: They have a song called "Seven" and it's track number 9.  Anyone else find that weird?  Anais sings lead on this song and it's kind of a weird song.  It's good for awhile but after a few more listens it doesn't sound like a standout track.  7/10  LOL!

10) Another Love Story: There are two versions of this song.  The one on this album and the one with Faye's vocals on the "Girl's Mind" album.  While Faye's vocals are stronger on the "Girl's Mind" of the song, the version on this album has Anna, Rosie, Anais, and Janet each getting a solo whereas the other only had Faye and Anais singing leads.  I wish this song was a single instead of "evergirl".  10/10

 "Don't Stop the Music" ended up being one of the group's worst selling albums, despite having more promotion than the last album.  But since the last album, "Replay" had a mature sound to it that likely confused people since "Don't Stop the Music" had more of a Disney-like vibe.  My favorite songs on the album are: "Another Love Story", "Don't Stop the Music", "Every Little Step (featuring Aaron Carter)", and "Ain't No Mountain High Enough".  Out of 100 points I give the album 78 points which is 78%, a C+.  Thank for reading this review, I hoped you liked it and feel free to comment.

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Rachel Stevens: Funky Dory (Re-Issue) Album Review

 Hello viewers, today I'll be reviewing the re-issue of Rachel Stevens' first album "Funky Dory".  The album was released in the UK in 2003 before being released with two new songs and a few remixed tracks.  Here is my track by track review of the album:

1) Some Girls: This was the third single from the album.  This song was also the reason why the album was re-released.  I reviewed the song last November, when I reviewed Rachel's second album, "Come and Get It".  Still a great song.  10/10

2) Sweet Dreams My LA Ex: The first single from the album.  It was initially written for Britney Spears for her album, "In The Zone" but Britney turned it down and Rachel got the song.  The song peaked at number 2 in the UK and is tied with "Some Girls" a her highest charting single there.  10/10

3) Funky Dory: The title track and second single from the album.  The version on this album is the single version of the song.  It samples David Bowie's song, "Andy Warhol" from his album, funny enough called, "Hunky Dory".  The song was darker than the previous and surprising peaked at number 26 in the UK.  It's one of my favorite songs.  10/10

4) Fools: This is my favorite song on the album.  The song was also included on "The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement" soundtrack with different lyrics.  Wish it was released as a single.  10/10

5) Breathe In, Breathe Out (SWAT-Team Version): This was supposed to be the third single from the album but after the success of "Some Girls" the release was cancelled.  This version on the album was version that was going to be released as a single.  This version and the original version are amazing.  Sad that single release was cancelled.  10/10

6) Glide: The instrumental is awesome, but it's my least favorite song on the album.  Very boring.  5/10

7) Heaven Has to Wait: An amazing ballad that showcases Rachel's amazing vocals.  Love the song.  9/10

8) More, More, More: The fourth and final single from the album.  It is a cover of Andrea True's song.  The song peaked at number 3 in the UK, which out peaked the original version of the song in that country.  The video was boring though.  9/10

9) Blue Afternoon: At first I didn't like the song but after a couple listens I liked it.  It's very laid back and relaxing.  9/10

10) I Got Money: This song is fun to dance to and very catchy.  I love the chorus.  9/10

11) Little Secret: Like the last song, this one has an R&B sound to it.  It was used as a b-side for "Sweet Dreams My LA Ex".  It would've been cool if it had a video.  9/10

12) Solid: This song is about having a person who's "solid as a rock".  I ignored the song initially but after awhile it grew on me.  9/10

13) Silk: The song has a dark, sensual kinda vibe.  8/10

14) Some Girls (Rhythm Masters Vocal Mix): A remixed version of the song.  I perfect the original version more than this.  7/10

 Rachel's first album is amazing and it was very successful in UK.  My favorite songs on the album are: "Fools", "Funky Dory", "Breathe In, Breathe Out (SWAT-Team Version)", "Sweet Dreams My LA Ex", "Little Secret" and "I Got Money".  Out of 140 points I give the album 124 which is 88%, a B+.  Thank you for reading this review, hoped you liked it and I'll type up another one tomorrow.

Monday, March 2, 2015

Girls Aloud: The Collection: Studio Albums/B-Sides/Live (Disc 6)

 Just when I thought I had run out of Girls Aloud albums to review, I find this one.  YAY!  Today I'm review Girls Aloud's "The Collection: Studio Albums/B-Sides/Live" which includes 7 cds.  The reason why I'm reviewing Disc 6 is because the first 5 cds are the group's first 5 albums, "Sound of the Underground", "What Will the Neighbors Say", "Chemistry", "Tangled Up", and "Out of Control", all of which I reviewed a year ago.  The 7th cd is from their "Tangled Up" tour.  The cd I'm reviewing, disc 6, is most of the group's songs that were released as b-sides to their singles.  Here's my track by track review:

1) Androgynous Girls: This song was not only supposed to be on the group's second album, "What Will the Neighbors Say", but it was also close to being the first single from the album.  "The Show" was the first single from that album instead and the song was later placed as a b-side for "Love Machine".  While the song fits perfectly on the album it's still taking awhile to get used to it.  7/10

2) History: No, it's not a demo version of "Whole Lotta History".  The song is a ballad that was co-written by the group and was a b-side for "Wake Me Up".  Unfortunately the song is kinda boring.  5/10

3) Loving Is Easy: I reviewed this song in my review for Girls Aloud's "The Sound of Girls Aloud: The Greatest Hits (Limited Edition)" back in June 2014.  Like "History", this song was also a b-side for "Wake Me Up".  It still hasn't grown on me at all though.  5/10

4) Nobody But You: This song was a b-side for "Biology".  Why the song wasn't on "Chemistry" is a complete mystery.  The song is an amazing ballad and one of my favorite songs from the group.  It should've been on "Chemistry" and released as the third single instead of "See the Day".  10/10

5) I Don't Really Hate You: This song was a b-side for "See the Day".  I like it's a pretty good song and also should've been on "Chemistry".  Nicola's voice on the chorus is what made me like the song.  8/10

6) Crazy Fool: This song was a b-side for "Whole Lotta History".  Cheryl sings lead on this song.  I reviewed the song on Girls Aloud's "Ten (Deluxe Edition) and my opinion of the song has changed a little bit since then.  While the beginning is a little weird the rest of the song is pretty good.  7/10

7) The Crazy Life: This song was a b-side for "Something Kinds Ooooh".  Kimberley sings lead on this song and it's a really good song.  Why Kimberley wasn't given more solos in group is mystery (I'm likely gonna use that term again soon.  Just a heads up.)  8/10

8) Why Do It: This song is the b-side for "I Think We're Alone Now".  Nadine sings lead on the song and it feels like "Long Hot Summer" and "Control of the Knife" combined.  The song talks about not giving into peer pressure.  The song has a good message.  7/10

9) Dog Without a Bone: This song was a b-side for "Sexy! No No No...".  The song was initially supposed to be the lead single from the group's first greatest hits album, "The Sound of Girls Aloud: The Greatest Hits".  The song sounds like it samples Depeche Mode's "Personal Jesus".  I love this song and I wish it was put on "Tangled Up" instead of "Damn".  10/10

10) Blow Your Cover: This song was a b-side for "Call the Shots".  It was co-written by the group and it was also the reason why I'm reviewing this album.  Mainly because I've been listening to the song for the last few days.  What can I say I love it.  It should've been on "Tangled Up" instead of "I'm Falling".  10/10

11) Je Ne Parle Pas Francais: This song was a b-side for "Can't Speak French".  The song is the french version of "Can't Speak French".  So they're singing "Can't Speak French" in french...  The irony...  Despite that it's still good.  10/10

12) Hoxton Heroes: This song was also a b-side for "Can't Speak French".  I reviewed the song on my review of Girls Aloud's "Ten (Deluxe Edition)" and I still like the song a lot.  The group co-wrote the song as a response to people calling them a manufactured band.  I still think it should've been a single.  10/10

13) She: This song was a b-side for "The Promise".  I'm kinda glad the song wasn't on "Out of Control" because it doesn't really fit the album.  That being said it's still pretty good song.  It's been going on me a lot the last couple minutes (LOL).  9/10

14) Memory of You: This song was a b-side for "The Loving Kind".  Many critics felt this song was better than "The Loving Kind".  I love the song and I wish it was on "Out of Control" instead of "Turn to Stone".  Nicola covered the song and I'm not sure which version I like more since they're both perfect.  The song also got to most votes to be included on Girls Aloud's "Ten (Deluxe Edition)".  10/10

15) It's Your Dynamite: This song is the b-side for "Untouchable".  The song is pretty good, fun to dance to, and reminds me of the group's song "We Wanna Party" from "Out of Control".  I think the song should've been on "Out of Control" instead of "Love Is Pain".  9/10

16) Something Kinda Ooooh: While this was the first single from "The Sound of Girls Aloud: The Greatest Hits" and not a b-side, it' still amazing.  Since I've already reviewed it before, I'm just gonna say it's awesome.  10/10

17) I Think We're Alone Now (New Mix): The new mix is the single mix.  It's better than the version on "The Sound of Girls Aloud: The Greatest Hits" where it was the second and final single from the album.  7/10

18) Something New: The first single from "Ten" and the last song on this album.  I still wonder why it wasn't a number 1.  10/10

 Girls Aloud have a lot of amazing b-sides.  In fact some of those b-sides should've been included on the albums.  My favorite songs on this album are: "Nobody But You", "Dog Without a Bog", "Hoxton Heroes", "Blow Your Cover", "Memory of You", "Something New", "She", "Something Kinda Ooooh", and "It's Your Dynamite".  Out of 180 points I give the album 152 points which is 84%, a B.  Thank you reading this review, I hope you liked it and I'll be back with another one tomorrow.

Sunday, March 1, 2015

Cheryl Cole: Messy Little Raindrops

 Hello viewers!  It's been awhile, I know and I'm sorry I haven't reviewed an album in the last 4 months but I promise I will be back to reviewing albums soon.  Also you may have noticed that the blog name has been changed.  I figured it needed a different title since it didn't make much sense to have it titled "Album Reviews and Strange Topic" when there weren't any strange topics posted.  Maybe I'll do a separate blog about that one day.

 Now for today's review.  Today I'm reviewing Cheryl Cole's second album, "Messy Little Raindrops".  It was the followup to her first album, "3 Words", so here's my track by track review:

1) Promise This: The first single from the album.  The song was released after Cheryl's battle with malaria and her divorce from then husband Ashley Cole.  It became Cheryl's second number 1 in the U.K., the first being "Fight for This Love".  The song has a darker feel to it than her previous singles and also has her singing in french in some parts of the song, ironic considering her band "Girls Aloud" had a single called "Can't Speak French".  Regardless it's a great song.  10/10

2) Yeah Yeah (featuring Travie McCoy): The music and Cheryl's verse in the beginning are great, but the rest of the song is kinda boring.  I used to like it but nowadays, not so much.  7/10

3) Live Tonight: I really want to love this song but it's hard to.  I think if the song had a little bit more uptempo in the chorus then the song would be perfect.  5/10

4) The Flood: The second and final single from the album.  This is my favorite song on the album.  It's an amazing ballad and made me cry the first time I heard it.  Sadly the song is Cheryl's lowest charting single in the U.K., peaking at number 18.  It deserved to be a top 5 but that's my opinion.  10/10

5) Amnesia: Before this album was released, it was rumored to have been a cover of Britney Spears' song from her "Circus" album.  But it was revealed that it wasn't a cover.  I've been listening to the song a lot the last couple weeks and I like it, especially the "now who has amnesia, let me remind ya, you were the one who said those things to me last night."  8/10

6) Everyone (featuring Dizzee Rascal): This song was set to be the third single from the album.  The release scrapped after "The Flood" didn't perform well and because Cheryl joined the U.S. X Factor for two episodes.  The song is uplifting and it's a shame that it was cancelled as single but like the song says in the chorus, "sometimes life's not fair".  8/10

7) Raindrops: The album's title comes from a lyric in this song.  Cheryl proves that she has a great voice on this song because it's vocally perfect.  But other than that the song gets boring quick.  6/10

8) Hummingbirds: I go back and forth with this song.  One day I think it's pretty good and then the next day I'll think it's boring.  6/10

9) Better to Lie (featuring August Rigo): This song is okay, but I think it would've been better off if the song was just sung by one person.  Also I wish the music was a little more upbeat.  7/10

10) Let's Get Down (featuring will.i.am): Despite will.i.am being on this song, it's kinda boring.  Cheryl even sounds bored singing this song.  5/10

11) Happy Tears: This song is rumored to be about Cheryl's divorce to Ashley Cole.  Lyrically and vocally amazing.  The song has been growing on me the last couple days.  8/10

12) Waiting: This was actually the first song from the album I heard.  This was because the song samples Vanessa Carlton's song, "A Thousand Miles".  It's an amazing song and one of my favorites.  I wish it was a single!  10/10

 I hate to be critical of Cheryl because I like her but her second album was half great songs and half filler songs.  My favorite songs are: "The Flood", "Promise This", "Waiting", "Amnesia", and "Everyone (featuring Dizzee Rascal).  Out of 120 points I give the album 90 which 75%, a C+.  Thank you for reading this review!  Let me know in the comments if you agree my rating or if you disagree with it.