Today I will be reviewing the "Spice Girls'" third (and so far final album), "Forever". The album was released at the end of the year 2000 and went through several changes before its release. In fact the album was delayed several times due to a change in producers which made the album have more of an R&B sound then pop like they previous albums, "Spice" and "Spiceworld". On top of that Geri Halliwell (Ginger Spice) had left the band before recording had even started, leaving Victoria Beckham (Posh), Melanie Brown (Scary), Emma Bunton (Baby), and Melanie Chisholm (Sporty) to record the original pop version of the record and scrap it (I explain that part later.) I will be honest and say that I'm not really into the Spice Girls' first two albums but for some strange reason I really like the "Forever" album and I'm sad it didn't do as well as the girl's previous albums. But now let's get to the track by track review:
1) Holler: This song was released as the lead single from album, alongside "Let Love Lead the Way". In a way it can be seen as the overall single from the album given that its video came before "Let Love Lead the Way" and "Goodbye" was released after two before it. The video showed the girls portraying the four elements, (Victoria was air, Mel B. was fire, Emma was water, and Mel C. was earth), as well as dancing in a pyramid. The song also showcased the girl's new R&B sound and managed to become the group's 9th number 1 single in the U.K. Overall it's a great song. 10/10
2) Tell Me Why: This song was one of three songs about Geri. Unlike "Goodbye" and "Let Love Lead the Way", which were sad songs, "Tell Me Why" was about how the girls felt betrayed by Geri for leaving the group. The song was released as a promo single and was also considered to be the fourth overall single from the album, even gaining some airplay, but the girls decided to go on a hiatus instead. A remixed version of the song did end up on the deluxe version of their "Greatest Hits" album in 2007 when Geri had rejoined. That had to be awkward. 9/10
3) Let Love Lead the Way: While it was released alongside "Holler" and the lead single, it can be seen as the overall third single because it's video was released after "Holler" despite the video being shot before "Holler". The song is a ballad that is believed to be about "Geri". Like in the "Holler" video, the girls were the four elements again but this time Victoria was fire, Mel B. was air, Emma was earth, and Mel C. was water. Victoria felt the video for this song was easier than "Holler" and it was the group's 9th U.K. number 1. 9/10
4) Right Back At Ya: This song was one of three new songs that the girls performed at their "Christmas In Spiceworld" concert. The other two new songs were "Holler" and "W.O.M.A.N", which remains unreleased. Originally the song had more of pop sound to it until the girls worked with "Darkchild" who's written and produced for "Brandy", "Mariah Carey", and the late "Whitney Houston", remixed it into an R&B song. Originally I hated the song but one day I got bored and decided to give it another chance and realized it actually sounded pretty good. 8/10
5) Get Down With Me: An upbeat song where Melanie B. and Victoria sing leads, while Emma sings the pre-chorus and Melanie C. sings the third verse. The song starts off sounding like it's about wanting to be someone's one and only until the third verse comes in saying that it was only like that for one night. It's good but not great. 7/10
6) Wasting My Time: This song is about a girl who is sick of her boyfriend continuing to play games with her. In the first verse it's explained he does it because his last girlfriend did that to him but the girl is tired of this and dumps him. Despite co-writing the song Melanie B. does not have a lead vocal whereas Emma, Melanie C., and Victoria do. I checked some forums and it seems it was because she was recording her album "Hot" which was released a month before "Forever". Not exactly a smart move. That being said the song is one of my fav's. 10/10
7) Weekend Love: This song can almost be consider as a sequel to "Get Down With Me". The song is about how a guy mistook a one night stand for actual love. According to buzzfeed the song was ranked as the worst Spice Girls song. I actually like the song and I don't understand why it gets so much hate. It's a ballad that contains a rap by Melanie B which causes the song's beat to change but it works for me. The was released as a promo single and while the girls each had a solo, Victoria only got to sing one line and a few ab libs which kinda annoyed me a little bit. 10/10
8) Time Goes By: When the girls were promoting the album, Melanie C said that she could see this song being a Christmas number 1. When I first heard the song I thought that she was out of her mind because at the time I didn't like it. But a year later I listened to it again and liked it. It's a ballad that's very slow and feels very long it's still a good love song. I also like Melanie C and Victoria singing the third verse together. 8/10
9) If You Wanna Have Some Fun: Like "Tell Me Why", this song was a promo single that was considered to be the overall fourth single from the album before the girls decided to focus on their solo careers. Thee song did however have a video the showed clips of the girls from the beginning of the "Spice Girls" to the end. It also marked the end of the "Forever" era. It's an awesome upbeat song that was Victoria's favorite and Emma wanted the song to be a single in an interview. 10/10
10) Oxygen: This song is a beautiful ballad that was Emma's favorite song. The girls each have a solo in this song and each one sings amazingly. It also proved anyone who thought the Spice Girls couldn't sing wrong. The song is about how the person they love is like the oxygen they breathe and without them life would have no meaning. This song screams, "Christmas Number 1" and should've been released as a single. 10/10
11) Goodbye: The first single from the album. The song was written while Geri was still in the band. It was originally written for the group's second album, "Spiceworld" but wasn't included due to time constraints. Once Geri had left the group, the song was re-written and and became the group's 8th U.K. number and their third Christmas number 1. The song feels very out of place on this album due to it's pop sound and while I think it's a good song, it doesn't work for this album. 7/10
"Forever" peaked at number 2 in the U.K. despite not having much promotion from the girls who had all been working on solo material. In 2015, four songs from the original version of the "Forever" album leaked. These songs were: "Painproof", "Give You What You Want (If It's Lovin' On Your Mind)", "A Day In Your Life", and the original pop version of "Right Back At Ya". Other songs recorded for the album, "Go Go Go", "W.O.M.A.N", "Too Hot", "Treasure", and "Overnight" remain unreleased.
Melanie B had wanted the group to reunite for the 20th anniversary of their album "Spice". While Emma and Geri were both up for it, Victoria declined. Melanie C thought about it but decided against it as she didn't feel right reuniting as a group without Victoria. In the end Melanie B, Geri, and Emma recorded some songs under the rumored new name "GEM" with a demo of "Song For Her" leaking onto the internet. When Melanie B said that the group's new would still be "Spice Girls", Victoria and Melanie C were both rumored to be mad at that. It seems at this point that a reunion won't happen due to Melanie B getting divorced, Geri just having her baby, Victoria working with her fashion line, Melanie C being on tour, and Emma working on radio and on a TV show called "Boy Band" with Nick Carter and Rita Ora.
My favorite songs on the album are: "Oxygen", "Holler", "If You Wanna Have Some Fun", "Weekend Love", and "Wasting My Time". Out of 110 points I give the album 98 points which is 89%, a B+.
Thank you for reading this review, I'm sorry it came so late, and if you haven't please give a listen to the "Spice Girls'" album "Forever". Even Geri's not on it, it still deserves a good listen.
Sunday, July 2, 2017
Saturday, July 1, 2017
Brie Larson: Finally Out Of P.E. Album Review
I know, I know, I know. On my last post I said in my last post that I'd do more reviews that month, but I got lazy (really lazy) and I am so sorry. I will try to not procrastinate as much in the future.
Today's album review will be "Brie Larson's" first, and to date only album, "Finally Out Of P.E." Yes, before Brie Larson became the Academy award winning actress she is today, she was a singer when her album was released 12 years ago. Initially the album was set to be released in the fall of 2004 but due to several delays it was released in October 2005, which was probably why it wasn't as popular or well known. Here's my track by track review:
1) Life After You: The second, and unfortunately final single from the album. It talks about becoming stronger after a breakup. It was the last song recorded for the album and which was one of the reasons why the album was delayed. While it did receive airplay on Radio Disney it it did not have a video and failed to chart. Still a great song. 10/10
2) Whatever: This song was originally going to be the second single but it was later scrapped in favor of "Life After You". The song is about an ex who keeps begging for another chance, but because they screwed up last time you tell that person, "NO!" It's pretty good. 8/10
3) Shoebox: This song is about how you like someone but you're so afraid to tell them how you feel. This leads them to fall for someone else or as the lyrics say "going in the wrong direction." It was supposed to be the 4th single from the album but it was cancelled. 10/10
4) Falling Into History: After a few upbeat songs, we get a ballad. The song is about a relationship that has ended because you fell out of love with them. It's my favorite song on the album and it was supposed to be the 3rd single from the album but likely due to the album's sales it was cancelled. The song was originally recorded by "Avril Lavigne" for her debut album, "Let Go" but while it was not included on that album it did make it's way on youtube along with several other songs meant for that album. I'm not sure which version I like more. 10/10
5) Done With Like: Co-written by "Holly Brook", better known now as "Skylar Grey", this upbeat song is about a short-lived romance or hookup that was "all so pointless". It's catchy but it gets a boring after a couple listens. 7/10
6) Loser In Me: This song is a ballad about wanting to take a break from your real life, whether it be going to school or work or both. Very relatable to everyone (especially teenagers). I used to listen to it a lot during my freshman year of high school and it's still one of my favorites on the album. 10/10
7) Finally Out of P.E.: The title track. Brie has said in an interview that she wrote this song about a P.E. teacher who didn't like her. I can relate to this song except that she was out of P.E. when she was 15 while I had to wait until I was 18 (it sucked!) Anyway the song is pretty good and while didn't win a grammy like she sings in the lyrics "I'm never gonna win a medal, but maybe a grammy", she did win that academy award. I wonder how that P.E. teacher feels though. 9/10
8) She Shall Remain Nameless: This song is about how a girl (snobby cheerleader that you see in the movies) uses her "assets" to get guys to like her while competing again the narrator. In a way it can be seen as a brains vs. brawns situation and I kept thinking the song was called "I Don't Care" because the actual title is never sung in the song. It's very upbeat. 9/10
9) She Said: The first single from the album and it also had a video. In the video, "Brie" works at a fast food restaurant while dreaming of being a musician. The video was pretty good and even got played on "TRL". Sadly, like "Life After You", it's only source of airplay was Radio Disney and it didn't chart. Surprisingly it was the 99th best selling single in the U.S. in 2005 which was pretty good. 10/10
10) Invisible Girl: In the booklet for the album, it says this was the first song "Brie" ever wrote. It was also one of two songs that got her a record deal with Casablanca Records. The song is about being attracted to someone but they don't know you exist. Yeah, we've all been there a few times. Great song but I wish it was longer. 10/10
11) Go Goodbye: Initially called "Go", this was the other song that got "Brie" a record deal. The song is a ballad about breaking up with someone despite it being hard to do, you know that that person isn't the one for you. 8/10
12) Ugly: Continuing with ballads, this song is about not feeling good about not feeling good about yourself despite having a partner who sees your beauty. "Brie" had planned to re-record the song for an Ep in 2008, but the Ep was never released. Lyrically it's great with a beautiful message and I hate to say this, but after a couple of listens I felt it got boring. I wish she had released a new version of the song. 7/10
13) Hope Has Wings: This song was featured in the end credits of the movie, "Barbie and the Magic of Pegasus". Never saw the film but I found this out from wikipedia. Despite not being released as a single, this song does have a video which contains clips of the film as well as Brie singing thesong in a recording booth. The was not was not supposed to be on the album. Originally a song called "Go Your Own Way"was supposed to be there but "Hope Has Wings" replaced it. 9/10
The album is best described as a Hilary Duff meets Avril Lavigne. While the album wasn't a success, "Brie" did stay in music for awhile. She recorded "Coming Around" for the film "Hoot", which she also stared in, a demo of a new song called "Stilts and the Titanic" was posted on her myspace. She also planned on releasing a 5-track Ep (like I previously stated) with songs with a re-recorded version of "Ugly" along with 4 news songs called: "If All Goes Well", "Sharpen My Nails", "Dear Universe", and "Arielle" but it never came. My favorite songs on the album are: "Falling Into History", "Loser In Me", "Life After You", "She Said", "Shoebox", and "Invisible Girl". Out of 130 points I give the album 117 which is 90%, an A.
Thank you for reading this review, I'm sorry it took so long, and I promise I'll do more this month!
Today's album review will be "Brie Larson's" first, and to date only album, "Finally Out Of P.E." Yes, before Brie Larson became the Academy award winning actress she is today, she was a singer when her album was released 12 years ago. Initially the album was set to be released in the fall of 2004 but due to several delays it was released in October 2005, which was probably why it wasn't as popular or well known. Here's my track by track review:
1) Life After You: The second, and unfortunately final single from the album. It talks about becoming stronger after a breakup. It was the last song recorded for the album and which was one of the reasons why the album was delayed. While it did receive airplay on Radio Disney it it did not have a video and failed to chart. Still a great song. 10/10
2) Whatever: This song was originally going to be the second single but it was later scrapped in favor of "Life After You". The song is about an ex who keeps begging for another chance, but because they screwed up last time you tell that person, "NO!" It's pretty good. 8/10
3) Shoebox: This song is about how you like someone but you're so afraid to tell them how you feel. This leads them to fall for someone else or as the lyrics say "going in the wrong direction." It was supposed to be the 4th single from the album but it was cancelled. 10/10
4) Falling Into History: After a few upbeat songs, we get a ballad. The song is about a relationship that has ended because you fell out of love with them. It's my favorite song on the album and it was supposed to be the 3rd single from the album but likely due to the album's sales it was cancelled. The song was originally recorded by "Avril Lavigne" for her debut album, "Let Go" but while it was not included on that album it did make it's way on youtube along with several other songs meant for that album. I'm not sure which version I like more. 10/10
5) Done With Like: Co-written by "Holly Brook", better known now as "Skylar Grey", this upbeat song is about a short-lived romance or hookup that was "all so pointless". It's catchy but it gets a boring after a couple listens. 7/10
6) Loser In Me: This song is a ballad about wanting to take a break from your real life, whether it be going to school or work or both. Very relatable to everyone (especially teenagers). I used to listen to it a lot during my freshman year of high school and it's still one of my favorites on the album. 10/10
7) Finally Out of P.E.: The title track. Brie has said in an interview that she wrote this song about a P.E. teacher who didn't like her. I can relate to this song except that she was out of P.E. when she was 15 while I had to wait until I was 18 (it sucked!) Anyway the song is pretty good and while didn't win a grammy like she sings in the lyrics "I'm never gonna win a medal, but maybe a grammy", she did win that academy award. I wonder how that P.E. teacher feels though. 9/10
8) She Shall Remain Nameless: This song is about how a girl (snobby cheerleader that you see in the movies) uses her "assets" to get guys to like her while competing again the narrator. In a way it can be seen as a brains vs. brawns situation and I kept thinking the song was called "I Don't Care" because the actual title is never sung in the song. It's very upbeat. 9/10
9) She Said: The first single from the album and it also had a video. In the video, "Brie" works at a fast food restaurant while dreaming of being a musician. The video was pretty good and even got played on "TRL". Sadly, like "Life After You", it's only source of airplay was Radio Disney and it didn't chart. Surprisingly it was the 99th best selling single in the U.S. in 2005 which was pretty good. 10/10
10) Invisible Girl: In the booklet for the album, it says this was the first song "Brie" ever wrote. It was also one of two songs that got her a record deal with Casablanca Records. The song is about being attracted to someone but they don't know you exist. Yeah, we've all been there a few times. Great song but I wish it was longer. 10/10
11) Go Goodbye: Initially called "Go", this was the other song that got "Brie" a record deal. The song is a ballad about breaking up with someone despite it being hard to do, you know that that person isn't the one for you. 8/10
12) Ugly: Continuing with ballads, this song is about not feeling good about not feeling good about yourself despite having a partner who sees your beauty. "Brie" had planned to re-record the song for an Ep in 2008, but the Ep was never released. Lyrically it's great with a beautiful message and I hate to say this, but after a couple of listens I felt it got boring. I wish she had released a new version of the song. 7/10
13) Hope Has Wings: This song was featured in the end credits of the movie, "Barbie and the Magic of Pegasus". Never saw the film but I found this out from wikipedia. Despite not being released as a single, this song does have a video which contains clips of the film as well as Brie singing thesong in a recording booth. The was not was not supposed to be on the album. Originally a song called "Go Your Own Way"was supposed to be there but "Hope Has Wings" replaced it. 9/10
The album is best described as a Hilary Duff meets Avril Lavigne. While the album wasn't a success, "Brie" did stay in music for awhile. She recorded "Coming Around" for the film "Hoot", which she also stared in, a demo of a new song called "Stilts and the Titanic" was posted on her myspace. She also planned on releasing a 5-track Ep (like I previously stated) with songs with a re-recorded version of "Ugly" along with 4 news songs called: "If All Goes Well", "Sharpen My Nails", "Dear Universe", and "Arielle" but it never came. My favorite songs on the album are: "Falling Into History", "Loser In Me", "Life After You", "She Said", "Shoebox", and "Invisible Girl". Out of 130 points I give the album 117 which is 90%, an A.
Thank you for reading this review, I'm sorry it took so long, and I promise I'll do more this month!
Monday, August 1, 2016
P!nk: I'm Not Dead Album Review
Hello everybody! I know it's almost been a year since I posted an album review and I sincerely apologize. I got a little bit lazy after my last review and kept putting off writing a another review, and didn't realize it had been after a year since the last review was typed up. So because of that I will reviewing "P!nk's" fourth album, "I'm Not Dead". (Yes the title was the main reason why I decided to review this album first.)
"P!nk", also known as Alecia Moore, first came onto the music scene in 1996 as a member of the R&B girl group, "Choice", sadly "L.A. Reid", the manager of Arista Records who also signed the group, felt that "P!nk" should go solo. After a tough decision "P!nk" left the group, who had a recorded an album that still to this day remains unreleased. "P!nk's" debut album, "Can't Take Me Home" was released in 2000. It included 3 singles, "There You Go", "Most Girls", and "You Make Me Sick", all of which did well in the U.S. A year later "P!nk" would her release her second album, "Missundaztood". The album almost didn't get released due to the album having a more pop/rock sound as opposed to her first album which was R&B/pop but thankfully her label released it and it is her most successful album to date. Her follow up album, "Try This" was released in 2003 and while it wasn't as successful it did her "P!nk" a grammy for "Best Female Rock Vocal Performance" in 2004. Her fourth album "I'm Not Dead", the album I'm reviewing, was released in 2006 which was 10 years ago... Wow I'm old. Anyway, here's my track by track review:
1) Stupid Girls: The first single from the album. The song was inspired by girls such as "Paris Hilton" and "Lindsay Lohan" who, at the time, were not the best role models due to their constant partying and crazy tabloid lifestyle. In the video "P!nk" parodied both of those girls as well as "Jessica Simpson" from her "These Boots are Made for Walking" video. The song is pretty catchy and was "P!nk's" comeback single peaking at number 13 in the U.S. 9/10
2) Who Knew: The second song from the album. The song is a pop/rock ballad that was "P!nk" wrote the song to a friend who had died of due to drug abuse. When I first head the song back in '06, I actually that it about a lover/friend moving away but I was a teenager at the time and didn't know. The song initially didn't do well when it was first released as a single, but after she performed it on "American Idol", the song was re-released to radio and it became a hit peaking at number 9 in the U.S. "P!nk" would also say that the song was her favorite song on her greatest hits album, "Greatest Hits... So Far!!!" 10/10
3) Long Way to Happy: Before the release of this album, it was originally called "Long Way to Happy" which meant this would've been the title track but the album was changed. This was based on a poem "P!nk" wrote when she was 13 about sexual abuse. The first I heard the song was when it was played on "The Hills" (there was nothing good on at the moment that why I was watching I swear!) The song is sad but still great and I wish it was a single. 10/10
4) Nobody Knows: The fourth single from the album. The song is a ballad about dealing with depression. While "P!nk's" vocals are great and the video was pretty good but the overall song is boring and not as good as previous ballad "Who Knew". 6/10
5) Dear Mr. President (featuring the Indigo Girls): The fifth single from the album. "P!nk" has said that this song it is one of the most important songs she's ever written. On "Behind the Music" she stated that she was furious that George W. Bush was that president at the time which was likely the inspiration for the song. The video was of "P!nk" singing the song at Wembley for her "I'm Not Dead Tour". "The Indigo Girls" sing the chorus with "P!nk" as well as background vocals. It's an amazing song played on acoustic guitar that needs to be more popular given how powerful the lyrics are. 9/10
6) I'm Not Dead: The title track, it's an upbeat pop/rock song that was inspired by "P!nk" and her frequent producer/writer "Billy Mann" feeling that their working relationship was ending. Thankfully they still continue to collaborate together to this day. The song upbeat throughout the whole song except during the chorus where it's slow and she sings "I'm not dead, just floating". 8/10
7) 'Cuz I Can: The seventh and final single from the album. The song originally leaked a year before the album was released and sounds like it could've been the first single from the album because it screams "I have returned!" or at least it does to me. The song's video showed footage of "P!nk" performing on her "I'm Not Dead Tour". 8/10
8) Leave Me Alone (I'm Lonely): The sixth single from the album. This is my favorite song on the album because everything about it is awesome. The song is about how a person loves the one they're with but they don't want to be around that person every moment of the day. Like some of the other singles from this album the video for this song was footage of her performing the song on her "I'm Not Dead Tour", although she would shoot another video for it during her "Funhouse Summer Carnival Tour" which showed her at the beach alone until two women show up chasing her. 10/10
9) U + Ur Hand: The third single from the album. "P!nk" had originally wanted this song to be the second single from the album, plus the video for the song had be shot around the same time as "Stupid Girls", but her label went with "Who Knew" instead. In the video "P!nk" played a character named "Lady Devilish" and showed her in different places such as a tea garden and out on a balcony at a party all while a book was being read talking about each place she was at. The song is one of my favorites and peaked at number 9 in the U.S. The song was going to be performed on "American Idol" but after she was told to change rewrite the lyrics and the title as "U + Ur Heart" she decided to perform "Who Knew" instead which as I previously stated became a hit as well. 10/10
10) Runaway: An upbeat song about a teenager wanting to runaway from the problems they are feeling. I haven't really listened to the song as much but it's a pretty good song. 7/10
11) The One That Got Away: A song played on acoustic guitar. The song talks about how a guy that you have a great connection with but they're with someone else. (Story of my life!) Again, it's a song I don't listen to that much but it's great a song that I should listen to more. 8/10
12) I Got Money: Continuing with ballads, this song talks about how you fame and fortune won't always bring you happiness. I need to listen to the song more because it's a really laid-back, mellow song. 8/10
13) Conversations with My 13 Year Old Self: This song is a sad ballad that "P!nk" described this song as a huge therapy session. The song is lyrically and beautiful. 8/10
"I'm Not Dead" was released 10 years ago. Since then "P!nk" has released 4 albums, one of which was a greatest hits album. My favorite songs on the album are: "Leave Me Alone (I'm Lonely)", "Who Knew", "U + Ur Hand", "Dear Mr.President (featuring the Indigo Girls)", "Long Way to Happy", and "Stupid Girls". Out of 130 points I give the album 110 points which is 84%, a B. "P!nk" is said to be working on her seventh album so I can't wait to hear it!
Also this is my 100th album review on this blog! Thank you guys for reading this review as well as my previous reviews and I promise to do do more reviews this month.
Monday, September 21, 2015
Melanie C: Reason Album Review
A third album review?!?! I'm on a roll today! When I started this blog I never thought I'd ever review an album from one of the "Spice Girls" but then again when I first started this blog I wasn't bored out of my mind wanting to hear new music. Well, not new as in just released I meant new as in me never hearing the songs before. Anyway, I'll be reviewing "Melanie C's" second album, "Reason". Melanie C got her start in the music industry being known as "Sporty Spice" in the "Spice Girls". Here's my track by track review:
1) Here It Comes Again: The first single from the album. It's pop/rock song that about being there for someone. I like that it's got a positive feeling to it. The song peaked at number 7 in the U.K. 10/10
2) Reason: The title track. The song is about asking your lover to stay with you and being thankful that they've stayed with you through troubled times. It's also an amazing piano ballad. 10/10
3) Lose Myself in You: The song has a sensual , R&B vibe to it. I haven't listened to the song that much but after I'm done with this review I'll likely be listening to it. I think that the song is about how the narrator wants the person they are singing about to talk to them because they feel a connection with them. 8/10
4) On the Horizon: The second single from the album. It's an upbeat song about how the one you love has made you see life in a positive way. It's my second favorite song on the album. The song peaked at number 14 in the U.K. which is surprising because I feel it should've been a top 10 hit. 10/10
5) Positively Somewhere: This song is about being happy to be yourself. It's a mid-tempo pop/rock song that has a happy, positive vibe to it. 7/10
6) Melt: This song was released along with "Yeh Yeh Yeh" as the fourth and final single from the album. This song was not supposed to be a single but after Melanie injured her knee on "The Games", her label felt it was easier to promote a ballad more than an upbeat song. The plan didn't work as the single peaked at number 27 in the U.K. and was her last release with then label "Virgin Records." It's sad because this is my favorite song on the album and I wish it peaked higher on the charts. 10/10
7) Do I: This song is kinda boring. I don't really listen to it. 5/10
8) Soul Boy: Another song I skip. Like "Do I" this song is kinda boring. 5/10
9) Water: When I first heard the song I thought it was boring but after a couple more listens I liked it. While it doesn't scream "single material" it's a great album track and I like how the lyrics to the chorus change near the near the end of the song. 8/10
10) Home: This song has a dark vibe to it. I don't listen to the song that much but it's pretty good and I'll try to listen to it more in the future. 7/10
11) Let's Love: This song was the third single from the album but it was only released in Japan and it didn't have a video. I wish it had a video because the song is a great upbeat pop/rock song. The production, lyrics, and vocals are awesome. 10/10
12) Yeh Yeh Yeh: This song was released as the fourth and final single with "Melt". Originally this song was going to be released without "Melt" but after Melanie injured her knee on "The Games" her label felt it was easier to promote "Melt" because it was a ballad while "Yeh Yeh Yeh" was an upbeat pop/rock song. The song has a more aggressive feeling to it than any of the other songs on the album. Sadly the song peaked at number 27 in the U.K. It's a shame because this song was also amazing. 10/10
While "Reason" was Melanie C's last album with Virgin Records, it was not the last album she'd release. She's currently working on her seventh solo album, which is more solo albums than any of the other Spice Girls have released. My favorite songs on the album are: "Melt", "On the Horizon", "Yeh Yeh Yeh", "Let's Love", "Here It Comes Again", "Reason", and "Water". Out of 120 points I give the album 100 points which is 83%, a B.
Hope you enjoyed my reviews today. I'll try to post more soon! Thank you for reading!
Mandy Moore: So Real Album Review
Two album reviews in one day? Yes I know it's shocking. This one is for Mandy Moore's first album, "So Real". Some of the songs were on the previous album review of "I Wanna Be with You", so this album is kinda half-a**ed. Sorry! Here's my track by track review:
1) So Real: The third and final single from the album, as well as the title track. I've already reviewed this song on my review of "The Best of Mandy Moore". There is also a french version of the song called "C'est Si Facile" that is apparently very rare. 5/10
2) Candy: The first single from the album as well as her debut single. This is the only song that Mandy still performs to this day, however instead of its original bubblegum pop sound, Mandy performs it with a folk/blues vibe. 7/10
3) What You Want: Apparently this was the first song that was recorded for the album. This song is weird. It's about being the kinda girl that guy she's crushing on wants and how she'll be what he wants as long as he loves her. I don't know if it's the production, the lyrics, Mandy's voice or the fact that she was 14 when she sang this but the song is just weird. 6/10
4) Walk Me Home: The second single from the album. It's an okay ballad but compared to the rest of the ballads she's released since this song, it's just not up to par. 5/10
5) Lock Me in Your Heart: I already reviewed this song on my last review. 8/10
6) Telephone (Interlude): It's a 15 second interlude, so I won't be giving it a score.
7) Quit Breaking My Heart: This song is about how Mandy wants her boyfriend to stop breaking her heart because it's ruining their relationship. No offense but if your boyfriend keeps letting you down then dump him because he's not worth it. But that's just my opinion, the overall song is okay. 6/10
8) Let Me Be the One: This song was originally recorded by the band "Five Star". The song is about wanting to be the only one your boyfriend thinks about. It's okay. 5/10
9) Not Too Young: This song is the most aggressive song on the album. When I was younger it was one of my favorites, but over the years it's become weird to listen to. The song is about seeing through a guy's advances despite him thinking you're easy because you're younger. The chorus is pretty good. 7/10
10) Love Shot: This song is a guilty pleasure of mine. It's about asking a guy if he can handle you and your love. It's more in a cutesy puppy love kinda way instead of a "come and take me now" kinda way. 8/10
11) I Like It: I already reviewed this song in the last review. 7/10
12) Love You for Always: A mid-tempo song about a guy who made everything in your life better and how you want to stay with him forever. 7/10
13) Quit Breaking My Heart (Reprise): A short acoustic version of track number 7. While it's pretty good, it's short meaning I won't give it a score.
Mandy herself has admitted that the songs on this album weren't that good, so I don't feel as bad about the score I'm giving the album. I don't really have any favorite songs on this album. Out of 110 points I give the album 71 points which is 64%, a D. This is the second time I've given an album a D. The first was Taylor Swift's "Red" which got 65%, meaning that the score for "So Real" is lowest score I've given.
Mandy Moore: I Wanna Be With You Album Review
I meant to do some reviews last July due to surgery and not having anything to do, unfortunately I got lazy (lazier than I usual) and didn't do any reviews. Anyway, I'm gonna post a few reviews today because I felt the need to do some. Today I'll be reviewing Mandy Moore's second album, "I Wanna Be with You". I got this album for my 10th birthday and would listen to it almost everyday as a kid. Here's my track by track review:
1) I Wanna Be with You: The first, and technically only, single from the album. The song is Mandy's highest charting single in the U.S. peaking at number 24 making it her first, and to date only, top 40 hit. Funny how people see "Candy" being her signature song while "I Wanna Be with You" peaked higher on some charts and never gets performed anymore. Maybe Mandy will perform it when she promotes her new album (whenever it gets released that is). The song is about crushing on someone. It was also in the movie "Center Stage". 10/10
2) Everything My Heart Desires: When I first heard this song, I thought it was amazing. Years later I found out that it was a cover. The song was originally performed by "Adam Rickitt" and was the second single from his first, and only album, "Good Times". Mandy's version of the song is much better than his though and I wish Mandy had released this song as a single. 10/10
3) Want You Back: This song is about seeing your ex for the first time since you had broken up and regretting the breakup and you want to get back together with that person. Like the last two songs, this song is amazing. 10/10
4) The Way to My Heart: Continuing with the "being in love theme", "The Way to My Heart" is about how Mandy doesn't want to lose her boyfriend because he's the one who makes her feel happy. In a way it picks up where "Want You Back" left off. 10/10
5) So Real (Wade Robinson Remix): This is the remixed version of her third single from "So Real" . The remix makes the song edgier and more fun to dance to but it's not as great as the previous four songs. 7/10
6) Lock Me in Your Heart: In this song, Mandy sings about a how she wants her boyfriend to "lock her in his heart" and show her how love is supposed to be. 8/10
7) Walk Me Home: The second single from her first album, "So Real" and it was also re-released as the second single from this album. This was a bad move because the song still didn't make a dent on the charts. 5/10
8) I Like It: Co-written by "Howie Dorough" from the "Backstreet Boys", the song is about liking a guy and how being with him feels so right. 7/10
9) So Real: The third and final single from "So Real". I already reviewed this song on my review of her album "The Best of Mandy Moore". 5/10
10) Candy (Wade Robinson Remix): The remixed version of her debut single. Like "So Real", this song sounds edgier than the original and is also fun to dance to. 8/10
11) Your Face: I've ignored this song for several years because it was never as memorable as the rest of the songs on the album. While it showcases Mandy's amazing vocals, it's a song that I usually skip. 7/10
12) I Wanna Be with You (Soul Solution Remix): Why would they remix this song? While it's an okay to dance to, the song didn't need to be remixed as it's perfect the way it is. The remix wasn't really needed. 6/10
While some critics saw the album as more as a remix album with a few new songs, the album was more successful on the charts than "So Real". My favorite songs on the album are: "I Wanna Be with You", "Everything My Heart Desires", "The Way to My Heart", "Want You Back", and "Candy (Wade Robinson Remix)". Out of 120 points I give the album 93 points which is 77%, a C+. Mandy's taken a break from music but will hopefully release some new music in 2016.
Sunday, June 21, 2015
Hilary Duff: Breathe In. Breathe Out. (Standard, Deluxe, and Fanjoy Edition) Album Review
I meant to do this review days ago but I lost track of time. Anyway, today I'll be reviewing Hilary Duff's new album, "Breathe In. Breathe Out.". Hilary had taken a long break from recording music before the album was released. In fact the album is Hilary's first album since her last album, "Dignity" was released 8 years (if count "Best of Hilary Duff" than it's been 7 years). Either way it's a relief to finally hear new music from her. For this review I'll be reviewing the standard, the deluxe, and the fanjoy editions of the album and I'll be giving each edition a different score so without further adieu, here's my track by track review:
1) Sparks: This song was initially the third single from the album but when the first two singles weren't included on the standard edition, it became the first single from the album. The song is very catchy, is fun to dance to, and will hopefully become a hit on radio. I didn't really like the video, not because it showed her on her Tinder dates, but because her hair color made her look strange. The song overall is great and a perfect way to start the album off. 10/10
2) My Kind: When I first heard this song, I thought it sounded a little bit like "Taylor Swift's" song, "Style". The song is very catchy and another really great song. 10/10
3) One In a Million: This song sounds like something "Tove Lo" would release, which funny because she co-wrote this song. The song is a mid-tempo ballad and it instantly became one of my favorites on the album. 10/10
4) Confetti: The first few seconds of the song sounded very similar to "Girls Aloud's" single, "Untouchable". That being said, this song is an amazing pop/party song that should be released as the second single. I love the "Heaven is a Place on Earth" sample, it just makes a song perfect. 10/10
5) Breathe In. Breathe Out.: From a happy upbeat song to a dark mid-tempo ballad. The song is the title track and it talks about how a relationship that has recently ended and even though you feel sad, you know you'll be okay. I hope this song will become a single. 10/10
6) Lies: Continuing with a dark vibe, "Lies" is about how Hilary is fed up with her partner's constant b.s. and lies. It's my favorite song on the album and also one of the songs that Hilary co-wrote, which many explain why you can feel the anger in her voice a little bit on this song. It is still a brilliant song with a catchy hook. It needs to be a single too. 10/10
7) Arms Around a Memory: A sad dance-ballad that was written by "Matthew Koma", who also co-wrote the title track and "Confetti" for this album. The song is about reminiscing about an ex that you still miss. I love the song but I wish it was a little longer. 10/10
8) Stay in Love: Like "One In a Million" and "Sparks", this song was co-written by "To-Love". The song is an upbeat pop song where Hilary is questioning how people stay in love with someone when it feels so hard with all the work it comes with. Again another terrific song. 10/10
9) Brave Heart: After 8 pop/dance songs, the album switches to a folk-pop sound that Hilary initially started with (I'll get to that part later). The song is about how being out of a relationship and although you're a little scared of being alone, you'll be okay because you're strong. The song took a couple of listens before I started to like it. 9/10
10) Tattoo: When Hilary was working on a folk-pop album, this song was one of the songs that was almost the first single from the album. While the folk-pop was somewhat scrapped, this song was put on this album. The song was co-written by "Ed Sheeran" who provides background vocals on this song. Like "Brave Heart", this song took a couple of listens before I started to like it. 9/10
11) Picture This: Before the album was released, I noticed on most of the forums that people felt this song was the weakest song on the album. I didn't want to believe that and when I first heard the whole album I was sad that I have to agree. The lyrics are great but the overall song is weak compared to the other songs on the album. It has grown on me a little bit though. 6/10
12) Night Like This (featuring Kendall Schmidt): This is the last song on the standard edition of the album. The song features "Kendall Schmidt" from "Big Time Rush" and "Heffron Drive". I don't listen to either band so I had no idea what to expect with this song. Thankfully the song is amazing. Kendall and Hilary's vocals work perfectly on this amazing song. 10/10
These next two tracks are on the deluxe version of the album:
13) Belong: This song has a folk-pop sound to it like the last 4 songs on the standard edition of the album. To me, song kinda feels like combination "fun.'s" "Some Nights" and "Taylor Swift's" "New Romantics". It's a pretty good song. 9/10
14) Rebel Hearts: I was really excited about this song because it was co-written by "Kara DioGuardi", who co-wrote a majority of Hilary's last album "Dignity" with Hilary. The song blends both folk-pop with dance-pop and sounds very similar to Avicii's "Wake Me Up". Still an amazing song that should've been on the standard edition. 10/10
These next four tracks are available if you bought the fanjoy edition of the album:
1) Chasing the Sun: This song was initially the first single from the album but it didn't make the standard edition of the album. I was kinda glad it didn't make the standard edition because I feel it's a boring song. "Colbie Calliat" co-wrote this song and I think that the song would've sounded better if Colbie sang instead of Hilary. I'm not saying Hilary's voice is bad because she has a great voice, I just feel this song is suited more for Colbie than Hilary. 4/10
2) All About You: The song was initially the second single from the album but like "Chasing the Sun", it didn't make the standard edition of the album. Thankfully it was available on the fanjoy version of the album (as well as iTunes). I love this and I feel it's way better than "Chasing the Sun". The video was pretty good. 10/10
3) Outlaw: A snippet of this song was played on Hilary's show "Younger". Sadly when Hilary revealed the name of the song on "twitter" she said that it wouldn't be on the album. Thankfully she put it on the fanjoy version of the album. It has a folk-pop sound to it, which makes me wonder why Hilary didn't just put out a folk-pop album first and then release a pop album afterward. It was surprising to hear her swear on the first verse but the song is still amazing. 9/10
4) Chasing the Sun (Dave Aude Remix): Sadly the remixed version of this song doesn't do anything for me. 4/10
It's good that Hilary finally released a new album, however before the album was released there were over 20 tracks that were recorded for the album. This is because Hilary had originally recorded a folk-pop album that was set to be released in October 2014, but that didn't happen. And even though there are overall 17 songs on this album, there are still 21 (or 20) songs that didn't make the album. These are the known titles of the songs:
"17", "Better Days", "Hurts", "Northern Star", "Feel Alive", "If I Fall", "This Heart", "Falling", "Whistling Dixie", "Carry On", "Where the Gods Play", "Take It for What It Is", "Before the Light Changes", "It All Starts Tonight", "Tearing Down Walls", "Snow Globe", "Wild Night Out", "Wherever You Go", "When We Were Young", "Breathing Room", and "Rebel Heart" (which was likely re-titled as "Rebel Hearts" for the album but I felt it needed to be mentioned anyway. I'm hoping Hilary will release another album with these songs on it because I've been wanting to hear "Northern Star" since she posted a picture of the lyrics on her instagram.
Overall Hilary Duff's "Breathe In. Breathe Out." was worth the 8 year wait. I hope she doesn't wait 8 years to release another album. My favorite songs on the album are: "Lies", "Breathe In. Breathe Out.", "All About You", "Confetti", Stay In Love", "One In a Million", "My Kind", "Rebel Hearts", "Arms Around a Memory", "Night Like This (featuring Kendall Schmidt)", "Belong", and "Sparks". So basically I love the whole album. For the standard edition, out of 120 points I give the album 114 points which is 95% making it an A+. For the deluxe edition's score, out of 140 points I give the album 133 points which funny enough ends up being a 95% as well, another A+. For the fanjoy edition of the album, out of 160 points I give the album 141 points which i 88%, a B+. This is an amazing album and if you haven't got the album yet, then go out and buy it because it's one of the best albums that has been released this year!
1) Sparks: This song was initially the third single from the album but when the first two singles weren't included on the standard edition, it became the first single from the album. The song is very catchy, is fun to dance to, and will hopefully become a hit on radio. I didn't really like the video, not because it showed her on her Tinder dates, but because her hair color made her look strange. The song overall is great and a perfect way to start the album off. 10/10
2) My Kind: When I first heard this song, I thought it sounded a little bit like "Taylor Swift's" song, "Style". The song is very catchy and another really great song. 10/10
3) One In a Million: This song sounds like something "Tove Lo" would release, which funny because she co-wrote this song. The song is a mid-tempo ballad and it instantly became one of my favorites on the album. 10/10
4) Confetti: The first few seconds of the song sounded very similar to "Girls Aloud's" single, "Untouchable". That being said, this song is an amazing pop/party song that should be released as the second single. I love the "Heaven is a Place on Earth" sample, it just makes a song perfect. 10/10
5) Breathe In. Breathe Out.: From a happy upbeat song to a dark mid-tempo ballad. The song is the title track and it talks about how a relationship that has recently ended and even though you feel sad, you know you'll be okay. I hope this song will become a single. 10/10
6) Lies: Continuing with a dark vibe, "Lies" is about how Hilary is fed up with her partner's constant b.s. and lies. It's my favorite song on the album and also one of the songs that Hilary co-wrote, which many explain why you can feel the anger in her voice a little bit on this song. It is still a brilliant song with a catchy hook. It needs to be a single too. 10/10
7) Arms Around a Memory: A sad dance-ballad that was written by "Matthew Koma", who also co-wrote the title track and "Confetti" for this album. The song is about reminiscing about an ex that you still miss. I love the song but I wish it was a little longer. 10/10
8) Stay in Love: Like "One In a Million" and "Sparks", this song was co-written by "To-Love". The song is an upbeat pop song where Hilary is questioning how people stay in love with someone when it feels so hard with all the work it comes with. Again another terrific song. 10/10
9) Brave Heart: After 8 pop/dance songs, the album switches to a folk-pop sound that Hilary initially started with (I'll get to that part later). The song is about how being out of a relationship and although you're a little scared of being alone, you'll be okay because you're strong. The song took a couple of listens before I started to like it. 9/10
10) Tattoo: When Hilary was working on a folk-pop album, this song was one of the songs that was almost the first single from the album. While the folk-pop was somewhat scrapped, this song was put on this album. The song was co-written by "Ed Sheeran" who provides background vocals on this song. Like "Brave Heart", this song took a couple of listens before I started to like it. 9/10
11) Picture This: Before the album was released, I noticed on most of the forums that people felt this song was the weakest song on the album. I didn't want to believe that and when I first heard the whole album I was sad that I have to agree. The lyrics are great but the overall song is weak compared to the other songs on the album. It has grown on me a little bit though. 6/10
12) Night Like This (featuring Kendall Schmidt): This is the last song on the standard edition of the album. The song features "Kendall Schmidt" from "Big Time Rush" and "Heffron Drive". I don't listen to either band so I had no idea what to expect with this song. Thankfully the song is amazing. Kendall and Hilary's vocals work perfectly on this amazing song. 10/10
These next two tracks are on the deluxe version of the album:
13) Belong: This song has a folk-pop sound to it like the last 4 songs on the standard edition of the album. To me, song kinda feels like combination "fun.'s" "Some Nights" and "Taylor Swift's" "New Romantics". It's a pretty good song. 9/10
14) Rebel Hearts: I was really excited about this song because it was co-written by "Kara DioGuardi", who co-wrote a majority of Hilary's last album "Dignity" with Hilary. The song blends both folk-pop with dance-pop and sounds very similar to Avicii's "Wake Me Up". Still an amazing song that should've been on the standard edition. 10/10
These next four tracks are available if you bought the fanjoy edition of the album:
1) Chasing the Sun: This song was initially the first single from the album but it didn't make the standard edition of the album. I was kinda glad it didn't make the standard edition because I feel it's a boring song. "Colbie Calliat" co-wrote this song and I think that the song would've sounded better if Colbie sang instead of Hilary. I'm not saying Hilary's voice is bad because she has a great voice, I just feel this song is suited more for Colbie than Hilary. 4/10
2) All About You: The song was initially the second single from the album but like "Chasing the Sun", it didn't make the standard edition of the album. Thankfully it was available on the fanjoy version of the album (as well as iTunes). I love this and I feel it's way better than "Chasing the Sun". The video was pretty good. 10/10
3) Outlaw: A snippet of this song was played on Hilary's show "Younger". Sadly when Hilary revealed the name of the song on "twitter" she said that it wouldn't be on the album. Thankfully she put it on the fanjoy version of the album. It has a folk-pop sound to it, which makes me wonder why Hilary didn't just put out a folk-pop album first and then release a pop album afterward. It was surprising to hear her swear on the first verse but the song is still amazing. 9/10
4) Chasing the Sun (Dave Aude Remix): Sadly the remixed version of this song doesn't do anything for me. 4/10
It's good that Hilary finally released a new album, however before the album was released there were over 20 tracks that were recorded for the album. This is because Hilary had originally recorded a folk-pop album that was set to be released in October 2014, but that didn't happen. And even though there are overall 17 songs on this album, there are still 21 (or 20) songs that didn't make the album. These are the known titles of the songs:
"17", "Better Days", "Hurts", "Northern Star", "Feel Alive", "If I Fall", "This Heart", "Falling", "Whistling Dixie", "Carry On", "Where the Gods Play", "Take It for What It Is", "Before the Light Changes", "It All Starts Tonight", "Tearing Down Walls", "Snow Globe", "Wild Night Out", "Wherever You Go", "When We Were Young", "Breathing Room", and "Rebel Heart" (which was likely re-titled as "Rebel Hearts" for the album but I felt it needed to be mentioned anyway. I'm hoping Hilary will release another album with these songs on it because I've been wanting to hear "Northern Star" since she posted a picture of the lyrics on her instagram.
Overall Hilary Duff's "Breathe In. Breathe Out." was worth the 8 year wait. I hope she doesn't wait 8 years to release another album. My favorite songs on the album are: "Lies", "Breathe In. Breathe Out.", "All About You", "Confetti", Stay In Love", "One In a Million", "My Kind", "Rebel Hearts", "Arms Around a Memory", "Night Like This (featuring Kendall Schmidt)", "Belong", and "Sparks". So basically I love the whole album. For the standard edition, out of 120 points I give the album 114 points which is 95% making it an A+. For the deluxe edition's score, out of 140 points I give the album 133 points which funny enough ends up being a 95% as well, another A+. For the fanjoy edition of the album, out of 160 points I give the album 141 points which i 88%, a B+. This is an amazing album and if you haven't got the album yet, then go out and buy it because it's one of the best albums that has been released this year!
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