Today's album review will be of "Evanescence's" demo album "Origin". Only a few copies of the album were released but lead singer "Amy Lee" said that she'd rather have fans download it than purchase it. This may be because of how ridiculous the prices can be for the album, some even as going as far as $400 for one copy. The album was officially released to vinyl in 2016 as part of "The Ultimate Collection" along with the band's albums, "Fallen", "The Open Door", and "Evanescence" as well as "Lost Whispers" which was and album containing B-sides and unreleased tracks. So here's my track by track review:
1) Origin: The title track that is less than a minute and is perfect to play to scare people on Halloween, not that I do that.....anymore...... Anyway given that's so short I won't be giving a score.
2) Whisper: This song is one of three songs that made it onto the band's album "Fallen". The song was actually the first single from this album and while it didn't chart or have a video, it did receive airplay on KLEC "Lick" 106.3 FM and became the number 1 most requested song for two weeks back in 2000. While I prefer the version on the "Fallen" album, this version is pretty cool and creepy with "David Hodges'" doing background vocals for the song. 10/10
3) Imaginary: Another song that would later make it onto the "Fallen" album. The song starts off with a pleasant piano introduction before the drums and guitars kick in at the 25 seconds part. This version also includes a verse, "if you need to leave the world you live, lay your head down and stay awhile, though you may not remember dreaming, something waits for you to breathe again." I prefer this version over the version on the "Fallen" album. 10/10
4) My Immortal: The last song that made it onto the "Fallen" album. The main differences between this version and the "Fallen" version is that a piano is played the whole way through without any other instruments played and "Amy's" voice sounds more vulnerable. It's good but I still prefer the "Fallen" version. 9/10
5) Where Will You Go: Originally the song was played only on a piano on the band's first ep, the "Evanescence Ep" back in 1998. This version starts off with a slow piano intro for a few seconds before a dramatic tempo change and different lyrics. It goes to the sound of an organ piano for the third verse and quickly returns to the fast pace rhythm from before. It's my favorite song on the album and I wish it had a video. 10/10
6) Field of Innocence: This song is a lovely ballad about longing for for the days when you were younger and you still had that innocence and everything was easy because as the years have gone by reality and being adult is much harder. Musically it's very different from the what they've released now. 9/10
7) Even In Death: According to one forum, the song is a made up story about a woman who loved her husband so much that after he dies she digs him out of his grave and takes him back home with her. The craziest thing is that she's happy with this and doesn't see anything wrong with it. That is just plain creepy! The song was the third single from the album and was on a complication album called "The Gas Collection 25" listed under "somebody sign these guys" along with a band called "Jade Trees Weeping" and while "Evanescence" was signed to "Wind-Up Records" the other band sadly wasn't. The song was re-recorded in 2016 for "The Ultimate Collection" album and was changed into a ballad being played on piano and featuring "Amy's" haunting vocals whereas the version on this album was upbeat dark song. It creeps me too much to listen to it though. 6/10
8) Anywhere: This song is a romantic ballad that is also a complete shock given that it doesn't sound like a song that would be on any of the band's albums or would even be a song you'd expect from "Evanescence". The song was said to be inspired by "Romeo and Juliet" but was "Ben Moody" stated that this was one of his least favorite songs that he has written. I'm not sure why because it is a beautiful song that has an amazing guitar solo near the end. It also features 40 seconds of the band's song "Where Will You Go" at the end which takes a little bit anyway from the song. There is an outtake of "David Hodges" singing the chorus WAY too high with someone saying, "You're not saving that" and at the end of that is a quote from the film, "My Boyfriend's Back" being "There's a lot of prejudice against the undead." Just thought you should know that part. 9/10
9) Lies (fearyring Bruce Fitzhugh): The song starts off with "Amy" singing, or auditioning to play "Ariel" from "The Little Mermaid" because she singing exactly what "Ariel" was singing before she lost her voice (sorry for spoiling the movie for people who haven't seen it). The song features singer "Bruce Fitzhugh" from the christian-metal band, "Living Sacrifice" although it feels more like a duet then a feature. The song was released as the second single the album and released airplay before the album was released. It was later re-written and re-recorded with "Amy Lee" singing with "David Hodges" and although that version was never put on an album, it did leak and "Amy" stated she would like fans to refer to that version of the song as "Lies (Post-Origin demo) rather than "Lies (Remix)" or "Lies (Remade)" as some have posted it on youtube. 8/10
10) Away From Me: I feel like this song is about being tired of trying to be someone that you're not and you just want to get away from that person and that life that you realize is fake all while trying to find yourself. It's a song I related to a lot my junior year of high school, thankfully those days are over. It's another great song from the album. 9/10
11) Eternal: The longest song on the album at 7 minutes and 22 seconds. There are no vocals on the song but instead just instruments but it is an amazing song. When the album was being recorded, the song was only 5 minutes long and there was a separate instrumental song known as "Demise". However "Demise" was later added into "Eternal" as the last two minutes of the song. Overall it is amazing and it feels like it could be put in soundtrack for a video game and deserves more attention. 10/10
Another song called, "Listen to the Rain" that "Amy" wrote while in high school and was even performed at her graduation by her high school choir which "Amy" herself was choir president at that time, was supposed to be on the album as part of a three song with "Eternal" and "Demise" but it didn't make the cut. If it did, the song would've been 11 minutes long. The song did however leak and it is a beautiful song that would've gotten a 10 if it was on the album.
Overall "Origin" was a great album for "Evanescence", and it was only the beginning of their greatness as we know from their other albums. Now after a 6 year wait, the band will FINALLY be releasing their 4th album titled, "Synthesis" which will be stripping down songs from their previous records and giving them a more classical sound that is usually put on soundtracks, as well as adding two new songs. It is set to be released this year, and while I'm nervous about how it will sound I'll still give it a chance and more than likely review it.
My favorite songs on the album are: "Where Will You Go", "Imaginary", "Away From Me", "Eternal", "Whisper" and "Anywhere". Because the title track is less than a minute the album score will be out of 100 points instead of 110. So out of 100 points I give the album 90 points which is 90%, an A.
Thank you for reading this review, tell me what you think of it, and check out all of "Evanescence's" album if you haven't.
Wednesday, July 5, 2017
Tuesday, July 4, 2017
Melanie B: Hot (Japanese Edition) Album Review
Happy 4th of July everyone! I wanted to be early to type up my next review but I wasn't sure which one to due today. I eventually decided on "Melanie B's" first album "Hot". The album was released near the end of 2000 and didn't do so well because it was released only 3 weeks before the "Spice Girls'" third album "Forever". You do have to give her credit though since she did promote both albums around the same time, even though promotion for "Forever" basically ended after the album's chart position was announced. That allowed "Melanie" to properly promote "Hot" and it's singles. Here is my track by track review of the album:
1) Feels So Good: The fourth single from the album. The song was produced by "Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis" who have produced songs for "Janet Jackson", the late "Prince", the late "Michael Jackson", and even for "Melanie B's" group the "Spice Girls". The song is an upbeat happy song about love that peaked at number 5 in the U.K. and is also my favorite song on the album. 10/10
2) Tell Me: The third single from the album. The song was released a year after her cover of "Word Up". It is an angry song, said to be about her ex-husband "Jimmy Gulzar" that peaked at number 4 on the U.K charts. I'd hate to have been in his shoes when this song was released. 10/10
3) Hell No: After two upbeat songs we get a ballad. In this song "Melanie B" pleads to her lover to not leave her even though both have made mistakes in the relationships. It also sounds like R&B singer, "Brandy" is singing background vocals on the song. Sadly the song gets pretty boring. 5/10
4) Lullaby: This song was the fifth and final single from the album. It is a ballad that "Melanie B" co-wrote about her first daughter, "Phoenix". It's a cute song but unfortunately "Melanie B" received a lot of criticism because the media at the time thought she was using her daughter as a marketing tool for the promotion. I think that's stupid and can't believe the media would be so cruel and even think about that. But sadly it caused the song to peak at number 13 in the U.K. and her label dropped her, which is kinda stupid when 13 isn't a bad position and wasn't the worst peak position for a "Spice Girls" solo single. 8/10
5) Hotter: While it's not the title track, the album's name does come from the song. In this song "Melanie B" asks a man if he can satisfy her mentally, emotionally, and physically or in her words "make me hotter". The song was supposed to be the sixth overall single from the album, but label scrapped this because of "Lullaby's" chart position. Sad because this is my second favorite song on the album. 10/10
6) Step Inside: After two great songs, we get a weak song. It's very forgettable and "Melanie B" even sounds bored on this song. The beat is pretty good though. 4/10
7) ABC 123: This song has a little bit of a "Janet Jackson" vibe to it but the beat is very distracting, plus the person rapping sounds little out of place. 5/10
8) I Believe: The music is really good and the song is sweet, but whoever doing that weird backing vocals in the chorus sounds very weird which leads to a low rating. 5/10
9) I Want You Back (featuring Missy Elliott): This song was the first single from the album and also made "Melanie B" the first one from "Spice Girls" to release a solo single. The song features "Missy Elliott", however she's barely on the song much at all but she did write most of the song so it makes up for it. The song peaked at number 1 in the U.K. and was also on the "Why Do Fools Fall in Love" soundtrack. The video was a little weird but the song is still pretty good. 10/10
10) Word Up!: The second single from the album. It is a cover that was originally performed by "Cameo" back in 1986 and was also on the "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me" soundtrack. The song had two music videos and is the only song where "Melanie B" was credited as "Melanie G" but she reverted back to "Melanie B" after her divorce. The song peaked at number 14 in the U.K., which was considered a disappointment due to other solo "Spice Girls" singles peaked no lower than number 5 on the charts at the time of its release. I still think it's a pretty good version of the song. 10/10
11) Pack Your S**t (featuring Eric Williams): In this song "Melanie" tells her lover to leave because she believes he's been unfaithful while "Eric Williams", from R&B group "Blackstreet" sings he's never cheated and he's been faithful. "Melanie" does not believe him and continues to tell him to leave. I was honestly hoping the song would sound similar to "Tell Me" but it's still pretty good. 8/10
12) Feel Me Now: This is a slow song were "Melanie B" does more talk-singing than actual singing. It's very intimate lyrically but it feels weird as an album closer. 6/10
"Hot" peaked at number 28 on the U.K. album charts with mixed reviews. She would release her second album, "L.A. State of Mind" which not only failed to chart but received terrible reviews, with one review calling it "one of worst albums of the decade". To this date "Melanie B" is the only "Spice Girl" to not have a top 10 U.K. album, which each "Spice Girl" has done, but she was the first one to get a solo number 1.
These days "Melanie B" is raising three daughters, working as a judge on "America's Got Talent" and is trying to get a "Spice Girls" reunion started because she wants a reunion probably more the "Spice Girls" fans do.
My favorite songs on the album are: "Feels So Good", "Hotter", "Tell Me", "I Want You Back (featuring Missy Elliott)", "Word Up!" and "Lullaby". Out of 120 points I give the album 91 which is 75%, a C+.
Thanks for reading this review and have a great 4th of July!
1) Feels So Good: The fourth single from the album. The song was produced by "Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis" who have produced songs for "Janet Jackson", the late "Prince", the late "Michael Jackson", and even for "Melanie B's" group the "Spice Girls". The song is an upbeat happy song about love that peaked at number 5 in the U.K. and is also my favorite song on the album. 10/10
2) Tell Me: The third single from the album. The song was released a year after her cover of "Word Up". It is an angry song, said to be about her ex-husband "Jimmy Gulzar" that peaked at number 4 on the U.K charts. I'd hate to have been in his shoes when this song was released. 10/10
3) Hell No: After two upbeat songs we get a ballad. In this song "Melanie B" pleads to her lover to not leave her even though both have made mistakes in the relationships. It also sounds like R&B singer, "Brandy" is singing background vocals on the song. Sadly the song gets pretty boring. 5/10
4) Lullaby: This song was the fifth and final single from the album. It is a ballad that "Melanie B" co-wrote about her first daughter, "Phoenix". It's a cute song but unfortunately "Melanie B" received a lot of criticism because the media at the time thought she was using her daughter as a marketing tool for the promotion. I think that's stupid and can't believe the media would be so cruel and even think about that. But sadly it caused the song to peak at number 13 in the U.K. and her label dropped her, which is kinda stupid when 13 isn't a bad position and wasn't the worst peak position for a "Spice Girls" solo single. 8/10
5) Hotter: While it's not the title track, the album's name does come from the song. In this song "Melanie B" asks a man if he can satisfy her mentally, emotionally, and physically or in her words "make me hotter". The song was supposed to be the sixth overall single from the album, but label scrapped this because of "Lullaby's" chart position. Sad because this is my second favorite song on the album. 10/10
6) Step Inside: After two great songs, we get a weak song. It's very forgettable and "Melanie B" even sounds bored on this song. The beat is pretty good though. 4/10
7) ABC 123: This song has a little bit of a "Janet Jackson" vibe to it but the beat is very distracting, plus the person rapping sounds little out of place. 5/10
8) I Believe: The music is really good and the song is sweet, but whoever doing that weird backing vocals in the chorus sounds very weird which leads to a low rating. 5/10
9) I Want You Back (featuring Missy Elliott): This song was the first single from the album and also made "Melanie B" the first one from "Spice Girls" to release a solo single. The song features "Missy Elliott", however she's barely on the song much at all but she did write most of the song so it makes up for it. The song peaked at number 1 in the U.K. and was also on the "Why Do Fools Fall in Love" soundtrack. The video was a little weird but the song is still pretty good. 10/10
10) Word Up!: The second single from the album. It is a cover that was originally performed by "Cameo" back in 1986 and was also on the "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me" soundtrack. The song had two music videos and is the only song where "Melanie B" was credited as "Melanie G" but she reverted back to "Melanie B" after her divorce. The song peaked at number 14 in the U.K., which was considered a disappointment due to other solo "Spice Girls" singles peaked no lower than number 5 on the charts at the time of its release. I still think it's a pretty good version of the song. 10/10
11) Pack Your S**t (featuring Eric Williams): In this song "Melanie" tells her lover to leave because she believes he's been unfaithful while "Eric Williams", from R&B group "Blackstreet" sings he's never cheated and he's been faithful. "Melanie" does not believe him and continues to tell him to leave. I was honestly hoping the song would sound similar to "Tell Me" but it's still pretty good. 8/10
12) Feel Me Now: This is a slow song were "Melanie B" does more talk-singing than actual singing. It's very intimate lyrically but it feels weird as an album closer. 6/10
"Hot" peaked at number 28 on the U.K. album charts with mixed reviews. She would release her second album, "L.A. State of Mind" which not only failed to chart but received terrible reviews, with one review calling it "one of worst albums of the decade". To this date "Melanie B" is the only "Spice Girl" to not have a top 10 U.K. album, which each "Spice Girl" has done, but she was the first one to get a solo number 1.
These days "Melanie B" is raising three daughters, working as a judge on "America's Got Talent" and is trying to get a "Spice Girls" reunion started because she wants a reunion probably more the "Spice Girls" fans do.
My favorite songs on the album are: "Feels So Good", "Hotter", "Tell Me", "I Want You Back (featuring Missy Elliott)", "Word Up!" and "Lullaby". Out of 120 points I give the album 91 which is 75%, a C+.
Thanks for reading this review and have a great 4th of July!
Monday, July 3, 2017
Angel Faith: Believe In Angels... Believe In Me Album (Japanese Bonus Tracks Edition) Review
Today's review will be of "Angel Faith's" first and only album, "Believe In Angels... Believe In Me." For those of you who aren't familiar with "Angel Faith", here's a bit of background. She came out on to the music scene in 2001 as one of the lead vocalists in the pop girl group, "No Secrets". She later left the group in 2003 after the other four members of the band recorded a cover of "Atomic Kitten's" hit single, "Whole Again" without even telling her. At that time the group was finishing up a second album that went unreleased after they broke up in 2005. "Angel" then signed a solo deal with "Midas Records" and released this album back in 2004. Now I had heard only one song at that time but I didn't know who the singer was, keep in mind the internet wasn't as high tech as it is today. But after that song was recommended for me on youtube back in February of this year, I remembered it and decided to give the album a listen and buy the album. So without further ado, here's my track by track review:
1) Believe In Angels: The title track, she sings "Believe in Me" at the end of the chorus each time it's played. This song talks about how a guy had his heart broken and no longer believes in love (angels). The narrator loves the guy and wants to make him believe that love/angels exist. It's a very upbeat song and I didn't like it at first but after a couple more listens, it grew on me. 9/10
2) Lessons In Love: This song is about an ex who broke "Angel's" heart and she warns him that someday someone will break his heart the same way he broke hers. That's KARMA! The was released as the third single from the album and despite not having a video, it peaked at number 41 on the Hot Dance Club Play charts. The song is amazing but I'm not sure who raps on the song, so if anyone knows please tell me. 10/10
3) Wild Guess: An upbeat pop song with a little bit of rock to it. Lyrically it's probably the most intimate song on the album. It's fun to dance to but I feel very uncomfortable when she does the little moan parts in the third verse, given she was 16 at the time the album was released. 8/10
4) Once Upon Our Time: When I first saw the title, I had assumed it was a ballad. Boy was I wrong! This song is an upbeat song that's pop with a little bit of an R&Bish sound to it. In this song Angel sings about feeling like fairytale characters such as Cinderella, Snow White, and Little Red Riding Hood while impatiently waiting for her Prince Charming to be with her. Despite several fairytale characters be named in the song "Angel" sings in the chorus, "This ain't no fairytale." While there was said to be a demo version of the song on youtube, it's exactly the same as the original version. 8/10
5) Chinese Whispers: The title of the song made me very curious as I had never heard a song called "Chinese Whispers" before. The song is about quickly secrets get out in public. It's fun song to dance to and also my favorite on the album. The only downside is that it's the shortest song on the album at 3 minutes. I wish it was longer. 10/10
6) Mama's Little Girl: This song is about a girl who was made fun of in her younger days. She then grows up and all the girls wanna be her best friend while all the guys wanna date her. It's an empowering song but it's weird when she sings the chorus so high-pitched at the end. 8/10
7) Just The Way I Am: The first single from the album. The song is about being yourself and not changing because you like who you are. This was the song that I had first heard back in 2004 when it was released. The album version of the song is a little different from the video version though. 9/10
8) Three Small Words: In this song, "Angel" vents out her frustrations about a relationship where one person is doing all the work and other does nothing. She adds that unless the person says three small words, which are I love you, then she will leave him. Angel does a little rap after the second chorus and it surprisingly works well with the song. 9/10
9) Angel: No, despite the title she is not talking about herself in the song. It is also not a cover of "Robbie Williams'" song of the same name. The song is a slow R&B/pop song about a love who is your soulmate. I find it pretty boring and wonder why it was put on the album. 4/10
10) Love Is: This song is a beautiful ballad describing what love is and how amazing it is. The song is said to be the fifth and final single from the album, but sadly it never got a video. The songs reminds me a little bit of "LeAnn Rimes'" song, "I Need You". The song was also put on "Angel's" holiday ep, "A Gift from an Angel" likely to help promote the song. I wish it had a video though. 9/10
11) To Forgive You: This is a piano ballad that showcases "Angel's" amazing voice. In the song she sings about a guy who lied to her, and while he apologized she can't find a way to forgive him. Another good song. 8/10
12) You Release Me: After a few slow songs, we have an upbeat song. In this song "Angel" sings about someone who makes her happy because he loves her for who she is. Like a majority of the songs on the album it's perfect to dance to, but it's kinda forgettable. 6/10
The next 6 songs are the bonus tracks that are only available on the Japanese version of the album.
13) Ladies Night: I honestly thought that the song was going to be a cover of "Atomic Kitten's" song, "Ladies Night" but it's not. While I give it credit for being an original song, it's pretty boring and overall the weakest song on the album. 3/10
14) Love Song With a Twist: This song is about falling for a guy but you can't find the words to say, so you write him "a love song with a twist". Not sure what the "twist" is or why that lyric is put in when it doesn't make much sense, but I gotta say that overall it's pretty good song. It's more of a pop/rock song with awesome guitar solos. Apparently it was the 4th single from the album, or at least that's what wikipedia had said when she clicked on the album. Either way it's a good song. 8/10
15) How Can I Lie?: The second single from the album. Not sure it was listed as a bonus track when it was a single but at least it had a video. I wasn't sure if the version on the album was going to be the video version of the song or a different version of the song given that it wasn't on itunes. So I bought the Japanese version of the album and it turned out it wasn't the video version like I hoped it was. The video shows "Angel" originally going to a prom but she then decides to go to a club where she dances with a boy (presumably her boyfriend) but for most of the video she is doing choreographed dance moves. The song peaked at number 48 on the Hot Dance Club Play charts. I would've given it an 8, if the version on the album was the video version of the song. 6/10
16) Beyond the Wall: A piano ballad that can either be talking about being in a relationship that's gone wrong or about a woman who's lost her way with her faith and is trying to get back to it. I'm still not sure, but if anyone knows please comment below and tell me. But anyway it's pretty good. 7/10
17) Perfect for One Day: The song is about reminiscing about a love that started off amazing until that lover lied and cheated but you wish it didn't happen because you feel that person was your soulmate. It's a pretty good ballad that's pretty relatable. 8/10
18) Ghost: In this song "Angel" sings about how she's initially over and ex, but he still haunts her in her dreams which makes her paranoid and afraid to go back to sleep. The song was definitely a surprise as it has a complete different feeling from the rest of the album. It's very haunting and one of my favorites, as well as another reason why I bought the Japanese version. 10/10
Although the album wasn't as successful, "Angel" still went on tour for 6 months and promoted the album. After touring finished, she planned on releasing a second album called, "Twisted" that was to include new songs and some leftover tracks from her first album. The album was never as "Angel" retired from the music business to go back to school to become a doctor. While the second album was never officially released, the songs somehow made their way onto youtube.
My favorite songs on the album are: "Chinese Whispers", "Ghost", "Lessons In Love", "Three Small Words", "Love Is", "Once Upon Our Time", and "Believe In Angels". Out of 180 points I give the album 140 points which is 77%, a C+.
Thank you for reading this review and I'm sorry it came so late, again. Comment below what you think.
1) Believe In Angels: The title track, she sings "Believe in Me" at the end of the chorus each time it's played. This song talks about how a guy had his heart broken and no longer believes in love (angels). The narrator loves the guy and wants to make him believe that love/angels exist. It's a very upbeat song and I didn't like it at first but after a couple more listens, it grew on me. 9/10
2) Lessons In Love: This song is about an ex who broke "Angel's" heart and she warns him that someday someone will break his heart the same way he broke hers. That's KARMA! The was released as the third single from the album and despite not having a video, it peaked at number 41 on the Hot Dance Club Play charts. The song is amazing but I'm not sure who raps on the song, so if anyone knows please tell me. 10/10
3) Wild Guess: An upbeat pop song with a little bit of rock to it. Lyrically it's probably the most intimate song on the album. It's fun to dance to but I feel very uncomfortable when she does the little moan parts in the third verse, given she was 16 at the time the album was released. 8/10
4) Once Upon Our Time: When I first saw the title, I had assumed it was a ballad. Boy was I wrong! This song is an upbeat song that's pop with a little bit of an R&Bish sound to it. In this song Angel sings about feeling like fairytale characters such as Cinderella, Snow White, and Little Red Riding Hood while impatiently waiting for her Prince Charming to be with her. Despite several fairytale characters be named in the song "Angel" sings in the chorus, "This ain't no fairytale." While there was said to be a demo version of the song on youtube, it's exactly the same as the original version. 8/10
5) Chinese Whispers: The title of the song made me very curious as I had never heard a song called "Chinese Whispers" before. The song is about quickly secrets get out in public. It's fun song to dance to and also my favorite on the album. The only downside is that it's the shortest song on the album at 3 minutes. I wish it was longer. 10/10
6) Mama's Little Girl: This song is about a girl who was made fun of in her younger days. She then grows up and all the girls wanna be her best friend while all the guys wanna date her. It's an empowering song but it's weird when she sings the chorus so high-pitched at the end. 8/10
7) Just The Way I Am: The first single from the album. The song is about being yourself and not changing because you like who you are. This was the song that I had first heard back in 2004 when it was released. The album version of the song is a little different from the video version though. 9/10
8) Three Small Words: In this song, "Angel" vents out her frustrations about a relationship where one person is doing all the work and other does nothing. She adds that unless the person says three small words, which are I love you, then she will leave him. Angel does a little rap after the second chorus and it surprisingly works well with the song. 9/10
9) Angel: No, despite the title she is not talking about herself in the song. It is also not a cover of "Robbie Williams'" song of the same name. The song is a slow R&B/pop song about a love who is your soulmate. I find it pretty boring and wonder why it was put on the album. 4/10
10) Love Is: This song is a beautiful ballad describing what love is and how amazing it is. The song is said to be the fifth and final single from the album, but sadly it never got a video. The songs reminds me a little bit of "LeAnn Rimes'" song, "I Need You". The song was also put on "Angel's" holiday ep, "A Gift from an Angel" likely to help promote the song. I wish it had a video though. 9/10
11) To Forgive You: This is a piano ballad that showcases "Angel's" amazing voice. In the song she sings about a guy who lied to her, and while he apologized she can't find a way to forgive him. Another good song. 8/10
12) You Release Me: After a few slow songs, we have an upbeat song. In this song "Angel" sings about someone who makes her happy because he loves her for who she is. Like a majority of the songs on the album it's perfect to dance to, but it's kinda forgettable. 6/10
The next 6 songs are the bonus tracks that are only available on the Japanese version of the album.
13) Ladies Night: I honestly thought that the song was going to be a cover of "Atomic Kitten's" song, "Ladies Night" but it's not. While I give it credit for being an original song, it's pretty boring and overall the weakest song on the album. 3/10
14) Love Song With a Twist: This song is about falling for a guy but you can't find the words to say, so you write him "a love song with a twist". Not sure what the "twist" is or why that lyric is put in when it doesn't make much sense, but I gotta say that overall it's pretty good song. It's more of a pop/rock song with awesome guitar solos. Apparently it was the 4th single from the album, or at least that's what wikipedia had said when she clicked on the album. Either way it's a good song. 8/10
15) How Can I Lie?: The second single from the album. Not sure it was listed as a bonus track when it was a single but at least it had a video. I wasn't sure if the version on the album was going to be the video version of the song or a different version of the song given that it wasn't on itunes. So I bought the Japanese version of the album and it turned out it wasn't the video version like I hoped it was. The video shows "Angel" originally going to a prom but she then decides to go to a club where she dances with a boy (presumably her boyfriend) but for most of the video she is doing choreographed dance moves. The song peaked at number 48 on the Hot Dance Club Play charts. I would've given it an 8, if the version on the album was the video version of the song. 6/10
16) Beyond the Wall: A piano ballad that can either be talking about being in a relationship that's gone wrong or about a woman who's lost her way with her faith and is trying to get back to it. I'm still not sure, but if anyone knows please comment below and tell me. But anyway it's pretty good. 7/10
17) Perfect for One Day: The song is about reminiscing about a love that started off amazing until that lover lied and cheated but you wish it didn't happen because you feel that person was your soulmate. It's a pretty good ballad that's pretty relatable. 8/10
18) Ghost: In this song "Angel" sings about how she's initially over and ex, but he still haunts her in her dreams which makes her paranoid and afraid to go back to sleep. The song was definitely a surprise as it has a complete different feeling from the rest of the album. It's very haunting and one of my favorites, as well as another reason why I bought the Japanese version. 10/10
Although the album wasn't as successful, "Angel" still went on tour for 6 months and promoted the album. After touring finished, she planned on releasing a second album called, "Twisted" that was to include new songs and some leftover tracks from her first album. The album was never as "Angel" retired from the music business to go back to school to become a doctor. While the second album was never officially released, the songs somehow made their way onto youtube.
My favorite songs on the album are: "Chinese Whispers", "Ghost", "Lessons In Love", "Three Small Words", "Love Is", "Once Upon Our Time", and "Believe In Angels". Out of 180 points I give the album 140 points which is 77%, a C+.
Thank you for reading this review and I'm sorry it came so late, again. Comment below what you think.
Sunday, July 2, 2017
Spice Girls: Forever Album Review
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.
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.
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!
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