So I decided to do this review after some consideration. I can't change minds, yet. Music video for We Can't Stop. We Can't Stop is the first single off Miley's fourth studio album (unnamed), and it has since changed my perception of her. Well, highly. I have to say the last song I actually considerably liked was Can't Be Tamed, and Who Owns My Heart to a certain extent. Although there are also classic Miley songs such as The Climb, Party in the USA, 7 Things and When I Look At You. Well, what happened you might ask? It's been a while, and Miley's previous record label has already had acclaim since producing albums from Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez, who were top Disney artists. And well, Miley has then singed on to RCA Records, with some big artists such as Justin Timberlake who is also under it. That's not the point, but the direction she was willing to take for this song and also her album, claiming it would have a 'dirty south' feel. She also said that Can't Be Tamed was her 'last pop album', this phase would only bring about mixed reception that would not only cause havoc in the music industry, but to her fans as well. Miley, long-time Disney darling, now a daring move to upset and upstage, has she eventually turned a dark corner? Well, only time could tell if she wishes to continue like this. Right off the bat, you'll notice We Can't Stop's sound change from her past albums. If you can't notice it, then it's probably because you've not seen her for a long time. You will hear the track's approach to it being a laid back, party song with champagne and wine over the other side. The slow start, with the robotic voice just narrating the start seems so... weird in a mediocre way. The song, well, averagely, doesn't offer anything plush about it. All it does is just the same thing over again, not repetitive but tiresome. Almost just a painful over-occurrence and it doesn't stop at that. Miley's vocals aren't especially special, almost just a playback it seems and doesn't introduce a higher medium of effort. The song shines at it's playful chorus, but the fun, exotic nature of the song is almost just a mixture of dire and satirical hungover. The replay value of it is in the chorus and chorus only. The verses just fall flat and the lyrics almost are a copy-cat of another pop rendition of any dance club hit anthem. The song is just not that bad, though some parts could be considered 'good', such as the bridge in between the second chorus and the half-hearted attempt to improve the beat. Other than that, it wouldn't be crude to call the song just average perfection and the details just a simple, rough sketch. And we can't stop RATINGS:
ORIGINALITY: 7/10 - The song is just... everywhere. There's no specific root to it's origin and no way to designate what it should be. SOUND: 6/10 - The song slaps itself almost like a reaction and we all know it's true. Sometimes, the track stands out at wrong points and doesn't make what they have to improve it. LYRICS: 6/10 - The track has lyrics. And that's it. It has lyrics. OVERALL: 19/30 - The song is mediocre at best, and even slight improvements could've offered a better judgement and better vibe than what this track could've been applied to become. We all know Miley's talents and we've been brought to it before. This song is just a mainstream hit because of the way it was brought up, not conditionally but 'fan'-tastically. It's mediocre effort at best, as said, but I don't think it's going to change my mind of playing it anytime soon.
0 Comments
I just got to this song this morning, and here I am, pitching this review to you. Lyric video for Wake Me Up. Wake Me Up is Avicii's first single from his new album True. Ever since Avicii broke into mainstream with his radio hits Levels and collaborating with Flo Rida Good Feeling (producer, both sharing the same beat). The Swedish producer since then has become one of the top mega-producers of our current generation, not only bringing EDM (Electronic Dance Music) to the next level, but the consistency and the passion Avicii brings to the game is just absolutely astonishing. This time, his debut studio album will be dropped in style, and Wake Me Up it's predecessor to a collection of possibly, one of the year's best fed-production album. Wake Me Up starts off slowly, the country vibe tingling through your eardrums as the instrumentation easily clear, showcasing just how creative and innovative Avicii's expertise could land him in. Featuring American soul singer Aloe Blacc (not credited), his vocals battle it out with the crystal clear approach and the amazing effects that covers it up well. Avicii has just put out his main course on a silver platter, and Aloe's vocals are just lined up for dessert. What I love next most is the way Avicii's tracks blends with. The country elements are just gibberish to some dance music fanatics, but Avicii's implementation of it, together with Aloe's soul vocals, the track sums up that genre mashing is still a big achievement in this day and age of electronic music. Also, the beat that collectively ends the choruses in between the hangover, is just simply effectual. Cool, vibrant and lush; the beat drops at the right moment, and the overall intensity just notches up so much higher. So wake me up when it's all over RATINGS:
ORIGINALITY: 9/10 - The genre mashing, the beats, the vibe; all of this are just simply the work of an inspiring true artist. SOUND: 9/10 - As said above. The track is hands down amazing. LYRICS: 9/10 - What other EDM track which has full-on beats which are gutted in your face still has incredible, relevant and related lyrics? OVERALL: 27/30 - Avicii has outdone himself, showcased his talent and brought the competitive level to it's next phase. This is a summer set, the song which will bite on people's hounds for weeks to come, and possibly months. Wake Me Up is just brilliant, an electro-magnetic hit that pulls at your heart-strings and pretty much is your escape tool to a paradise where the sun never goes down. Play it for days, and you will agree with me. 7 weeks at the top, and still going. This is a controversial statement, video and music that people have been talking about ever since the summer music started swaying. Music video for Blurred Lines (censored - Vevo). So the reviews for Blurred Lines kinda was back in May or April, where this song skyrocketed all the way up the mountains, due to it's violated content music video, and controversial lyrics. Well, if it's a summer jam, it's a summer jam. There's no denying that Blurred Lines stands out in it's own way unlike any other track at the moment, which blends Timberlake-esque voice and marquees it with Pharrell and rapper T.I. Robin Thicke's vocals stands out thoroughly throughout the track, his signature groove instantly on point and doesn't overdo it, nor risk any factors protruding it. Amazing, catchy, and almost suave, Thicke's vocals are what makes half of this track insanely fun and exciting. Not to forget, the interlude and background 'hey hey hey's are just attention grabbing. It is a party song that stands out, and doesn't delve into deep lyrical heaven just to be able to be associated. Yes, if you wanna' compare Timberlake to Thicke, then maybe both of them have similar differences. I would have to agree to disagree ladies and gentlemen. And that's why I'mma take a good girl Next up the holster is producer and featured artist on the track Pharrell. Now Pharrell has been in some big songs of 2013, mainly everywhere. He has appeared twice on Daft Punk's new album, Random Access Memories (Get Lucky and Lose Yourself to Dance), did some work with Jay-Z's twelfth studio album, Magna Carta... Holy Grail, being a part of the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack by penning three more songs - man, Pharrell is just busy. But his workload shifts towards a bigger paycheck, as Blurred Lines continue to dominate sales, showing just how powerful his beats and the way the track synchronizes between the writers of Thicke and himself. Pharrell sings alongside Thicke during the chorus and the bridge, the addition forthcoming and plain cracking. What do we need steam for? Lastly, our featured artist is none other than rapper T.I., whose name you've read among the walls of Rihanna, Eminem, Lil' Wayne and B.o.B. The rap verses on a mainstream variety of pop songs may seem to have died out because of 'risk-playing' and unable to reach the 'appropriate audience'. For example, E.T. by Katy Perry was fine because of the way the song sounded. It brought much needed attention and vibe, all of which was spread across the board nicely. Then comes the addition of Kanye West, bringing nothing to the table but 'a dirty mind.' While most people were unnoticed by it, I personally didn't enjoy it, as we all know West is a brilliant rapper (Check out his work on Watch the Throne), but songs like these should just steer away from rap trouble as they not only bring in a risk factor, but is just insane to sing along to. In this case, T.I. played his cards right. He swayed to the vibe, the beat and the moves, and portrayed a verse that was just easily memorable, offering much in the process which only serves to build on the effect, rather than degrade it. T.I. in this case once again, is just a great feature. One thing I ask you RATINGS:
ORIGINALITY: 9/10 - Pharrell's beats and production is costly, but favourable and expansive, in which the case of jaw-dropping comes into play. SOUND: 9/10 - This disco, pop, R&B track meshes so well together that it is just a dollop of good fun and excitement. LYRICS: 9/10 - Innovative, at times controversial, but it recognizes it and just strikes a large welcoming pose. OVERALL: 27/30 - Blurred Lines ravages radio stations as the track continues to steamroll other competitors. The track is amazing, fun, exciting, vast and utmost perfection. Play it for days as you fall in love with it. It is confirmed as the next single! Audio for Ain't It Fun click here! So Paramore's next single is titled Ain't It Fun, and I am a little surprised. Well, apart from this track, the next that I could probably predict would be Fast In My Car. But that track doesn't up the hype it does with Ain't It Fun as I felt it did. It's the management that decides it, and I have to say I'm okay with the track. Ain't It Fun has an amazing intro, as Hayley jives into it. However, all it really has is an overlapping guitar loop ringing around the center of a monotonous beat. The track doesn't really bring any 'Paramore moments' that I felt really could boost the score so much higher. I have to say this though, the track really delivers an amazing way to decide with of either being a fun single or a serious single about talking to someone of the problems of the real world. That could probably be because of the gang vocals on the bridge that really just increases the score by so, so so much. The intensity is however, maintained and composed and doesn't really improve at the same time. Ain't It Fun also is not as catchy, but it is still an average work that doesn't quite really live up to expectations. Despite some minor bad judgments, the song still is consistent and I feel that it isn't really the standards Paramore have set for themselves in their past albums. Still Into You was fun and at times love-ling, but Ain't It Fun is a totally different song. The lyrics revolves around talking about a guy who is thrust into this open world of real mess, where he needs to know what's going on and he's really on his own now. Still, I'm not really into it yet as much as I'd really say, but I'm going to give it a couple more listens. Ain't it fun RATINGS:
ORIGINALITY: 7/10 - They are running low on creativity, no doubt and Ain't It Fun doesn't 'up' it enough. SOUND: 7/10 - From a couple of gang vocals that is just crazy and engaging, the rest just ties it around and doesn't really feel enough. LYRICS: 7/10 - Ain't It Fun has laced lyrics, but pale in comparison to the other tracks. OVERALL: 21/30 - Ain't It Fun features good vocals from Hayley, but had it been more innovative, the bars would have definitely been much more higher. I'd add it on my playlist, and I'm eager to hear your opinion. A little nice change-up, and timely so. Click here for the lyric video for Wildfire! Wildfire is the next single off his upcoming album, Paradise Valley, coming out August 20th. Now I'm not a big fan of John Mayer, but Wildfire has got me stung like no other. This track is just amazingly brilliant, from the different instrumentation, all the way to the vocals. So upbeat, so familiar, so great that this song is just up and beyond, and taking you all the way. The guitars, the snap-back, the way it all revolves around this drum beat that keeps insanely moving on is just spectacularly well-driven and restored. Such amazing prowess could only stand in the side of innovation and creativity, and this track lavishes on such taste that it not only takes your breath away, but recaptures it along the way. Wildfire also features prominent songwriting knack that could prove to be pointers for future songwriters. John himself is an established songwriter, a great guitarist (solo on Fall Out Boy's rendition of Michael Jackson's Beat It), and not to forget unique tracks that will never ever be forgotten (Your Body Is A Wonderland, Waiting on the World to Change). John Mayer is a been there, done that. Apart from a couple of mis-hit singles, he is proven and is just a talented artist that most artists have been longing to work with. Back on the track, Wildfire is just amazing, filled with snip-bit and bare-bone instrumentation that strings away very easily and simply. Nothing more, nothing less to add and this is just a top contender for this week's best songs so far You look fine fine fine RATINGS:
ORIGINALITY: 9/10 - The solo piano (somewhat) included in between the bridge just swoons over very carefully, the snares and guitars just light and touching. Never have I been as crossed over with myself in weeks. SOUND: 9/10 - John Mayer's instrumentation strings like an opera, over-matching and overlaying, powerful and simple, tasteful and delicious. LYRICS: 9/10 - Heart-to-heart work and I can't say enough. OVERALL: 27/30 - Wildfire is just a fun-filled anthem, a light refreshment on a cool breeze afternoon that will catch you on easily. It's not hard to not love the song, so play it for days! I thought they were breaking up... but the rumors have subsided, and we have a new album! Audio for Supersoaker! I was stoked once they released Supersoaker as I was a great fan of their past hits, especially their previous album, Come Around Sundown. The Grammy winning American band is now geared and back for their next step, as the title of their next album seems surprising enough, titled Mechanical Bull. But that's not the main attraction you'd wanna' see at a carnival as Supersoaker has been on my mind since Sunday. Does it contain the energy of the past album? Should I be hyped that it is not as fun or as exciting as it should be? Well, the track itself contains many layers, of which lyric and instrumental wise is just even harder to express. That's what I love about Kings Of Leon so much, is that whenever they release something, their heart and soul is put into work and not just feeling laid back at all. This is a true work of an artist. So many new albums are coming out on September, and Supersoaker has been one of my favourites so far. They could rain on anyone's parade on their release as I know some other bands that could also be dropping their new records that week. So what is Supersoaker? It is a traditional water gun you'd use to spray at your friends with when you were a child. Well, for them, it's all talking about the girls as they say 'I don't mind, sentimental girls at times; Miss don't walk away, don't walk away.' The track revives it with an upbeat drum charge, and Caleb's vocals as always, shines throughout the song. It's something you can't miss, and something that is visible around a Kings Of Leon record. Even a simple breakdown during aftermath of the 2nd chorus is simply amazing, and the chorus doesn't even feel repetitive, the track itself feeling fresh after all the electronic guitars and beats that were thrown in your face. After all, they are a rock band and that's what I love most. Their daring approach to the tracks almost feel tenure and tenacious, the track itself uproar and just never tiring, and never gets old. Cause' I'm the supersoaker RATINGS:
ORIGINALITY 9/10 - This is where the track shines most at, and so highly deserving as well. SOUND: 8/10 - The track is consistently reveling, and keeps you alive throughout. LYRICS: 8/10 - Creative and upbeat, just astonishingly good. OVERALL: 25/30 - Kings Of Leon have outdone themselves and have weighed out their options for their next album. Supersoaker is what you need if you need a fresh change, and this industry is direly in need of one. I'll be playing it for days, maybe a good recommendation as well. And Justin presents the first single off his upcoming The 20/20 Experience: 2 of 2 which is just going to be awesome if you loved the first one. Let's hop right in. Audio for Take Back the Night. So I haven't touched on JT since his first release of his comeback album, which featured tons of amazing songs such as Suit And Tie, Mirrors and Tunnel Vision, all of which are the singles off the past album. And the album, if I had to review, would most likely reach a 9.5, but let's move on as the remainder of the collection, or the next 10 songs, are still left to be touched. Take Back the Night features pop disco dance vibes, very nostalgic to what you'd hear from an 80's dance club. The similar styles comparable to those of the late Michael Jackson, and who knew, this song is a staggering amazement straight from the intro. It's very difficult not to love this song, if you loved the 80's dance hits, then this will reach your ear-pumps easily, snaking through like an amazon of magical essence. Also, it's almost easy to hear of Timbaland's production on the song, as it is on any other track from the first album. The grooves are all set-in and Timbaland's introduction of some amazing horns were made for pure pleasure entertainment. Now you're going to ask, 'if I don't like any of Timberlake's past hits, will I still like this single?' And the truth is, you're not going to. This song features pop-offensive lyrics and almost instantaneous dance-club stances. If you didn't like Suit And Tie as much as say Take Back the Night, then yes, this track will take more than a few listens getting used to, or I suggest plugging in The 20/20 Experience if you have the time. The album is explosive, 10 songs along the array of 70 minutes of just volatile pop explosion that will leave you wanting more. That is, by any indication, a positive note and I really suggest you to do so. Take Back the Night also focuses on getting you into the vibe than anything else. It's either you feel it or you don't; play it or you won't; enjoy it or skip it. All of this ties in like a summer vacation, so if you ain't in the mood, this song might not captivate you as much. Take back the night RATINGS:
ORIGINALITY: 8/10 - The song puts you through a time-lapse, making it revitalizing. The 80's sound has never sounded more modernised. SOUND: 8/10 - Timberlake's smooth vocals oppress the track simply well. LYRICS: 8/10 - There is effort, and credit is done where it's due. OVERALL: 24/30 - Take Back the Night is just amazing on another level with other mainstream radio hits. It is unlike any other, the believer of real music and the deliverance of another. Play it for days and take back the night. So Directioners, yes this is not the best song ever, but they are talking about it. Click here for the music video for Best Song Ever! So the Best Song Ever leaked a few weeks ago, and as compensation (somehow), we got the full digital download on not only iTunes, but VEVO as One Direction uploaded their new music video a couple of days ago. And yes, it does look strangely like Tom Cruise, though I have my similar doubts. To be honest, this song is not the best song ever and only just talking about dancing away to the best song ever. So if this song is anything to go by, it's going to be great, right? I mean, this is the same band that brought us What Makes You Beautiful, Live While We're Young, One Thing, Kiss You and Little Things, but things seems to have taken a tier-2 approach as Best Song Ever doesn't quite live up to my expectations (not lofty, but still high). You can notice right off the bat that the verses shifts up the way it does, with Harry's singing having a sharp 'ow!' in between, making it hard to feel both either fun/serious. But the chorus is slightly catchy, still not as virtuous as their past hits. Zayn also has a falsetto high which is highly commendable at the end. That being said, the lyrics are also not as innovative or as amazing as before, tiring stances can easily be heard. The production behind it, also a shortfall from their past remains and still a very low surprise from One Direction, especially with a band that is pretty much the most famous and recognised all over the world. That being said, it is still commonly addictive, but the substance does degrade a little when you compare it to their previous hits. Their movie (This Is Us) is coming out, so I guess the music video might have a little instance of it, so I suppose just stay tuned. And we dance all night to the best song ever RATINGS:
ORIGINALITY: 7/10 - Ever since Live While We're Young, I've been a little let down. But this is still a consistency which I think they've kept for quite awhile and it's been great so far. SOUND: 8/10 - I've got to give it an 8 for it's catchiness and some good high points. However, the rest just falls flat in some cases. LYRICS: 7/10 - The innovation and creativity seems to have been drawn out. OVERALL: 22/30 - The song runs dry on some occasions, especially on the creative output. Otherwise, One Direction would've been amazing on not just a few notes, but throughout the song. I'm gonna' give it what it deserves, and I'll add it on my playlist. Pop explosion over here. Look! Rock N Roll audio, click here! So apparently Avril Lavigne isn't done about telling people to stop growing up (Here's To Never Growing Up) and now she's going to show the world the true face of rock and roll. Well, maybe not really, but this song is pretty spectacular. Let's begin with some back story. So Lavigne had an idea for her fifth album since 2011, and this time for the past month or so, she's released a single which has garnered amass of hits and been played on almost every radio station I've heard so far. The song is none other than Here's To Never Growing Up, and to be honest, the track instantly reminded me of her past albums than anything else. Goodbye Lullaby was okay, but there's tracks which you don't feel fits with Avril's voice and talent. So we open up since June 2013, and we get a taste of pop rock once more. If by any means, Rock N Roll could be a message that would come crawling over your carpet floors telling you that Lavigne is back to business, and she's going to do it old style. Well, that makes me hyped up for the album now. Now the new single bears similar resemblance to the first single, and the comparisons are pretty clear and significant. The chants, some lyrics, some vocals and the guitars - they all make for pure pop rock sensation, and what Avril does amazingly best at. Well, I can't say much for production but the lyrics could be because of the same writers from the first single, with hubby Chad Kroeger (Nickelback front man), David Hodges and Jacob Kasher, were down for this track as well. Who writes lyrics like, 'Well it's you and I; Just put up a middle finger to the sky.' But I'm not complaining, just that the intro feels a whole lot like the previous single. Straight into the song, the beat once again easily evident, the foot-stomping, the guitars; all comes into formality and joints that is just a step higher than the previous single. The vibe it gets, man, is just so fit for Avril, the way it does and the overlapping vocals and high production value. If this isn't rock and roll, what is? Some some how, it's a little different when I'm with you RATINGS:
ORIGINALITY: 7/10 - A little in conjunction with Here's To Never Growing Up, but still pretty cool. SOUND: 9/10 - The track tears it apart on production value. LYRICS: 8/10 - Crystal-clear, Lavigne lyrics easily distinctive. OVERALL: 24/30 - Rock N Roll is classic Avril, a hype from the past single, an anthem for those unchanged and those who are relentless. This song is pure gratitude. I'll be kidding if I don't play it for days. Hey, I had some free time. So, why not? Music video for Made in the USA! So Demi's new single from her self-titled (first name) album, Demi, is pretty amazing so as to start it off with this review. Maybe it's because Heart Attack didn't won me over as much as I thought it did? Don't get me wrong, Heart Attack was awesome, but there was tips and pointers that makes it fall short on my playlist, and even stopped me from bringing it over to my phone. Well, it's Demi Lovato anyway, so it's always going to be heart-stringing and vocal-oppression upwards straight diving into the chorus, so expect nothing less than that. Now there's many things I like about Made in the USA, first and foremost the guitar pumping in the background. I love instrumentals, and to hear that discovery almost crystal clear is always great. Most pop tracks don't even bother with instrumentals, with beat-pounding fast-paced action spewing straight at your face and just tearing vocals apart like an insane raptor. The track, coupled with Demi's unforgettable vocal presence, just makes it an enjoyment. Also, not to forget, the lyrics as well. I hate cheesy lyrics, admittedly and past songs from her have made listening abject and not really true. She makes up for it with great progression here, right off the get-go. Another thing I want to mention is the way the song gets over with it slowly. The song doesn't stumble apart from small little gestures Demi does with her voice, but overall is still pretty effectual. Now for those who say Demi's not their cup of tea, I say give the song a few more listens and hopefully, it'll turn out okay. No matter how far we go, I want the whole world to know RATINGS:
ORIGINALITY: 8/10 - This song is pretty great for a Demi track, and the bridge of the song instantly revitalizes. SOUND: 8/10 - Guitars, powerful vocals and Demi's art of work. Is it at it's best? I guess you'll have to listen to find out. LYRICS: 8/10 - Memorable, non-cheesy and amazing at some parts. OVERALL: 24/30 - Made in the USA is your typical love song, offering more vibrant, gentle brushes that makes it equally soothing and amazing. Play it for days ladies and gentlemen. So Miss Jackson... are you really nasty? Click here for the music video for Miss Jackson! So Panic! is back! Well, a new single, a new tour with Fall Out Boy and now even a new album. I am not surprised by the album title, which goes by the name of 'Too Weird To Live, Too Rare To Die'. And yes, if you haven't heard of the single which was released the past few days, then well you've been missing out on a little. Just a little. I'm going straight for the jugular here, and I have to say human instincts tells me, it sounds dubiously alike to Fall Out Boy's comeback single, Light Em Up. Which I feel, is a good thing because Light Em Up had amazing success on the charts, let's not forget Save Rock And Roll as well, with that being one of my favourite albums of 2013. However, for Panic, it seems to be a slight change of concord because after all, this is not their style. Miss Jackson sounds slightly rock pop, making it not as unique as say their past albums. Maybe slightly altered from Vices & Virtues, it still doesn't feel like Brendan Urie on the microphone... it just seems so alienated. In fact, too alienated. Well, maybe Butch Walker may have added a tad too much, as he might've known both FOB and P!ATD are under the same label and good friends as well, but this is just too similar. Lolo, the guest spot, also feels a little awkward. When was the last time P!ATD had a guest spot that was moved off as a single? Yeah, question answered. Still, her presence was still a pleasant welcome, a nice shift up at the start as well as the bridge. She plays a little part however, as Brendan's vocal power instantly overtakes and leads the charge. Well, it is Brendan Urie after all. And the lyrics this time seems a little less intricate then what I had imagined from them. Still hypothetical, but those lines from the past songs don't stand out as much as I thought it would. That being said, it is still a hyped song and it is really intense at some parts. Not to forget, those memorable and often times amazing backdrop of backing vocals just deliver the kick-ass tone that is just extremely raw. He-eyy RATINGS:
ORIGINALITY: 7/10 - The uniqueness may have faded, but the innovation doesn't seem stifled and, despite it being rough around the edges, it is still a pleasure to listen to. SOUND: 8/10 - Amazing backing vocals, tremendous moments and just insane production value. LYRICS: 7/10 - Not as good as before, but it is still streamline consistent if anything at all. OVERALL: 22/30 - Although it sounds iffy, this song especially if you're a Panic! fan, will take some time getting used to. It's not a classic return or a high achievement contest, but it is still Brendan Urie and his weird Vine videos. Play it for days and I will tell you why. So Alone Together is the next single off of my favourite album of this year (give and take a special few others), and what do you think it's gonna' be? Alone Together's music video! So Alone Together is the band's 3rd single off of their amazing commercially successful fifth comeback album, Save Rock And Roll. I'm going to tell you straight off the bat, that I really am loving this song from the get-go. The first listen since the album's first play back in April has got me hooked on to this song (along with Where Did The Party Go but we'll do that (maybe) for another day). Alone Together is almost, if not, another representation of Replay by Iyaz. And not only that, but some of the songs on the album are almost equal representations of counterparts from pop songs. Such as Young Volcanoes part of Hey Soul Sister, and Just One Yesterday eerily like Rolling In The Deep. Still, Alone Together is pretty amazing if anything at all. Now if you're thinking, it's a Fall Out Boy song, so it's gonna' sound rock pop synchronization right? Nope. Alone Together does perfectly well at a standalone track that sounds pop, but seemingly addresses the issue of it being a Fall Out Boy song, with certain incentives easily distinctive enough to cross out. Such as Joe's tense electric guitar, Andy's smashing drums and not to be forgotten, Patrick's amazing vocals. Alone Together precedes and displays raw imagination, and sprinkles effects over it, making it a wonderful track to listen to and dance alone (together) to. If you're gonna' say the lyrics aren't Fall Out Boy-ish, I can get that. The track simplifies itself by stringing the instruments extremely well, making use of both vocal and expressive tones. Alone Together doesn't offer any great sounding vibe, but it does transport you into a land where it's filled with enticing angels, once and for all almost incredibly insane to listen to. I just can't stress this enough: if this were a Fall Out Boy song, credit is due. However, Fall Out Boy's genres have been almost turned upside down for each album differently. Take This To Your Grave was raw, From Under the Cork Tree was unique, Infinity On High was incredible, Folie A Deux was just insane. Save Rock And Roll, if by any means, is a compilation of a career's work, amounting to a decade in the music industry. Fall Out Boy ain't some come-in and leave band. They started where they left off, and I suggest watching The Young Blood Chronicles if anything at all. If you changed, well, then they did too. I don't know where you're going but do you got room for one more troubled soul? Alone Together is what people didn't think Fall Out Boy would do, and it seems almost everyone is agreeing on this with me that this is still a mainstream song. I believe that as long as Fall Out Boy is doing what they love, then everything that they put out is 100% effort.
RATINGS: ORIGINALITY: 8/10 - Replay by Iyaz, so if that was counted, the rest of the track is still pretty amazing. SOUND: 8/10 - Drums to the bass, vocals to the guitar. Just a score. LYRICS: 8/10 - 'My heart is like a stallion, they love it more when it's broken'. Pete Wentz lyrics 2013 ladies and gentlemen! OVERALL: 24/30 - Alone Together as a standalone track, is amazing from top to bottom. It is the song that will get you on your feet, sing along to and dance along to. I will be playing it for days, and I bet you will too. Pretty much anticipated, but I feel something is definitely missing. First listen, so let's go with this review.
So apparently, Jay-Z collaborated for a bigger exclusive, his twelfth studio album. And who knew? Nobody! So was this a surprise for fans? Well, we'll get to that, but there's something I might want to clarify as well. This is Jay-Z, not some tier 2 rapper with ungraded sales, so count into effect as well. This album is pretty metaphorical, so it's going to take some depth to understand. Which rapping album isn't? So let's dive straight into the opening track, Holy Grail featuring the back-to-class Justin Timberlake. This song gets me sideways with it, but I still say it's a good song, but not as impact as you'd do with an opening track. Surely, there could be better points, but the importance of it was enough. It served the purpose, and Justin's vocals lends efficiency, transforming the track brutally and beautifully simultaneously. The verses were highly commendable, speaking of MC Hammer's fame, his, Blue Ivy, and others, while Timberlake sobs over the girl which threw a blade and left him bleeding. It was a stand-out track no doubt. What's next? Picasso Baby. The track itself offers much on the beats, showcasing incredible vile in the offing, only to slow down with a much unneeded hook that displayed the random affection than anything else. The track also states, 'no sympathy for the king, huh?', as the verses drive head-on, never ending with a collision nor a scar. Tom Ford comes next, the electronic-bass heavy track surmounts a heavy mountain, but never enjoys a succession. Pretty much an okay track, Jay-Z repeats 'Tom Ford' over and over, the repetition's not only the problem, but the dose of usage of mighty metaphors that caves in the track, not making full use of the whole as well. Has this been harsh for a Jay-Z fan to watch? Then let's pick out my favourites. Oceans featuring Frank Ocean easily bests them all, with the other being the Holy Grail. Oceans displays a meaningful and concise hook from Frank, while Jay-Z tells a story through his verses, one of the tracks which you really need to listen close to understand and feel through. To quote, 'silk and fleeces; lay on my Jesus; Oh my God; I hope y'all don't get seasick'. Somewhere in America is probably my favourite, and man is this track 80's-esque and slick. This song pretty much owns the album, 2 minutes of insane craziness, and man this track tops my favourites so far. Also, even a Miley Cyrus twerkin' reference, which seems undoubted due to her We Can't Stop video. Lastly, I have to just shout out BBC because Nas is on it, and he isn't featured (WHAT!). He even gave a ref to Pharrell, 'Pharell's a pharaoh, peep the features'. Then, there's the fun insane hook by Nas, Timbaland, Jay and Pharrell and this track is just damn crazy. Pretty much just hyped but this song is creatively awesome, also featuring Japanese/Chinese words as well. But to be perfectly honest, other than these high-profile production tracks, there really isn't as much about the over-hyped album. It doesn't seem rushed, but when you listen to it, half of it does feel rushed. The songs, the verses, the hooks, the beats, grizzly yet still normal, making what Jay-Z does perfect tilt the saw, but still remain perfectly stilled. All of this is what Jay's good at, and none of it says anything else, so that's blood for blood. Some songs really shouldn't be on it, but repetitive excess of it such as Crown and Heaven, FuckWithMeYouKnowIGotIt and F.U.T.W. Some production issues, others were featured artists but mostly none of the writing was affected, but it still flawed occasionally. Others such as Jay-Z Blue and La Familia seems to be overheard over a million times, making them almost just snobby fillers, although it doesn't seem so when it concerns Blue Ivy, Jay and Beyonce's daughter. RATINGS: 6.5/10 - Magna Carta... Holy Grail would be much better if there was better production and more access to materials, which seems to be Jay's best line of work when he does his writing. Some of the tracks sound bleak, but this is highly unlikely for Jay, who pretty much is a rapping living legend. Yet, these tracks don't sound wack, but they could still be better. In a nutshell, Jay-Z's limitations makes this album much more of a stark contrast to his previous work, and is worth listening if some of the tracks are really just great. However, it doesn't seem so. When is Eminem's eighth album coming out? Till' then, I will see you again. |
AuthorBenny Ong: Just your regular guy who likes soccer more than most people, and also a little downtime is pretty nice. Archives
May 2017
Categories
All
|