Showing posts with label pop. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pop. Show all posts

Friday, February 6, 2009

Mercy


Mercy


  • Original Release Date: May 13, 2008
  • Release Date: May 13, 2008
  • Label: Mercury Records
  • Copyright: (C) 2008 Polydor Ltd. (UK) Under Exclusive License in the United States to The Island Def Jam Music Group
  • Song Length: 3:40 minutes
  • Genres: Pop/General, Pop/Adult Alternative
  • ASIN: B0018RDSP8
Duffy's "Mercy" is brash,blue-eyed British soul. Her ode to sexual liberation is as feisty as Dusty Springfield's "Son of a Preacher Man." She sings with gusto and passion. Duffy, with her retro sound, is an Amy Winehouse without the baggage. Her song is reminiscent of the '60s. One can imagine the bell bottoms, the psychedelia, and the Beatles in their heyday. "Mercy" is soulful. Have mercy,indeed!

Lucky featuring Colbie Caillat


Lucky featuring Colbie Caillat


  • Original Release Date: May 20, 2008
  • Label: Atlantic Records/ATG
  • Copyright: 2008 Atlantic Recording Corporation for the United States and WEA International Inc. for the world outside of the United States. All Rights Reserved.
  • Song Length: 3:09 minutes
  • Genres: Pop/General, Alternative Rock/General, Rock/General
  • ASIN: B00192M0Q0
In a world of corporate radio cramming talentless and stupid songs down our throat, I find this one surprising. Have to admit, when I heard "featuring Colbie Cailat" I let out a groan and my expectations were low (I am NOT a fan). But, I love it.

Why? HARMONY. I mean, it's an actual duet. Not the crap that's usually put out there as a duet between a couple artists where I-sing-and-then-you-sing-and-then-we'll-sing-together-but-usually-the-same-notes-so-we-don't-get-confused. There's actual harmony in this song...and it even varies a little with some counter-melody. I didn't think anyone knew how to do that anymore!

So, even though the song is simplistic (it's a bit cheesy to the point that I thought Cailat might have written it, but then the sound of it just wasn't hers), I enjoy it. It's pure in it's vocals (we don't always need a bunch of production and guitar and noise) and a little more complex than it sounds.

Biggest reason to like it? Like so many Mraz songs, I just feel happy when I hear it. The intro puts a smile on my face and I can't help it. For someone who usually likes angst-ridden music, that's saying a lot!

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

I Don't Care


I Don't Care


From their more punk roots of their early years, to the heralded "From Under The Cork Tree," to their fan polarizing follow-up. With their 3rd major-label rocker, the band named after an obscure Simpsons character returns to tweak their sound just a bit. Whether they'll succeed remains to be seen, but I'm just glad the song titles are shorter. The first single "I Don't Care" is the first single off the album, and let me tell you, the kids are loving it.

The lyrics are an apathetic ubber-ego emo-fest that is built upon a cleaver chorus of, "I don't care what you think, as long as it's about me!" It's played up in the usual Fall Out Boy power-rock/ anthemic arena rock fashion, and I would say it's certainly their best rock song since "Cork Tree."

So, if you're a Fall Out Boy fan, an apathetic emo teen, or an arena power rocker, then this song is for you. It's not polarizing, it's mainstream, and Pete Wentz still knows how to crank out the hits. Amazingly, this isn't even one of the better tracks on the album.

Shake It


Shake It


No, Beyonce or J.Lo. did not make this song, nor is it in yo face sexual. Nope, just good old fashioned fun and dance. And it's catchy, whether this is a good thing, since it got it from its over simplistic nature, is a different story.

This could be the surprise song of the year, in a year full of surprises, because let's admit it, did anybody see this song becoming a national hit? I think it says something about the state of dance music. I mean, any top 10 hit is given a BPM, and sent to the clubs, and sometimes your radio. These songs are cheap shots at great music, and I take them as an insult. I mean, I can't tell whether we're supposed to dance or laugh at these "re-mixes."

"Shake It" is simple on the verses, which is typical of Metro Station, but they bring it on the chorus, and they bring it home in a big way. The chorus is catchy, fun, happy and it could start a new dance craze, if their was more of a dance to create.

So overall, the verses aren't that great, but the chorus is what makes the song. It might not be original, but it's fun. Here's to the continued success of "Shake It" and Metro Station. And remember, get your groove on and "Shake, Shake, Shake, Shake, Shake It!"

Love Remains The Same


Love Remains The Same


Like any artist ... they want to grow and explore other parts of their mind and heart. This is a very good song ... and yes it is a softer side of GAVIN ROSSDALE. Cause I honestly wasn't looking for more BUSH music. I liked the duo but ... I'm sure like Gwen did ... she did her own thing and put out a bit of NO DOUBT and then went back to her solo music.

I like his new music and there are a few other tracks that aren't as "soft" as this one. Explore and enjoy.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Big Girls Don't Cry (Personal)


Big Girls Don't Cry (Personal)


  • Original Release Date: September 19, 2006
  • Release Date: September 19, 2006
  • Label: will.i.am music group/A&M
  • Copyright: (C) 2006 A&M Records
  • Song Length: 4:28 minutes
  • Genres: Pop/General
  • ASIN: B000V9AUC8
Fergie. What a muse. I've heard this song before with indifference. Today, I really "heard" it. Fergie has a very beautiful voice. I was first introduced to Fergie via the New Year's Day on television in New York. I immediately noticed how she could capitvate a crowd.

In this song, she captures a womanness that I've never heard in female vocals. Songs like this are great because men are reminded that women actually do need to be loved and have romantic feelings.

The song is sexy, sensitive, intensely emotional, cool, girly, and very seductive. It's a tough song to run to because your heart will be beating fast to a song with an unpredictable tempo.

The opening line, "The smell of your skin lingers on me now, you're probably on your flight back to your home town; I need some shelter and protection baby...." pretty much won me over and 2 million men on the planet who have any inkling of a romantic heart.

In my case, it didn't help that I was on a plane going home when I was reintroduced to Fergie properly. I downloaded the mp3 as quickly as I could once I got home.

Bad Day (Album Version)


Bad Day (Album Version)


Daniel Powter's angsty anthem,"Bad Day" enjoyed (thankfully) brief fame thanks to it being the send-off song on American Idol. Powter whines repeatedly,"So you've had a bad day..." This song makes it worse. Powter's song was popular during the Whiny Male Singer Era,along with James Blunt bleating "You're beautiful" as he dared to bare his scrawny chest to the world.

"Bad Day" is a deeply,profoundly annoying song. It's a "the whole world is angsty and emo" kind of song. If you feel bad,this song WON'T cheer you up! Alanis Morrissette's angst is tolerable in comparison (but Powter is a masculine Morrissette,a fellow Canadian)

Canada has given musical horrors to the world such as Nickelback with the irritating Chad Kroeger,the embittered Alanis Morrissette,and fake punk rocker Avril Lavigne. Thank goodness Canada also bestowed The Final Sacrifice on the cinematic world! Rowsdower couldn't save Powter's whiny song.

Monday, January 26, 2009

Slow Fade


Slow Fade


The words in this amazing song are all about what really matters!
I have been wanting to make a difficult decision and positive change for my children for sometime and listening to these words has given me the strength and courage to do so.

God Bless you Casting Crowns!

Broken


Broken


  • Original Release Date: July 8, 2008
  • Release Date: July 8, 2008
  • Label: Geffen Records
  • Copyright: (C) 2008 Geffen Records
  • Song Length: 4:15 minutes
  • Genres: Pop/General
  • ASIN: B001BW6ID4

Lollipop


Lollipop


  • Original Release Date: October 21, 2008
  • Label: Silent Majority Group
  • Copyright: 2008 Silent Majority Group
  • Song Length: 3:07 minutes
  • Genres: Rock/General, Pop/General
  • ASIN: B001KWD2P2

From out of left field comes the unknown Framing Hanley, which you don't know unless you're into the whole post-hardcore movement. Apparently Hanley wasn't having much success with their own generic-sounding song, so they put out this surprising cover for all those that love their dirt in the dark.

The song keeps the lyrics, maintaining the dirty feeling of it all, but it turns up the rock, and really makes it a rockin' song, causing it to end up a really weird, but fun combination for various parties. Check the song out, and you might find you like it if you're into post-hardcore, modern rock, or you're just looking for a song to turn up the heat. Who knew a Lil' Wayne song could turn into something pretty decent?

Oh, by the way, I don't think the music video will be coming to an MTV near you anytime soon. ;)

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Angels We Have Heard On High


Angels We Have Heard On High


Let me start by saying that I'm a traditionalist about Christmas music. I usually like the older songs best, and whatever the song, I tend to prefer the arrangement and artist whose version I heard first, especially if it's a song I've known since childhood. Yes, you can call me a stick in the mud.

So honestly I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I saw Amazon's gift to us this season of Sixpence None The Richer's rendition of "Angels We Have Heard On High." I love the group and know its background, so I knew the performance would be heartfelt. But what would Sixpence NTR do with (to?) one of my favorite carols?

Treat it with respect and love -- and in the process create a timeless, yet modern take on one of the most beautiful songs of the season. The instrumental leadoff, coupled with the purity of the vocals and instrumentation throughout, are joyful. Now, I still love the more staid "traditional" arrangement of this song, but at the same time I can picture people sitting around a campfire or a family tree, singing "Angels We Have Heard On High" with the simple grace Sixpence brings.

This song has definitely made the cut for our annual family tree-trimming playlist. I predict that adults and kids alike will be singing along ... which after all is the strongest endorsement of a carol.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Calling on Mary


Calling on Mary


  • Original Release Date: July 1, 2008
  • Label: SuperEgo Records
  • Copyright: 2006 SuperEgo Records
  • Song Length: 4:02 minutes
  • Genres: Pop/General
  • ASIN: B001B87API
This MP3 is classic Aimee Mann and an interesting Christmas love song. It's mellow, sad and prayerful; it ends with a slightly hopeful plea for redemption. Although nothing spectacular, the song has a nice chord progression and a good rhythmic feel. I'll probably be able to remember the hook an hour from now. This is a song that merits listening to with your full attention. Regarding vocal technique, one thing that has always made Aimee Mann special and contributed to her success, such as it is, is her unique, personal vocal quality (whether or not you like her singing); something without which a singer sounds just like one of the countless cookie-cutter breathy young girls so popular right now whose lack of vocal technique is mistaken for sincerity.

It's A New Day


It's A New Day


  • Original Release Date: November 7, 2008
  • Release Date: November 7, 2008
  • Label: Interscope
  • Copyright: (C) 2008 Interscope Records
  • Song Length: 3:40 minutes
  • Genres: Pop/General
  • ASIN: B001L8JCWM
his song is so catchy. But the lyrics is amazing! listen to it closely and well! Brilliant song that covers so much of life

Let It Rock [Explicit]


Let It Rock [Explicit]


  • Original Release Date: November 24, 2008
  • Release Date: November 24, 2008
  • Label: Cash Money
  • Copyright: (C) 2008 Cash Money Records Inc.
  • Song Length: 3:51 minutes
  • Genres: Pop/General, Rock/General
  • Format: Explicit Lyrics
  • ASIN: B001L8G1R6

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Don't Stop Believin'


Don't Stop Believin'


Diva


Diva


  • Original Release Date: November 14, 2008
  • Label: Music World Music/Columbia
  • Copyright: (P) 2008 SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
  • Song Length: 3:20 minutes
  • Genres: Pop/General, R&B/Soul, R&B/General
  • ASIN: B001KR7BWW
While Beyonce' has had a lot of hits, there are a lot of songs that she has had on her own, and with Destiny's Child that have been less than a entity for your music collection. Diva is definitely one of those lackluster songs. The third single from her 3rd album I Am Sasha Fierce, really fails to ignite a heart and soul appeal to her singnature style. The song is trying to show that she can rap and be the best of both worlds, like Mary J. Blige or Lil' Kim. While it feels she is trying to bring that side out which she borrowed from her husband, Jay-Z, she misses the beat by a longshot. This song is even lower than Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It), and much worse than If I Were A Boy. I hope that the next single from I Am Sasha Fierce feels more like a tiger, than feels timid like a sad pussycat.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)


Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)


  • Original Release Date: November 14, 2008
  • Label: Music World Music/Columbia
  • Copyright: (P) 2008 SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
  • Song Length: 3:13 minutes
  • Genres: Pop/General, R&B/Soul, R&B/General
  • ASIN: B001KQFZWQ
"Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)" is the rare pop song that's in honor of commitment... and it has a beat! Beyonce puts her all into it as her alter ego Sasha Fierce. "Single Ladies" is one of those perfect dance songs for a wedding reception. The lyrics are easy to follow.. and it's got rhythm! Beyonce,a newlywed herself,belts out the song, singing of a man holding her closer than her jeans. "Single Ladies" has the ring that will rule them all! Beyonce is the true Lady of the Rings.

Take A Bow


Take A Bow


  • Original Release Date: June 17, 2008
  • Release Date: June 17, 2008
  • Label: Def Jam
  • Copyright: (C) 2008 The Island Def Jam Music Group
  • Song Length: 3:49 minutes
  • Genres: Pop/General, R&B/General, Dance & DJ/Dance Pop
  • ASIN: B001B65PCA
She's got a lovely voice, it's a compelling tune, and the lyrics are very strong. Please! Glad I'm not that guy, if it's a guy she's singing to. I drove across the USA from LA to Boston via DC, listening to this song on practically every station. It's one of those great pop songs that you just can't get put of your head, but you don't want to. Brilliant, Rihanna. More, please!

Just A Dream


Just A Dream


Carrie Underwood's Just a dream, a song tribute to all the people who are no longer in my life, but who touched my life with a special meaning. The words of the song will help get me through the tough times.

My daughter will be joining a branch of service in 2 years. That is a wonderful thing to do for herself and her country but I am terrified as a mother. I do not want someone showing up at my home to give me devastating news.

To all of you who have had a loved one fighting for our country this song is for you. If someone you know has lost their life, I am sorry for your loss.

Fly On The Wall


Fly On The Wall


  • Original Release Date: July 22, 2008
  • Release Date: July 22, 2008
  • Label: Hollywood Records
  • Copyright: (C) 2008 Hollywood Records, Inc.
  • Song Length: 2:31 minutes
  • Genres: Pop/General, Dance & DJ/Dance Pop, Pop/Vocal Pop
  • ASIN: B001CF242E
While Miley Cyrus unlike the other wannabe artists have really set a down to Earth positive role for tweens, she sadly has yet to fulfill her distinctive voice. It has been so hard for her to escape her Hannah Montana image, but she is still trying, and that is shown with her single Fly On The Wall, the second single from her album Breakout. The song shows that she is trying to give a harder edge to her voice, and appeal to her fans. The songs has a good edge, but it isn't as strong as was the case that Miley showcased well with 7 Things. I felt a little lost with the song, but I do hope that Miley can try to bring out the better in her voice with her next single. She needs to show more strength in her style.