Every Time...

How fortunate it is that I decided to research Demi Lovato, just to see news about the album.

1) It's being released in 9 days, on the 14th of May, yay!
2) You can listen to it now. At Lovatics Speed Up Time. Yes. Very clever.

Again with the early release! Hey, I am not complaining. So - here's my full album review! I am literally writing my review as I listen to the songs for the first time, so this is my true first impression.

Heart Attack - Like I said in my previous review, I loved this song. Her voice, the lyrics, the statement, everything. It's catchy, it's cool.

Made in the U.S.A. - I would normally give this a giant thumbs up, but after Heart Attack's insane vocals, it sort of falls flat. After hearing Skyscraper, it's a bit hard to go back to something so typical and normal. This song could have been sung by anyone else and sound the same. The goodness is in the beat and tune. But overall, eh.

Without the Love - I thought this was Never Gonna Happen for a good 15 seconds. I really like this song. Younger people may not get the baseball joke (get me home like DiMaggio. Is she a Yankees fan?) but I really love the rest of this. I love the lyrics, and though it isn't a fun dancy song, it is perfect for a drive or to listen to whenever. It's too good for background music, but it isn't the best song on the album.

Neon Lights - This is a sure hit. Like Made in the U.S.A. it could have been sung by anybody else, but it's so good! I began to (try) to sing along the very first time I listened. It's perfect to dance to, sing to, background music, not background music...it's such a great, fun song. Super thumbs up.

Two Pieces - This song is incredible. The sound is intense - the beat, the music, and her vocals. The lyrics are sweet, and I could totally foresee this song becoming a hit and actually surviving time. This. Is. It.

Nightingale - I was sort of apprehensive hearing the title to this song. I knew it would be slower than the previous ones, but it could be great...or not. But as it goes on, it's clear that the song is a beautiful romantic one, and it's exactly what everyone expected from her. Elegant, amazing vocals, and if you are like me, you may cry. So far, it seems to be the best song.

In Case - First two second impression: perfect placement. After Nightingale you can not put any old song afterwards. Once again, her vocals put everybody else in the world to shame. Including Carly Rose Sonenclar. This song is less intense than Nightingale, but it is still amazing.

Really Don't Care ft. Cher Lloyd - Back to the jam! The fact that Cher Lloyd is on it makes it way better than it already is. Next note: the chorus is a bit stupid, but her voice power makes up for that. Definitely a dancing in your living room or bedroom song.

Fire Starter - First line: um, excuse me? What does that mean? In fact, for the first minute of this song, I could not stand it. Two minutes in, I am still not a fan. I don't think the lyrics are meaningful, the beat is energetic but not great, and...well, it doesn't sound like anything special.

Something That We're Not - Totally sounds like something that One Direction would release. The lyrics are pretty good, and her voice range, as far as tone goes, is great. But like Fire Starter, I am not a fan.

Never Been Hurt - WOW. This song is that one that you are either going to love or hate. She does some INSANE stuff with her voice here. I didn't even know that was possible. I personally love it, especially after the last two ones. The lyrics are fair, her voice is amazing, the beat is great and will be a great asset for it's chart position. I am on team love. As in Lovatics. As in I love this song. The music video is the breaker here - if she does a bad forgettable video, this song will die alone. If she makes an incredible unique one, it will be very popular.

Shouldn't Come Back - If you stop and listen to the song, it will have a shocking effect on you. I was not expecting this. Not only are the lyrics beautiful, but the emotion that Demi pours into the song is amazing. It's one of the strongest songs here, and the power of it reminds me of Skyscraper.

Warrior - The final song. Forget what I said about Shouldn't Come Back. This is Skyscraper mixed with Alicia Keys. It is the perfect ending to the album, and the best track. In gymnastics terms, this is the outstretched arms and smile after a routine with a few mess ups, a few impeccable back handsprings, and some amazing flips with no name.

My final comments: I recommend this album. There are like four tracks which I would not spend money on if they were singles, but overall, this is a very good album. Earlier, Demi said that her next album (this one) would be a tell-all, and while I definitely do not see that in some of these tracks, in the other half, the confession theme is very clear.

Note: This is a first impression review.

Becky G's new single, The New Futures, and Popularity

Finally another one! It seems like Becky is really getting into the rhythm of releasing singles, and this one is just as good, albeit different, from her other stuff. She still raps, then sings the chorus, but the beat is very different from her previous stuff. What I like best is that while the music definitely leans more to more mainstream music, but she still keeps her old rap style (meaning lyrics that aren't "typical" but not too weird either). I also love that she continues to keep her heritage in her videos, and even though this song isn't about that, the video is. The song is very catchy, and definitely fun to (try) to sing along to. I do think they autotuned it a bit weirdly - not so she sounds electronic, her voice just sounds a bit higher and...off. Still though. All I have to say is Play It Again.

If you're a fan of Alt-Rock as well as Pop, then I definitely have a new band to satisfy you. The New Futures are VERY new. As in, the only way to hear their music is to a) buy their debut single on iTunes or listen to three songs on their website. You're welcome. The only song that has been released, and therefore their debut single, is Sunshine (which is funny because they're from Seattle), and I definitely recommend it. The song has a grungy sound, but not so much that it alienates pop lovers. It just adds a lot of edge and makes it sound very cool. Ocean is less intense, and though it definitely has a nineties influence, it is more modern. Story is the third song, and from the opening it's easy to tell that it is the most mellow of the three. I'm not usually a fan of mellow songs, but this one is pretty good. Out of the three I would say Ocean is the best, but all of them are good enough to be worth checking out!

To be honest, Ariana Grande always bothered me as a singer. Not just because she was weirdly orange in one of her videos, but none of her songs really seemed genuine. They were just...wrong.

Well, I don't know how well she connects to the theme of getting back at popular kids who bullied less popular ones, but her collaboration with MIKA, called Popular Song is all about that. And I love it. J'adore. Te Amo. First of all, I love sorta dark creepy things that are reminiscent of haunted houses, but I love and own and constantly listen to the soundtrack of Wicked. So when the pair sang a verse from Glinda's song Popular, I loved it even more. Even better - the beat is catchy and the lyrics are great. Really, I  just love everything about it.

Becky G new release

                                           

Now that I'm finally back, it's just in time to announce Becky G's new single, Becky From The Block. Unlike her previous collaborations with Will.i.am and Cher Lloyd, this single is less pop and more rap. It isn't rap in a generic way, and it's nothing like Colette Carr's style either. The song is about her background, but also how she will always remember that she's "Becky from the block". The song starts out pretty well, with a catchy rapping beat, and gets progressively better as it goes on. What I also live is that when she throws out phrases like "yo" or "west side" it doesn't sound weak like it does with wannabe rappers. Becky has really talent, and hopefully she'll incorporate some more poo and release an album soon!

                                          

I guess Elle King isn't "technically" pop, but her mix of genres turns out to be very cool sounding and not at all weird. When making music that mixes R&B with rock, country and soul, it's easy to make your music sound silly or boring. But my favorite one of her songs is also her most popular one, and for a good reason. Playing for keeps doesn't sound pop, but the vibe is so easy to sing and dance to that it may as well be. Her first full album is coming out this year, and the mix should be eclectic and fun.

Carly Rose Sonenclar

Before today, I had not considered Carly Rose Sonenclar to be trained enough to present as a good recording artist to check out.

To those of you who haven't kept up with the X Factor USA, Sonenclar is 13, and second place on the second season of the show.

For her audition, Carly stunned the judges (including Simon Cowell) with her powerful rendition of Feelin' Good by Nina Simone. For her interview preparing to go on the show, Carly said

"I want to bring the soul back to pop. My record would be a mix of those two genres because I think that is something that is not really out there right now. I could fill that gap and appeal to a wide range of ages. I think I have the X factor because I have a uniquely mature sound and style for my age."

However, I have not posted about her at all until now. Despite the fact that the voters and judges loved her, like L.A. Reid, I noticed and was bothered by her penchant for oversinging. Her versions of Your Song and Imagine were prime examples of this, while Hallelujah had a perfect Jeff Buckley rendition, it was too much if she aimed for the original, Leonard Cohen version.

Recently, Carly Rose released two covers recorded in a studio - a mashup of After Tonight and I Knew You Were Trouble, naming the combo After Tonight There's Trouble. However, I considered the mashup still too oversung and "try hard" to be deemed a good song. In other words, I wouldn't download it if it were free on iTunes.

However.

Her cover of Bruno Mars's Runaway Baby? Better than the original. What I loved is that I listened to it, and she didn't try to match a very powerful voice to fast music that fits Bruno. Rather, she made it slower and incorporated some soul instruments, and while that alone may not appeal to many, it was clear that she had worked on her skills by not trying to dominate the music. Later, the music speeds up, closer to the original sound, but once again, Sonenclar holds herself back. She's getting far better, and if this is more like the skill she'll demonstrate on her album, I will pay for it.

News from Natalia and...

We have a Problem. Natalia Kill's new song that goes by that very name, at first listen, is very grungy, scratchy sounding, and sort of weird. But if you listened to her first single from her new upcoming album Trouble called Controversy, then you'll see that it is totally in line with her new style. I'm going to end up buying the album because it's so unique and she isn't making an effort to be unusual - she's being herself. I usually wouldn't rate this song well, but Natalia is just so...irresistible. Imagine her last album...and now add some really weird autotune effects. Oh - and a weirdly catchy chorus, despite being repetitive. The thing about her style is that she uses a beat that can be dancy, and then she adds something weird on topp of it, and somehow it ends up being really great. However does she do it?

With good looks and an angelic voice, Travis Garland shouldn't be able to fail. His song Where to Land ft. III isn't a song that I would normally buy (can't dance to it) but it's very good anyways. It's a nice one just to listen to, and not have to move. Interestingly enough, if I listened to Neighbor without being told who sang, I would thing it was somebody completely different. Not all of his songs are fantastic, but luckily they're up for free download on his site here. Would you buy it if you had to pay?

Skitszo Part 3

Why have I taken so long to review this EP? I have such mixed feelings over it. Unlike the first EP, which I loved, and the second EP, which I most certainly did not love, I can't really split these songs into distinct sections of "good" and "not good". Still - here's what I think!

When it comes to rap music in general, here's what I think - either I know it, like it, and and dance to it, or it sounds like every other rap song in the universe. I'm a pretty strict judge about it too. Colette's first song is rap - it's like she heard my complaints about the pop in Skitszo Part 2, and made a track that IS rap. Can't Touch This is a VERY classic rap track. So classic in fact, that I'm pretty sure that if one of the more well-known male rappers did it, I would consider it generic. It isn't a great song song to dance to, but it is a fun one to listen to. So I do like listening to it, but the reason I do is because it sounds more unique because she is female. It's a hard truth.

Never Gonna Happen (the music video is being released soon) isn't as good. It starts off a bit weirdly, and the chorus, as far as I'm concerned, is weird and just not good. Thank goodness for the rapped lyrics. It isn't that I don't like her voice - when she sings the bridge, I think it's pretty good, but the chorus has a weird background music and she sings in a weird octave...it's just a group of things that don't work out. I really did want to like it because it's rapping and singing, which I love, but the chorus tune and lyrics just don't work out for me.

One By One starts off with a fantastic beat, a silly and poser sounding "Yee" and then dives into the rap. And Boom - there you've got a Colette Classic. The chorus is sung, and unlike Never Gonna Happen, it isn't unpleasant or overdone. It's a very simple chorus, and very catchy. This song is fantastic. It's really fun and is definitely more like her old stuff. Definitely one of the better songs that she's released, from beginning to end.

The very beginning of this song is so typical to a rap song, and the rest of The Finest Things has a really great rap beat that isn't too generic or boring, and it is once again woven with Colette's typical lyrics and attitude. I can easily picture her performing this one in a music video or live. I have a never ending contest in my mind as to which one is the best song of the EP - this or One By One. If you don't like plain rap without a pop aspect at all, then this might not be for you. But the electronic beats and great lyrics are worth a listen.

So far, I'm a bit scared that I'm becoming the dreaded old-school fan. That is, that fan who like the artist in "the old days" with their first music, and gets grumpy whenever they go into a new direction. I do like it when Colette doesn't go to far into the rap or pop realm best, but instead sticks to what she's good at. I'm hoping she'll stay the same or go one way or another - bridging and trying to cross the worlds of pop and rap is very difficult, and she'll have to work and decide what she wants for her audience.

Demi Lovato "Heart Attack" Early Release

Despite what I said about her new single being released March 4th, Heart Attack was released about 10 hours ago - and is already in the #1 spot in 9 countries. I know I love it - how about you guys?

I'm very excited to hear Demi's new album. Her new music seems to be more passionate, wilder, and just plain amazing. Although I usually feel iffy about songs that use a lot of electronic sounds, I love that Demi doesn't allow the machines to take over her voice, but rather uses it to make it more dance friendly. I really like how she's clearly moving farther away from ballads (though I'm sure she'll still have them on her new album). It's clear that Demi has no plans on selling out to fake music, because just in this song, we can hear how much she means what she's saying.

Revamped Acts

When Allison Iraheta placed 4th on the eighth season of American Idol, it didn't stop her from making an album that kicked butt. Just Like YOu came out in 2009, and was predictably amazing, with a fantastic pop-rock vibe. Notable songs include Friday I'll Be Over You, Scars, and D is for Dangerous. Whatever one may have called her then, her new direction isn't that. Now that she's formed a new band (called Halo Circus), she has a new, very intense rock sound to go with it. It isn't heavy, but it is definitely tough and loud - yet with her versatile voice and very cool hair, the songs aren't cliched and don't sound like every other rock band out there. Dazed and Confused and Out of Love are two samples of her work - but Guns In Our Hands, while lighter on the Instrumental, is no less intense. The new Allison is not for the faint eared.

In 2006, an artist with a beautifully elegant voice by the name of Holly Brook released a sweet, if somewhat boring, album. However, come 2011, she became Skylar Grey, a singer who showcased her sweet voice while making better music. From Invisible (beautiful because of the way she showcases her vocals, but not overly sweet) to Dance Without You (no words) to the satirical C'mon Let Me Ride (ft. Eminem) (funny, and full of attitude and a very clear opinion), Skylar's music is tough, hard, yet her ideas and what she has to say is very clear. Her first album as Skylar Grey is being released this year - just another thing we get to look forward to!

A new kind of K-Pop, a new single, a new album

Apparently, 'tis the season for newness. That's the theme here anyways.

K-Pop. Also known as Korean Pop. Also known as PSY. Also known as electronic, fast, and made to dance to. But it looks like 2013 is a new era for K-Pop to combine with...country?

24/7, by 2YOON, takes place in a barnyard. That's point one. But getting back to the actual music, the sound is so shockingly different. It is still quintessentially K-Pop (fun sounding and dancy) but the country influence is undeniable. The duo, Ga Yoon and Ji Yoon (Get it? They're both "Yoons", so "2Yoon"?), are actually from 4minute, but they decided to move away after being inspired by our own Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift. It may not be in English, but it's a hit with me! Their EP is called Harvest Moon, and was released a month ago. Another son of theirs, Why Not, has decidedly less of a country influence, but it is definitely not the regular K-Pop. So what do you think of the new K-Pop? Is it something for the future or just a 2Yoon thing?

So Demi Lovato? Her new single is called Heart Attack. It's also being released March 4th. After poor Demi's struggles, it's clear that she must have fantastic song writing material. 17 more days until we hear Demi's new sound. Are you ready for this?

Amelia Lily is absolutely incredible because of her attitude, her sass, and her ability to speak up and say exactly what she wants. Which she does, especially in he single Shut Up (And Give Me Whatever You Got). It's pretty much exactly the kind of person she is. Her album is being released on May 6th, and it will definitely be so Amelia Lily. Hopefully we here in the States will be able to get it - I'm sure it will be too good to miss!

Old Bands Redone for Pop Lovers - and Tich

Everyone in the good ole U.S. of A knows E! as the show that brought us the Kardashians (good? bad? sound off below!), but now it's also the network with a new show called "Chasing the Saturdays", starring a certain five lovely ladies who make kick butt music. My source to this knowledge? The most recent issue of Glamoholic magazine (what a name...) features the Saturdays on the COVER, and the interview is all about their new show and some of their new U.S. music. Their first single What About Us is incredible. It feels more powerful to me than their other songs (though maybe I'm just loving the Los Angeles-esque background and video, reminds me of the time I was at Venice Beach and on the set of Miranda Cosgrove's video Kissin' U The new EP, title Chasing the Saturdays after the show, has What About Us and four additional songs: All Fired Up which sounds more classically Saturdays than What About Us, which I love, but it was nice to have a change. Higher shocked me at first with the electronic opening. It's a very Saturdays signature to play around with electronic stuff, but I felt this song was a bit heavy on the electronic music. The music video, on the other hand, is adorable. FINALLY I can buy Notorious, because it is easily one of my favorite Saturday songs. I'm not sure why, I just love it so much (maybe the whole attitude? Probably). Ego was stronger than Higher, but less than All Fired Up, but I think it's a very good ending song (seeing as it is a bit about ending a relationship, so the tune is a bit goodbye-ish). I'm super excited about what else the Saturdays may have in store for us! Think they'll break America?

Until now, I have resisted dubstep. The electronic squealing, the weird vibe that means instrumental is more important than the voice, the whole general weirdness of it.

Luckily, I think I can count Krewella as dub-pop. Now that I've FINALLY listened to them at the insistence of an extreme dubstep fan, I have to admit myself a convert. Their song Alive is easily my favorite - its also the least dubstep-ish one that I've heard by them, interestingly enough. Krewella is actually pretty well known, so I wouldn't usually present them, but if you blew them off on the basis of their being dubstep, check again! Play Hard actually is a very dubstep song, very screechy and electronic (not a huge fan of that one, as you can tell)but Feel Me is a great song with a killer video. Killin It isn't the best as far as I'm concerned, but it is pretty good! And of course, their clothes are amazing.

Tich. When I first found out that was the name of an artist, I had absolutely no clue as to what they would sound like. Pop? Indie? Rock? Turns out, "they" are a "she", and she came to fame thanks to her covers. Breathe In, Breathe Out is a pretty sweet song of hers, and although it definitely has an instrumental feel, the lyrics and the beat has a pop attitude. And her accent is adorable. Not as great as A*M*E*'s accent (I am a sucker for accents) but it's still great. Dust is sweeter, and sounds less like pop, and more like something else - I'm not sure what. She definitely has those Alicia Keys power notes, but it isn't R&B. Let's just call her a pop beauty and keep listening!

Colette Carr - Skitszo Part 2

I was SO excited when I downloaded this. Once it was safely in my iTunes library, I took the opportunity to listen to the whole EP once through. Then again. And again. While the last E.P. was definitely more rap oriented, this is not only more pop like, it's also...gentler? Let's put it like this - F16 was Colette's first video where there was this whole story about her being happy with a guy, then they broke up. It was definitely less unusual than her other stuff, and this new EP has a style that definitely fits the whole songs-are-amessaeg-to-someone thing. Here'e my review.

Hearsay - I was very surprised when I heard this. It starts off with a bit of an electronic thing, and when she first started to sing, I could swear it sounded ever so slightly like the beginning of Ke$ha's song Blow. Not really, but enough that from now on when I listen to that I will think of the Ke$ha song. My first impression was how different it was from her other music. It is totally like other music, and I can't see any Colette signature on it at ALL. I can barely picture her singing this, and while it isn't horrible, I'm not too impressed with Colette on this one. It gets better toward the end, but I don't think her voice is powerful enough to sing another song like this very well.

Why Are You Leaving? - The first minute of this, I hated it. Not because of the tune. But because the opening lyrics are as follows:

"Why? Oh why, are you leaving, when I desperately need you? Why, oh why are you leaving? I guess I will not know."

This repeated, but sounded a bit odd with a repeated "you". There was then a soft rapped lyric, which was far more like the Colette that we all know. This sequence then repeated, with a short interruption but a mystery rapper (who turned out to be Kev Nish of Far East Movement). Anyways, despite the awful lyric that keeps getting repeated, this song has rather grown on me. I do like how she intersperses rapping with the singing, which sounds better than I would have expected.

I Love Kev Nish - Easily my favorite song on the EP. Interestingly enough, it's also the rap one. It is very Colette, and I'm glad to hear another song that has such a Colette Signature, including that part that snaps "Are you even listening? You aren't even f*cking listening!". Naturally, this song is the shortest (grrrrr) and ends way too soon.

Racking Up - I hate the chorus. Love the rest of the lyrics. I think her rapping is fabulous - it isn't scary fast so that you can't understand it (read: I can attempt to sing along) but the chorus is repetitive and irritating.

Overall, I am pretty disappointed with this EP. Colette tries to have more of the worlds of pop and rap (getting classically pop like on Why Are You Leaving and Hearsay, but trying to do the repeated chorus like Lil' Jon, Snoop Lion and 2Chainz) but her attempts just create weak music. I don't think I'll be listening to thiis one - Although I probably will have I love Kev Nish on repeat.

The Year of Albums

Hello everyone! I hope you had a wonderful New Year's, and got a kiss at midnight!

In music news, everything I'm hearing blares "NEW ALBUM!" "RELEASING DEBUT ALBUM!" "SO-AND-SO RELEASING NEW ALBUM IN 2013!" So which pop darlings will have new and different material for us?

Original Sugababes (aka MKS) - Remember them? Monday night, these girls performed together for the first time in a decade. Pretty fitting that they performed on the opening of the year that is supposed to see the release of their next album. Now known as MKS, they performed Rihanna's song Diamonds here. All the girls have had to say on this new album is that it will be far better than their first one. Can't wait!

Cher - Known as the Goddess of Pop, this will be her first album released in a decade, though in Cher's case, this will also be her 26th release. The lead single is called Woman's World a femenistic anthem fraught with robotic sounds that Cher made famous in 1998. However, the most apparent thing about the song is Cher's unmatched voice. Looking forward to the album - and the rumored collaboration with Lady Gaga!

Demi Lovato - Consider yourself warned! It has been declared by Lovato herself that this will be her most intense album yet, and "this time, there will be no holding back". To get an idea of what she has in store for us, her cover of Angels Among Us should give an idea.

Miley Cyrus - Though recently she's been known more for her haircut than anything else, Cyrus's album is supposed to be released this year, and sound more adult, and with more of her personal style coming out. Ms. Cyrus has described it "Dirty South Hip-Hop" (naturally - she is working with Pharrell Williams), but the  mix of country with hip hop should be an interesting change. Soon we'll be able to compare how far from her pop beginnings she's traveled!

Janet Devlin - With her previews of Wonderful and Crown of Thorns, Janet has only confirmed that what she has in store for us will be great. In a classic Janet move, she has eschewed record labels to work with pledge music, an organization that has customers pledge to buy a version of the album. Once it reaches 100%, the album will be released.

Misha B - Another X Factor lady! Her mixtape is free to download on her facebook page here. Her singles so far are Home Run, Do You Think Of Me and Runway.

What should we expect from these artists? Hard to say. Some other people releasing albums this year (though I didn't include them in that list because their material will be fairly predictable) are Mariah Carey, Beyonce, Selena Gomez & the Scene, and Nikki Minaj.

A Summary

Winter Break is a thing of beauty. Especially when a certain long term project has taken all your time away from your music blog.

Back to music. During my unfortunate hiatus, the music world did not deign to pause (and it should not) for me. There have been truckloads of new artists, singles, releases, so I'm going to take a moment to share the ones that have stuck out for me when I first heard them.

Nikki Williams - Kill, Fuck, Marry - At first I was all like "This is the weirdest thing I've ever seen" and was SO not into it. Ditto when the opening stanza came on. From then on, it was clear sailing. The fact that she's classically gorgeous and the video is such a cliche Americana thing only helps.

Nikki Williams - Glowing - I know it looks like I have Nikki Williams Music Obsession disease or something (NWMO for short) but this song is amazing. First off, it's so different from Kill, Fuck, Marry, and when I first listened, I was blown. Away. The chorus is dancy enough to be categorized as pop, but the rest isn't sugary or cheesy or stupid. Loving this.

Colette Carr - F16 - Yes, this song has been out for ages. Yes, I probably have Colette Carr Music Obsession disease (CCMO for your reference), but I just think that everyone should be aware of and love the music video. Part of what I loe is that as a video, it's so radically different from everything else Colette has done. She's done the pool party with the almost naked girls and old creepy guy, the insane asylum inmate, the rapping by the railroad tracks, the looking cute while skipping down the street, the blonde bombshell from Grease, the bejeweled bodysuit. The classic video about a boyfriend she loved and lost? It's new territory, and done as well as one would expect of Colette (meaning she climbs all over a plane, not like we could expect her to be normal).

Janet Devlin - Wonderful/Crown Of Thorns - Wonderful and Crown Of Thorns are actually two different songs included in the same video. The song Wonderful, while not fully played, promises to be a fun song, though not necessarily pop-py. Crown of Thorns reminds me a bit of her on the X Factor, ans while I like it less that Wonderful, it is appropriately dramatic and is very cool.

April Kae - The Writings on the Wall - I don't really know what I was expecting when I clicked the link to April's song, but it was not this. Perhaps a sassy woman pretending to be Gwen Stefani, yes? Awkward, because no. Nothing about her is similar to Gwen, least of all her voice. The one thing that bothers me is how she's singing that beautiful song and ends up dancing to it in a club, of all places.

Dragonette - Merry Xmas - I shouldn't have to explain. To anyone averse to Christmas songs for whatever reason, don't worry about it. It has a Dragonette twist that expels it from the realm of Christmas songs forever.

Jhameel - Shadow of a Man - Half great, half bizarre. I don't quite understand what's going on, but okay!

Chris Cab - Good Girls (Don't Grow On Trees) - I have to admit the title inclined me to the song. And when there is a rap song that has pop moments as well, then I'm a goner.  Of course, this song is better than most that fall under that description. Furthermore, I usually don't pay much attention to lyrics (funnily enough, I can't pay attention when I'm listening to something, unless it's music) but the lyrics to this song are gold.

Christina Aguilera - Army of Me - Oh yeah...that's why she's a judge on The Voice...

Sirah - Double Yellow Lines - until the chorus, I did not like this song, but for the sake of fair judgement, I kept going, and I know love this song and plan to buy it as soon as I earn 99 cents.

Obviously, there is so much more. But over the past few months, this is what really stuck out in my mind - must be better than the rest of the stuff, right?

DNA review

Full Album Here

Since I was gone so long, I missed the release of Little Mix's album DNA. Read on to see what I think.

Wings - I love this song. It's very strong and the perfect starter, as it shows off their great style and powerful voices. They deserved to win X Factor, and this song proves that.

DNA - the starting chords creeped me out, because I am creeped out by music boxes. But once the vocals started, I loved this song. People have called Little Mix the female One Direction, but the thing about Little Mix is that their individual voices aren't just good, they are POWERFUL. I wouldn't say this is the best song, but it is good enough to merit the title of the album. Furthermore, the music video = stunning, and a whole new image of Little Mix.

Change Your Life - Everything about this is a good song. First off, as an American I love it when anybody from the UK speaks in their songs, because their accents are gorgeous. This song is absolutely beautiful and I can't for it to be performed live, because its one of those songs - good to perform, good to sing.

Always Be Together - This song makes me so emotional. It belongs on the soundtrack of a movie. This is so far my favorite song on the album because even though it isn't dancy, it is beautiful.

Stereo Soldier - Cue in the cheesy song name. Unfortunately, this song does not live up to the rest of the standards that the rest of the album has put up, which is too bad, but hey - every album has at least one song that just isn't as good. I would probably like it if I heard it first without any other Little Mix beauty around it, but since I did hear it after Always Be Together, I see that it's weaker than the other songs.

Pretend It's OK - This song, I feel, is the epitome of Little Mix style. Once again, Little Mix were made to perform, and this song fits that perfectly. I love how there is never one person who is dominant, but rather, their voices work together.

Turn Your Face - I wanted to like this song. I really did. It reminds me slightly of Demi Lovato's Skyscraper,  only less so. Sorry girls, I can't give you this one.

We Are Who We Are - After Turn Your Face, this sounds remarkably One Direction-ish. Only with the Little Mix remix (ha, ha). I really like this song - maybe because i'm a sucker for songs that say "I'm perfect the way I am", but I felt like I heard more intensity in the song from the singers, like they mean what they're singing, which, as we all know, is pretty important.

How Ya Doin'? - My first thoughts were that this song was very bizarre. The whole thing with the leaving of the message, and the so not 21st style beginning, I was a bit confused and not a big fan. But as the song progresses, though the lyrics are not very good, the tune and beat are, so it makes up for it.

Red Planet (ft. T-Boz) - Our first featured artist for Little Mix! Hooray! This song basically = E.T. by Katy Perry, as far as the chorus music goes, though naturally, Little Mix's lyrics are far less explicit. It sounds a bit messy though, and I can't see it being very popular.

Going Nowhere - Unlike Turn Your Face, I was NOT a fan in the beginning. However, I have taken a yen to the Spanish sound and instruments, and it is definitely a sing along song.

Madhouse - whenever I hear the word "madhouse" I can only think of Rihanna's song. This song is nothing like that, and though it is very different it is, I think equally good.

Love Drunk - This one sounds like it came straight from the set of High School Musical or some other cheesy musical movie. No other comment.

Make You Believe - This song is fabulous. From the very opening throughout the rest, the focus is on VOCALS and the sheer power of the members' voices. I love this song and bonus: slightly reminds me of the Cheetah Girls before they went bad.

Case Closed - I love this song. it sounds a little bit like DNA, only less intense. Everything from the very cool title to the chorus to beat is great. This is easily one of the best songs on the album, and would have made a fabulous last song.

Overall, if you are a fan of Little Mix's, you will not be disappointed. They tend to start with weak openings, but by the time it gets to the chorus, the songs are fabulous and oh-so worth it. I think those who like other artists like Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Selena Gomez, One Direction, The Wanted, and other artists like so will love Little Mix as well. Those who can't buy it from iTunes, check out the prices for the regular version (missing Love Drunk, Make You Believe, and Case Closed) here.

Skitszo Review

Here we are! Skitszo, Part 1 finally released. By now, some of you may have already bought Part 1, and some may be considering it. So here's my review, track by track.

First of all, I love the cover. It would be so cool if all the EP's had different covers since they're gonna all show up as different albums on your iPod anyways, but even if they all shared covers, i'm glad that it looks like this. I feel like if you saw the cover and listened to the songs, it would be a total disconnect.

Full Album Here

F16

I really like this song. The rap lyrics are a little weird and meaningless but the beat and the chorus are fantastic. Bonus: The video for this one is coming out in ten days, and I'm positive it will be very different from the ones that she's done before. (Read: located at a pool party, asylum, sidewalk in a suburb, and on a set made to look like the one from Grease.) With a very cool, very dramatic start, the beat and the attitude of this song never slows down. There is no way you could ever do homework with this playing, and there's no way you can resist the rapped lyrics, but it will take you a while to sing along to anything besides the chorus (I am unable to rap. I am the person who only does the part that is going slower than 100 mph). I wasn't too keen on it at first because its a bit weird, but it's one of the best tracks, and a really good one to start the whole EP with. You can take away almost everything but you'll never take away my heart...

Delusional

This one doesn't have as god a start to the song as F16, but I have found it easier to fall in love with. The autotune is very clear on this one, but I'm sure it will sound amazing live as well. The lyrics are better than in F16, the beat less so. The chorus isn't as catchy as the previous tracks, but its still pretty good! Unfortunately, I cannot sing along to it, otherwise I will mangle it completely. I could sing in a different key, but girl hits some tricky notes, not too high or too low.

Killswitch

I like this track far better than Delusional. I think it is very catchy, and even though Colette definitely does Pop, it isn't like her other stuff at all. First of all, there is absolutely no rap intertwined with the pop, but don't make the mistake of thinking it sounds like other pop female artists. What I really like is that in the middle, I started to get a bit bored, but all of a sudden, there's this funny little twist in the song, and it ended off on a great note! However, I did get bored in the middle, which simply should not have happened.

Like I Got A Gun ft. YG

Whether you are an avid Colette fan and have heard this track a million times or you've never heard of her in your life, you have not heard the YG new and improved version. His rapping just improves an already good song, and every time I hear it I sing along, this being the one song that I actually can rap along to.

Consensus: 4 Stars of of 5
I love this EP! My only problems are that I think the order should be F16, Killswitch, Like I Got A Gun, Delusional. Delusional and Killswitch are too poppy to be next to each other and give me a bit of a headache when I listen to them consecutively, but that is what iTunes and Spotify playlists are for! There was less rap than I hoped there would be as well, but over all, Colette met my expectations! Yay CCarr!

My favorite songs, in order:
Like I got a Gun ft. YG
F16
Killswitch
Delusional

Singles and Colette (Finally)

I'm so sorry to have been gone for so long! There was a long, difficult issue in my personal life.

What happens when you mix Dev with Ke$ha, a few random artists, and hair dye? CSS and their video for City Grrrl ft. Ssion. A Brazilian rock band that's been around for a while hasn't caught my attention previously due to their first songs being released in Portuguese. I haven't heard of them releasing another album yet (I'm sure there will be one in 2013), but to those English speakers who have not had the chance to enjoy them yet, look at their songs Left Behind, Hits Me Like A Rock, and of course Let's Make Love And Listen To Death From Above.

A song called Famous usually is not unique in any way. It's usually about wanting to be famous (naturally), how one day the singer will be a big star, etc. Well. Let me just say that, as an American, I am a sucker for accents. I don't know if English girls love American accents on guys, but there you guy. That being said, Katy Tiz is not a guy, but she does have an accent. And that makes the song that much better. What's also nice is that the song is not about wanting to be famous, rather, it's about a guy wanting her only because she's famous. Not the most original idea, but her video is cute and I do like the song enough that I think it should definitely have a place of honor in a Spotify playlist.

Happiness is chocolate, a hot drink on a rainy night, crisp morning air, and Colette Carr's album FINALLY being available to pre-order. When I say album, of course I mean The Skitszo Collection. Click the link here, and you'll be able to pre-order her EP installments, get the physical copy, and a cute bottle opener, for 17 American dollars. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Album Review - Kiss

Carly Jepsen's debut album has been much anticipated. If you like her, then you're pretty tempted to buy the whole cd, right? Maybe my analyzing of the album will support that temptation, decrease or increase it.

Tiny Little Bows - The first song off the album does not disappoint. I'm not going to say it's the best one, but it isn't weak by any means. Rather than a song you sing in a car, it's more something you may hum while working or shopping. While not very bouncy, it is very sweet, and could almost be described as cute.

This Kiss - The opening of this song got me really excited, as it sounded like it would be a great song to dance to. Unfortunately, not so. I wouldn't say it's radio material or singing material, and while I am not a fan of it at all, it isn't a bad song.

Call Me Maybe - This is one of those songs that no matter what you thought when you first heard it, it's been so overplayed that you know the bridge and chorus, if not the whole song, by heart, and you most likely have sung it with a friend, heard a parody or made up your own lyrics to the tune. It isn't a song to play at a dance, but it is definitely a car song, and fun.

Curiosity - From the opening bars, you can tell that this song will be very different from Carly's other ones. Fraught with electrical interference and studio produced sounds, it doesn't really sound like what you imagine a Carly Rae Jepsen song would sound like, and more like something you would hear on Disney Channel.

Good Time (Owl City and Carly Rae Jepsen) - I love this song. Listen to it now. It is absolutely amazing, completely singable and easy to dance to. It is a great pop song in every way.

More Than a Memory - My first impression was that this song sounds remarkably like Call Me Maybe. However, the tune reminds me of every other song produced by every other pop princess on the planet. However, the words are very sweet, and if/when there is a music video for it, it will be very fitting and sweet. Despite the fact that the tune sounds so typical, I still like it.

Turn Me Up - The cheesy title made me groan in the beginning. However, the chorus is ridiculously catchy- "Breaking up with you, you're breaking up on me, you kissed me on the phone, and I don't think it reaches". I thought at first that the song would be about going to a party and turning up the music, and blablabla, but it isn't quite like that. I was definitely originally inclined to dislike this song, but it's quite good - at least far better than the similarly titled Kim Kardashian version.

Hurt So Good - Once again, the Britney Spears-esque title is quite irritating, and by this time, it starts like every other song on the album has as well. I'm not quite sure what it is, perhaps the lack of originality, the obvious autotune effects, or bad lyrics, but this song does nothing for me.

Beautiful ft. Justin Bieber- We all knew Justin Bieber would come in here at some point. It sounds like they had a session where they sat in the studio and sang soulfully like they present to us in music videos. That being said, I would have to say that the only way to tell if this song is any good is to make your own personal decision. It is a bit of a shock and was not well transferred from the last electric sounding song, but listened to alone, it is a calming song.

Tonight I'm Getting Over You - Putting this song after the one featuring Justin Bieber makes it sound as though Beautiful belongs on a different album. At first listen, I had the impression it would be a song I would like, but then the chorus burst in, sounding like a remix loving DJ got his hands on it. I would like the song if there were fewer odd non instrumental sounds, but those interferences ruin it for me.

Guitar String /Wedding Ring - What I do like about this song is that despite the electric effects, Carly's voice is fully on display here, and sounds rather throaty, as if she was dancing at the same time as she was singing. Definitely a dancing in your room song, singing into a hairbrush.

Your Heart Is A Muscle - I'm not quite sure what is it with Ms. Jepsen and the odd titles, but this song is very good, and once you hear the lyrics, it doesn't sound like an odd title anymore. Definitely one of the best songs on the album, with her showing off her vocal range. If it doesn't get to the radio, then put it on a cd and play it in the car, because it is a perfect song to speed down the highway to.

Drive - Maybe it's because I listened to the songs in succession, but this song is completely unremarkable and indistinguishable from most of the other ones on this album (read: Tiny Little Bows, Call Me Maybe, This Kiss, Curiosity). If you've heard one of those songs, you already know how this one sounds. If you adore the aforementioned songs, get this one, but the tune sticks in your head so firmly that if you listen to it too much, you'll dream it.

Wrong Feels So Right - There is so much sass right here. Loving the sass, and how it is so very Carly, but not like her at the same time. I actually found myself dancing along as I typed this. I wouldn't say it's a dance party song, but could be a radio hit like Call Me Maybe.

Sweetie - The last song on the album has to be really good, and have it go out with a bang and not a whimper. If you like to listen to any pop on Billboards Top 100, this song will do it for you - it certainly did it for me. Once again, this song could have a fantastic music video, and will be very well performed on her tour. It's a great song to sing to alone or with karaoke, and it is a definite purchase if you feel inclined towards Ms. Jepsen.

Albums to Keep an Eye Out For

When I first listened to Becky G's song Turn the Music Up, I wasn't a fan. However, that doesn't mean her potential wasn't there, so I did some more exploring, and was it worth it. Problem (The Monster Remix) ft. Will.i.am is a completely different story, and it has adorable little clips from that new Adam Sandler movie, Hotel Transylvania. She's also featured on Cody Simpson's son Wish You Were Here, and i like her way better than I do him. And of course, everything about Cher Lloyd's song Oath ft. Becky G is amazing. I have no idea when she'll put out and album, but I'll keep my ears open!

Luckily enough, we only have to wait two more months until Demi Lovato's next album comes out. No matter what you may have thought of what she has produced before, keep an ear open - apparently this album will be very different - full of true emotion like Adele, but keeping bounce in it, like Taylor Swift. Despite comparisons, I'm sure Demi will find her own niche and shine in it.

Taylor Swift's new and fourth album, Red, will be coming out pretty soon. The reviews of her song We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together have been mixed, with some declarations that her new sound had moved from sweet country to sugary pop for the masses. However, a listen to her song Red reveals that Red will keep a signature style, and will remain music with a country inflection. I Knew You Were Trouble is not like either of these two songs. It definitely has a country origin, but it sounds like a popular radio station got their hands on it and felt free to make whatever edits they wanted. Stay of Grace bounces between country and pop - whatever you consider You Belong With Me to be, Stay of Grace occasionally sounds similar. To those who like Taylor's pop transition through the years should enjoy Red. Personally, I loved her when she had more country sound, and I Knew You were Trouble makes me sad, since it sounds like any other song with Taylor's vice put in. 6 more days until it's available for purchase in the U.S.!

Songs For Today

Colette Carr - (B)A$$
Lolene - Rich (Fake It 'Till You Make It)
Robert Downey Jr - River
Eminem ft. Rihanna - Love the Way You Lie
Shakira - Hips Don't Lie

Artists To Go Back To

Remember what I said about Ke$ha last post? To be honest, I had forgotten about Anjulie completely. Oh, sure, her songs Brand New Bitch and Stand Behind The Music starred in my Spotify library, but she had dropped off my radar. Thank goodness for emails from Youtube. I present You And I, her latest single, and one that is completely lovable. I love the acoustic start, and the transfer to electro Anjulie style is very smooth and well done. I can easily hear this being played at a party or just at a time to dance. It's funny because some of the lyrics don't match the tone of the song and unless you're careful to listen for it, you may believe that Anjulie has a sweet view to life. Not so, and her attitude is there to those willing to see it.

According to an article here, there is a wonderful event to happen in 16 days. The wonderful even in question? Janet Devlin will be perform songs from her debut album live over webcast. To anyone who has not watched the English X Factor, don't worry about the voice quality - Janet's voice has an ethereal quality that I doubt will ever require auto tune. I don't quite know what sort of songs she'll have, but she has such a beautiful voice that I feel compelled to try and listen.

Songs For Today

Neon Hitch - Fuck U Betta
The Ready Set - Give Me Your Hand (Best Song Ever)
Hot Chelle Rae - Whatever
A*M*E - Play The Game Boy
Demi Lovato - La La Land

Music to Sample

Ton anyone who still remembers Ke$ha, snaps to you. That is quite impressive, since Tik Tok was when - 2009? Anyways, I totally thought she was done. Sure, there were a few demo recordings, and that thing she did for Amnesty International - a cover of Don't Think Twice, It's All Right. Surprise! Her second (wow, only second? Eek.) full length album is coming out the 4th of December, titled Warrior. I figure a lot of people figure Ke$ha isn't "real" pop (whatever that means) and while it is true that she doesn't have a lot of vocal power and her voice is not the standpoint when she performs live, she has delivered songs that are dancy and catchy. Car songs and karaoke songs, which is enough for me to take interest. So it's good to see that her single Die Young delivers. There is definitely less auto tune involvement here - a theme which, apparently, will continue throughout her album. She also said it's going to be more 70's, a sound which is very different from today's sound but also sometimes similar. Either way, it will be very Ke$ha.

I'm going to update a pop announcement I made long ago (that is, six months ago, which is practically a decade in the pop industry) about Cinnamon Girl. I did a little tidbit about her here, and I recently found out that not only does she have three singles now, two are available for free download. Weeeee! First is the aforementioned Friends. I thought it was chaotic then, and I still think the same now. I definitely prefer her song Now I Know. What I think is interesting is that even though her music has a lot of pop in it, her intricate voice makes everything seem like it was done by Florence and the Machine. As someone who is unable to sing, her voice dazzles me too much to think about it. Devil In Me is easily my favoriteJeffree though. It is undoubtedly amazing pop with just enough electric interference to be dancy and singable at the same time. I'm so glad I don't have to let go of $1.29 to have it for myself!

Note: I don't know why I named this Swag List. Don't worry, the now renamed Songs for Today is still the same thing - music I've just been listening to lately!

Songs for Today

Jeffree Star - Beauty Killer
Sinead O' Connor - The Wolf Is Getting Married
Alexis Jordan - Laying Around With You
Natalia Kills - Mirrors
Simon Curtis - Joystick