The Dream - Love/Hate

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1. Shawty is da Sh*t (Ft. Fabolous) - 7.5/10
2. I Luv Your Girl - 9/10
3. Fast Car - 9.5/10
4. Nikki - 9/10
5. She Needs My Love - 10/10
6. Falsetto - 8/10
7. Playin' In Her Hair - 5/10
8. Purple Kisses - 10/10
9. Ditch That... - 1.5/10 (I could not listen to the full song. Just awful.)
10. Luv Songs - 8.5/10
11. Livin' A Lie (Ft. Rihanna) - 10/10
12. Mama - 10/10

The-Dream only came to my attention earlier tonight, I was searching for news on R. Kelly when an article popped up about The-Dream being influenced by Kelly, and saying that he was this generations R. Kelly. So I decided to check him out.

I think a few of the songs on the album are great, with 'She Needs My Love', 'Purple Kisses', and 'Livin A Lie' leading the pack, and 'Mama' being a great ending to his debut album. 'Ditch That...' was the only song that I found to be anything less than good. Going from this album, The-Dream is not as good as R. Kelly, especially not 90's Kelly, but with some improvement he could compare to the likes of Ne-Yo and Akon.

Overall, I'm going to give the album a 8/10, and I'll be listening to his second, and most recent, album tomorrow.

I thought the Mariah Carey duet would be on the album. :sad:

I think it's on his second album.

The-Dream - Love Vs. Money

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1. Money Intro
2. Rockin' That Sh*t - 9/10
3. Walkin' On The Moon (Ft. Kanye West) - 10/10
4. My Love (Ft. Mariah Carey) - 9.5/10
5. Put It Down - 8/10
6. Sweat It Out - 9/10
7. Take U Home 2 My Mama - 8/10
8. Love Vs. Money - 8/10
9. Love Vs. Money Part II - 8/10
10. Fancy - 9.5/10
11. Right Side Of My Brain - 10/10
12. Mr. Yeah - 10/10
13. Kelly's 12 Play - 10/10
14. Let Me See The Booty (Ft. Lil' Jon) - 6/10
15. Hater - 8/10

A step-up from the first album. It was good to see Kanye appear, but I hate Lil' Jon, so I was not too pleased when I heard him on one of the tracks. Kelly's 12 Play is my favourite song on the album, it's about having sex whilst listening to one of R. Kelly's albums, but it worked, the lyrics are great and The-Dreams voice sounded great on it... it would have been nice to have R. appear on the track, though. Other than Kelly's 12 Play, I think the other songs that stand out on the album are: Walkin' On The Moon, Right Side Of My Brain, and Mr Yeah.

I think this album definitely puts The-Dream up there in the same league as the likes of Ne-Yo, Akon, and Bobby Valentino. And I'm going to give the album a 9/10.

R. Kelly - The R. in R&B, Greatest Hits Collection, Volume 1

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Disc 1

1. Bump & Grind - 10/10
2. Your Body's Callin' - 9/10
3. Sex Me (Part 1) - 10/10
4. Gotham City - 9.5/10
5. Ignition (Remix) - 10/10
6. Down Low (Nobody Has to Know) - 10/10
7. When a Woman's Fed Up - 10/10
8. Thoia Thoing - 8/10
9. Touched a Dream - 8.5/10
10. I Wish - 10/10
11. Ghetto Religion (Ft. Wyclef Jean) - 9.5/10
12. The Storm Is Over Now - 10/10
13. She's Got That Vibe - 10/10
14. If I Could Turn Back the Hands of Time - 10/10
15. The World's Greatest - 10/10
16. I'm Your Angel (Ft. Celine Dion) - 9/10
17. I Believe I Can Fly - 10/10
18. Home Alone (Ft. Keith Murray) - 7/10

Disc 2

1. Bump & Grind (Old School Mix) - 10/10
2. Down Low (Nobody Has To Know) (Live To Regret It Mix) - 10/10
3. Step In the Name of Love (Remix) - 9/10
4. Fiesta (Remix) (Ft. Jay-Z) - 8/10
5. Gotham City (Remix) - 7/10

There is only one problem I have with this album, and that is that it does not include Honey Love, Slow Dance, You Remind Me Of Something and If I Can't Sleep (Baby If I). Other than that, it is perfect. I think I actually prefer the remix to Bump & Grind, which appears on the second disk, to the original version. But yeah, best album I own, 10/10.

I'm intrigued to see what Princess will make of this :tongue:



Me sister bought for Mothers' Day, I quickly ripped all the songs onto my laptop for reviewing purposes. Prior to that, I'd only heard "Greatest Day" and "Up All Night" from the album. I'm quite a fan of the reborn Take That, all grown up and melodical, especially compared to their insanely camp gyration and firm grip over the mid-90s. So I go into this open-minded, and optimistic.

Tracklist:
1. The Garden - As openings go, you can't ask for much more. Searching lyrics, epic string instrumentals, captivating drums and high falsetto vocals. "So this is the life we've been given" is cried by Barlow and chums, and one can't help but feel a sense of euphoria. Sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Rating: 9/10
2. Greatest Day - The first single from the album came at a time when I was unable to get my hands on new music, and when I finally managed to get this song, it had died in popularity. I failed to understand why friends and associates would cringe when I played it, mesmerised by the 'Rule The World'-esque delirium. And the world comes alive indeed. This is the song television shows are designed to use a soundtrack for. Rating: 9.5/10
3. Hello - Normally, I'm not such a fan of the Mark Owen-led songs. "Shine" still irritates me to this day, but I feel this an unfair assessment given that my hatred is primarily directed towards Morrison's and other media outlets for relentless overplay. Back to this song, it ticks all the Take That-fan boxes. Catchy chorus, simple lyrics. But not one to ponder over. Rating: 6.5/10
4. Said It All - I'll put it briefly. There just isn't anyone who can do a pop-ballad like Take That. Whilst I save my tears for other genres' own heartbreaks, Barlow shows off his matured and siren-like vocals again. A brilliant melody helps. Rating: 9/10
5. Julie - I can't help but feel like I've heard this somewhere before. Perhaps it's the (slightly generic, but effective nonetheless) chants of "sha-la-la". Perhaps it's reminiscent of many a Mark Owen solo effort. I don't know who Julie is or what she's doing, but I wish I did. Rating: 5.5/10
6. The Circus - The tune follows on from Julie, in my opinion, and I find it hard to distinguish the two (obvious shift of vocal-reins aside). I think this is the first glimpse of the 'circus' theme, more obvious on Britney Spears' album of the same release date (how odd indeed.) Unfortunately that's all I can say about this song. It's not particularly captivating. Rating: 5/10.
7. How Did It Come To This - What's this? That Barlow fellow is singing rather quickly. This isn't very Take That. But at least it sticks out. This shows promise of a light at the end of the tunnel of dreary ballads, which is welcome after 6 tracks I suppose. An interesting track, though I'm not sure if it'd stand well on its own as a single. Rating: 6.5/10
8. Up All Night - Radio-friendly upbeat Take That takes to the stage here, and you find yourself tapping your foot like a fool. Classic. Rating: 7.5/10
9. What Is Love - A ballad now without the feeling that you're soaring across the air. It oozes genuine emotion and the lyrics cut straight to the point with ease. What it lacks in gusto, it makes up for with emotion. Rating: 8/10
10. You - Uhh...sorry, Princess, but I'm falling asleep here. I suppose that's something - it makes a nice sedative. Rating: 3/10
11. Hold Up A Light - That's better, loud strings. I'm awake now. I immediately get the vibe that this is to be a single from the album. I don't know if it is, I imagine it's already been announced. *shrug* - Anyway. Fierce vocals, strings, and we're back at the heights of modern Take That again. It's a shame it follows such a dreary song. Is that an electric guitar I hear? From Take That? Controversial. Rating: 8.5/10
12. Here - The version I have is 8 minutes long. Hmm. It begins with an innocent, cheerful harmony. The chorus almost possesses a glam-rock quality seen in artists such as Alice Cooper and Evanescence, which, juxtaposed with the Alphabeat-style verses, makes odd, yet pleasant hearing. I assume after 'Here' there is a bonus track. I cba to find out the details of this...but as an altogether composition it's interesting to say the least. The second half has a strange Spanish swing vibe to it. Rating: 8.5/10

Conclusion:
Another album sure to please the fans, which continue to grow from strength to strength. However, I'd personally like to see some musical exploration - there are strange styles introduced, but only in the final album track(s). As far as TT albums go, though, this ticks every box and makes for easy listening. I'm sorry I'm being a bit lazy in my conclusion, but it's rather late and I'm tired. Album rating: 8/10

^^ There's a hidden track, She Said.

I have that R kelly Album i found it in my room the other day yet i dont remember buying it

Introduction:
Try This, before Fun House and...the other name eludes me. The one with "Stupid Girls" and "Dear Mr. President", is a pre-cursor to what these two albums have to offer. With real menace and rebellion, the album was often playing during my early teenage years. As a follow-up to "M!ssundaztood", it features less family pain and emotional trauma seen on old tracks such as "Family Portrait" (with lyrics such as "Daddy please stop yelling, I can't stand the sound. Make momma stop crying, 'cos I need you around."), yet there is still a hint of venom (If God Is A DJ offers 'mother, hey **** you' for example).

Tracks:
1. Trouble - One of the album's singles, Trouble is your typical "P!nk kicks ass and has a suitable music video to scream in" offering. Set in a Western bar, P!nk watches as the fights and chaos unravels, and she revels in the carnage. Go on, try to sit there unfazed. Rating: 8.0/10
2. If God Is A DJ - Perhaps modern pop music's longest ongoing metaphor in a song, this single proved popular with the fans and narrowly missed out on the Number #1 spot here in the UK. It's sometimes hard to believe that 'So What' was her first. A feeling of relaxed, laissez-faire lingers throughout and you know you'll dance along to this if you weren't alone in your room. Rating: 7.5/10
3. Last To Know - An interesting mix of industrial and acoustic guitars introduces this high-tempo lashing out at an ex. I personally had forgotten all about this song until playing it now, and it's quite possibly my favourite P!nk song of all time. Real passion and venom. Rating: 9.0/10
4. Tonight's The Night - No, not a Rod Stewart cover. The ongoing feel of a southern USA bar atmosphere is still present here, with a little element of ska reminiscent of No Doubt. The song's your run-of-the-mill defiant "feel-good" anthem P!nk has made her money from. Rating: 6.5/10
5. Oh My God - A tune very similar to "These Boots Are Made For Walking", this song's more than a little bit sexual. A breathy and seductive vocal is backed up by Peaches. I'm not sure if that's Geldof, or someone else...I vaguely recall a musician of the same name. Not so catchy, but it oozes sex. Rating: 6.5/10
6. Catch Me While I'm Sleeping - P!nk ponders over the ins and outs of falling in love here, and the music is suddenly a little more '80s'. Very Spandau Ballet if I do say so myself. Rating: 6.0/10
7. Waiting For Love - Another song about (probably her own) confusion about love. Not particularly outstanding, by anyone's standards. Rating: 4.5/10
8. Save My Life - This track offers a recognition that sleeping around and getting wasted isn't always the fun it's made out to be. A refreshing and uplifting instrumental helps to pull us away from the tedious confusion. Rating: 6.5/10
9. Try Too Hard - Ah yes, the obligitory "1, 2, 3, 4!" followed by heavy guitars. Some often forget that P!nk started out as an R&B girl, and with songs like this it's easy to understand why. A high-energy number that you can't help tapping your feet to. Rating: 7.5/10
10. Humble Neighbourhoods - With a guitar riff slightly similar to Bloc Party's "Flux", this song is anything but what the title suggests. A menacing and exhilarating track, just what the doctor ordered. Rating: 8.5/10
11. Walk Away - Swapping guitars for a church organ, P!nk complains here about men's inability to confront issues with love. A simple message and a very pop-friendly track. Rating: 7.0/10
12. Unwind - Oh dear, she's fallen off the wagon again. "I swallow down all my fears with a bottle made of silver." Whilst I don't commend the message it gives, I certainly like the bridge of "Somebody comfort me, S-Southern Comfort me." Rating: 7.5/10
13. Feel Good Time - Featuring William Orbit, this features on the Charlie's Angels soundtrack. A genuinely catchy and feel-good anthem, it has nostalgic benefit for anyone as a young teenager at the time, like me. Dance away. Rating: 9.0/10
14. Love Song - Ballad time, and it's the first of the album. Previous ballads have proved popular with the public, notable ones including Family Portrait and Don't Let Me Get Me. "I've never written a love song that didn't end in tears" eases us in to a heartfelt and powerful effort. Rating: 8.5/10
15. Hooker (Hidden Track) - Not mentioned on the CD's tracklisting, but coming up on my WMP, Hooker is a tongue-in-cheek, light-hearted attack. "You ain't nothing but a hooker - sell me your ****ing soul". That's our P!nk. Rating: 7.5/10

Overall:
Whilst Try This lacks one of P!nk's more outstanding and renowned singles such as "Just Like A Pill" or "So What", Try This offers a glimpse into the happy, care-free and uncaring P!nk. She doesn't hold back from partying, and we, as an audience, find this invitation welcoming. Though this approach to life is not to be recommended, one gets the impression that P!nk is a lot more content on this album. And it's easily her best album as a result. Overall rating: 7.5/10

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Introduction: Fans of Marilyn Manson were left a little disappointed by his last offering, "Eat Me, Drink Me". With a recent break-up with wife Dita von Teese, fans were probably expecting a soul-searching and emotional album. What was given was a few crowd-pleasers and very little experimentation.
But the most controversial God of Goth is back this year with new album, The High End of Low. Now in his 40s, Manson has enjoyed incredible success with albums 'Mechanical Animals', 'Antichrist Superstar' and 'Holy Wood', but how does this fare? Let's find out...
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Tracklisting:
1. Devour - The first thing you notice is the absence of the heavy instruments you'd come to expect from Manson, only to be replaced with gentler guitar chords. Lyrics reach into the realms of suicide and death-pacts, and they're delivered with typical swagger and emotion. Threatening lyrics build into a crescendo, and altogether it's a promising opening. Rating: 8/10.

2. Pretty As A Swastika - With the abrupt cut-off from Devour we're into the only censored track of the album (for retail purposes it's re-titled "Pretty As A ($)"). The familiar themes of death, sex and mutilation are briefly explored here, but ultimately it's more of a head-thrasher than forehead-scratcher. Rating: 6.5/10

3. Leave A Scar - With rumoured split up from his girlfriend Rachel Evan Wood (sp?), one gets a sense the lyrics are aimed towards her and his love-life here. "So turn around, walk away, before you confuse the way we abuse each other" and "are you aware I'm a danger to others?" almost seems to laugh off arguments (perhaps from the press over Manson's so-called influence over the perpetrators of the Columbine Shootings of 1999) of Manson's bad influence. Music-wise, it's not stand-out or memorable, which is a shame given the emotional exploration it's supposed to compliment. Rating: 6/10

4. Four Rusted Horses - Given my generally optimistic and cheerful nature, it's often amusing to see what I make of Manson lyrics. This is one of those situations. The carousel metaphor? The discussion of Heaven and Hell? One would immediately guess Manson's exploring the meaning of life but the cynic in me doesn't think that's what's intended. Shrugs all around. Rating: 4/10.

5. Arma-Goddamn-Mother****in'-Geddon - Manson, talking to Q and various other media outlets, has seemingly stated that this song is solely to piss off his record company, given its almost formulaic and systematic construction. It's catchy, it ticks a few boxes, but it doesn't have substance. Rating: 5.5/10.

6. Blank and White - Fingers up to society time, Manson bashes the lack of reason, moral and substance of the modern "Now!" era. Real venom and anger seeps through here, and it's a much more powerful song as a result. Rating: 7.5/10.

7. Running to the Edge of the World - My personal favourite of the album. Poetic lyrics, genuine emotion and a much more low-key instrumental, it's a welcoming wind-down. Rating: 9.5/10.

8. I Want To Kill You Like They Do In The Movies - Interesting use of media/cinema metaphors for attack, wrath and violence throughout, this 9 minute mammoth is packed with energy. I don't envy being the one to perform this on tour. I feel tired just listening. Rating: 9/10.

9. WOW - Sneering, arrogant, sleazy, vulgar. All possible ways of describing a song which repeats "it's hard to take you serious, when you take me inside". It's certainly catchy, though, and I don't doubt that he's worse than what I think I'd catch from him. Rating: 7.5/10.

10. Wight Spider - Slowly builds into something quite spectacular. A great crescendo. Rating: 8/10

11. Unkillable Monster - Listener-friendly? Manson? What? Some consider it ironic or sarcastic to go down that road, but as a self-confessed fan of radio, I'm not complaining. Different, and in a good way. Rating: 8/10.

12. We're From America - Bashing the old US of A isn't exactly the most revolutionary of song contexts, despite Manson's attempt to cover it with "America" being representative of how he feels. It sounds different from the rest of the album, perhaps making it out of place. But it's catchy. And I'm not wearing protection...heh. Sorry. Anyway, rating: 7.5/10.

13. I Have to Look Up Just to See Hell - Seemingly popular with the hardcore fans, the themes of women, lust and break-up are repeated here. I personally am not such a fan. Rating: 5.5/10.

14. Into the Fire - Strings and pianos in a Manson song is a very rare thing indeed, and both are frankly beautiful. A great ballad and a decent guitar solo. Rating: 8.5/10.

15. 15 - Described by Manson as the ending track to his life, 15 is a soul-searching and NIN-inspired perfect ending. Heralded as a 'return to form' by fans and critics alike, 15 finishes the album with grace and flair. Rating: 9/10.
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Summary
Prior to this and EM,DM, I've not listened to a Manson album the whole way through. It's perhaps, therefore, unfair for me to compare the two without having heard critically acclaimed AS, MA or HW. But I don't need to be the most informed music critic in the world to understand a good album when I hear one, and this is that and more.

There is a slight tinge in that there's the sense that Manson himself doesn't know what he wants from the world, or his life any more. Some lyrics appear conflicting and confused.

However, genuine hurt, anger and pain filter through the confusion to pack an altogether exhilarating and energetic return to form.
Rating: 8/10.

I never gave this album a fair chance when it came out due to lack of...interest I guess. I was a HUGE fan of Confessions on a Dancefloor, and it remains to this day my most-played album.



Tracklisting:
Candy Shop
There's only so much sexual suggestion that Madonna can offer, in my opinion, and she's well past her sell-by date. The same age as my mother, really, it's a bit gross. Musically, this isn't a memorable or even good opening to an album, just...indecency.
Rating: 4/10.
4 Minutes (ft. Justin Timberlake & Timbaland)
One of my favourite singles of 2008, 4 Minutes is one of her catchiest. A great collaboration and it paid off for her, giving her another UK number one. I don't need to describe it, it was everywhere.
Rating: 8/10.
Give It 2 Me
My personal favourite from the album. A Timbaland-weaved beat that doesn't sound generic or repetitive, Give It 2 Me is a brash, in your face and commanding power-single.
Rating: 9/10.
Heartbeat
The theme of the album is candy, something whilst sweet to taste at first, eventually rots your teeth and makes you feel a bit sick. This is proof of that. The heavy synthesised beats and shrill vocals from Madonna, in something that wouldn't sound out-of-place on Nelly Furtado's "Loose" album, leave a more bitter than sweet taste.
Rating: 5/10.
Miles Away
Ballad time now, and the third single from the album is Madonna's poorest-charting single to date, not even breaking the UK Top 40. I find this a great shame, it's definitely worthy of a charting position, essentially when compared to the 75% of popular music nowadays which is totally forgettable. Given added poignancy following the split from husband Guy Ritchie, Miles Away is one of the better tracks here.
Rating: 7/10.
She's Not Mine
...sorry I drifted away. Yawn.
Rating: 3/10.
Incredible
Yeah I'm slowly losing my patience now. I can totally sympathise with the Madonna haters who continually yell "she's past it, give up".
Rating: 3/10.
Beat Goes On
For me, adding Kanye West to the mix is never something to be recommended. The man's an irritating, self-obsessed, arrogant piece of utterly mediocre shite and I wish he'd fall off the edge of the planet. Consider, then, if you will, how I feel towards this song. "On and on" it goes indeed, but why?
Rating: 0.5/10
Dance 2Night
One of the reasons COADF was so critically-acclaimed was for Madonna's versatility and ability to cross multiple genres on a single record. American Life, Bedtime Stories and Human Nature are all evidential of this, but whatever you call this genre, I certainly don't like.
Rating: 2/10.
Spanish Lesson
When executed correctly, latin music infiltrating the mainstream can be excellent (see Shakira, Enrique Iglesias). This, however, is not.
Rating: 1/10.
Devil Wouldn't Recognize You
Finally something that sounds a bit...oh I spoke too soon.
Rating: 2/10.
Voices
Final track now, praise the Lord, and Madonna saves some face here. Improved vocals and a distinguishable tune make this a better offering, and at least ends the album on a better note.
Rating: 5.5/10
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Summary
Often hailed as the constantly-regenerating Queen of Pop, Madonna has sampled a multitude of varying genres since her breakthrough. Country music was taken for a ride on "Don't Tell Me", electronica experimented with on "Music", dabbled with disco in "Hung Up" and even Hip Hop in "Express Yourself".
Unfortunately the dish of today's music is generic, over-edited and unoriginal R&B. Whilst she fits in with what the customer ordered, will people in 20 years look back on this as her 'defining era'? No they will not.
Overall rating: 4/10.

I liked Hard Candy, One of my fave Madonna albums ever. She's Not Me and Beat Goes On are some of my fave tracks on it!

LA ROUX - Self titled Album (2009)

Before listening to the album I was of mixed opinion about La Roux, I liked In for the Kill originally but soon found it grating but I liked Bulletproof and Quicksand. The first thing I'd say about the album is that it isn't anywhere nearly as shrill as IFTK and I think it's better for it. Many of the songs are quite easy to listen to and are quite catchy. At first I thought the album was a bit samey but on repeated listens I've started to notice the nuances and differences in the songs and have enjoyed the album more for it.

One thing that surprised me about the album is that La Roux can really carry off a slower paced song as I find that most electro/dance artists struggle with slower paced songs. There's two slower paced songs (maybe more I forget) and my favourite of the two (and one of my favourites off the album) is 'Cover My Eyes'. I'd definately recomend people to check it out.

I think the tracks I'd reccomend are:

In For the Kill (I like it again now but I'm still glad the shrillness isn't present throughout the album)
Bulletproof (Still as catchy as ever)
Tigerlilly
Quicksand
Cover My Eyes
Reflections are Protection

The album as a whole is very easy to listen to though. I'd give it a:

8/10.

can this be stickied please?

I really should start doing these

The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

It's a weird album, It's not as instantly listenable as the Twilight soundtrack was but once you give it a fair try a few real gems begin to present themselves. Pretty much all the High profile acts steal the show really with the exception of (sadly) Muse who provides the only Muse song I've ever truly disliked which is 'I Belong to You'. The back of the case boasts that it is a 'New Moon Remix' but in reality all they've done is cut out the french verses and stuck one or two more guitar riffs in it. If they wanted a Muse track from the new album they should have gone with 'Undisclosed Desires' which is superior in every way to IBTY and is like the sequel to 'Supermassive Black Hole' which proves to be a popular track on the Twilight soundtrack.

The main theme song 'Meet me on the Equinox' by Death Cab is pretty dull and unmemorable and sadly Paramore's 'Decode' truly thrashes it. The contributions by Lykke Li and Thom Yorke are two high points of the album if slightly overlong. The best track on the album for me though is 'Roslyn' which is a rather haunting duet between Bon Iver and St Vincent. The Killers provide a likable track in 'A White Demon's love song' but in comparision to the other well known contributors it kind of fades into the background.

The second half of the album consists of mainly American indie bands which provide to be both listenable and likable if slightly forgettable. However The Editors provide the best part of the second half with a rather emotive 'No Sound but the Wind'.

The album's instrumental track is decent but pales in comparision to 'Bella's Lullaby' of the Twilight Soundtrack. The closing song of the album is the rather likable 'Thunderclap' by someone named Eskimo Joe, I really liked this track and it's definately the best song from the indie bands.

I think the producers really missed a trick by not having Robert Pattinson contribute to the soundtrack like he did with the Twilight Soundtrack as I found his' Let Me Sign' in particular to be a standout. However the bigger names of this album more often then not more then fill the gap.

Ironically, If you're the sort of person to put your nose up at the Twilight franchise or think that the big names sold out with this soundtrack then you'll mostl likely really like this album. If you're a more stereotypical fan of the franchise then enter with caution. Film soundtracks have been in since the Juno soundtrack and this one doesn't dissapoint, if you're a fan of indie music or snobbish in any way then you'll enjoy this album very much.

The only really bad thing about this album is that it's truly a grower and I've had since it came out a few weeks back and I only really started liking it today. Give it a fair try though and you'll love it too.

Reccomended Songs
Hearing Damage - Thom Yorke
Possibility - Lykke li
Roslyn - Bon Iver & St Vincent
No Sound but the Wind - The Editors
Thunderclap - Eskimo Joe

Final Score: 8/10

My Opinion of Leonas Album
1. “Happy” 10/10
2. “I Got You” 10/10
3. “Can’t Breathe” 9.5/10
4. “Brave” 9.5/10
5. “Outta My Head” 10/10
6. “My Hands” 9.25/10
7. “Love Letter” 9/10
8. “Broken” 9.25/10
9. “Naked” 9/10
10. “Stop Crying Your Heart Out” 9.25/10
11. “Don’t Let Me Down” 9.25/10
12. “Alive” 9.50/10
13. “Lost Then Found” Featuring OneRepublic 8.5/10

All songs are great

*screams*

THAT'S NOT A ****ING REVIEW.

OMFG you're Leona?!

Leona Lewis - Echo

My opinion changes regurlarly with Leona Lewis, I remember really liking her debut album when it first came out and then I remember hating her. I think this album is better then her first but there's still a lot of problems here.

There's still an overabundance of ballads here which gives the album a repetitive feel, some of the ballads are quite good though. 'My Hands is probably my favourite out the rest, It's got a very good catchy chorus which will stick in your head. Another of my favourites was the single 'Happy', I despised it when I first heard it when it debuted but it's like an extremely slow grower because when I listened to the album I enjoyed it a lot more then I did before. It's still a bad choice of single though since there are more catchier ballads on the album.

Surprisingly there are up tempo songs on the album, the main one being 'Outta My Head' which is rather dance-y and is kinda like a more innocent Rihanna track. It's got number 1 written all over it. The other more uptempo track is 'I Got you' which technically only really picks up the pace in the chorus but still It's quite catchy and I can see it being a successful top ten single.

The traditional cover song on this album is 'Stop Crying Your Heart Out' by Oasis. This is very much Run 2.0 down to the key change and the gospel choir to the understated beginning. For that reason I couldn't really like it since it's such an uncreative cover, As far as Leona Covers go 'First Time Ever I Saw Your Face' is still her best.

What's evident with this album is with the exception of a few differences it's pretty much a template of her first album. The main differences being this time are the few up tempo tracks and the fact that it's not so R'n'B based. There IS some growth here but for the next album I'd like Leona to try some more things and experiment with more up tempo tracks and genres.

As far as a pop album goes it's not bad. It's inoffensive and easy to listen to and it's quite catchy. It's not an album I can see myself listening to for long though as the repetitiveness does drag on it. Ultimately it's poppy, shallow and unlikely to change the landscape of music but as far as some pop music goes it ain't bad.

Reccomended Songs
Happy
I Got You
Outta My Head
My Hands

Final Score: 7/10

Okay some may argue this isn't an album but whatever, I'm commenting on it anyway.

This definately beats The Fame era for me, I much prefer her sound with this album/EP whatever.


1. Bad Romance -The first single to be taken from the album and what a good choice. Upbeat and very catchy. When I first heard it I thought she was singing utter cack, like what was she singing about? The more and more I listen to it, it's definately on it's way to becoming my favourite Gaga song? I think the video is well to put it simply, fabulous. The "Gaga ooh la la" I cannot get out of my head at all, I find myself mumbling to it on the bus. Good times. 10/10

2. Alejandro - I did not get the hype surrounding this song when it was released as a promotion single. Now that I've had the chance to listen to the whole song through manier times. I can safely say that I love it. I love how it starts so soft and then picks up about 30 seconds in. It really shows of Gaga's voice and works in her favour. Also the way she says Alejandro is hot! 8/10

3. Monster - My favourite song! I don't know what to say really except I feel it has everything that I would want to listen to in a song. A catchy chorus, an amazing beat and I love the title. I really do wish I could write alot more about this song as it is my favourite but it is just WOW. Also, can anyone clear up does she say "now get your paws off of me" or does she say "balls". Haha. 10/10

4. Speechless - She needs more songs like this. I love her up-tempo songs, don't get me wrong but songs like Speechless really do show off her voice and what a talent she is. I can imagine this being amazing live with a fantastic set!
It's just nice to sit down with a cup of coffee and relax listening to it. 9/10

5. Dance In The Dark - D-d-d-d-d. Not my favourite but definately a grower, when I first heard it I was like "what. terrible, ew." now I just think it's a filler for the album, a good one may I add. I could see this doing well as a single but I'm happy it isn't being released if that makes sense? 7/10

6. Telephone (featuring Beyoncé) - Wow. This song is genius. Has everything you could want and more! I think it helps that Beyoncé is in the song as when her verse comes in she totally owns it. I'm glad this is the second single... (well I hope it is) it will be a worldwide success as it has the top two females of the past 12 months. Hats off to you Beyoncé and erm Geeyoncé? 10/10

7. So Happy I Could Die - The most catchiest song of them all I think. The "ey, ey, aha, aha" gets stuck in my head alot. It won't go. This was the one I was most excited to listen to when all the track names were revealed. It definately lived up to expectations. The chorus totally makes the song I think and the lyrics throughout the song make sense. I could sit and have this on repeat all day. 10/10

8. Teeth - What a mess. This is horrible. It actually beats my previous Gaga-hate of "Paper Gangsta". What was she thinking? Don't like this sound at all. It's like country/rnb/pop mixed into one. It sounds like a good Jessica Simpson, so it's still bad. Awful. Always skip this one. With a name like Teeth aswell, I am disappointed. 1/10

I was a big fan of TwentySomthing, but hadn't heard but of his stuff since then so after I heard some recording of a gig he did here in Dublin a few weeks ago I went and downloaded his new album - The Pursuit. I've just done a pretty general review - and then ranked each of the tracks.

The album opens with a big jazz number ("Just One Of Those Things") and pretty much sets you up for the next 54 minutes. It is a cover, like a lot of the songs on the album, but I would never had known had I not looked up. It has, like a lot of his songs, a very "rat pack" feel to it. But, if that's not your thing - Jamie also has a few jazz/pop songs ("I'm All Over It") and this new album includes a cover of Rihanna's "Don't Stop The Music" - a cover which I think is far better than Rihanna's overplayed original. His version is already creeping it's way into my iTunes top 25.

Two other songs which stood out to me immediately were "If I Ruled The World", a slow pop jazz ballad, and "Mixtape", a uptempo song. I think "Mixtape" is the perfect single for this album - but it isn't the single, sadly. The debut single from this album is the only slightly less amazing "I'm All Over It".

If I had to chose one song to sum up this album it would be "Not While I'm Around", a song taken from Sweeny Todd. It's a slow catchy jazz ballad. It was, despite being the penultimate track on the album,t he first song I listened too and it made me want more+more+more.

For me, Jamie Cullum is like a short Michael Bublé at a piano. He can over do the solos at times, and it can get a tad "samesy" - but he never fails. Great, great album - if your into that sort of thing. I know so many people would hear this and hate it - but it's worth a try.

"Just One of Those Things" - 7/10
"I'm All Over It" - 8/10
"Wheels" - 7/10
"If I Ruled the World" - 7/10
"You and Me Are Gone" - 7/10
"Don't Stop the Music" - 9/10
"Love Ain't Gonna Let You Down" - 8/10
"Mixtape" - 10/10
"I Think I Love You" - 8/10
"We Run Things" - 8/10
"Not While I'm Around" - 10/10
"Music Is Through" - 7/10

Love this thread. Just read through a lot of the reviews. Gonna do some more later/tomorrow/weekend.

It's been a difficult year or so for Rihanna. Following from the phenomenal success of her album "Good Girl Gone Bad", one would have expected the celebrations and comedown to have been carefree and well-deserved. However, as you know, the star's turbulent split with boyfriend Chris Brown, and the domestic abuse that came with, dealt a massive blow to the star and shocked audiences around the world.
It is with this news that attention turned to her upcoming fourth release, now named Rated R. Were there to be songs aimed at Mr. Brown? Fans expected a darker, more sinister record and with the previews and releases of photoshoots and the first single, "Russian Roulette", these suspicions were not quashed. But what to make of the album?

Tracklisting:
1. Mad House - gothic organs and a public service announcement from a Thriller-style dark voice, 'welcome to the madhouse' gives the listener a clear indication of what to expect. Has she gone mad, is she angry, is she vengeful? Produced by Chase and Status, it has a fairground-ride feel, but as only an introduction it's not the main attraction. Rating: 5/10
2. Wait Your Turn
For the first time in Rihanna's discography, she uses explicit lyrics here: "I'm such a ****ing lady, you don't have to be so afraid". Labelled as her return to the music scene as a strong, independent woman, it certainly sounds like a return to form. The sound is dark, strong and unrelenting. Rating: 6/10
3. Hard (featuring Young Jeezy)
I know little of Master Jeezy. Anyway. Any expectation of Rihanna to return as a fragile, or even broken, woman is thrown out of the window with her determination and stubbornness at being "so hard" and she proudly sings "my runway's never looked so clear, the best bitch in heels right here". One of the catchiest of the album, it'll be the second single. Rating: 7.5/10
4. Stupid In Love
Written by Ne-Yo, this ballad temporarily dispels the confident, impenetrable exterior of Rihanna's new hard-girl facade, and seems to address her past experiences. "They telling me let go, he wasn't the one. I guess I saw your potential, that's what made me dumb" seems to be a attack on Brown, but its rawness is somewhat spoiled by some odd choices of lyrics, such as "trying to make this work, but you act like a jerk". Rating: 5.5/10
5. Rockstar 101 (featuring Slash)
Okay. Getting the Guns N Roses legend on your track is always going to go down well with me. Again proclaiming her swagger (I've got my middle finger up, I don't really give a ****) - she goes on to an anthemic declaration of "I'm a rockstar" and this combination of genres goes down well. Rating: 7/10
6. Russian Roulette
As far as pop goes, it doesn't come more atmospheric or dark than this. As the first glimpse into her new era, this offered sinister, raw and soul-searching lyrics set to a dark backdrop. With the obvious theme of Russian Roulette, and the spinning barrel/gunshot sounds, this goes down as my favourite track of hers. Ever. And the music video is pretty epic too. Rating: 9/10
7. Fire Bomb
With a strong guitar and even some strings present, this is a different approach from the R&B girl. As a slowly-building power ballad, Rihanna sings "the lovers need to clear the road" and "where I'm going, I don't need my brakes". One of the catchiest and stand-out tracks on the album. Rating: 7.5/10
8. Rude Boy
Fans of her typical R&B sound will be pleased by this track, returning to a similar, bouncy feel that made her name. But as a critic of this style of music, and not a particular fan of her earlier material, it goes down not so well with me. Rating: 5/10
9. Photographs (featuring Will.I.Am)
A simple track, Rihanna laments over a love lost through the use of photographs. It has an electronic, easy sound that the Black Eyed Peas have revelled in lately, and whilst their album The E.N.D. goes down, for me, as one of the biggest piles of shite I've ever heard - they do have the tendency to produce some great songs (see I Gotta Feeling, Meet Me Halfway) - and that's luckily emulated here. Rating: 7/10
10. G4L
With opening lyrics of "I lick the gun when I'm done 'cos I know that revenge is sweet", this quickly turns into a slick, dirty and empowered song about gangster violence. With a strong synthesised beat over an eerie background, it's one of the better tracks here. Rating: 7.5/10
11. Te Amo
It has a latin sound to match its Spanish title, with jungle-style drums and clapping/castanets and even a Spanish guitar. But as far as the track goes, it doesn't build into anything special, it's a generic offering I'm afraid. Rating: 4/10
12. Cold Case Love
This is the track described by many as the song about Chris Brown. Produced and written by a certain Justin Timberlake and at 6 minutes long, it stands out from the rest on statistics alone. It starts with slow piano, strings and an organ chord, but eventually builds into something. Something...not spectacular. It sounds like a Future Sex / Love Sounds track, which I guess is a good thing. But it could be better. Rating: 7/10
13. The Last Song
Borrowing a riff from the great 'Purple Rain', The Last Song is what it says on the tin. However, there's an arguable lack of closure in the artist's intentions and wants. Whilst the emotions are unclear, as an ending to the record it's ideal. Confident vocals, impressive guitar solos and strings. Rating: 7/10

Conclusion:
It's a difficult album to assess for a number of reasons. Firstly, there's no real single material - on Good Girl Gone Bad every song suited the radio for their (albeit mindless) catchiness, but with Rated R it's more of an altogether piece.
Secondly, the year's been a difficult one for Rihanna - but to come through all of that and produce a record like this is no easy feat. There are various genres sampled, numerous star guests lending something different to her sound, and genuine raw emotion mixed with a darker edge make this a stand-out in her discography and one of, if not THE best, records she's made.
Overall rating: 7/10