I don't think I've had any readers during the time that I've been running this blog. Nonetheless, like all projects that one completes, I think it's important to give this blog a proper final entry.
I started this blog with a review of Milo Greene's self titled debut album all the way back in January 2013. Why? I wanted to tell people about the incredible music that this band was creating. I wanted to share with them the joy that I felt when I listened to the soothing harmonies on '1957'. This later led to more album reviews, and though I sometimes struggled to keep up, I made sure I always got to it eventually. Sometimes, I felt an album didn't warrant a review, largely because I had nothing to say about it. In January 2015, Fall Out Boy released a modern rock masterpiece in 'American Beauty/American Psycho', and yet, the words to write the review of this fantastic album never came to me. Then more incredible albums were released Chasing Grace with 'Nowhere Near Old Enough', James Bay with 'Chaos and the Calm', the return of Madonna with 'Rebel Heart'... Still nothing.
Having really thought about everything, I can finally come to the following conclusion. When I started this blog, it was because I cared about other people enjoying and liking and experiencing the same feelings that I was. At the time, I saw writing reviews as an act of sharing, an offering to people who could find the music and possibly fall in love. Then 2015 came along and something changed, all of a sudden, I realised that I could never impose what I like upon others. I am proud of my music taste, but of course there will always be people who disagree. I will continue to recommend music to those who ask and if you email me at finlay26may@yahoo.com, I can offer some artists you may like. I got into university last month and as part of my quickened growth since the moment I found out, I've learned that I don't need people to think how I do in order to be satisfied and happy with myself. If it took 2 years and over 30 reviews in order to teach me that... then it was still worth it. This is the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, and I can't wait to see what's around the corner. Happy Trails!
Friday, April 24, 2015
Saturday, December 6, 2014
Review: Songs of Innocence
Songs of Innocence
'Songs of Innocence' is the new album from the legendary Irish rock band who need no introduction U2.
Let's face it, everybody who hasn't been living under a rock has heard of U2. Especially more so after the controversial method of marketing this particular album. By putting it straight on people's itunes accounts, one of the biggest bands in the world set off a nightmare of criticism from celebrities and anybody who had a twitter account. The only real saving grace for them was if the album they had given to anybody was actually any good...
Then the song marketed with the album "The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone)" comes on and you're calmly reminded of the grounded rock music that U2 have earned a massive reputation from. Despite the fact that this song is typically the kind of music they normally make, U2 have somehow managed to make the track current and popular to people. Despite the safe nature of the opening track, 'Songs of Innocence' is an album that's anything but safe as it tackles a large variety of musical styles. This is particularly highlighted on 'Sleep Like a Baby Tonight' which wanders through three discernable genres in 5 minutes.
The album is called 'Songs of Innocence' but it should really be called 'Songs of Hope'. If the lyrics in every song hold one central theme, it's to keep on believing under all circumstances. In a sense, U2 may have promoted the album in the way they did because they wanted people to hear the messages behind these songs. There has been massive lyrical development from 'No Line on the Horizon' where none of the lyrics on the album made any sense. These are songs that the band really want be to hear properlly and this reviewer is certainly happy to oblige to that
So to recap... massive band, massive promotional mistake or was it? I am certainly ready to forgive the band for their bizarre giving away of the album in order to focus on the music. 'Songs of Innocence' is a well made, stellar piece of work from a band with a lot of experience. As a reviewer however, I missed the extraordinary factor from a band who should be experienced enough and have enough of a repertoire of amazing music (not to mention the 6 year wait) to make an album that's better than this. Nonetheless, it's good to finally hear music from these guys again.
8.5/10
Click here to watch the video for lead single "The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone)"
'Songs of Innocence' is the new album from the legendary Irish rock band who need no introduction U2.
Let's face it, everybody who hasn't been living under a rock has heard of U2. Especially more so after the controversial method of marketing this particular album. By putting it straight on people's itunes accounts, one of the biggest bands in the world set off a nightmare of criticism from celebrities and anybody who had a twitter account. The only real saving grace for them was if the album they had given to anybody was actually any good...
Then the song marketed with the album "The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone)" comes on and you're calmly reminded of the grounded rock music that U2 have earned a massive reputation from. Despite the fact that this song is typically the kind of music they normally make, U2 have somehow managed to make the track current and popular to people. Despite the safe nature of the opening track, 'Songs of Innocence' is an album that's anything but safe as it tackles a large variety of musical styles. This is particularly highlighted on 'Sleep Like a Baby Tonight' which wanders through three discernable genres in 5 minutes.
The album is called 'Songs of Innocence' but it should really be called 'Songs of Hope'. If the lyrics in every song hold one central theme, it's to keep on believing under all circumstances. In a sense, U2 may have promoted the album in the way they did because they wanted people to hear the messages behind these songs. There has been massive lyrical development from 'No Line on the Horizon' where none of the lyrics on the album made any sense. These are songs that the band really want be to hear properlly and this reviewer is certainly happy to oblige to that
So to recap... massive band, massive promotional mistake or was it? I am certainly ready to forgive the band for their bizarre giving away of the album in order to focus on the music. 'Songs of Innocence' is a well made, stellar piece of work from a band with a lot of experience. As a reviewer however, I missed the extraordinary factor from a band who should be experienced enough and have enough of a repertoire of amazing music (not to mention the 6 year wait) to make an album that's better than this. Nonetheless, it's good to finally hear music from these guys again.
8.5/10
Click here to watch the video for lead single "The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone)"
Friday, December 5, 2014
Review: Black Star Elephant
Black Star Elephant
'Black Star Elephant' is the debut album from Norwegian-African pop/hip-hop duo Nico & Vinz.
It's important to start with a clear distinction, 'Black Star Elephant' is more than an album. 'Black Star Elephant' is a personal adventure of songs and vignettes from along the journey created by a duo whose focus was once old-style rap music. With a change of direction has come a groundbreaking change of sound and an album that delivers beyond what a typical album is supposed to.
Nico & Vinz are leading a revolution of African beats mixed with pop music. This album is a massive showcase of that with highlights for this being on 'Imagine' and 'My Melody'. This is not however what the album is limited to and lead single 'Am I Wrong' proves that the charts love this duo for their incredible ability with pop music. This music significantly contributes to the wandering journey nature of the album with dips into Asian sounds also present ('When the Day Comes').
The lyrics are the most striking part of the album. It's been a long time since an artist offered an album that was so full of motivational messages. Most of the songs on the album attempt to tap at our conscience whether that be regarding money ('People'), perseverance ('In Your Arms') or love ('Runnin') among so many others. Nico & Vinz are two people with beautiful voices who have chosen to use them to spread messages of hope and motivation through their music. It's a brave move, when they could've easily made a pop album full of #1 singles, but instead chose to create positive energy with their ideals on the state of the world.
'Black Star Elephant' is a piece of work unlike any other heard before. It is an experience that takes you on an exciting journey, it's music which is grounded and soulful and it's the right lyrics that make people think about the many issues the duo tackle with their songs. In a sense, they are modern prophets whose uplifting music makes us want to follow every word they say and to consider our own actions. This album is a masterpiece and should give the duo tons more attention than they've received up until now.
10/10
Click here to watch the video for their global smash hit 'Am I Wrong'
'Black Star Elephant' is the debut album from Norwegian-African pop/hip-hop duo Nico & Vinz.
It's important to start with a clear distinction, 'Black Star Elephant' is more than an album. 'Black Star Elephant' is a personal adventure of songs and vignettes from along the journey created by a duo whose focus was once old-style rap music. With a change of direction has come a groundbreaking change of sound and an album that delivers beyond what a typical album is supposed to.
Nico & Vinz are leading a revolution of African beats mixed with pop music. This album is a massive showcase of that with highlights for this being on 'Imagine' and 'My Melody'. This is not however what the album is limited to and lead single 'Am I Wrong' proves that the charts love this duo for their incredible ability with pop music. This music significantly contributes to the wandering journey nature of the album with dips into Asian sounds also present ('When the Day Comes').
The lyrics are the most striking part of the album. It's been a long time since an artist offered an album that was so full of motivational messages. Most of the songs on the album attempt to tap at our conscience whether that be regarding money ('People'), perseverance ('In Your Arms') or love ('Runnin') among so many others. Nico & Vinz are two people with beautiful voices who have chosen to use them to spread messages of hope and motivation through their music. It's a brave move, when they could've easily made a pop album full of #1 singles, but instead chose to create positive energy with their ideals on the state of the world.
'Black Star Elephant' is a piece of work unlike any other heard before. It is an experience that takes you on an exciting journey, it's music which is grounded and soulful and it's the right lyrics that make people think about the many issues the duo tackle with their songs. In a sense, they are modern prophets whose uplifting music makes us want to follow every word they say and to consider our own actions. This album is a masterpiece and should give the duo tons more attention than they've received up until now.
10/10
Click here to watch the video for their global smash hit 'Am I Wrong'
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Review: Listen
Listen
'Listen' is the new album from French EDM legend David Guetta.
From the opening track 'Dangerous', you can tell that something is up with Guetta's music. This is Guetta's new single to promote the album and it doesn't include one of the fundamental parts of EDM - the drop. As people soon realise from listening (pun slightly intended), this doesn't take away from how excellent the track is, and sure enough it's become popular everywhere as Guetta's singles typically do. As somebody who's so renowned in this field of music, Guetta must've been so brave to take the leap to try and do something different with his production work. The result is an album that marks a new era of EDM.
Just by looking at the guest stars on the tracklist alone, you know that this is a well-crated, well-thought through album. Guetta opts for some of his successful old collaborations (Sia, Nicki Minaj, Afrojack) but has mostly branched out to include artists not typically found in this genre of music (Emeli Sande, Birdy, The Script). The result of this is a fresh sound on every track that is delightful to hear. The production work on every track is stellar and Guetta knows when to bring in fellow producer Showtek to add something even more different to certain songs.
In short, there's something for everybody on Guetta's new album from the uplifting to the soulful to the ravey even to the revolutionary (try out 'Rise' with Skylar Grey). Guetta has knocked down the typical genre boundaries around EDM to give people music for every mood, lyrics that are just a tad shy of meaningful and excellently delivered vocals from guest stars who compliment the extraordinary production work. There are miles of positive progress between Guetta's last album 'Nothing But the Beat' and this, a fresh collection of unexpected songs that anybody who likes good music can enjoy. He may be over 40, but there's still a lot of life and good music left in David Guetta's creative capability to keep him going for years to come.
9/10
Click here to watch the music video for lead single 'Lovers on the Sun'
'Listen' is the new album from French EDM legend David Guetta.
From the opening track 'Dangerous', you can tell that something is up with Guetta's music. This is Guetta's new single to promote the album and it doesn't include one of the fundamental parts of EDM - the drop. As people soon realise from listening (pun slightly intended), this doesn't take away from how excellent the track is, and sure enough it's become popular everywhere as Guetta's singles typically do. As somebody who's so renowned in this field of music, Guetta must've been so brave to take the leap to try and do something different with his production work. The result is an album that marks a new era of EDM.
Just by looking at the guest stars on the tracklist alone, you know that this is a well-crated, well-thought through album. Guetta opts for some of his successful old collaborations (Sia, Nicki Minaj, Afrojack) but has mostly branched out to include artists not typically found in this genre of music (Emeli Sande, Birdy, The Script). The result of this is a fresh sound on every track that is delightful to hear. The production work on every track is stellar and Guetta knows when to bring in fellow producer Showtek to add something even more different to certain songs.
In short, there's something for everybody on Guetta's new album from the uplifting to the soulful to the ravey even to the revolutionary (try out 'Rise' with Skylar Grey). Guetta has knocked down the typical genre boundaries around EDM to give people music for every mood, lyrics that are just a tad shy of meaningful and excellently delivered vocals from guest stars who compliment the extraordinary production work. There are miles of positive progress between Guetta's last album 'Nothing But the Beat' and this, a fresh collection of unexpected songs that anybody who likes good music can enjoy. He may be over 40, but there's still a lot of life and good music left in David Guetta's creative capability to keep him going for years to come.
9/10
Click here to watch the music video for lead single 'Lovers on the Sun'
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Review: Tough Love
Tough Love
'Tough Love' is the second album from English soulstress Jessie Ware.
Widespread critical acclaim, a Mercury Prize nomination and an endorsement from the queen of pop Katy Perry is not a bad reception for a debut album. Jessie Ware took music by storm when she came out of nowhere to release one of the hottest debut albums of 2012 with 'Devotion'. For everybody who has kept an eye on her though, the real question is, where does she go from that?
The question is answered firmly when you first hit play and are introduced to the title track of her newest effort, lead single 'Tough Love'. The track is the first of Ware's that experiments with the South London singer's incredible vocal range as she soars into the opening lyrics with notes that are miles higher than the big notes she hit on her first album. This is a risk that to great success is taken over and over again throughout the album on songs such as 'Say You Love Me', 'Champagne Kisses' and 'Desire'.
It's not just the singing that has undergone a thoroughly beneficial makeover either. In hiring a new producer, Ware opts not to play it safe and go for the sound that she knows has made her popular. She instead takes her sophomore effort as a chance to try out new directions. This doesn't mean she throws out the classy, understated soul from the first album ('Cruel', 'Sweetest Song'). It just means that she tries out her voice on many new beats (even a classical feel on 'Pieces'), and more often than not, it pays off ('Want Your Feeling', 'Keep on Lying')
In going for broke and working hard to make an album that is bigger than 'Devotion', Ware made the right decision. She pushed herself to try out new things, she's gotten the opportunity to collaborate with new people and she's still preserved the sweet tint in her vocals that keep her fans coming back for more. The result? An album where every song is memorable, two top 40 singles (a feat she didn't managed once on her last album) and surely a place among the successful female British singers of this decade. Jessie Ware still has room to progress and I'm sure that even with this album as an excellent checkpoint, Ware will continue to push herself to do even better and aim even higher because she knows the meaning and the benefits of tough love.
9/10
Click here to watch the video for the album's most successful single 'Say You Love Me'
'Tough Love' is the second album from English soulstress Jessie Ware.
Widespread critical acclaim, a Mercury Prize nomination and an endorsement from the queen of pop Katy Perry is not a bad reception for a debut album. Jessie Ware took music by storm when she came out of nowhere to release one of the hottest debut albums of 2012 with 'Devotion'. For everybody who has kept an eye on her though, the real question is, where does she go from that?
The question is answered firmly when you first hit play and are introduced to the title track of her newest effort, lead single 'Tough Love'. The track is the first of Ware's that experiments with the South London singer's incredible vocal range as she soars into the opening lyrics with notes that are miles higher than the big notes she hit on her first album. This is a risk that to great success is taken over and over again throughout the album on songs such as 'Say You Love Me', 'Champagne Kisses' and 'Desire'.
It's not just the singing that has undergone a thoroughly beneficial makeover either. In hiring a new producer, Ware opts not to play it safe and go for the sound that she knows has made her popular. She instead takes her sophomore effort as a chance to try out new directions. This doesn't mean she throws out the classy, understated soul from the first album ('Cruel', 'Sweetest Song'). It just means that she tries out her voice on many new beats (even a classical feel on 'Pieces'), and more often than not, it pays off ('Want Your Feeling', 'Keep on Lying')
In going for broke and working hard to make an album that is bigger than 'Devotion', Ware made the right decision. She pushed herself to try out new things, she's gotten the opportunity to collaborate with new people and she's still preserved the sweet tint in her vocals that keep her fans coming back for more. The result? An album where every song is memorable, two top 40 singles (a feat she didn't managed once on her last album) and surely a place among the successful female British singers of this decade. Jessie Ware still has room to progress and I'm sure that even with this album as an excellent checkpoint, Ware will continue to push herself to do even better and aim even higher because she knows the meaning and the benefits of tough love.
9/10
Click here to watch the video for the album's most successful single 'Say You Love Me'
Friday, October 24, 2014
Review: No Sound Without Silence
No Sound Without Silence
'No Sound Without Silence' is the fourth album from Irish pop-rock outfit The Script.
Having spent much of their last three albums establishing themselves as a household name, the Script have finally reached the status of filling stadiums such as the Aviva in home town Dublin. In doing so, they've built up an atmospheric, epic and powerful tone to their largely soppy catalogue of music. It's that tone that is apparent throughout the album, and all of a sudden, the listener realises that 'No Sound Without Silence' is no ordinary Script effort.
In defence of many critics, a good number of The Script's lyrical topic have remained the same. Many would argue that lead single 'Superheroes' is simply a younger sibling of 2012's 'Hall of Fame'. The difference is all in the musical direction. From the moment the electric guitars start blaring out on opening track 'No Good in Goodbye', it's clear to see that The Script have opted to shift towards the rock side of their pop-rock band status. This move will not only benefit their image, but also make their live shows that much more exciting, thrilling and compelling to watch.
There are eleven songs on the album and more than half of them are highlights in their own right. This is because each track is so uniquely crafted that it's almost impossible to compare each song to the others. Though '#3' only provided one top ten single, I think that somewhere between 'Man on a Wire', 'Paint the Town Green' and 'Hail, Rain or Sunshine', there is much more upcoming chart success for the band that has already scored a #2 with 'Superheroes' (see video below).
To conclude, there are many gems within The Script's music, but never have they released an album quite like this one. The album cuts straight to business with its atmospheric electric guitar set with Danny O' Donoghue's soaring vocals and across every track (as Danny promises on the fifth track) the energy never dies. For all those who have written this band off, it's time to take another look at them. There's more to these three Dubliners than even their most die hard fans could possibly imagine seeing, and there's even more room for them to keep growing and keep stunning everybody.
9.5/10
Click here to watch the incredible, inspirational video for the album's lead single 'Superheroes'
'No Sound Without Silence' is the fourth album from Irish pop-rock outfit The Script.
Having spent much of their last three albums establishing themselves as a household name, the Script have finally reached the status of filling stadiums such as the Aviva in home town Dublin. In doing so, they've built up an atmospheric, epic and powerful tone to their largely soppy catalogue of music. It's that tone that is apparent throughout the album, and all of a sudden, the listener realises that 'No Sound Without Silence' is no ordinary Script effort.
In defence of many critics, a good number of The Script's lyrical topic have remained the same. Many would argue that lead single 'Superheroes' is simply a younger sibling of 2012's 'Hall of Fame'. The difference is all in the musical direction. From the moment the electric guitars start blaring out on opening track 'No Good in Goodbye', it's clear to see that The Script have opted to shift towards the rock side of their pop-rock band status. This move will not only benefit their image, but also make their live shows that much more exciting, thrilling and compelling to watch.
There are eleven songs on the album and more than half of them are highlights in their own right. This is because each track is so uniquely crafted that it's almost impossible to compare each song to the others. Though '#3' only provided one top ten single, I think that somewhere between 'Man on a Wire', 'Paint the Town Green' and 'Hail, Rain or Sunshine', there is much more upcoming chart success for the band that has already scored a #2 with 'Superheroes' (see video below).
To conclude, there are many gems within The Script's music, but never have they released an album quite like this one. The album cuts straight to business with its atmospheric electric guitar set with Danny O' Donoghue's soaring vocals and across every track (as Danny promises on the fifth track) the energy never dies. For all those who have written this band off, it's time to take another look at them. There's more to these three Dubliners than even their most die hard fans could possibly imagine seeing, and there's even more room for them to keep growing and keep stunning everybody.
9.5/10
Click here to watch the incredible, inspirational video for the album's lead single 'Superheroes'
Saturday, July 5, 2014
Review: x
x
'x' (pronounced 'multiply') is the second album by British superstar singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran.
It's been a long road to the top for the man who released hit album '+' back in 2011. It's been a slow gradual rise to fame not only in the UK, but across the pond in the US. Nonetheless, Ed Sheeran has captured the world with his acoustic-based melodies that melt the hearts of many of his (largely female) fans. Now, he's back with a new album and while the sales records that he has produced with the album have been expected, people are held with bated breath as to if it will be anywhere near as good as his debut effort.
Ed Sheeran kicks off the album with 'One', a typical acoustic guitar ballad, the last about his ex-girlfriend who was the subject of most of the love songs on his previous album. In a way, he starts a new era by putting an end to the last one. It is one of only a handful of songs that sound anything like his previous material. The songs on the album that do play directly to his strengths however ('I'm a Mess', 'Photograph', 'Tenerife Sea') are nothing short of excellent and satisfies the wait of many anxious fans waiting for new music from the Suffolk crooner.
For the rest of the album though, Sheeran thinks outside the box, using advice from legendary American producers such as Rick Rubin and Pharrell Williams to create tracks like 'Sing', 'Don't' and 'Thinking Out Loud' that nobody would've seen Sheeran singing, but which work incredibly well. They capture the same emotions that Sheeran's trying to express whilst taking Ed Sheeran a step out of his comfort zone to see what else works, a bold move but one the pays off.
In all, 'x' has something for everybody. The die-hard fans will be able to get their fix of Sheeran's acoustic ballads while giving those that doubted his sound from the first album new perspective on the singer. Everybody should hear at least 3 tracks on the album before writing it off, and in doing so, they will find that Sheeran is not a one trick pony, nor is he catering to the masses. He is expanding his potential horizons with this album musically, commercially and personally with great success and who knows where he can go from here.
9.5/10
Click here to watch the video for the album's lead hit single 'Sing'
'x' (pronounced 'multiply') is the second album by British superstar singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran.
It's been a long road to the top for the man who released hit album '+' back in 2011. It's been a slow gradual rise to fame not only in the UK, but across the pond in the US. Nonetheless, Ed Sheeran has captured the world with his acoustic-based melodies that melt the hearts of many of his (largely female) fans. Now, he's back with a new album and while the sales records that he has produced with the album have been expected, people are held with bated breath as to if it will be anywhere near as good as his debut effort.
Ed Sheeran kicks off the album with 'One', a typical acoustic guitar ballad, the last about his ex-girlfriend who was the subject of most of the love songs on his previous album. In a way, he starts a new era by putting an end to the last one. It is one of only a handful of songs that sound anything like his previous material. The songs on the album that do play directly to his strengths however ('I'm a Mess', 'Photograph', 'Tenerife Sea') are nothing short of excellent and satisfies the wait of many anxious fans waiting for new music from the Suffolk crooner.
For the rest of the album though, Sheeran thinks outside the box, using advice from legendary American producers such as Rick Rubin and Pharrell Williams to create tracks like 'Sing', 'Don't' and 'Thinking Out Loud' that nobody would've seen Sheeran singing, but which work incredibly well. They capture the same emotions that Sheeran's trying to express whilst taking Ed Sheeran a step out of his comfort zone to see what else works, a bold move but one the pays off.
In all, 'x' has something for everybody. The die-hard fans will be able to get their fix of Sheeran's acoustic ballads while giving those that doubted his sound from the first album new perspective on the singer. Everybody should hear at least 3 tracks on the album before writing it off, and in doing so, they will find that Sheeran is not a one trick pony, nor is he catering to the masses. He is expanding his potential horizons with this album musically, commercially and personally with great success and who knows where he can go from here.
9.5/10
Click here to watch the video for the album's lead hit single 'Sing'
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