Review: This Is... Icona Pop

This Is... Icona Pop

'This Is... Icona Pop' is the debut album by female Swedish electro-pop duo Icona Pop.

Ever since the release of global chart topper 'I Love It', there's been a large amount of buzz around these two Swedish women who have come out of nowhere to take over their world with their addictive beats and contagious sing along choruses. There was a bit of a worry about an album sounding like eleven different versions of the global chart hit. The amazing thing is, the haters could not be proved more wrong.

Above all, the album is a load of fun, filled with eleven tracks that will get you on your feet and some point or another. When listening to the album for the first time, you can't help but feel your age half, and all of a sudden you become lost in the youthful euphoria of the exciting and unique formula that Icona Pop have concocted. The sound of the album is that of an exciting and colorful wall with color and excitement bouncing around every corner. To quote their new single, 'All Night', they really do have "the keys to open paradise."

The lyrics are weak, but their weakness actually works to the advantage of the duo. The lyrics promote the fun loving attitude that Icona Pop are spreading through their music and so as flawed as the lyrics are, they fit the electronic beats and seductive synths to music production perfection.

In short, I recommend the album to any fun loving teenagers that want an album that they can listen to get away from the world and fall deeply entranced by the nightclub sounds that have taken the world in 2013 by absolute storm. Sit back, relax and enjoy with some energy packed fun.

9/10



 Click here to watch the video for their new single 'All Night'
   

Review: Demonstration

Demonstration

'Demonstration' is the second album by UK rap superstar Tinie Tempah.

After many delays and much buzz over the much anticipated second Tinie Tempah album, it has finally arrived and while it was very different to the first album, it managed to include the cheeky word play, top class guest appearances and endless references to "Disturbing London" that we just love to hear.

Tinie gets the ball rolling on the album from the first track 'Someday (Place in the Sun)' and it doesn't get let down all the way through the album. Highlights are the singles ('Trampoline' and 'Children of the Sun') for their extreme ability to catch on one's brain like thistles, and special shout outs are deserved to 'Don't Sell Out', 'Mosh Pit', 'Shape', 'A Heart Can Save The World' (which includes an excellent Emeli Sande guest placement) and 'Heroes' solely for the ability to successfully slot Laura Mvula into a rap song (something even I didn't think possible). In the second half of the album, we also see an emotional side of Tinie that was lacking in the first album. Tracks such as 'Tears Run Dry' and 'Lost Ones' portray a Tinie Tempah that is opening up more and more about his personal life. The album has a different, more serious attitude than the first did, however this is said in the best possible way, as the work really paid off.

The musical direction has also drastically changed. The first album, 'Disc-Overy' was full of skippy, upbeat music with light synths and comfortable electric guitar music. This time, Tinie ventures out into musical unknown where he tries out sounds that he has never used before. Tinie Tempah himself describes the album as dark and I think this is because the music takes a more macabre perspective.

All in all, 'Demonstration' is a new album with an awesome new sound, but still has all the perks of a Tinie Tempah album that make the songs infectious and enjoyable. A great album that could only be improved in Tinie had done a bit more work on structure. Otherwise, an awesome album that is perfect for all rap music lovers, hardcore and low key.

9/10


Click here to watch the video for his new single 'Children of the Sun'

Review: The Message, Moon Landing & Prism

On 22nd October 2013, a new record in my music purchasing career was set. Three amazing albums coming out on the same day by three different artists at three very different stages of their careers. Andrea Begley, James Blunt and Katy Perry are about as different musically as you can get and so I am going to compare these three albums. This is the first ever Media Wizard triple header!

The Message

'The Message' is the debut album by the winner of the UK edition of 'The Voice', Andrea Begley.

For many - myself included - Andrea was a surprise winner of a commercially huge show. No doubt, she has an excellent voice and an excellent arrangement of 'Ho Hey', however many doubters including judge will.i.am didn't think she would be able to sell records as well as the other contestants. Man were they wrong.

Though the album is largely covers, you can hear the work that Andrea has put into the arrangements which sound nothing like their originals. In the case of her version of 'Dancing in the Dark', she has even beaten Bruce Springsteen as to how to portray the lyrics the best. Her country music take on 'Lightning Bolt' or her jazzed up version of Disclosure's 'Latch' are other excellent examples of how to create an album largely of covers. These are versions that are not only unique and original but surprisingly catchy and really easy on the ears (perfect for relaxing).

That said, she also compliments her own music into the tracklist to great effect. The title track is one of the finest on the album and works very nicely with the vibe she is trying to set.

In conclusion, I'd like to point out that it's so easy to create a debut album of mediocre covers. Andrea has worked extremely hard to make this music sound original and she succeeds. The album is an excellent start and already I am looking forward to hearing a second album of more of her own music, because if this debut album is anything to go by, good times are ahead for this young, partially blind girl from Northern Ireland.


Click here to watch the video for her debut single 'Dancing in the Dark'    

Moon Landing

'Moon Landing' is the fourth studio album from Wiltshire crooner James Blunt.

James Blunt has had a pretty up-down progress line ever since the singer's debut album 'Back to Bedlam' came out in 2004. Here we are nine years later and a lot has happened to Blunt's image. In any case, 'Moon Landing' feels like a side of James Blunt that we've never seen before. On this album, he seems like more of a relaxed guy. Not worried about a record label or what the public would think, Blunt wrote and recorded in a year, without being concerned about any of that stuff. The result is a) jovial songs from a guy once known as the whiny British guy in popular music and b) a feeling of honest and original emotion which shows up in the songs.

The lyrics and the music represent this and the result is an album that is stripped away from the usual fanfare that one might find in a famous singer's album. Songs like the single 'Bonfire Heart' are a fresh and different perspective of the kind of music one might typically find in the charts and it works extremely well. Though the album is by no means entirely perfect, it is nice to see what Blunt has done with his music in giving it a fresh feeling.

While some songs are quite dull, there are also brightly shining stars on James Blunt's newest work. Listening to the album can be an invigorating experience, but if you don't have time, 'Bonfire Heart', 'Heart to Heart', 'Miss America' and 'Postcards' are all very good listens.






 Click here to watch the video for the lead single off the album, 'Bonfire Heart'

Prism

'Prism' is the much anticipated third studio album from global pop star Katy Perry.

Unless you have been living under some kind of rock for the past fiver years, the name Katy Perry will probably have crossed you at some point. Whether it be one of her outrageously silly music videos or a cameo on your favorite TV show, you will have heard from her at some point. Add in the fact that 'Prism' marks a change in the type of music that she has been making and you have one of the most anticipated albums of the year.

Amazingly however, despite the amount of hype around Katy Perry, the album doesn't quite match it. There are brightly shining gems of songs on the album that are light years ahead of her last album. 'By the Grace of God' is the song I use to talk about this because this is the first song I have ever heard by her that isn't drowning her voice out in pop synths. It is for the larger part, just her and her piano and her soulful lyrics about the end of a relationship (obviously written about her divorce from Russel Brand)

In songs like 'Walking On Air' and 'Dark Horse', we get another chance to see how much Katy Perry's music has matured since the previous collection. The lyrics are well written, the music takes good influence from the days of disco and Juicy J's guest appearance on the latter track, truly makes the song something special. This said, there are still many fillers on the album that will prevent it from being up for any major awards (e.g. album of the year), 'This is How We Do' and 'International Smile' are ones to look at avoiding if ever you find yourself listening to the album.

Nonetheless, Katy Perry has to be give some credit. Her 'Teenage Dream' days brought her much glory and fame and making another album full of that same kind of music would have been so easy. However, she decided to branch out and make her album a more grown-up affair, something more people would be able to connect with. At this, I think she succeeds, a brave decision on her part. She's "got the eye of the tiger" and on this album you are going to "hear her roar". 'Prism' isn't the best album ever, but it's a step in the right direction for Katy Perry making really good music. I look forward to seeing what the present day Princess of pop comes up with next.







Click here to watch the video for the lead single off the album, 'Roar'

Of all these albums, the winner is...

Andrea Begley. For me this is because Andrea Begley was the person that put the most thought into the tracklisting and sound of the album. It was full of covers, but that doesn't take away from the fact that the album is unique and original.

Review: Join The Club

Join The Club

'Join The Club' is the debut album by British singer/songwriter Lucy Spraggan.

The British public have been waiting for this album since Lucy Spraggan initially auditioned for the X Factor more than a year ago with her song 'Last Night (Beer Fear)'. Now, she has put out the album and it has soared above the expectations I had.

The winner on the album is the lyrics. Lucy Spraggan uses songs like 'Tea and Toast' and 'You're Too Young' to attempt to paint a picture and tell a story. The lyrics is so vivid and so realistic that you can picture everything that's happening almost as if it's a film. From listening to the words of the album, we get a really clear window into the musical mind of Lucy Spraggan, and I find references of road trips in the US, special somebodies being the lighthouses in the storm and "Photos on facebook of me doing the robot." The winner for best lyric on the whole album though comes from the title track of the album. You can see why she decided to name the album 'Join The Club', when she sings sweetly that "Life is just a gamble, so just enjoy the game."

The Lucy Spraggan image wouldn't be the same without a liberal drubbing of acoustic guitar music and she puts in a good amount of it without being too boring. Throughout the musical adventure of the album, she shakes everything up and tries different things, while staying true to who she is. Making an album littered with acoustic music and not making two songs sound the same is an extremely difficult balancing act. The music on the album is fun and uplifting, without being too hippy that it's not taken seriously.

Of all the music that has so far come out of last year's series of X Factor, this is most certainly the one that comes out tops. It is an album that takes the listener on an exciting adventure. It loses the opportunity of being perfect solely on the fact of not all the songs not being incredibly memorable. However, this is one flaw in what is otherwise a must-have album for lovers of singer-songwriter music. Good job Lucy!

 9.75/10



Click here to watch the video for her new single 'Last Night (Beer Fear)'

Review: The Fifth

The Fifth

'The Fifth' is the fifth studio album by the UK hip-hop legend from East London, Dizzee Rascal.

There is one main difference between UK hip-hop and US hip-hop. US hip-hop is much more of its own genre, whereas in the UK, it's cleverly mixed into pop music so that people will listen to it. This album consists of only pop/hip-hop music (with the exception of 'Baseline Junkie' at the end). People will have their tastes as to how they like their hip-hop, as for myself I really enjoy listening to Dizzee Rascal spitting sick rap phrases ("Life's a game of chess and all the girls wanna check me") alongside such artists as Jessie J, will.i.am and Angel. The album hasn't had a generally amazing critical reception, and I don't think that the quality is as good as it was on previous album 'Tongue N' Cheek', but nonetheless the album is a lot of fun to listen to.

The sound of the album is quite clear with it's steady electronic beats and lyrics like "Getting trippy under the strobe lights". This is clearly an album that Dizzee wanted to have fun with and his tone is very relaxed as he flows from song to song. Though the album has also not done commercially well as its predecessors, it's the only one I have bought because it's the only one that really connects with the universal theme of having a good time.

The album can be summed in one lyrics from the third track off the album, "I wanna show you what a good time looks like". This album is bound to give many exciting good times and is a must if you like reliable electronic pop beats, memorable guest appearances from many amazing musicians, and the slickest, most relaxed lyrics from the man who is the king of UK hip-hop.

8.75/10



Click here to watch the video for Dizzee Rascal's promotional single 'I Don't Need A Reason'

Review: Days Are Gone

Days Are Gone

'Days Are Gone' is the debut album by all-sister rock band 'HAIM'.

The first thing that knocks you right on the head about this album is the strange resemblance it has to the smooth, comfortable alternative rock that was so popular in the 80s. Listening to the album gave a strange throwback feel, and yet the band manage to make every song sound like a breath of fresh air. Though HAIM have quite a relaxed rock style, they manage to flex their musical variety across the board, from the mysterious feel of 'Falling' straight through to the almost peppy 'Forever' into exciting break up song 'The Wire'. Each song is something unique, but it is engraved with a trademark that includes comfortable electric guitar, echoed vocals and soft yet athletic baseline. There is a perfect balance between trying out many different musical ideas and giving the album a clear and precise direction.

Interestingly, the lyrics are particularly powerful in giving the album a direction/meaning. For the larger part, the songs contain lyrics of relationships between people, largely romantic("It's the hardest part that relationships can do through"-The Wire, "You know I'm nothing without your love"-Let Me Go). The voices of these three sisters are perfect and are excellent in displaying the strength of the lyrics. People will find it easy to compare with the emotions that are being expressed through these words, which are at times almost as wet (soppy) as a love letter (in a good way).

You may have heard about HAIM from the absolute shower of critical praise they have received. That praise is absolutely justified as the album gives off the feeling of a relaxed rock summer that is like lemonade on the front porch to some ears. I find it extremely difficult to punch a flaw in this album

10/10



Click here to watch the video for their new single 'The Wire'

Review: True

True

'True' is the debut album from Swedish EDM Producer Avicii.

No matter where you are in the world you would have heard 'Wake Me Up' at some point or another. The soaring vocals of Aloe Blacc combined with the country guitar chords and then hardcore EDM segments blew everybody's minds. This album continues in the same vein of taking every boundary that existed and tearing them down violently. True demonstrates that you can take any kind of music form and stir in with a sizable amount of electronic dance beats to make it work. True succeeds in doing this for 12 songs.

For Avicii, managing to do the job is only a small part of the work. Unfortunately, True doesn't succeed at being able to construct everything into one amazing album. The first eight songs go very well together and flow nice into each other despite being very different songs. However, after that, there's a certain sense of not caring that goes into the music and isn't quite so nice to listen to as the first two thirds.

For lovers of EDM, the album is of course a must have. Avicii has knocked down boundaries and shaped horizons with new album 'True'. While he hasn't done a perfect job, I hope to see many albums like this in the future from many different artists. Good pioneering job!

8/10



Click here to watch the music video for the first single off the album 'Wake Me Up'

Review: AM

AM

'AM' is the fifth studio by Sheffield rock band, the 'Arctic Monkeys'.

Arctic Monkeys have been around since their sudden rise to recognition in 2005 with singles such as 'I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor' that went straight to number one. Despite this, none of their music has really caught my attention until now. The album is clearly recorded with a different perspective in mind than the last albums. Almost like a dream, Alex Turner slips from the epic electric guitar chords of 'Do I Wanna Know' to the hardcore rock sound of 'R U Mine' to the chill drum vibes of 'One For The Road'.

Most importantly, 'AM' is the first album when people can really hear the Arctic Monkeys experimenting with their sound to great effect. In this album we hear the acoustic guitar of 'Fireside' turn into the 2002 hip hop feel of second single 'Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High'. The result is an album that is really able to flex its muscle and despite taking the sound and feel all over the place, manages to drag everything back into a clear album that has its own body. No wonder it got nominated for the Mercury Prize only two days after it had been released.

'AM' is a work of art album from a band that absolutely knows what they're doing. Despite being an album that's clearly a rock album, it goes everywhere and can be enjoyed by many. Namely, I would recommend this album to people between the ages of 16 and 24 who are looking for love (I won't give away why). BUY THIS ALBUM!

10/10



Click here to watch the video for the new single off the album 'Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High'.

Review: Roaring 20s

Roaring 20s

'Roaring 20s' is the second album by male hip-hop duo 'Rizzle Kicks' from Brighton.

There are two things that makes this album stand out from debut album 'Stereo Typical'. The first is their collaborations, Rizzle Kicks reign in musical talents such as Damian Marley, Fatboy Slim and Jamie Cullum, to create songs that have a lot more depth to them. The second is that there's certainly a more mature sound to the second album, Rizzle Kicks would've felt they had the opportunity to let go and play around with sounds a bit more than with the first album. This change in tone and musical direction has really helped Rizzle Kicks, where they went "Let's get down with the trumpets" on their first album, they're now rapping "Jeremy Kyle got the nation laughing at other people's expense."

The secret sauce of the Rizzle Kicks formula is the frugal use of trumpets in their music. One man is rapping, the other is singing and trumpets are constantly backing them up. It is the almost jazzy, vintage sound of their music they makes them an oasis in a sea of similar sounding hip hop music. Short of cutting it out, Rizzle Kicks embrace it and in this album they have hit that button again and again to great effect.

In short, 'Roaring 20s' is an upgraded Rizzle Kicks album worth buying and enjoying. The album is a lot of funm full of catchy punchlines and a joy to listen to. It makes you excited about what's potentially to come from these two.

9/10




Click here to watch the video for their first single off the album, 'Lost Generation' (video made entirely by youths)

Review: Halcyon Days

Halcyon Days

'Halcyon Days' is the repackaged edition of Ellie Goulding's second album 'Halcyon'. To do this review I will be reviewing the original album first and then a segment on what the additional songs add to the album.

Halcyon

After the poppy youth of debut album 'Lights', 'Halcyon' came as a shock to most people. 'Halcyon' exhibited a darker and certainly more mature side of Ellie Goulding. A lot of 'Halcyon' is songs that are very alternative to what you would find in mainstream pop. Much like Florence and the Machine's 'Ceremonials' there is a certain ethereal nature to songs like 'Don't Say A Word' or title track 'Halcyon'. Then there are songs like 'Explosions' and 'Figure 8' in which we can hear the hidden strength of Ellie Goulding's voice which in many ways continue to surprise us. The music is scant, but just enough to be able to support the wonderous vocal performances on the songs.

8/10



Then, there came 'Halcyon Days'. From lead single 'Burn' we immediately learned that the ever-changing nature of Ellie Goulding's musical direction had struck yet again. In this EP, Ellie returns to the exciting nature of 'Lights', but with the maturity of 'Halcyon'. Songs like 'Burn' and 'Goodness Gracious' are of the standard to put Ellie in the category of pop stars such as Rihanna and Madonna. 'Hearts Without Chains' grounds the album perfectly so that it doesn't seem too airy, and while the lyrics don't quite match the standard of 'Halcyon', they fit the music well.

All in all, Ellie made the right decision to repackage 'Halcyon'. This EP completes an album that though amazing and mature needed an extra something. Ellie's unique voice continues to astound me when I listen to her music and it's safe to say that I certainly will be listening to this repackaged album for a while to come.

9/10



Click here to watch the video for her lead single 'Burn'

Review: Waiting For Tomorrow

Waiting For Tomorrow

'Waiting For Tomorrow' is the debut album from Maltan part time singer/doctor Gianluca Bezzina.

After having represented Malta at the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest, I knew that Bezzina's music was something to notice. His song 'Tomorrow' was the best selling Maltese Eurovision entry ever. This set him up very nicely for his debut album 'Waiting For Tomorrow' which continues on the same acoustic happy vibe that is much needed on today's music scene.

The album starts with the exciting piano chords at the beginning of 'Count Me In' and ends with the beautiful duet 'Perfectly In Tune'. The music and lyric work undertaken for the making of this album is stellar and Bezzina creates music that puts many singer/songwriter artists in the mainstream music world to shame.

The only tiny flaw with this album and something Bezzina can build on, is the structuring of the album into a story like other good albums. I have firm faith that Bezzina has the ability to make this leap with his music, to take his listeners on an exciting adventure. Bezzina generally deserves to be more successful than he is.

This album is the perfect accompaniment for those moments when you need a happy, cheerful lift. Those moments where all you want to do is listen to a voice that will give you hope for society and will make you excited about the diversity and excitement of life. Guaranteed smiles and good times come from buying this album. Gianluca Bezzina from Malta, I salute you!

 9.75/10



Click here to watch the video for his debut single 'Tomorrow'

MTV VMAs Predictions 2013

Ok ladies and gents. It's time for the most ridiculous and simultaneously one of the most amusing awards shows out there, the MTV VMAs (Video Music Awards). This one is for the music videos of the past year. There's a list the size of my arm of ridiculous stunts that have taken place at these awards, for now though, let's talk about the actual awards.

BEST SONG OF THE SUMMER

• 'I Need Your Love' - Calvin Harris featuring Ellie Goulding
• 'Get Lucky' - Daft Punk featuring Pharrell
• 'We Can't Stop' - Miley Cyrus
• 'Best Song Ever' - One Direction
• 'Blurred Lines' - Robin Thicke featuring Pharrell and T.I.
• 'Come and Get It' - Selena Gomez

This award is a new one to the VMAs but is also unfortunately a public vote. Based on this, I am predicting that One Direction's frightening band of loyal followers will do enough to take it.

BEST POP VIDEO

• 'Locked Out Of Heaven' - Bruno Mars
• 'Carry On' - fun.
• 'Mirrors' - Justin Timberlake
• 'We Can't Stop' - Miley Cyrus
• 'Come and Get It' - Selena Gomez

Both 'Locked Out Of Heaven' and 'Mirrors' have enough to take this award. However, I am going to call this one on the fact that 'Mirrors' never hit number one on the US chart and Bruno Mars's present popularity should be enough to outdo Justin Timberlake.

BEST HIP-HOP VIDEO

• 'F**kin' Problems' - ASAP Rocky featuring 2 Chainz, Drake and Kendrick Lamar
• 'Started From The Bottom' - Drake
• 'Power Trip' - J. Cole featuring Miguel
• 'Swimming Pools (Drank)' - Kendrick Lamar
• 'Can't Hold Us' - Macklemore and Ryan Lewis featuring Ray Dalton

Macklemore and Ryan Lewis have topped charts everywhere from the UK to Australia. Their international acclaim meant that they were able to create the epic 'Can't Hold Us' video and everybody could connect to it. Without a doubt, this award goes to Macklemore and Ryan Lewis for 'Can't Hold Us'.

BEST MALE VIDEO

• 'Locked Out Of Heaven' - Bruno Mars
• 'Lego House' - Ed Sheeran
• 'Mirrors' - Justin Timberlake
• 'Swimming Pools (Drank)' - Kendrick Lamar
• 'Blurred Lines' - Robin Thicke featuring Pharrell and T.I.

My favorite of these videos is Ed Sheeran's 'Lego House'. However I don't think he's popular enough in the US to win one of these awards. This again becomes a battle between 'Locked Out Of Heaven' and 'Mirrors' and as before, the winner should be Bruno Mars. I will display the 'Mirrors' video below, in case any readers believe differently

BEST FEMALE VIDEO

• 'Heart Attack' - Demi Lovato
• 'We Can't Stop' - Miley Cyrus
• 'Just Give Me A Reason' - P!nk featuring Nate Reuss
• 'Stay' - Rihanna
• 'I Knew You Were Trouble' - Taylor Swift

In a year when Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez and Miley Cyrus all displayed themselves onto the pop scene, this was always going to be a bleak looking category. However Rihanna's 'Stay' is a shining jewel, a beautiful piece of work that fits a hauntingly gorgeous song by the biggest pop star on the planet. All hail Rihanna!

BEST VIDEO WITH A SOCIAL MESSAGE

• 'I Was Here' - Beyonce
• 'People Like Us' - Kelly Clarkson
• 'Same Love' - Macklemore and Ryan Lewis featuring Mary Lambert
• 'Candles in the Sun' - Miguel
• 'No Guns Allowed' - Snoop Lion featuring Drake and Cori B

Many countries have recently legalised gay marriage. However, for many especially in the US, it is a very delicate topic. For somebody to make a song that gets the kind of airplay that 'Same Love' has received is nothing short of incredible. I will be behind this Seattle music duo all the way to take this award. I hope that their performance of this song will be enough to send it into the Billboard top 10 and put Macklemore and Ryan Lewis firmly in the status of music legends.

BEST COLLABORATION

• 'I Need Your Love' - Calvin Harris featuring Ellie Goulding
• 'Suit and Tie' - Justin Timberlake featuring Jay-Z
• 'Just Give Me A Reason' - P!nk featuring Nate Reuss
• 'Feel This Moment' - Pitbull featuring Christina Aguilera
• 'Blurred Lines' - Robin Thicke featuring Pharrell and T.I.

As much as I hate to say it, I think that 'Blurred Lines' is the obvious winner in this category. For the record, 'I Need Your Love' would be my favorite to win.

BEST ROCK VIDEO

• 'My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light Em Up)' - Fall Out Boy
• 'Radioactive' - Imagine Dragons
• 'I Will Wait' - Mumford and Sons
• 'Up In The Air' - 30 Seconds To Mars
• 'Diane Young' - Vampire Weekend

'I Will Wait' is the video that actually represents the rock music feel, in contrast to the bizarre nature of these other videos.

VIDEO OF THE YEAR

• 'Locked Out Of Heaven' - Bruno Mars
• 'Mirrors' - Justin Timberlake
• 'Thirft Shop' - Macklemore and Ryan Lewis featuring Wanz
• 'Blurred Lines' - Robin Thicke featuring Pharrell and T.I.
• 'I Knew You Were Trouble' - Taylor Swift

 It's a rather big ask having already given Macklemore and Ryan Lewis two big awards. However, the world comes to a sad state of affairs if 'Thirft Shop' walks from the VMAs with nothing. I'm going to predict MTV will give this one to 'Thirft Shop'. If you haven't seen this video yet, I'm not sure where you've been, but you missed a lot.

These awards take place on the 25th of August. I will be looking forward to seeing who wins, and seeing what strange things the artists get up to. BE PREPARED!

Review: The Civil Wars

The Civil Wars

'The Civil Wars' is the self-titled second album from male and female music duo The Civil Wars.

It is very clear from just listening to the first couple of songs that The Civil Wars have shed the frailty of their previous album 'Barton Hollow'. The electric guitars are a key sign that these two mean business. This isn't to say that there are none of their specialty delicate songs. In fact, there are many ('Dust to Dust', 'Sacred Heart'), but they have more of an upgraded, deeper and poignant sound than the songs on 'Barton Hollow'.

The amazing thing about the Civil Wars is that they write ultimate relationship songs and yet Joy Williams and John Paul White are not a couple. Their lyrics are beautiful and meaningful and seem so legitimate and real. It is a beautiful experience to listen to a man and a woman duet on relationship songs such as these two can.

'The Civil Wars' has poignant moments, exciting moments and despairing moments. It will take you through the emotional ringer and at the same time have a relaxing sound that is perfect for after a long day. Buy this album, you won't regret it, another excellent album from what has been an excellent year of music so far...

10/10




Click here to watch the music video for their first single off the new album 'The One That Got Away'
 

Review: All People

All People

All People is the new album from multi-genre man Michael Franti and his band Spearhead.

The great thing about a Michael Franti album is that you never know exactly what to expect going in. In the past, Franti has made music with reggae sounds, hip-hop sounds, jazzy stuff. With 'All People', the larger focus is making happy music. He does this using many different instruments and no two songs have exactly the same sound as a result. The amazing thing about 'All People' is that it is a bubble of light, colorful music that you can escape into, even if only for 40 minutes.

The lyrics match the music in terms of creating the happy world that you know you are getting into simply from looking at the cover. Franti does a combination of rapping, spoken word and amazing vocals over the course of the album, and you can really feel the effort that has been put in. It's easy to write sad songs, but to create 11 uplifting, feel good songs (albeit some quicker than others) is something that some might call hippy, happy songwriting. However I see it as a lot of hard work put into a masterpiece album.

In 'All People', Franti has finally been able to bottle up memorable beats with matching lyrics and turn it into a joyful, laid back piece of musical genius. This album is only out in North America, but all those North American readers that I may have, should go out and buy what is his best albums and potentially one of the best of this year.

9.5/10

Click here to watch the music video for his new single of the album 'I'm Alive (Life Sounds Like)'

Review: Youth

Youth

In a change of plans, the album I will be reviewing today is Wild Cub's 'Youth'. 'Youth' is the debut album from upcoming American alternative pop band Wild Cub.

The thing that really catches your ear on this album is the music. The combinations of tropical drums and synths on 'Thunder Clatter' for instance really grab your attention as a listener. Generally, the songs have a certain campfire feel to them, the kind of song that would be nice to sit around with all your friends and listen to. The music isn't perfect but it is a really good punt for a first album.

The thing that altogether lets the album down is the lead vocals. I hate to have to single a specific faction out like this, but having somebody that can sing well is very important. In Wild Cub's music, the vocals are drowned out by the music to the point where I can't remember any of the lyrics as I normally would with other bands. Presently, Wild Cub are in the process of making new material, I would suggest that they try to experiment with the vocals of the lead singer to try and see where it can go.

All in all, buy this album to listen to a wide range of stunning and exciting instrumental parts from many different instruments. This band is up and coming and will be a name to watch out for in albums to come.

7/10

Click here to watch the video for their debut single 'Thunder Clatter'

Upcoming... Late Summer and Autumn 2013

This is the perfect opportunity for me to tell readers about the blog posts coming down the line from here until November. Hope it's looking like a tasty line up... (dates in brackets are UK album release dates)

• 'Love Never Fails' by Jahmene Douglas (22/7/13)
• 'All People' by Michael Franti (29/7/2013)
• 'The Civil Wars' by The Civil Wars (5/8/2013)
• 'Halcyon Days' by Ellie Goulding (26/8/2013)
• 'Hotel Cabana' by Naughty Boy (26/8/2013)
• 'Studio Zoo' by Newton Faulkner (26/8/2013)
• 'Roaring 20s' by Rizzle Kicks (2/9/2013)
• 'The Diving Board' by Elton John (16/9/2013)
• 'The Bones of What You Believe' by CHVRCHES (23/9/2013)
• 'The Fifth' by Dizzee Rascal (30/9/2013)
• 'The World from the Side of the Moon' by Phillip Phillips (7/10/2013)
• 'Growing Up in Public' by Professor Green (14/10/2013)
• 'ARTPOP' by Lady Gaga (11/11/2013)

It's looking good for the next few months, so buckle in and prepare for AWESOME!

Review: Settle

Settle

'Settle' is the debut album from the up and coming EDM music duo Disclosure.

Throughout the album there is a tone, a style that defines Disclosure from other dance music acts. This tone is that of laid back, chill EDM music that is perfect for the beginning of a night of perhaps towards the end of a night. None of the tracks want to make you dance around and go crazy but there are still nice simple drum beats combined with relaxing synths like 'F For You' and 'When a Fire Starts To Burn' that will make you smile as you sit back into a couch.

Where this album also succeeds is Disclosure's ability to reign in voices such as Sam Smith and Eliza Doolittle who add an extra dimension to 'Settle'. Despite the fact that this is their first album, their collaboration list is still an impressive bunch of people who give soul and emotion to their tracks.

The lyrics are the only thing that let the album down slightly as they don't have much structure to them. Sure, they blend in well with the music and the individual songs, but next time Disclosure are making an album they need to focus more on lyrics. I would suggest that they bring in a lyricist who can write meaningful lyrics that will strengthen the albums mellow dance beat backbone.

In any case, I recommend this album to anybody looking for a chilled out dance album. Disclosure won't let you down on being able to provide an album that will be as relaxing as a trip to the beach while having the soulful, exciting voices to keep you from being bored.

8.5/10



Click here to watch the music video for their debut single 'Latch'

Review: London With the Lights On

London With the Lights On

'London With the Light On' is the debut album from up and coming girl group Stooshe.

When I first bought this album it had been a year since Stooshe first hit the scene with 'Love Me'. There was a lot of excitement to see if these three London women could keep walking the vintage R&B-pop line over the course of an entire album. They passed this test with flying colors with all their quirky mid-song conversation querks and were able to throw in tracks with a different kind of sound as well ('My Man Music'). The sound of this album is very much the chill R&B sound of about 20 years ago but with a more fresh feeling to them. Stooshe succeed in that they can sing songs that sound like they are ages old and still make them relevant to today's pop audience, something that other girl groups (*cough* Little Mix) can learn from.

As for the lyrics, they feel like they're sang right from the hearts of these three songstresses. The most important thing is that they're sang with power and with feeling, something that you don't find a lot of in many singers today. They are showing not only girl groups but also boy bands everywhere how the game is played and they're doing an excellent job.

I would recommend this album to any music fans out there who like to listen to some older sounding music but with the freshness of these three insane but talented women whose voices and strange quirks make the album a pleasure to listen to.

9/10



Click here to watch the music video from their hit single 'Black Heart'

Review: Heart of Nowhere

Heart of Nowhere

'Heart of Nowhere' is the new album from West London alternative rock band Noah and the Whale.

I didn't initially buy this album when it came out on the grounds that the previews made the album sound dull. Flash forward a few weeks on a bored weekend day and when watching Glastonbury on the couch I heard the music of this band and it lifted my spirits. Upon a second look, I found that Noah and the Whale's new album is very much unlike their older music. This music has a certain atmosphere to it, a sense of adventure that makes me exciting about diving into [Noah and the Whale's new album] heart of nowhere.

The music is all around the shop, but in a good way. Violins make a starring role in songs such as 'Heart of Nowhere' and 'Lifetime' while electric guitars give other songs such as 'All Through the Night' and 'There Will Come a Time' give the album a rockier edge that reminds me of some of U2's early music. Safe to say you will not get bored of the music and Charlie Fink's vocals blend into the music like butter on a warm piece of toast to create a delightful combination.

As for the lyrics, there is an air of youth spirit. You can feel in all of the lyrics that the certain target audience of this album is people between 16 and 25. Normally, I would criticise the band for crafting their music in this way. However, the exciting music actually attracts in older people all looking for a return to the heyday of being young, even if that's just for the 35 minutes that this album goes for.

'Heart of Nowhere' is a total feel good, laid back album that despite its rocky edge, people will want to sit back relax and enjoy it's relaxed rock feel. It doesn't fall too far on either side of the spectrum and I recommend it to anybody who is looking for the chance to feel young again.

9.5/10



Click here to watch the music video for their new single 'Lifetime'

SUPER SONG OF THE SUMMER SPECIAL EDITION!!!!!!!

I've decided to take some time off reviewing to tell you about the song of the summer race. To fill everybody in, being the song of the summer is a title that you get from being the most successful song in the US during the summer. Because the US chart is so stagnant, anything that wants to be in contention has to already be in the top 10. I will be giving you the songs in terms of likelihood and I will give you my personal song of the summer.

5. Can't Hold Us (Macklemore and Ryan Lewis feat. Ray Dalton)

 

The US number 1 at the beginning of the summer, 'Can't Hold Us' proved the world that Macklemore and Ryan Lewis weren't 'Thrift Shop' one trick ponies. A booming piano part and superb chorus vocals from Ray Dalton assist the already brilliant pairing of Macklemore's catchy rap phrases and Ryan Lewis's mind-blowing music production work in a song that will lift the roof off any party.

4. Radioactive (Imagine Dragons)

 

 

I cannot begin to understand how this song is still so popular. What's even most bizarre is that this song has been available to buy for almost a year, it hasn't hit number 1, but people are still buying it. In any case, people around the world seem to have been enjoying the unusual hard rock edge that Imagine Dragons give off in this track. Dan Reynolds's vocals absolutely do the track justice in what can only be described as an enjoyable apocalyptic rock piece. Perfect for releasing any anger you might have inside of you.

3. We Can't Stop (Miley Cyrus)

 

 

 I suppose I am ashamed to say that this song is as high as number three on this list. The fact of the matter is that it's become very popular in the US for reasons I can't even begin to imagine. Hannah Montana grew up and finally figured out what sex was. The music video is full of naughty sexual innuendo and I am actually disgusted of the US public that this song is charting so high.

2. Get Lucky (Daft Punk feat. Pharrell Williams)

 
 

This song represents comeback. Comeback of Daft Punk after many years of hearing nothing from their helmeted heads. Comeback of Pharrell Williams, one of the most soulful voices in the music industry today who picked up where he left off. Most importantly, this song is the comeback of Nile Rodgers and the kind of music that he was making with Chic. 'Get Lucky' is a laidback, chill dance song that will be played in nightclubs across the world for young men and women hoping to get lucky.

1. Blurred Lines (Robin Thicke feat. T.I. & Pharrell)

 

 

I don't know if it's the fact that it's Robin Thicke. I don't know if it's Pharrell smooth, soulful guest vocals that make the difference. I don't know if it's the simple yet incredibly catchy beat that won't quit. I don't know if it's the lyrics enticing good girls to turn to the dark side of the force. I don't know if it's the daring and controversy he drummed up when he released the music video with him and a collection of nude women walking around. Whatever it is this song is an international hit and the catchiest song I have heard this year, I'm very sure this will be the song of the summer.

My Song of the Summer: I Love It (Icona Pop feat. Charli XCX)

 
 

The Swedes have taken over the world of dance music. Swedish House Mafia, Avicii and Otto Knows must now make way for a fresh female DJ pair known as Icona Pop. This is the perfect summer song with dance hooks, catchy lyrics and booming baseline. I will listen to this song all summer because despite the fact that it's less than 3 minutes and has been around on the charts for almost a year (it only just came out in the UK) "I don't care, I love it!" 

Review: Before I Sleep

Before I Sleep

'Before I Sleep' is the debut album of 'The Voice UK' runner up, a songstress with a gorgeous voice, Bo Bruce.

The album gets off to a good start in 'Landslide', a song which begins to set the tone for the album. Her next two songs 'Save Me' and 'Alive', both singles are also fairly strong powerful songs which is impressive given the frailty of her voice. What happens next is something that tends to happen with a lot of albums that you might listen to with certain female vocalists with divine voices, you become lost into her voice. Except for two songs, I can't actually tell how the other songs went because I don't remember them. This isn't because they're bad songs, it's because as a listener I become entranced by the heavenly quality of Bo's unusual voice, much like when I listen to 'Ceremonials' by Florence and the Machine. There are people that will consequently find the album boring, it really is all about your taste in music.

The music complements her voice but fails to be enough to produce a top 40 single. When Bo is making her next album, she should pay more attention towards making sure the music and the lyrics of her songs are catchy enough to make it in the mainstream world of music, a world that given she went onto a national singing show, she is eager to get into.

In conclusion, Bo's voice is something truly special and ethereal but her problem is similar to Jessie Ware's, she needs to become friends with an excellent producer who will really help to showcase her beautiful voice for the music buying public of today. In any case, this is a name that people should watch out for and this debut album is one of her truly exciting stepping stones.

8/10




Click here to watch the music video for her debut single 'Save Me'

Review: Tape Deck Heart

Tape Deck Heart

'Tape Deck Heart' is the new album from folk punk man Frank Turner.

There is a fine line between Turner's last album, 'England Keep My Bones' and his new work. Largely this is because of the larger proportion of folk that he has injected into his music, and in every track we can hear and acoustic guitar much as if it were by Ed Sheeran or Gabrielle Aplin. We can still hear the punk aggression ('Plain Sailing Weather'), but it takes more of a backseat to the catchy guitar chords found in 'Recovery' and 'The Way I Tend to Be'.

The real thing that people first see in 'Tape Deck Heart' is the fact that is a break up album, with almost all of the songs related to coming back after a relationship. While you can tell that this man's heart was violently broken, he is still singing songs with largely upbeat music. This is impressive given how easy it is to make a heart wrenching, sad break up song (*cough* Adele, Taylor Swift).

 In short, Turner walks a fine line between break up songs, upbeat guitar music, punk rock feel and spirit of youth. Something perfect for a boost of energy on a rainy day when you are feeling down and maybe but not necessarily going through a sad break up.

9/10 

THIS ALBUM IS AVAILABLE IN THE UK AND THE US



Click here to watch the video for his highest charting single 'The Way I Tend To Be'.

Review: #willpower

#willpower

#willpower is the new studio album from the musical wizard with the midas touch, 'will.i.am'.

This album will have people that love it and others that will hate it. However if like me, you are somebody that has been listening to music by the 'Black Eyed Peas' since the dawn of time, you will certainly love this album. The album has an electronic texture that flows heavily through it's veins in songs such as 'Let's Go' and 'Gettin' Dumb' but Will still manages to integrate synthetic and real string instruments into many of his songs such as hit single 'This is Love'. In 'Geekin' I think he even goes as far as to integrate synthetic bagpipes.

As for the lyrics, it is a typical combination from will.i.am of hardcore dance lyrics ("when me and you party together"), and will's amazing ability to sound like a preacher that we should be listening to ("everybody killing like it's 'Platoon'").

Should you be somebody that is interested in all of the music that I have described above, you will love will.i.am's latest effort. While I don't normally buy deluxe versions of albums, I did for this one because of my adoration for will.i.am's music and everything that it stands for.

People who love dance music: 10/10
Everyone else: 7/10

Review: Reincarnated

Reincarnated

'Reincarnated' is the new album by Snoop Dogg's new reggae influenced personality 'Snoop Lion'. Snoop Lion was born after a spiritual journey to Jamaica where a priest supposedly rechristened Snoop Dogg as Snoop Lion.

Despite the strange thoughts that people might associate with a well known rapper such as Snoop Dogg having a complete change in career path at his age, the album works as a reggae-rap fusion. The move was actually quite smart as it's only so easy to be a 41 year old rapper especially in the modern world of hip-hop. The music itself succeeds in sounding like a laid back reggae album with the ability to keep Snoop Lion's ice cool phrasing "We all feel hurt, here's mine".

My dad is a big fan of reggae artists such as Aswad and UB40 and doesn't think that Major Lazer does a superb job at keeping the reggae vibe alive. Myself, I think it gives off the feel of a laid back trip to the beach. The lyrics are very much like those you could find in a reggae album with strong mentioning of smoking marijuna ('Here Comes the King', 'Smoke the Weed'). In addition, the album is backed up by an impressive list of guest appearances including Chris Brown, Akon, Drake, Rita Ora, Miley Cyrus and Busta Rhythms among many others.

In conclusion, the album represents the exploration of new ground on the rap front and is a pioneering effort by Snoop. While it may not totally tickle the fancies of reggae junkies out there, it still works perfectly as an album to put on at the end of a long day, and dream of travelling to the Caribbean for what is a very pleasurable hour.
 9.5/10

THE ALBUM IS AVAILABLE IN THE UK AND THE US
 


Click here to watch the video for his single with Miley Cyrus 'Ashtrays and Heartbreaks'

Catch Up

Being in Edinburgh has been so hectic that I haven't gotten around to keeping my blog up. However, I have some spare time in Bali this summer and so I will try and catch up with all of the entries I need to make including:

• 'Reincarnated' by Snoop Lion
• '#willpower' by will.i.am
• 'Tape Deck Heart' by Frank Turner
• 'Before I Sleep' by Bo Bruce
• 'Heart of Nowhere' by Noah and the Whale
• 'Great Gatsby Soundtrack'
• 'London with the Lights On' by Stooshe
• 'Settle' by Disclosure

In addition I will have a SUPER SONG OF THE SUMMER edition that I am a bit late to the party on, but nonetheless will be able to weigh up the options.

Review: Night Visions

Night Visions

'Night Visions' is the smash hit debut album of Las Vegas alternative rock band 'Imagine Dragons'.

This album was simply a pleasure to listen to. Though the hit 'Radioactive' is a strange song to have on this album, it keeps it well balanced and well thought through. In fact, balance is the thing that I love most about the album, 'It's Time' is very much a different song from the track that comes after it ('Demons'). This group play around with everything, but they manage to make it all amazing.

Not to mention the blessing of a voice that Dan Reynolds (the lead singer) has which makes the band's songs unique. Not for a while have I listened to an album that has the same combination of unique style and voice while still being able to provide a bit of everything for everybody.

Simply put, I would put this album in the same category as 'Torches' by Foster The People, 'Babel' by Mumford and Sons and 'Mylo Xyloto' by Coldplay. Put your computer down, wherever you are and  go out to the shops to buy what will be up there for the best album of 2013.

THIS ALBUM IS AVAILABLE EVERYWHERE!!!!!!!



Click here to watch the video for their hit single 'It's Time'

Review: Epigrams and Interludes

Epigrams and Interludes

'Epigrams and Interludes' is the debut album from 18 year old English You-tuber Alex Day.

I would like to start my review by giving some background on Alex Day. Alex Day first came to prominence in 2011 when he released 'Forever Yours', the music video garnered 1.5 million views in its first week and the track which was on a campaign for the Christmas #1 spot reached #4. Had it reached #1, he would've been the first unsigned artist to top the UK singles chart.

Since then, he has released two other songs which have charted and 3 other singles that didn't. This is album is a catalogue of songs that allow people to look at this pioneer of an artist.

The album itself has some great stand-out songs but is generally quite a childish attempt at an album. I don't say because I don't think that Alex Day has done the work on this album, I mean that the lyrics are very childish such as "We will not be stopped" and his use of a cover of "Under the Sea".

I honestly think that Alex Day's way of getting his music to the world is something that a lot of budding artists can learn from. I also think that some of his songs are very good, but I think this paticular case has a long way to go before he can start becoming a proper mainstream artist that everybody listens to.

In any case it's available for £3.99 in the UK on itunes, so it's at least a bargain.



  

More to come...

Hi. Not sure if anybody is actually reading this blog, but if you are, CONGRATULATIONS!You are the lucky winner of news of more entries from me.

First a review on the awards predictions where the Brit Awards were a total disappointment. The Grammys however were alright and had some fantastic performances. In any case, I didn't see any obvious errors when I was looking back at my predictions.

Now, the announcement of what is to come in the next few weeks. Tomorrow, Alex Day's Epigrams and Interludes hits the shelves in the UK, Alex Day is a youtuber who holds the record for highest charted single by an unsigned artist, he's also selling his album for £4, a bargain given the kind of prices music is sold at nowadays.

Come April 1, Will.i.am's long awaited #willpower will also be out with global hit singles such as 'Scream and Shout' and 'This is Love' among others. This will for sure be a hit album everywhere. On the same day, Imagine Dragons's new album Night Visions finally reaches the UK, having been everywhere else ages ago.

Beyonce is expected to drop her 5th studio album at some point in April. This is said to include collaborations with Lady Gaga, Justin Timeberlake, Rihanna and her husband Jay-Z among many others.

Finally in May, the festivity that is Eurovision hits TV screens across Europe and I will have a full guide of who to watch out for as a potential winner. Unlike last year, there isn't an obvious front-runner. 

Anyway, best hopes that this easter period will bring loads of good music to talk about.

Review: Milo Greene

As well as awards predictions, I will be using this blog to review recently released albums. I don't intend to post any negative reviews and this is neither good for my karma, nor does it help anybody else.

Milo Greene

'Milo Greene'  is the self-titled debut album by five piece Los Angeles folk group Milo Greene.

Immediately from the opening song "What's the Matter", you can tell that these talented musicians bear similar resemblance to Icelandic band 'Of Monsters and Men', and fellow Americans 'Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes'. This is largely because of the simple acoustic beats, intertwining of male and female singing, and increasingly catchy lyrics.

Similarly to many other albums such as Coldplay's Mylo Xyloto, Milo Greene chose to use many tracks of about 30 to 90 seconds of simply non-vocal instrumentals, which gives the album more depth and understanding.

The one catch that people reading this should know is that they lack the energy of many folk bands of the day. Except for their single '1957', their music can be quite sleepy and dull to some. Personally however, I think that this silent, subtle quality gives them an edge compared to a lot of similar bands. It has also been shown that songs with more silent tones can still be popular, 'Of Monsters and Men' for instance have many songs on their album that have the same kind of feel, and are still good.

In short, I think that while this band hasn't reached the pinacle of success, they have great potential to become one of the next big folk band names. Their debut effort, although not 100% perfect, has still left me yearning for more of their calm and relaxed acoustic music.  

THIS ALBUM IS AVAILABLE IN BOTH THE US AND THE UK.  
   





Click here to watch the video for the single '1957'

Grammys 2013 Predictions

Same Game! Just with the people on the other side of the pond.

RECORD OF THE YEAR

• "Lonely Boy" – The Black Keys
• "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" – Kelly Clarkson
• "We Are Young" – Fun featuring Janelle Monáe
• "Somebody That I Used to Know" – Gotye featuring Kimbra
• "Thinkin Bout You" – Frank Ocean
• "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" – Taylor Swift   

This usually goes to the best selling song this year. Hence, I'm going to say that Gotye's Somebody That I Used to Know deserves the award for making a truly infectious song.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

• El Camino – The Black Keys
• Some Nights – Fun
• Babel – Mumford & Sons
• Channel Orange – Frank Ocean
• Blunderbuss – Jack White  
  This one has Mumford & Sons written all over it. In my opinion, Fun. are the only people that might stop the West London boys from winning this one.
  
   SONG OF THE YEAR

• "The A Team"- Ed Sheeran
• "Adorn"-Miguel
• "Call Me Maybe"- Carly Rae Jepsen
• "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)"-Kelly Clarkson
• "We Are Young"-Fun.

 In a year where One Direction and Justin Bieber miraculously avoided getting nominated, the Grammy voters got Carly Rae Jepsen's cheesy song of the summer wrong. In fact, the only song that really deserves to win this category is Ed Sheeran's "The A Team". However, this isn't my opinion, this is my prediction. I think that the Grammy voters who gave Fun. six nominations, will probably give them the gong for song of the year in We Are Young.

BEST NEW ARTIST

• Alabama Shakes
• Fun
• Hunter Hayes
• The Lumineers
• Frank Ocean 

 This one is a category with uncertainty written all over it. It always has been. Last year, Bon Iver beat both Skrillex and Nicki Minaj to the award. The year before that, Esperanza Spalding beat Drake, Florence and the Machine, Justin Bieber and Mumford & Sons to the award. This year, I think Fun. is certainly the favorite. However I have a premonition that given the instability with this category, it's anybody's game. For no paticular reason, I am going to say that Frank Ocean will win this award.

BEST POP SOLO PERFORMANCE

• "Set Fire to the Rain" (Live) – Adele
• "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" – Kelly Clarkson
• "Call Me Maybe" – Carly Rae Jepsen
• "Wide Awake" – Katy Perry
• "Where Have You Been" – Rihanna

While the album's category is a man's world, the women have dominated this now unisex pop performance category.  Simply put, I think given it's nominations for loads of other things, Kelly Clarkson and Stronger should probably win.

BEST POP DUO/GROUP PERFORMANCE

• "Shake It Out" – Florence and the Machine
• "We Are Young" – Fun featuring Janelle Monáe
• "Somebody That I Used to Know" – Gotye featuring Kimbra
• "Sexy and I Know It" – LMFAO
• "Payphone" – Maroon 5 featuring Wiz Khalifa

 This will either be Fun. or Gotye, but I think it will end up going to Fun.

BEST POP VOCAL ALBUM

• Stronger – Kelly Clarkson
• Ceremonials – Florence and the Machine
• Some Nights – Fun
• Overexposed – Maroon 5
• The Truth About Love – Pink 

 What with Fun.'s album of the year nomination, I think Fun. will take this one was well. Even though Florence and Maroon 5 both deserve it more.

BEST DANCE RECORDING

• "Levels" – Avicii
• "Let's Go" – Calvin Harris featuring Ne-Yo
• "Bangarang" – Skrillex
• "Don't You Worry Child" – Swedish House Mafia featuring John Martin
• "I Can't Live Without You" – Al Walser 

There are some very good songs in this category. In the end however, I think it will come down to a battle of the swedes and Avicii will come out victorious.

BEST ROCK PERFORMANCE

• "Hold On" – Alabama Shakes
• "Lonely Boy" – The Black Keys
• "Charlie Brown" – Coldplay
• "I Will Wait" – Mumford & Sons
• "We Take Care of Our Own" – Bruce Springsteen

Mumford & Sons all the way.

BEST ROCK SONG

• "Freedom at 21"- Jack White
• "I Will Wait"- Mumford & Sons
• "Lonely Boy"-The Black Keys
• "Madness"-Muse
• "We Take Care of Our Own"-Bruce Springsteen 

 Mumford & Sons all the way.

BEST ROCK ALBUM

• El Camino – The Black Keys
• Mylo Xyloto – Coldplay
• The 2nd Law – Muse
• Wrecking Ball – Bruce Springsteen
• Blunderbuss – Jack White

There are good albums in here, and also AMAZING albums in here. Bruce and Coldplay have revolutionary albums, to pick between them is not easy. However simply because Bruce Springsteen's album is more relavant to Americans, I am going to go with Bruce.