Review: The New Classic

The New Classic

'The New Classic' is the debut album by Australian rapper Iggy Azalea.

In a modern rap scene full of black men, a white Australian woman has somehow found her way into the charts and she's not backing down quickly. It takes more than a smile to get by as a female rapper and Iggy Azalea's debut effort has proved herself as a name to be taken seriously.

Iggy Azalea joins a list of female rappers in the mainstream music industry that includes Nicki Minaj, Angel Haze and Azealia Banks. Not one of the above had recently released music that is at the roots of what hip-hop really is and stands for, until now. There would've been a lot of money for the taking for Iggy to powder the album with radio-friendly, boppy, Kesha-like hits. Instead Iggy is going for rapping over simple and basic hip-hop tracks such as those in 'Fancy' and 'Black Widow'.

Iggy's verses are peppered with references to how she got to the point she's at. As she reminds the listeners on 'Work', she had "No money, no family, 16 in the middle of Miami". Other verses on 'Walk the Line' and 'Don't Need Y'all" paint a similar picture. Iggy Azalea is a fighter and not an act to be messed around with. In 'The New Classic' she has created a classic rap piece of work that is a foundation to build on. An album that proves that female rappers don't have to sell themselves to the radio in order to be popular, though 'Change Your Life' does do this to a small extent.

In summary however, rap lovers will not be let down by 'The New Classic'. It is not an album that is structurally flawless nor one that will win many awards, but it is an album that provides a classic rap sound that is refreshing to hear after the electro beats of Nicki Minaj and Azealia Banks. The female rapper genre is one that is not a joke nor one that is simply classified with pop, it is to be taken as seriously as acts like 2 Chainz, Drake and Schoolboy Q. Iggy, we salute you for a brave venture, a demonstration of what is really possible when "Impossible is Nothing".

8/10



Click here to watch the video for her new single, 'Fancy'

Review: Shakira

Shakira

'Shakira' is the self-titled new album from the Columbian superstar who needs no introduction.

As somebody who has grown up listening to Shakira and who has been very disappointed by the lack of material from her in the past four years, I was very much looking forward to seeing what was in store this time around. The results were extremely interesting

To be quite clear off the bat, the album lacks structure. This is not an album that flows perfectly from song to song or that tells a deep hidden message of a story. It is not one that will win many awards or that will seduce critics. What is true though is the one undeniable truth... Shakira never makes a bad song. In fact, Shakira with her new album has managed to push the boundaries of where her voice and music can go even though her career has spanned almost 15 years. On the new album can be heard dance-floor fillers, epic piano-filled ballads, reggae, country music, classic Shakira pop-rock. In short there is no style of music that Shakira is too cowardly to take on an experiment with.

On self-titling the album, Shakira said that she had found out a lot about herself from creating this album. As I do not know Shakira, I cannot be sure of this, but I do know that in the album she has taken many risks. There are no 'Hips Don't Lie' hits, nor any 'Whenever, Wherever's. What there is instead is the pure, honest gorgeous voice of a woman who has proved that it is possible to give yourself a musical rebirth even years into a glorious and legendary career. This alone deserves some credit.

In short, the album isn't perfect, there's a lot she could've done to make the album a critical success. However if Shakira wanted to make that album, she would've. Shakira has made a piece of work that isn't thinking about awards or sales or chart placements but instead is a reflective and diverse piece of art. 'Shakira' will satisfy all Shakira fans as they take a new look at the superstar's personality, and there may even be some tracks that the neutrals can connect to depending on their taste. In any case, given that this goddess of a woman gave birth to a child in the past 12 months, this is excellent music that should be given a chance to prove its worth to all music fans.

8.5/10



Click here to watch the video for the album's lead single 'Can't Remember To Forget You'

Review: Supermodel

Supermodel

'Supermodel' is the second album from American alternative rock band 'Foster the People'.

Having enjoyed listening to 'Torches' on countless occasions over the past couple of years, I realised that in creating a second album, Foster the People were setting the bar high for themselves. This album had to pull out all the stops to  create a top class, high-end, award-winning album and that's exactly what they managed to do.

From the opening track 'Are You What You Want To Be', it is clear that the techno, synth-based pop of 'Torches' is out the window. In it's place is a more organic, down to earth sound that still manages to capture the enthusiasm and energy that was bottled up in their debut effort. 'Supermodel' is an album that seems to use every instrument under the sun, but still manages to bring everything together into songs that flow exceedingly well into each other. The album's vocals are also stellar and are more than adequately able to demonstrate the range of Mark Foster's voice, something that was missed in the first album.

In creating this album, these three men from LA have done more than just correct that which was missing in the first album, they build upon their successes whilst trying out new stuff. The lead single 'Coming of Age' is a rock track unlike anything on the first album, and is a track that will surely close many live sets to come. The album with also have you dancing around to tracks such as 'Best Friends', but also admiring the acoustic style of tracks such as 'Goats in Trees' or chilling to the folkish sound of end track 'Fire Escape'.

To summarise, this album is a masterpiece that exceeds any expectations even the biggest fans might have set. It's an album that will surely make this band a household name across the world and I will be extremely surprised to not see it up for many awards next year. Buy this album, even in March I will make the prediction that nobody will manage to create a better album than this, it is flawless, it is perfect, it is genius.

10/10



Click here to watch the video for the album's lead single 'Coming of Age'

Review: High Hopes

Happy 2014 to any readers out there. This is my first review of the year...

High Hopes

High Hopes is the latest studio album from American rock legend Bruce Springsteen.


The album is a collection of previously unreleased material and covers and so many people may think that Bruce doesn't put much effort into the creation of this album. They couldn't be proved more wrong. Similarly to the work on 'Wrecking Ball', Springsteen has painstakingly tried to make sure that the material despite being different tracks could be brought into a structure whereby he could tell a story through his lyrics. 'High Hopes' acts almost as a sequel to 2012's hit album 'Wrecking Ball' in that it manages to collect together the feelings of many people in the world a
t the moment with songs such as 'American Skin (41 Shots)' and 'Dream Baby Dream'. It's an album of the people, although  differently to 'Wrecking Ball' the songs are largely full of excitement with uplifting rock beats that are a joy to listen to while still managing to capture a certain poignancy always needed on an album.

In the album, there is a classic Bruce Springsteen blend of rock music, strings and folk sounds that infuse the album with an Americana that you would typically find on a Bruce Springsteen album. It makes the album fun to listen to the whole way through and will have people young and old jumping up and dancing to the rhythms.

The one thing that the album lacks however which would otherwise make it perfect is something to hold all the songs together. A spine that can hold the songs together not just through the lyrics but also the various musical style which Bruce uses but struggles to bring together. Note however, this is a minor flaw in an otherwise excellent album. Recommended to anybody ready for a twist of some good rock music.

9.5/10



Click here to listen to the title track off the album 'High Hopes'

 

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.