Hey! Boy...has it been a while......
Clint here. This year has flown by so fast, it seems like yesterday I was writing the first review...
Well, many things have happened since. First off is my occupation.
If you don't know, I play fiddle in a Bluegrass/Power Acoustic Band called The Roys. We have had a fantastic year releasing a brand new album called The View as well as a Christmas album titled A Bluegrass Kinda Christmas. We had played in places such as California, Florida and up to Eastern Quebec just this year alone.
I haven't had time to listen to new material because of this. When we get in the studio, we play the songs and then once the album is released, we learn them. So, I have been practicing and listening to the songs we do. I have been listening to other albums, mostly classics and other odd stuff but not a whole lot of new material.
I have been getting some interesting stuff though: Twitter has been really interesting for this. I will be launching a twitter page exclusively for this blog.
Important: if you are a musician, please contact me! I will review your album. I have a few that I am in the process of listening to. Even today, I get around 60 views per week/per post. From places such Germany, Poland, Canada and U.S.
By the way, this is incredible!!!! 60 views per week. I cant believe it. It's been such a huge success. Even though I haven't released a new post in nearly 6 months.
The writing the blog isn't the hard part, it's the listening to part. I cannot write a post every day because it's impossible for me to get a quality review out. So, I think 3 per week will be good. One every other day. I think you guys can agree with that, right? It's just me...if I only had help...
I'm hoping you'll stick with me for this new trip and forgive me for lack of communication.
So, here's what will happen:
+3 posts per week
+New Twitter Profile
+Accepting new music through a brand new application program to get your music out there
I am excited for this new chapter. I love playing fiddle, but I know you guys want to have new albums reviewed. I will do my best not to let you down, this time.
Thank you for being there :)
Clint
UPDATE: Twitter page is now up at twitter.com/BHAlbumReviews
Monday, December 1, 2014
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Brutally Honest Album Reviews: Mariah Carey's Me. I Am Mariah
Mariah Carey is..I would say world famous. Her voice is one of the smoothest around. How does her latest, super long titled, album come in? Is it Boring, O.K. or Brilliant? Here is the Full review.
What I listened to: "Me. I am Mariah...The Elusive Chanteuse" By: Mariah Carey
How did I listen to it: 320 kbps on Apple EarPods
Release date: May 27th, 2014
Like I said: her voice is smooth. It's not just that, though. Her voice is huge too. Her vocal range is just crazy big and she uses it to the full advantage. Let's get right into it. The first song "Faded" mixes her smooth voice with the pointy-sounding pop beat. You boys should grab your lovely lady starting right about now because it's some good baby-making music. (Just kidding....well...unless you want to 😜)
It's piano arpeggios mixed with the hip-hop bass is very pleasant to the ears.
The second track, "Dedicated (Featuring Nash)" starts off with voices just laughing and reminiscing about the 80's. The hip-hop is great. The low male voice with Mariah's fits well with the low end synth pads. The "Carey-like Mariah" line isn't over done. The chord changes are different compared to other artists you would hear. It's well done. Then the rapping comes in. So funny. The idea of rapping is funny to me. But Nash does a job of what you would expect from a pop-mixed-with-hip-hop song. Pee-Wee Herman is mentioned. Yeah...that's why it's so funny to me. I can thank a good buddy of mine for showing me that.
The next track titled "#Beautiful (featuring Miguel)" has a cool guitar line to it. Yes. That's "hashtag beautiful". Aside from being very easy to post on twitter, this is a great song. I love it. The duet is #beautiful. See what I did there? My favorite on the album by far. It's a very basic song but that is what makes it great. It will be stuck in your head for quite a while, no doubt about it.
"Thirsty" is one of those strange songs you would expect to hear on a hip-hop album. It has that one, rapper guy who can't really sing, but can say the same phrase in monotone. He says it with a slur, too. That makes it a little hard to understand. It's ok. It's just another catchy tune...only with Mariah Carey.
The next track, "Make It Look Good" is a retro sounding song. It has harmonica to it and her voice is nothing but great here. The "Oooohh's" are reminiscent of old 60's or 50's music. The bass and harmonica make this song into something that is very unique. She is making a new sound not done in mainstream audio. A laugh at the end makes you think she is having a great time producing this album. So far, I think she is because it shows.
About halfway through the album at this point, the song "You Don't Know What I Do" features a rapper named Wale. Starts off with beautiful piano and Mariah using almost the full extent of her voice. The classical influence continues with orchestrated licks between some of the phrases. This song reminds me of something from 14 years ago when I used to listen to whatever my sister had playing on the radio on the way to school. It has a retro, new sound. It's hard to explain but I really enjoy it. Wale isn't really in it. Just mainly the beggining and a bit at the end. The rapping is funny. He rambles what I'm sure is about sex but like all rap, he goes around the world and then lands close to where he was trying to. Yeah...typical rap. Nothing too fancy.
"Supernatural" features, I think her son? It would make sense. It's cute and just plain adorable. His laugh in the background every so often makes you go, Awwww!! It is strange though, because the song could be interpreted as something between a man and a woman. Not necessarily a woman and her child. A slight record scratch brings an interesting touch to this song. The key change sounded strange at first but after a few times of listening to it, it sort of became more natural sounding. She's just showing off her voice at this point. I want to say, "look Mariah, we know you can sing".
The kids voice at the end is, again, adorable. It made me smile every time.
"Meteorite" is the next track and it's a huge difference compared to the kid track before it. This is more upbeat and kind of boring. Her voice fits the simple melody and there really wasn't much she could do. That's okay though because we know she can sing. It's good to hear a song that we, vocal beginners, can sing along to. The use of an orchestrated string section is welcomed, as well.
Another cool R&B chord progression in "Camouflage" makes the cut. Her blended voice with the piano is beautiful. Simple and elegant. It's songs like these I love. No intense instrumentation. Just voice and piano. The most intense it gets is with a choir behind her but that's really about it. It's a very sentimental song. The writing is genius too. I don't know how hard it would be to write a song with her in mind, but I'm sure one would have endless possibilities due to her voice. It's another great cut on this record. You'll like this one.
"One More Try" features an church organ and some synth pads with a voice, again, that is just as beautiful. It turns into a nice hip-hop rhythm heavy song. This another simple, elegant melody. I think she uses autotune a bit heavy in this song though. It's a shame because she doesn't need it. Not sure why she would do it this far into the album.
The next song is a beautiful, gospel song. "Heavenly (No Ways Tired/Can't Give Up Now)" features a reverend preaching the Word. It's about having God help you through any problems and giving up is the easy way out. It features an interesting chord progression and a choir of voices, although I think it's Mariah overdubbing herself a few times. It's still a great tune. The only thing, she uses her voice a lot but it does get kind of annoying, a bit. I'm glad it goes into an actual choir singing later on the song. The Black Soul music is amazing, as you would expect.
Now, if you actually have a physical copy of the album in your hands, you can see the back of the record. It features a drawing of Mariah. You learn it's actually a self portrait. She was 3 1/2 years old when she drew it. Her story is one you'll enjoy as she describes it. I won't ruin what she says. It does give the impression that she is just like you and I-very down to earth. Only one thing though: she can sing better than most of us combined. This little voice bit ends the album on a high note. If you have the digital version, you'll be missing out.
So..........is this album Boring, O.K. or Brilliant?
Verdict: Brilliant
From the soul, to the hip-hop, to the little boy singing into our hearts, this album is one not to pass on when it is released here in a few days. The vocal ability of someone who had more talent than most people on the radio today, are showcased in this album very well. The phrasing...everything. It's brilliantly made. She doesn't conform to the mainstreamed sound. It's her. Mariah. You'll love this album if you love her music. Even if you never really got into her music before now, give it a listen. You won't be disappointed. It's never to late to become a fan of her talent.
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Brutally Honest Album Reviews: White Sea's In Cold Blood
It's the start of a new weekend, so why not review a new band? Today, I will review a band called White Sea. Their first project titled "In Cold Blood". I love new bands/artists because it usually consists of a sound nobody has heard of before. It's new and exciting. This band is one I didn't pass on. So, is this album Boring, O.K. or Brilliant? Here is the full review.
What I listened to: "In Cold Blood" By: White Sea
How did I listen to it: 320 kbps on Apple EarPods
Release Date: May 19, 2014
The alternative genre. What does that even mean? I look at it as a treasure chest of music. You'll find golden masterpieces, hidden gems and sometimes horrible shards. It's even more interesting when you find something never seen, or in this case heard, before. White Sea features a female lead singer (I love female singers) and she is nothing to slouch against. Boy, does she have pipes. That doesn't mean she can't get down either... The music in this album is a mix of electronic/pop that can have an 80's flare to it, with a hint of new age soft rock. It starts off with a choir of vocals. Titled "They Don't Know", it's an impressive start for unknown group. Your head will listen even closer when the drum beats skip behind the high melody. The bells are a great touch to the overall sound. It creates what I call this big sound most build up to for half a song. They go right into it at the first chorus. The second half goes into this pulsing electro beat before going full 4/4 time on us. Switching the beat changes it up and causes my musician-self to say "Whaaaaaat?!?" in amazement. What an first track.
The second track titled "Prague" continues the use of their vocals and breaks into a heavy distorted bass that is so distorted it enters the guitar area of sound. This hip-hop style of beat during the versus changes again to a 4/4 time during the chorus. They blend it so smoothly. Heading into an electroinic melodic scale for the bridge, this song breaks into a heavy song with synths and organ sounds. Again, my musician-self says "Whaaaat?!?" in amazement.
"Future Husbands Past Lives" is a more 80's inspired song. Her voice is great here. She fits perfectly. The sounds coming from the band is pure greatness.
There is one exception though... I'll explain in detail later.
"For My Love" Is an orchestrated song with piano and such in the background. It turns into an upbeat melody electronically driven.
"Warsaw" is one of those song that I have the problem with. I can't understand what se is saying. It's ok when shes in a normal vocal range but as soon as she goes high into falsetto, I lose her. I don't know if it's the mix or her voice. I cannot figure it out. This song is one of those songs. I have no idea what she is saying. After really listening to it, the lyrics in this album are not for the kids in your life...they get pretty vulgar. That's not to say the music is catchy and well done....I just can't understand her half the time. It's a pattern in this album they should address for the next record.
"Small December" is a beautiful tune. Acoustic guitar or a mandola is backed up by more strings. Her voice is beautiful in this song. Really shows emotion. It's different than the most of the album and makes this album. My favorite cut by far.
The second to last song on this album is an upbeat electric-rock song. Yes, we go from strings to this. I love the alternative genre. It's so intense. It covers a lot of bases so you never know what you'll be getting yourself into. Titled "Flash" it half beats mid-song. This is stuff not done by mainstream bands/artists today...it's nuts..it's crazy and can be very well received if done correctly. They do it with ease.
The last song titled "It Will End In Disaster" starts off kind of like the movie "2001: A Space Odyssey" but goes into more strings and heavy drums. This song breaks down again and turns spacey all while going back into that heavy drums again-then turns into something totally different. It's like three or four songs in one. Just amazing.
So..........is this album Boring, O.K. or Brilliant?
Verdict: Brilliant.
I have had so much fun listening to this album. I can't believe it. The songs change with the album. They are different from each other but that is what makes them the same. It makes this band who they are. Their sound goes all over the place and it's a wonderful musical journey I hope you take too. This is what I mean when most artists should be creating the new sound, versus ones who are starting to go mainstream. There are too many songs on the radio that sound the same and it's becoming boring out there. These folks really make it worth while again. You will enjoy this album....when you can understand her. Just make sure you don't have kids because she drops a few swear words in there. The music, though, will make it totally worth it in the end.
What I listened to: "In Cold Blood" By: White Sea
How did I listen to it: 320 kbps on Apple EarPods
Release Date: May 19, 2014
The alternative genre. What does that even mean? I look at it as a treasure chest of music. You'll find golden masterpieces, hidden gems and sometimes horrible shards. It's even more interesting when you find something never seen, or in this case heard, before. White Sea features a female lead singer (I love female singers) and she is nothing to slouch against. Boy, does she have pipes. That doesn't mean she can't get down either... The music in this album is a mix of electronic/pop that can have an 80's flare to it, with a hint of new age soft rock. It starts off with a choir of vocals. Titled "They Don't Know", it's an impressive start for unknown group. Your head will listen even closer when the drum beats skip behind the high melody. The bells are a great touch to the overall sound. It creates what I call this big sound most build up to for half a song. They go right into it at the first chorus. The second half goes into this pulsing electro beat before going full 4/4 time on us. Switching the beat changes it up and causes my musician-self to say "Whaaaaaat?!?" in amazement. What an first track.
The second track titled "Prague" continues the use of their vocals and breaks into a heavy distorted bass that is so distorted it enters the guitar area of sound. This hip-hop style of beat during the versus changes again to a 4/4 time during the chorus. They blend it so smoothly. Heading into an electroinic melodic scale for the bridge, this song breaks into a heavy song with synths and organ sounds. Again, my musician-self says "Whaaaat?!?" in amazement.
"Future Husbands Past Lives" is a more 80's inspired song. Her voice is great here. She fits perfectly. The sounds coming from the band is pure greatness.
There is one exception though... I'll explain in detail later.
"For My Love" Is an orchestrated song with piano and such in the background. It turns into an upbeat melody electronically driven.
"Warsaw" is one of those song that I have the problem with. I can't understand what se is saying. It's ok when shes in a normal vocal range but as soon as she goes high into falsetto, I lose her. I don't know if it's the mix or her voice. I cannot figure it out. This song is one of those songs. I have no idea what she is saying. After really listening to it, the lyrics in this album are not for the kids in your life...they get pretty vulgar. That's not to say the music is catchy and well done....I just can't understand her half the time. It's a pattern in this album they should address for the next record.
"Small December" is a beautiful tune. Acoustic guitar or a mandola is backed up by more strings. Her voice is beautiful in this song. Really shows emotion. It's different than the most of the album and makes this album. My favorite cut by far.
The second to last song on this album is an upbeat electric-rock song. Yes, we go from strings to this. I love the alternative genre. It's so intense. It covers a lot of bases so you never know what you'll be getting yourself into. Titled "Flash" it half beats mid-song. This is stuff not done by mainstream bands/artists today...it's nuts..it's crazy and can be very well received if done correctly. They do it with ease.
The last song titled "It Will End In Disaster" starts off kind of like the movie "2001: A Space Odyssey" but goes into more strings and heavy drums. This song breaks down again and turns spacey all while going back into that heavy drums again-then turns into something totally different. It's like three or four songs in one. Just amazing.
So..........is this album Boring, O.K. or Brilliant?
Verdict: Brilliant.
I have had so much fun listening to this album. I can't believe it. The songs change with the album. They are different from each other but that is what makes them the same. It makes this band who they are. Their sound goes all over the place and it's a wonderful musical journey I hope you take too. This is what I mean when most artists should be creating the new sound, versus ones who are starting to go mainstream. There are too many songs on the radio that sound the same and it's becoming boring out there. These folks really make it worth while again. You will enjoy this album....when you can understand her. Just make sure you don't have kids because she drops a few swear words in there. The music, though, will make it totally worth it in the end.
Friday, May 23, 2014
Brutally Honest Album Review: This Blog One Week So Far
It was a summer afternoon at a Burger King when a song came over the speakers. I began to talk about how that song, in peticular, was the only good song on that album. One of my buddies begin to talk about these YouTube videos I had going on. They kind of worked out, but it wasn't the success I was looking for. With a miniature brainstorm session, he began to talk about a album review site. After a few months of putting it off I finally decided to do it. Only not in the form of YouTube videos, but in the form of a blog. I had no idea what I was getting into but I knew I had to do it. So, how did the first week go? Has it been a success or not? This will be the review for today because I want to highlight some points of what has been happening since the first review of Michael Jackson, one week ago. (Don't worry, I won't do this every week. Once in a while after this :) )
I have reviewed seven or so albums. They range from bluegrass to country to electronic. While there are a few genres to go, I don't think that is bad for a first week. The blog in it's current state has been viewed nearly 350 times. That is around 50 views every day. Right from day one it has reached more people than I would have dreamed of. Of those 350 times, it has been viewed in 8 countries. They are: The United States, Germany, France, Poland, Australia, Canada, The United Kingdom and India. Of those countries, 4 are being read daily: The United States, Germany, France and Poland. I know this because each day the little number goes up. That is amazing. Google makes it so easy with a translating button at the top of each review so this blog can reach even more people outside the english speaking/writing world.
Including the translation button at the top of each new review, I made it easier so you can see the top reviews that you guys (and gals) along with many others have read. No sense in trying to figure out what day that one review was in the messy archive. If it was a popular review, it will be on this list.
I also added a fun poll you all can participate in. Each week will have a new question that you can vote on. Some will be non related questions while others will be to help make this the best album review bog on the internet. Don't be afraid to let your voice be heard and see how you compare to everybody else!
Each review has a place where you can comment. It's at the bottom of every review, right above the next one. It's open to anybody. You can choose anonymous if you aren't comfortable giving your name out or you can put your name or whatever you feel to put in that box. If you disagree with me, thats awesome. I love that. Please speak your mind. That's why I have them open to everybody. I want to hear your feedback. It's important to me. It will help make this the best album review blog out there.
Speaking of feedback, in each review I have a section of what I listened to and what I listened it on. So far it has been on my EarPods but in the future I will get a better upgrade. I do this so you can know what to expect even more. To enhance this section, I will add a release date to each album. Some albums I will review before they are out, so this information will become more important. Thank you for the feedback on that.
Lastly, I want you to do one small favor. Please, please tell everybody you know about this blog. Anybody who is a music lover, a musician, a grandpa who can barely play talk radio...everybody. The bigger audience I have will only make your experience better. The more votes on the poll, the more comments on the reviews, etc. That will allow this family to grow. Share on Facebook, Twitter or any other social webpage you and your family/friends use. If you have a Google+ account, follow me there so you are up to date. If you don't have a Google+ account, be sure to bookmark this so every morning at 6 AM central (US) time, you can see new reviews before anybody else. With all of the sharing, commenting, following and bookmarking, you can make this The Blog to go to for album reviews. You folks are the best readers anybody could ask for and I can only do this with the help of you guys (and gals).
I can't thank you guys (and gals) enough for making this first week a huge success so far. It's reached more people and places than I had ever dreamed about. It started off as an idea with my buddies and I at a local Burger King. Thanks to you, it's now a reality.
Clint (A.K.A. AcousticBrotha)
Now, back to the music... :)
Including the translation button at the top of each new review, I made it easier so you can see the top reviews that you guys (and gals) along with many others have read. No sense in trying to figure out what day that one review was in the messy archive. If it was a popular review, it will be on this list.
I also added a fun poll you all can participate in. Each week will have a new question that you can vote on. Some will be non related questions while others will be to help make this the best album review bog on the internet. Don't be afraid to let your voice be heard and see how you compare to everybody else!
Each review has a place where you can comment. It's at the bottom of every review, right above the next one. It's open to anybody. You can choose anonymous if you aren't comfortable giving your name out or you can put your name or whatever you feel to put in that box. If you disagree with me, thats awesome. I love that. Please speak your mind. That's why I have them open to everybody. I want to hear your feedback. It's important to me. It will help make this the best album review blog out there.
Speaking of feedback, in each review I have a section of what I listened to and what I listened it on. So far it has been on my EarPods but in the future I will get a better upgrade. I do this so you can know what to expect even more. To enhance this section, I will add a release date to each album. Some albums I will review before they are out, so this information will become more important. Thank you for the feedback on that.
Lastly, I want you to do one small favor. Please, please tell everybody you know about this blog. Anybody who is a music lover, a musician, a grandpa who can barely play talk radio...everybody. The bigger audience I have will only make your experience better. The more votes on the poll, the more comments on the reviews, etc. That will allow this family to grow. Share on Facebook, Twitter or any other social webpage you and your family/friends use. If you have a Google+ account, follow me there so you are up to date. If you don't have a Google+ account, be sure to bookmark this so every morning at 6 AM central (US) time, you can see new reviews before anybody else. With all of the sharing, commenting, following and bookmarking, you can make this The Blog to go to for album reviews. You folks are the best readers anybody could ask for and I can only do this with the help of you guys (and gals).
I can't thank you guys (and gals) enough for making this first week a huge success so far. It's reached more people and places than I had ever dreamed about. It started off as an idea with my buddies and I at a local Burger King. Thanks to you, it's now a reality.
Clint (A.K.A. AcousticBrotha)
Now, back to the music... :)
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Brutally Honest Album Reviews: Phillip Phillips' Behind The Light
No, it's not a typo. The man who has the same name twice, almost, is back. If you're wondering, that is his actual name if you have never heard of him. If you have heard of him though, you now how big this guy has become. His new album is in for this new year. Titled "Behind The Light", it's looking to match or better the previous album. Is it Boring, O.K. or Brilliant? Here is the full review.
What I listened to: "Behind The Light (Deluxe)" By: Phillip Phillips
How did I listen to it: 320 kbps on Apple EarPods
Phillip Phillip's sound could be described, in my view, with a very close Mumford and Sons sound. What is that? Kick drums on the bass beat, acoustic guitar, some banjo and crazy long folky harmonies. That voice is similar, too. Just, minus the accent. If you were a big fan of Phillip's first album, you might be iffy about this one. Before, it was acoustic guitar driven. This album has less of that and a more electric guitar. It still has acoustic guitar but it is nothing to boast about.
The album starts off with the song "Searchlight". It leads into the second track, "Raging Fire". These two tracks are what you would expect with one of his albums. Then, "Trigger" kinda goes off beat a bit. It's a good song but this is where things start to become a little different. He shows off his singing ability but the song feels over done and is what you would expect from the other artists on the radio.
The fourth track, "Lead On" has the piano droning notes along with an orchestra sound. Lyrically it's good. It sounds as though he uses the auto tune a bit higher than normal when the song breaks down, though. Unless his voice that that strange thing naturally..I will leave you to be the judge of that.
"Alive Again" is one of those songs where he kinda grows his sound. The harmonies are fantastic. Kind of what you would expect him to do.
What I am finding at this point in the album is each song becomes this, grand anthem. Meaning an amazing chorus of vocals from something simple. Drum beats turn into this 'great thing'. It's great but it's the same problem I had with another review: it gets old and annoying/boring fast. Each song is starting to become like the one before it. At this point I'm seven songs in, and there isn't a slower tune that is acoustically driven. From his first album, we had a great song titled "Tell Me A Story". You find something like that around, maybe track eleven, a song titled "FACE". Ten tracks of nearly the same sounding songs is a lot. The first two-thirds of this album, sounds so bloated, 'big' and relatively the same.
"Fool For You" has big drums and electric guitars. Something that wasn't very common for him. "Thicket" is another over produced song. It's more rock. Heck, this whole album is more soft rock then anything. You will, however, still hear more acoustic guitar on this record than any country record today.
It's not a bad sound. He pulls it off...I'm just telling you, fans, beware that his sound has changed.
"Fly" is another one of those anthem songs. Starting from nothing to this grand 'big' sound.
Going back to "FACE", it's bluesy and acoustically driven all the way. His voice is great for this song, too. It makes me wish the album had more acoustic stuff like this one. Not necessarily bluesy but just more of what made him into who he is today. "FACE" is a great song. Best on the album, in my honest opinion.
The 'anthem' songs continue but after the change of pace from "FACE", it's welcomed. Titled "Midnight Sun", it's a good song. Writing is crafted nice, but the ever popular "Ohhhh-ohhh-ohhhhh's" are in this song as well. I wish people wouldn't resort to this level of creation. There are so many things you could do....such as.....not add them at all! Just a suggestion.
Now, if you had the original album or the regular album, this would be where your musical experience comes to an end. However, if you have the deluxe edition of this album, you have three more additional tracks. Those tracks include "My Boy", "Don't Trust Me" and "Armless Crawler".
"My Boy" is acoustic heavy and his voice is nothing but great here. You will enjoy this song. "Don't Trust Me" is a continuation of this new 'rock' sound he has going for this album. It reminds me of a song that could be played in an introduction to a James Bond movie.
"Armless Crawler" finishes the album on that new sound he has going. It's not that there is anything wrong with it, it's different. It makes me wonder where his next album will go. Will it continue to blend with everything else on the radio or will he start to be Phillip Phillips again?
So..........is this album Boring, O.K. or Brilliant?
Verdict: O.K.
To me, his latest album tried to go for a more contemporary sound. Something that you would find on the radio as opposed to something you find purely on a Philip Phillips album. This album became the project where his music grew and it is when his sound started to change. Some will like this new change in his music, others might feel iffy about it. He went from the more acoustic guitar driven material to an electric guitar, drums, big rock sound in this album. Will his next album do away with the acoustic guitar? Will he continue to grow into a more rock or soft rock driven artist? With an artist such as he, he should not be the one following the industry music sound. He should be creating the new industry sound. This album feels like it was heavily influenced by too many of such industry folks. See how repetitive the word industry got?
There were some songs that you expect to find on a Philip Phillips album, but the majority of the songs seemed to sound like everything else...for the exception of his voice.
If you like Philip Phillips give this album a shot. You may or may not like the direction he is going, but if you are a heavy fan I guess you're going to buy it anyways. I think I will pass on this one and wait for his next one.
What I listened to: "Behind The Light (Deluxe)" By: Phillip Phillips
How did I listen to it: 320 kbps on Apple EarPods
Phillip Phillip's sound could be described, in my view, with a very close Mumford and Sons sound. What is that? Kick drums on the bass beat, acoustic guitar, some banjo and crazy long folky harmonies. That voice is similar, too. Just, minus the accent. If you were a big fan of Phillip's first album, you might be iffy about this one. Before, it was acoustic guitar driven. This album has less of that and a more electric guitar. It still has acoustic guitar but it is nothing to boast about.
The album starts off with the song "Searchlight". It leads into the second track, "Raging Fire". These two tracks are what you would expect with one of his albums. Then, "Trigger" kinda goes off beat a bit. It's a good song but this is where things start to become a little different. He shows off his singing ability but the song feels over done and is what you would expect from the other artists on the radio.
The fourth track, "Lead On" has the piano droning notes along with an orchestra sound. Lyrically it's good. It sounds as though he uses the auto tune a bit higher than normal when the song breaks down, though. Unless his voice that that strange thing naturally..I will leave you to be the judge of that.
"Alive Again" is one of those songs where he kinda grows his sound. The harmonies are fantastic. Kind of what you would expect him to do.
What I am finding at this point in the album is each song becomes this, grand anthem. Meaning an amazing chorus of vocals from something simple. Drum beats turn into this 'great thing'. It's great but it's the same problem I had with another review: it gets old and annoying/boring fast. Each song is starting to become like the one before it. At this point I'm seven songs in, and there isn't a slower tune that is acoustically driven. From his first album, we had a great song titled "Tell Me A Story". You find something like that around, maybe track eleven, a song titled "FACE". Ten tracks of nearly the same sounding songs is a lot. The first two-thirds of this album, sounds so bloated, 'big' and relatively the same.
"Fool For You" has big drums and electric guitars. Something that wasn't very common for him. "Thicket" is another over produced song. It's more rock. Heck, this whole album is more soft rock then anything. You will, however, still hear more acoustic guitar on this record than any country record today.
It's not a bad sound. He pulls it off...I'm just telling you, fans, beware that his sound has changed.
"Fly" is another one of those anthem songs. Starting from nothing to this grand 'big' sound.
Going back to "FACE", it's bluesy and acoustically driven all the way. His voice is great for this song, too. It makes me wish the album had more acoustic stuff like this one. Not necessarily bluesy but just more of what made him into who he is today. "FACE" is a great song. Best on the album, in my honest opinion.
The 'anthem' songs continue but after the change of pace from "FACE", it's welcomed. Titled "Midnight Sun", it's a good song. Writing is crafted nice, but the ever popular "Ohhhh-ohhh-ohhhhh's" are in this song as well. I wish people wouldn't resort to this level of creation. There are so many things you could do....such as.....not add them at all! Just a suggestion.
Now, if you had the original album or the regular album, this would be where your musical experience comes to an end. However, if you have the deluxe edition of this album, you have three more additional tracks. Those tracks include "My Boy", "Don't Trust Me" and "Armless Crawler".
"My Boy" is acoustic heavy and his voice is nothing but great here. You will enjoy this song. "Don't Trust Me" is a continuation of this new 'rock' sound he has going for this album. It reminds me of a song that could be played in an introduction to a James Bond movie.
"Armless Crawler" finishes the album on that new sound he has going. It's not that there is anything wrong with it, it's different. It makes me wonder where his next album will go. Will it continue to blend with everything else on the radio or will he start to be Phillip Phillips again?
So..........is this album Boring, O.K. or Brilliant?
Verdict: O.K.
To me, his latest album tried to go for a more contemporary sound. Something that you would find on the radio as opposed to something you find purely on a Philip Phillips album. This album became the project where his music grew and it is when his sound started to change. Some will like this new change in his music, others might feel iffy about it. He went from the more acoustic guitar driven material to an electric guitar, drums, big rock sound in this album. Will his next album do away with the acoustic guitar? Will he continue to grow into a more rock or soft rock driven artist? With an artist such as he, he should not be the one following the industry music sound. He should be creating the new industry sound. This album feels like it was heavily influenced by too many of such industry folks. See how repetitive the word industry got?
There were some songs that you expect to find on a Philip Phillips album, but the majority of the songs seemed to sound like everything else...for the exception of his voice.
If you like Philip Phillips give this album a shot. You may or may not like the direction he is going, but if you are a heavy fan I guess you're going to buy it anyways. I think I will pass on this one and wait for his next one.
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Brutally Honest Album Reviews: Chromeo's White Women
It's World Wednesday, meaning I will review an album of a band or artist that is from around the world. The 80's are back with a new album from this Canadian Electrofunk band. Is it Boring, O.K. or Brilliant? Here is the full review.
What I listened to: "White Women" By: Chromeo
How did I listen to it: 320 kbps on Apple EarPods
"White Women" starts off with a catchy tune that is filled with electronic noises and body moving beats. Titled "Jealous (I ain't with you)" is a great way to introduce the listener to what they are about to hear. It's also one of the singles being pushed so if you have happened to hear of this song from these guys before, it becomes instantly familiar. It's vocals mixed with the music and instrument licks is nothing short of great.
The funk side is heavier in the third track, "Over You Shoulder". The synth pads mixed with musical scales that start super low and move up are fantastic. The bass line continues throughout the song and sounds fantastic. Anybody with a great stereo or set of headphones will be in ecstasy. The headphones I use manage to put out the music pretty well. The 320 kbps helps a lot, too.
"Sexy Socialite" is a fun song, along with the rest of this album. Being bass driven, you can't NOT feel the music. Now, being an electronic band, you might think, 'they will be using auto tune a lot and I'm really not one for that'. Yes, they use it a little, but not where one would be turned off by it. The music is music. By the way, there is cowbell in this song and its pretty awesome. Always takes me back to that SNL skit with Will Ferrell.
The album has a great duet with a singer named Solange. I don't know too much about her but I'm a huge fan of female singers. Her voice is perfect for this type of music. The drums begin to drive the song because the bass has been turned into spacey synth pads. Speaking of space, song fades out majestically as a Star Wars intro.
"Hard To Say" starts off with the voices matching the guitar line. Very cool. The attention to detail with each musical bar is incredible. When the singer starts to sing the notes longer leading up to the chorus, the longer synth pads come in. Its 'hard to say no' to what they have going on.
The album takes a slow turn with the piano for a minute or two but it kind of leads back into the next track "Old 45's". The writing is very unique and is a welcome change of pace from the rest of the album. The writing style fits this style of music unlike an earlier review of Keith Urban's country (I mean pop) record "Fuse". You can find it in the archive to the right.
"Frequent Flyer" is right out of the 80's. Their voices are played with a synth leading up to the chorus. It's fun because it's a different kind of auto tune! It features a mock Pilot's voice that is crazy and something not done today. The music continues with fantastic rhythms and voices that are filled with greatness.
The last song is titled "Fall Back 2U" and features orchestrated parts and a strangely mixed vocal line that sounds like a bad edit, but it matches the music and style so well, it goes from faulty to amazing. The song breaks it down and grows from nothing but synth pads to a saxophone solo. Yes a saxophone with an orchestrated background. The electronic auto tunes make it into a semi-Daft Punk song. Thats a great thing. This song is fantastic to the end. The 'future' sound of electronic mixed with the 'timeless' classical orchestra is great. The song/album fades with synths and clapping (ala-Michael Jackson style) and ends.
Wow. The music was so different from what is out there today. Being formed in 2002, they have 4 albums out. This one is destined to be one of those great albums of 2014. The members Dave 1 (David Macklovitch) and P-Thugg (Patrick Gemayel) Have a sound that is energetic, fun and crazy sometimes. The 80's are alive and well in this album but it's eyes are set on the future.
So..........is this album Boring, O.K. or Brilliant?
Verdict: Brilliant
I had so much fun listening to this record, I actually listen to it more than I should have for this review. Haha It is just, so brilliant. The stuff they do, the sounds they make, the licks that flow with each other…etc. Brilliant is what this album is, in my honest opinion. This album is something you can tell they put a lot of hard work into. You can hear the many hours in this art. It does what makes me fall in love with music all over again. Even if you are not a big fan of electronic music, give this album a try. The melodies in the baselines with the rest of the music is incredible. They only use auto tune for a little bit, but even at that, it is not what you would think. I haven't really heard it used in the way such as this. Maybe if I really look back at the music I've heard, I could probably find a couple instances but it is pure genius. Go check this album out. You will not be disappointed. I think I will listen to it, again.
"Sexy Socialite" is a fun song, along with the rest of this album. Being bass driven, you can't NOT feel the music. Now, being an electronic band, you might think, 'they will be using auto tune a lot and I'm really not one for that'. Yes, they use it a little, but not where one would be turned off by it. The music is music. By the way, there is cowbell in this song and its pretty awesome. Always takes me back to that SNL skit with Will Ferrell.
The album has a great duet with a singer named Solange. I don't know too much about her but I'm a huge fan of female singers. Her voice is perfect for this type of music. The drums begin to drive the song because the bass has been turned into spacey synth pads. Speaking of space, song fades out majestically as a Star Wars intro.
"Hard To Say" starts off with the voices matching the guitar line. Very cool. The attention to detail with each musical bar is incredible. When the singer starts to sing the notes longer leading up to the chorus, the longer synth pads come in. Its 'hard to say no' to what they have going on.
The album takes a slow turn with the piano for a minute or two but it kind of leads back into the next track "Old 45's". The writing is very unique and is a welcome change of pace from the rest of the album. The writing style fits this style of music unlike an earlier review of Keith Urban's country (I mean pop) record "Fuse". You can find it in the archive to the right.
"Frequent Flyer" is right out of the 80's. Their voices are played with a synth leading up to the chorus. It's fun because it's a different kind of auto tune! It features a mock Pilot's voice that is crazy and something not done today. The music continues with fantastic rhythms and voices that are filled with greatness.
The last song is titled "Fall Back 2U" and features orchestrated parts and a strangely mixed vocal line that sounds like a bad edit, but it matches the music and style so well, it goes from faulty to amazing. The song breaks it down and grows from nothing but synth pads to a saxophone solo. Yes a saxophone with an orchestrated background. The electronic auto tunes make it into a semi-Daft Punk song. Thats a great thing. This song is fantastic to the end. The 'future' sound of electronic mixed with the 'timeless' classical orchestra is great. The song/album fades with synths and clapping (ala-Michael Jackson style) and ends.
Wow. The music was so different from what is out there today. Being formed in 2002, they have 4 albums out. This one is destined to be one of those great albums of 2014. The members Dave 1 (David Macklovitch) and P-Thugg (Patrick Gemayel) Have a sound that is energetic, fun and crazy sometimes. The 80's are alive and well in this album but it's eyes are set on the future.
So..........is this album Boring, O.K. or Brilliant?
Verdict: Brilliant
I had so much fun listening to this record, I actually listen to it more than I should have for this review. Haha It is just, so brilliant. The stuff they do, the sounds they make, the licks that flow with each other…etc. Brilliant is what this album is, in my honest opinion. This album is something you can tell they put a lot of hard work into. You can hear the many hours in this art. It does what makes me fall in love with music all over again. Even if you are not a big fan of electronic music, give this album a try. The melodies in the baselines with the rest of the music is incredible. They only use auto tune for a little bit, but even at that, it is not what you would think. I haven't really heard it used in the way such as this. Maybe if I really look back at the music I've heard, I could probably find a couple instances but it is pure genius. Go check this album out. You will not be disappointed. I think I will listen to it, again.
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Brutally Honest Album Reviews: Dolly Parton's Blue Smoke
Ok, it's a few month's old but I didn't have a blog back when it was released. With an artist such as she, one cannot ignore her latest album "Blue Smoke". She is known throughout the world with the blonde who has big boobs but don't let that fool you. Her talent and voice are better than most of what's is played on radio today. How does Dolly's latest album stack up? Is it Boring, O.K. or Brilliant? Here is the full review.
What I listened to: "Blue Smoke" By: Dolly Parton
How did I listen to it: 320 kbps on Apple EarPods
This latest album doesn't hold out. When you hit play, a dobro into leads into an upbeat title track that will make you realize you've made a great purchase. If you haven't really listened to Dolly, you had to of heard of "Islands In The Stream" with Kenny Rogers way back in the 80's. Well, she not only does country but she does bluegrass and ones where it's just her and her guitar. This album pretty much has it all. It doesn't fail. The vocals that her and the backup/harmony singers sing, are great. The instrumentation in the title tack is filled with amazing talent. The only thing I found is that the first song never seems to end, even though it's relatively short.
"Unlikely Angel" is classic Dolly. The classic country with bluegrass sound makes it an instant classic. The lyrics are great and heartwarming.
I love the third cut "Don't Think Twice". It starts off with finger picking guitar and a harmonica. A dobro slides in right before she starts to sing. It reminds me of something you'd hear sitting by a campfire on a perfect summer night. A Huckleberry Finn kind of introduction. When the band comes in, fiddle fills the first verse. It's a happy song, musically, but is a sad song, lyrically. Country music used to be this good. It is my favorite cut on the record by far.
The album continues with a stellar duet with Kenny Rogers. "You Can't Make Old Friends" is kind of fitting for two old friends. The writing is great and I don't think anybody could have done this song other than these two. The chemistry is there, just as it was back in the 80's. Modern country can't and won't capture the feeling within this song. It's an instant classic.
While today's country is filled with a different sound than what Dolly is normally known for, she has to have a modern sound to be able to compete with what is being played. You know, though, she has a fiddle as an instrument that has a pretty prominent part. "Home" has writing that is uplifting and makes you feel good, plus its a catchy tune. Reminds me of something from the early 2000's. That's a good thing.
"Banks of the Ohio" is a new take on a traditional bluegrass song. It has the melody of the original but it has new lines that show both sides of the killer ballad. Pun intended.
"Miss You-Miss Me" is beautiful song. The acoustic guitar ringing sounds clear as a bell. The sad lyrics would bring a tear to a glass eye. The mandolin tremelos give a somber tone not heard in today's country music.
"If I Had Wings" reminds me of the classic "Wayfaring Stranger". The album continues to a lighter note in "Lover du Jour". Reminds me of the "9-to-5" days. It's a genously written song that even english speakers will understand and chuckle a bit.
Kenny Rogers' duet isn't the only duet on here. Willie Nelson joins this album in a great song titled "From Here to the Moon and Back". This song is country. Willie's reconizeable voice is just as good as it was all those years ago. Paired with Dolly, it's one of the better duets in modern music. Another fantastic cut.
The last song is an uplifting song called "Try". I wish more modern country artists would just 'try a little harder' to make good music again. This album ends on such a high note that, as soon as it comes to end, you'll say a quick prayer and thank God for the blessings you have. You feel happiness and good inside of you. It's typical Dolly and, as always, its a great thing.
So..........is this album Boring, O.K. or Brilliant?
Verdict: Brilliant
Listen to that modern country artists? This album was the sound of great music. People still know who Dolly is because of the legacy she has from the music she put out. She stayed true to her roots and she will be known long after she's gone because of it. This album continues to support this legacy. The lyrics in each song are from the heart, as with the melodies. The sad fiddle, happy harmonica and pretty guitar are all still relevant..you just have to know where to look. It's not the most amazing album out there, so it's on the lower half of brilliant but for bluegrass fans, this album is for you. For country fans, this album is for you. For just plain music fans, this album is for you. Give it a "Try". You will be glad you did.
What I listened to: "Blue Smoke" By: Dolly Parton
How did I listen to it: 320 kbps on Apple EarPods
This latest album doesn't hold out. When you hit play, a dobro into leads into an upbeat title track that will make you realize you've made a great purchase. If you haven't really listened to Dolly, you had to of heard of "Islands In The Stream" with Kenny Rogers way back in the 80's. Well, she not only does country but she does bluegrass and ones where it's just her and her guitar. This album pretty much has it all. It doesn't fail. The vocals that her and the backup/harmony singers sing, are great. The instrumentation in the title tack is filled with amazing talent. The only thing I found is that the first song never seems to end, even though it's relatively short.
"Unlikely Angel" is classic Dolly. The classic country with bluegrass sound makes it an instant classic. The lyrics are great and heartwarming.
I love the third cut "Don't Think Twice". It starts off with finger picking guitar and a harmonica. A dobro slides in right before she starts to sing. It reminds me of something you'd hear sitting by a campfire on a perfect summer night. A Huckleberry Finn kind of introduction. When the band comes in, fiddle fills the first verse. It's a happy song, musically, but is a sad song, lyrically. Country music used to be this good. It is my favorite cut on the record by far.
The album continues with a stellar duet with Kenny Rogers. "You Can't Make Old Friends" is kind of fitting for two old friends. The writing is great and I don't think anybody could have done this song other than these two. The chemistry is there, just as it was back in the 80's. Modern country can't and won't capture the feeling within this song. It's an instant classic.
While today's country is filled with a different sound than what Dolly is normally known for, she has to have a modern sound to be able to compete with what is being played. You know, though, she has a fiddle as an instrument that has a pretty prominent part. "Home" has writing that is uplifting and makes you feel good, plus its a catchy tune. Reminds me of something from the early 2000's. That's a good thing.
"Banks of the Ohio" is a new take on a traditional bluegrass song. It has the melody of the original but it has new lines that show both sides of the killer ballad. Pun intended.
"Miss You-Miss Me" is beautiful song. The acoustic guitar ringing sounds clear as a bell. The sad lyrics would bring a tear to a glass eye. The mandolin tremelos give a somber tone not heard in today's country music.
"If I Had Wings" reminds me of the classic "Wayfaring Stranger". The album continues to a lighter note in "Lover du Jour". Reminds me of the "9-to-5" days. It's a genously written song that even english speakers will understand and chuckle a bit.
Kenny Rogers' duet isn't the only duet on here. Willie Nelson joins this album in a great song titled "From Here to the Moon and Back". This song is country. Willie's reconizeable voice is just as good as it was all those years ago. Paired with Dolly, it's one of the better duets in modern music. Another fantastic cut.
The last song is an uplifting song called "Try". I wish more modern country artists would just 'try a little harder' to make good music again. This album ends on such a high note that, as soon as it comes to end, you'll say a quick prayer and thank God for the blessings you have. You feel happiness and good inside of you. It's typical Dolly and, as always, its a great thing.
So..........is this album Boring, O.K. or Brilliant?
Verdict: Brilliant
Listen to that modern country artists? This album was the sound of great music. People still know who Dolly is because of the legacy she has from the music she put out. She stayed true to her roots and she will be known long after she's gone because of it. This album continues to support this legacy. The lyrics in each song are from the heart, as with the melodies. The sad fiddle, happy harmonica and pretty guitar are all still relevant..you just have to know where to look. It's not the most amazing album out there, so it's on the lower half of brilliant but for bluegrass fans, this album is for you. For country fans, this album is for you. For just plain music fans, this album is for you. Give it a "Try". You will be glad you did.
Monday, May 19, 2014
Brutally Honest Album Reviews: Keith Urban's Fuse
Keith Urban has become the blue eyed sex appeal of country music. His newest album "Fuse" just got a Deluxe Edition release. He has touched our hearts with his heavy lyric driven singer songwriter ballads and with his energetic guitar solos. Will the album be worthy enough for your musical library? Will it be Boring, O.K. or Brilliant? Here is the full review.
What I listened to: "Fuse (Deluxe Edition)" By: Keith Urban
How did I listen to it: 320 Kbps on Apple EarPods
Usually in a review, for pretty much anything, the writer tries to leave you guessing with what he will think about it to the end. Not here. We are Brutally Honest. This album is below Boring.
Country music. What has happened? I can understand a few songs that cross over to a different genre for "business" reasons but this is insane. I'll say it here: having a banjo in your music doesn't make it country music. The intro to the album starts off with a banjo sounding instrument. Then, the drums kick in. If they are even real. They sound digital. Since when did anybody ever do this except in rap and pop?
No this isn't one of those, "well if Hank Williams did it that way, everybody should do it that way" kind of review. I'm all for experimenting in music but when you change a genre, it's not longer experimenting. You have gone totally for that way.
This album is not country. So, I will review this as a Pop record.
So far it pretty much blows. Maybe the next few songs will get better...?
Let's go to track four titled "Shame". Yup. Sums up what I feel when I listen to this album.
"Good Thing"...nope. Generic lyrics that talk about tailgates and trucks. It has made it's way to this record because it's the 'cool thing to do' in modern country music. But since it's a pop record, talking about trucks aren't cool. Unless you're Florida Georgia Line and you roll windows down. This song doesn't include stuff about that but it's summing what I feel about it so far.
There is a duet with Miranda Lambert...but fails to really capture emotion. I listen to it and all I think of is....Bleh...
Let's fast forward to the song "Red Camaro". They lyrics feel rushed...although, the banjo loop did sound pretty cool with the faux drums. But it just didn't gel with his voice in the mix. Sounded like a poor man's attempt at pop. Oh wait...
At least he's not singing about trucks at this point.
There is a song featuring Eric Church. Probably the only good song on this album. Because it's used with actual musical instruments. It never goes anywhere too 'epic' but it's style is an anthem for the good things in life. Hence the name "Raise 'Em Up". It's the best song on this record and it doesn't deserve to be on a record such as this.
Now since this is a deluxe edition, I do have to say that it includes three new songs: "Black Leather Jacket", "Gonna B Good" and "Lucky Charm".
"Lucky Charm" is about how a girl is his lucky charm. Taking him from the dark side to where he is now. In the light.
It's more of the sounds we have been used to but there's still that 'pop' sound to it.
That's all I want to say about that. I made myself listen to the whole thing, not once, not twice but three (3) times. Just like I do with all of my reviews. Ok...
Verdict: Boring.
I never thought Keith would stoop to a musical level such as this. The heartfelt songs, the beautiful melodies, the 'music' seemed lost with this album. It honestly feels like they decided to make an album that would attempt to cross over and in the process I am certain he lost fans other than myself. It was a country artist attempting to pull off mainstream pop by using cheesy country lyrics. Last time I checked pop artists don't sing about pick-up trucks. The drinking part, now that's a bit different in some cases.
Don't pick this up. This sound should not be encouraged. It doesn't matter if it's not the way Hank or George or Akon or Usher did it. The fact is that there isn't much substance here. No hit. No heartfelt acoustic guitar melodies...I missed that in this album.
He "Fuse"-d a crappy record. Then added three more songs. Sometimes it's best to go back to where you began and try to forget this whole thing ever happened.
Don't buy this album.
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Brutally Honest Album Reviews: Michael W. Smith's Sovereign
It's Sunday, so it's gospel/religious review day!
Michael W. Smith and Christian music go together like peanut butter and jelly. They just fit. Peanut butter and jelly are very tasty..how about his latest album "Sovereign"? Will it give you that same warm fuzzy feeling? Will it be Boring, O.K. or Brilliant? Here is the full review.
What I listened to: "Sovereign" By: Michael W. Smith
How did I listen to it: 320 kbps on Apple Earpods
In today's music world, the radio stations available to us have boomed since the release of apps on smart phones and the Internet and such. One genre that has still remained strong is the Contemporary Christian Rock and artists of it today. And if you have happened to seek passed it in your car, listen in on your computer or if you are a big fan of that genre, you have most likely heard of Michael W. Smith. His music not only inspires whenever you are in a bad mood or feeling down but you can count on the messages that he portrays to help lift you up. This album does just that, again.
First of all, look at the cover. Simple and filled with sophistication. Just a guy sitting on a chair. He is in front of a blank canvas and you can see him smiling off into the distance. The square slightly smaller than the border create a perfect picture frame that, like I said, is simple. There is no fancy CGI or crazy patterns and designs. Just simple.
He starts off the album with the song titled "You Won't Let Go". It begins with some piano. Very beautiful. It begins to signify God's light is stronger than any darkness. The chorus comes in with Michael and some additional voices and more instrumentaion. Very well done. A great opener to album. The "Ohhh-Oh-Oh-Oh's'" you hear bring in a solid drum beat that makes you bob your head. Great opening song. You can listen to this while looking at that awesome cover art and smile just as Michael is doing.
As smoothly as the album started off, it's no sloutch. The second song titled "Heaven Come Down" gets right into the action. A loud chorus of people erupt from your speakers.
"Sky Spills Over" is a different tone for this album. It starts off with some unique instrumentation. Michael's voice is solid and once again we hear more "Oh-Oh-Oh-Ohhh's". Gives a cool flow to the album.
"You Are The Fire" is a great tune, but the drum beats are getting kind of repetitive at this moment. Only a few songs have kind of differed but not very much..and there's more "Oh-Oh-Ohhhh's". Ok Michael..we get the point lol
I guess the title track (it just has it's name in it) called, "Sovereign Over Us" is an ok track. The next song, though, is where the album takes a surprising turn from being sounding the same to changing it up a bit. Every song still has this grand-ness too it though. It builds up from nothing into something with tons of vocals and good guitar solos. The song titled "Hide Myself" is the start of this welcoming change of pace.
He starts off the album with the song titled "You Won't Let Go". It begins with some piano. Very beautiful. It begins to signify God's light is stronger than any darkness. The chorus comes in with Michael and some additional voices and more instrumentaion. Very well done. A great opener to album. The "Ohhh-Oh-Oh-Oh's'" you hear bring in a solid drum beat that makes you bob your head. Great opening song. You can listen to this while looking at that awesome cover art and smile just as Michael is doing.
As smoothly as the album started off, it's no sloutch. The second song titled "Heaven Come Down" gets right into the action. A loud chorus of people erupt from your speakers.
"Sky Spills Over" is a different tone for this album. It starts off with some unique instrumentation. Michael's voice is solid and once again we hear more "Oh-Oh-Oh-Ohhh's". Gives a cool flow to the album.
"You Are The Fire" is a great tune, but the drum beats are getting kind of repetitive at this moment. Only a few songs have kind of differed but not very much..and there's more "Oh-Oh-Ohhhh's". Ok Michael..we get the point lol
I guess the title track (it just has it's name in it) called, "Sovereign Over Us" is an ok track. The next song, though, is where the album takes a surprising turn from being sounding the same to changing it up a bit. Every song still has this grand-ness too it though. It builds up from nothing into something with tons of vocals and good guitar solos. The song titled "Hide Myself" is the start of this welcoming change of pace.
The song that makes the album, in my opinion, is the last song. It's called "That One That Really Matters". It's a duet featuring a female artist named Kari Jobe. I haven't really looked into her but her vocals mixed with Michael's is a refreshing blend. This end the album on an extremely high note. Still, though, most of the songs are somewhat the same and for the exception of Michael's voice, it's nothing you wouldn't hear on another contemporary Christian album.
So..........is this album Boring, O.K or Brilliant?
Verdict: O.K.
The album is on the better side of O.K. but for most of the CD the songs sound relatively the same. It wasn't boring because of the grand sound they each had. It was just a bit repetitive. I wish he could've done more with the rhythms and overall themes of each song. If you're a big fan of his music or a newcomer, you really can't go wrong with Michael W. Smith. His music is covered by pretty much every contemporary/modern church band and what not and it's no surprise why.
You will most likely enjoy this album. But I'm warning you, it might get repetitive for you. When you're feeling down, you will be uplifted without a doubt.
Saturday, May 17, 2014
Brutally Honest Album Reviews: Hunter Hayes' Storyline
Hunter's first album drew him big success. Fast Forward to 2014 and you have a second album that is hoping to get him to even bigger heights. Is his new album Boring, O.K. or Brilliant? Here is the full review.
What I listened to: "Storyline" By: Hunter Hayes
How did I listen to it: 320 kbps on Apple Earpods
Today's country music: you can love it or leave it alone. I usually tend to leave it alone. It sucks. Today's country music is one of, if not the most, listened to genre pretty much all over. When something that big starts to fail, it can bring a whole industry down. Fun Fact: Music sales were down for the first time in almost 15 years. When you have any crappy product, it will fail.
Finding an actual country artist today is next to impossible. Every once in a while you come across people who come close in terms of the country rhythm and beats. In other words: anything played on country radio stations the year 1999 and earlier.
I said though, every once in a while you come across people who come close. Hunter starts off with a killer country song. Heck, the second which happens to be the title track could (it's a big could) be considered a country song. It even includes a split mandolin and dobro break!
The awesomeness continues into the third song, "Still Fallin". The finger style acoustic guitar along with a quiet melodic electric guitar in the background make the scenery for a beautiful tune. You can expect every guy who plays guitar to learn this song for his significant other. It's a fantastic tune.
Aanndddd since it is 2014, country music can't be too familiar with its genre."Tattoo" breaks into the modern country sound from likes of pretty much anybody you hear on the radio nowadays. It's ok. Just not my cup of tea.
"You Think You Know Somebody" has a trick up it's sleeve. Probably because the song wasn't anything to brag about otherwise.
"When Did You Stop Loving Me" starts off with I guess an accordion (?) then what sounds like resonator guitar comes in. Something you don't hear too often on other 'country' albums. A +1 on their part. Hunter's vocal emotion comes into play pretty well, here, too. You can believe he's asking a question to an actual woman. The guitar solo breaks into something classic rock-like. Didn't really fit the song at first, but then the track splits into a guitar jam session.
The album ends with song that will be a crowd favorite because of its simple 3-note lick that is reoccurring throughout the song. Something Taylor Swift-y. Great on a business level. She got crazy rich by having simple stuff like that in her songs. I can see that other artists want to have a slice of it.
Maybe it's because I'm a fiddle player but I remember the days when the fiddle was a main instrument you actually heard. That transitioned into kinda blending a lick here and there and now you don't hear it at all. This album is another one that seems to disregard the lonely, depressing sound that comes only from a fiddle. This just makes it another album in my opinion. It doesn't really sound different from everything else in today's country music.
It starts off strong by actually putting out some country songs, but it goes downhill from there. Let's say Snoop Dogg put out a new album that has a swing beat to it, a dog house bass (no pun intended), along with a fiddle and he actually sang melodies in a song with an acoustic guitar. Would that be still considered rap music because Snoop Dogg is the artist? That would not be rap folks. That would be rockabilly music. Tim McGraw used to do country music with a fiddle and that typical country beat. If you listen to his stuff now, it sounds nothing like he used to. Does that make him a country music artist? Just because he still wears a cowboy hat? No. Today's country music is nothing more than heavy southern rock. There is no more country music in the mainstream radio. Which is a shame.
This album started off great but it quickly became choked by the current business model that is killing the industry. Catchy melodies, catchy lyrical hooks and some kind of "na-na-na-na" thing that is stupid, to be honest.
So..........is this album Boring, O.K. or Brilliant?
The Verdict: O.K.
Like I said before, pretty much everything you hear on this album can be heard on every other country album released today. There is nothing here that will make genre grow or make people listen to Hunter 50 years from now. Country music, being one of the older genres, has a long history of legends. There are no more legends being made in today's country music. The large majority of this album fell into the long list of ok stuff that could be put on the radio. The first few songs will be hits that could make it onto a modern day mix tape. They really take this album out of Boring status.
If you want to pick this up, you can go to your local music retailer and buy it. Or you can just buy the first three songs off of iTunes or something because those are the only songs worth listening to.
If you enjoyed Hunter's first album, or a fan of today's country, you will really enjoy what he has done in this new project. If you are a fan of traditional or something relatively close to country music, this is yet another album to pass on.
What I listened to: "Storyline" By: Hunter Hayes
How did I listen to it: 320 kbps on Apple Earpods
Today's country music: you can love it or leave it alone. I usually tend to leave it alone. It sucks. Today's country music is one of, if not the most, listened to genre pretty much all over. When something that big starts to fail, it can bring a whole industry down. Fun Fact: Music sales were down for the first time in almost 15 years. When you have any crappy product, it will fail.
Finding an actual country artist today is next to impossible. Every once in a while you come across people who come close in terms of the country rhythm and beats. In other words: anything played on country radio stations the year 1999 and earlier.
I said though, every once in a while you come across people who come close. Hunter starts off with a killer country song. Heck, the second which happens to be the title track could (it's a big could) be considered a country song. It even includes a split mandolin and dobro break!
The awesomeness continues into the third song, "Still Fallin". The finger style acoustic guitar along with a quiet melodic electric guitar in the background make the scenery for a beautiful tune. You can expect every guy who plays guitar to learn this song for his significant other. It's a fantastic tune.
Aanndddd since it is 2014, country music can't be too familiar with its genre."Tattoo" breaks into the modern country sound from likes of pretty much anybody you hear on the radio nowadays. It's ok. Just not my cup of tea.
"You Think You Know Somebody" has a trick up it's sleeve. Probably because the song wasn't anything to brag about otherwise.
"When Did You Stop Loving Me" starts off with I guess an accordion (?) then what sounds like resonator guitar comes in. Something you don't hear too often on other 'country' albums. A +1 on their part. Hunter's vocal emotion comes into play pretty well, here, too. You can believe he's asking a question to an actual woman. The guitar solo breaks into something classic rock-like. Didn't really fit the song at first, but then the track splits into a guitar jam session.
The album ends with song that will be a crowd favorite because of its simple 3-note lick that is reoccurring throughout the song. Something Taylor Swift-y. Great on a business level. She got crazy rich by having simple stuff like that in her songs. I can see that other artists want to have a slice of it.
Maybe it's because I'm a fiddle player but I remember the days when the fiddle was a main instrument you actually heard. That transitioned into kinda blending a lick here and there and now you don't hear it at all. This album is another one that seems to disregard the lonely, depressing sound that comes only from a fiddle. This just makes it another album in my opinion. It doesn't really sound different from everything else in today's country music.
It starts off strong by actually putting out some country songs, but it goes downhill from there. Let's say Snoop Dogg put out a new album that has a swing beat to it, a dog house bass (no pun intended), along with a fiddle and he actually sang melodies in a song with an acoustic guitar. Would that be still considered rap music because Snoop Dogg is the artist? That would not be rap folks. That would be rockabilly music. Tim McGraw used to do country music with a fiddle and that typical country beat. If you listen to his stuff now, it sounds nothing like he used to. Does that make him a country music artist? Just because he still wears a cowboy hat? No. Today's country music is nothing more than heavy southern rock. There is no more country music in the mainstream radio. Which is a shame.
This album started off great but it quickly became choked by the current business model that is killing the industry. Catchy melodies, catchy lyrical hooks and some kind of "na-na-na-na" thing that is stupid, to be honest.
So..........is this album Boring, O.K. or Brilliant?
The Verdict: O.K.
Like I said before, pretty much everything you hear on this album can be heard on every other country album released today. There is nothing here that will make genre grow or make people listen to Hunter 50 years from now. Country music, being one of the older genres, has a long history of legends. There are no more legends being made in today's country music. The large majority of this album fell into the long list of ok stuff that could be put on the radio. The first few songs will be hits that could make it onto a modern day mix tape. They really take this album out of Boring status.
If you want to pick this up, you can go to your local music retailer and buy it. Or you can just buy the first three songs off of iTunes or something because those are the only songs worth listening to.
If you enjoyed Hunter's first album, or a fan of today's country, you will really enjoy what he has done in this new project. If you are a fan of traditional or something relatively close to country music, this is yet another album to pass on.
Friday, May 16, 2014
Brutally Honest Album Reviews: Coldplay's Ghost Stories
Coldplay's newest album has had so much hype lately. I'm sure I wasn't the only wanting more after 2011's Mylo Xyloto. So, is it Boring, O.K. or Brilliant? Here is the full review.
What I listened to: "Ghost Stories" By: Coldplay
How did I listen to it: Streaming over iTunes Radio First Play (256 kbps?) on Apple Earpods
Yes, it is hard to believe it has been since late 2011 when we last got a Coldplay album. Time has flown, though because it is coming to a store near you within the next week (of writing). Their last project was pretty ambitious, but this one goes for a more subtle tone. This is the first time their music has truly grown away from a "traditional" Coldplay sound. "Traditional" meaning more of that soft rock kind of sound, with a flavoring of something truly unique. This album is still unique...it just may not be what you were hoping for.
It starts off with a song titled "Always In My Head". However, it fails to always be in my head. It's soft rock flavoring is very slow and smooth but it fails to be a powerful track I think they were hoping for. Like every first track on album it is almost like an awkward interview. It is a first impression that will give you a taste of the whole album. In that perspective, they pick a good one to start off with. Very slow and smooth is something you will hear quite a lot in this album.
Like in the interview after the first question, things begin to start a little bit easier. The bass line in the single "Magic" starts to be a light of hope. The song is catchy and the layers of the instrumentation that they used is really good. The chords, the melody, the vocals....basically this song is great. The 'pop-y-ness' that has been making a few old fans upset, is quite good in my opinion.
The "interview" seems to get better with the third song "Ink". It's catchy and a little more up beat...but it still seems like a sleeper. Music isn't bad or anything, just very sleepy sounding. I can picture one falling to sleep as they sing the high "di-di-di-di-doo" at the end.
The album continues with more sleepy sounding music....pretty much till the end.
Honestly, I fell asleep the first few times I listened to it. It's easy music to do that with. It's not bad music, it's just the whole album has that "sound". Very depressing, actually.
Sleeeeeeeppppyyyyyyyy........
Really, where is the epic drums like "Viva la Vida"? Or the exciting sound like "Hurts Like Heaven"? Here's the thing, though Coldplay never really had that exciting sound. Yet this one, seems to be the sleepiest.
If you like Coldplay, this album should be considered as the first album to really take that sound that they have to the next level. With this album, their music is maturing to a more contemporary sound.
There really isn't much to say with this album. The fact is, Coldplay is one of those groups that will go down in history as one of those great bands. And they should. It is like, think about rock and roll if there was no Elvis. Think about country music without George Jones. Think of what folk music would be without James Taylor. Coldplay is one of those bands that came about with their awesome vocals, inspiring melodies and chords and best of all, they really seem like great people.
Every band has their one album that is kind of that in-between album. It's like that awkward middle child. It's not the oldest and wisest, it's not the youngest and energetic..it is just kind of, there. (Nothing against middle children lol)
It does leave me with one feeling though: I want more Coldplay. This album really didn't give me what I was hoping for.
Maybe it was a plan? Maybe they did this album on purpose? To leave people wanting more..
So..........is this album Boring, O.K. or Brilliant?
The Verdict: Boring.
For people who really love Coldplay, you will find that this album has grown from the traditional Coldplay sound. It is the first one to really have a true pop kind of feel. I really don't mind it but since we are being honest, they kinda started going to a more pop kind of sound over the past couple of albums. This one just seems to really look over that edge a bit more.
Honestly, though, I did fall asleep to it a few times. It wasn't late at night either. It was during the day. I cannot really recommend this album unless you have trouble sleeping. It is fantastic to fall asleep to.
If you buy or listen to any of the songs, you have pretty much heard the entire album. Sad, but Brutally Honest.
Having said that, I cannot wait for a follow up album. Only because "Ghost Stories" was not what I was hoping for. I hope they do a follow up album...I hope they do it soon.
What I listened to: "Ghost Stories" By: Coldplay
How did I listen to it: Streaming over iTunes Radio First Play (256 kbps?) on Apple Earpods
Yes, it is hard to believe it has been since late 2011 when we last got a Coldplay album. Time has flown, though because it is coming to a store near you within the next week (of writing). Their last project was pretty ambitious, but this one goes for a more subtle tone. This is the first time their music has truly grown away from a "traditional" Coldplay sound. "Traditional" meaning more of that soft rock kind of sound, with a flavoring of something truly unique. This album is still unique...it just may not be what you were hoping for.
It starts off with a song titled "Always In My Head". However, it fails to always be in my head. It's soft rock flavoring is very slow and smooth but it fails to be a powerful track I think they were hoping for. Like every first track on album it is almost like an awkward interview. It is a first impression that will give you a taste of the whole album. In that perspective, they pick a good one to start off with. Very slow and smooth is something you will hear quite a lot in this album.
Like in the interview after the first question, things begin to start a little bit easier. The bass line in the single "Magic" starts to be a light of hope. The song is catchy and the layers of the instrumentation that they used is really good. The chords, the melody, the vocals....basically this song is great. The 'pop-y-ness' that has been making a few old fans upset, is quite good in my opinion.
The "interview" seems to get better with the third song "Ink". It's catchy and a little more up beat...but it still seems like a sleeper. Music isn't bad or anything, just very sleepy sounding. I can picture one falling to sleep as they sing the high "di-di-di-di-doo" at the end.
The album continues with more sleepy sounding music....pretty much till the end.
Honestly, I fell asleep the first few times I listened to it. It's easy music to do that with. It's not bad music, it's just the whole album has that "sound". Very depressing, actually.
Sleeeeeeeppppyyyyyyyy........
Really, where is the epic drums like "Viva la Vida"? Or the exciting sound like "Hurts Like Heaven"? Here's the thing, though Coldplay never really had that exciting sound. Yet this one, seems to be the sleepiest.
If you like Coldplay, this album should be considered as the first album to really take that sound that they have to the next level. With this album, their music is maturing to a more contemporary sound.
There really isn't much to say with this album. The fact is, Coldplay is one of those groups that will go down in history as one of those great bands. And they should. It is like, think about rock and roll if there was no Elvis. Think about country music without George Jones. Think of what folk music would be without James Taylor. Coldplay is one of those bands that came about with their awesome vocals, inspiring melodies and chords and best of all, they really seem like great people.
Every band has their one album that is kind of that in-between album. It's like that awkward middle child. It's not the oldest and wisest, it's not the youngest and energetic..it is just kind of, there. (Nothing against middle children lol)
It does leave me with one feeling though: I want more Coldplay. This album really didn't give me what I was hoping for.
Maybe it was a plan? Maybe they did this album on purpose? To leave people wanting more..
So..........is this album Boring, O.K. or Brilliant?
The Verdict: Boring.
For people who really love Coldplay, you will find that this album has grown from the traditional Coldplay sound. It is the first one to really have a true pop kind of feel. I really don't mind it but since we are being honest, they kinda started going to a more pop kind of sound over the past couple of albums. This one just seems to really look over that edge a bit more.
Honestly, though, I did fall asleep to it a few times. It wasn't late at night either. It was during the day. I cannot really recommend this album unless you have trouble sleeping. It is fantastic to fall asleep to.
If you buy or listen to any of the songs, you have pretty much heard the entire album. Sad, but Brutally Honest.
Having said that, I cannot wait for a follow up album. Only because "Ghost Stories" was not what I was hoping for. I hope they do a follow up album...I hope they do it soon.
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Brutally Honest Album Reviews: Michael Jackson's XSCAPE
Michael Jackson has had incredible popularity since he was a kid. So how does his latest album titled "XSCAPE" Match up? Is it Boring, O.K. or Brilliant? Here is the full review.
What I listened to: "XSCAPE (Deluxe Edition) By: Micheal Jackson"
How did I listen to it: 320 kbps on Apple Earpods
No, Michael Jackson has not come back from the dead. This album is a set of unreleased material from his past. It features songs that haven't been heard to the general public. So, I have to question this album a couple of different ways. Since it is unreleased material, one has to figure out a timeframe for the songs. When where they recorded? If you are a big fan of his "Bad" or "Thriller" days, the 80's are calling your name. It is now 2014 and so called pop music, along with many other genres, has changed. His music has to as well.
With the use of computers and semi realistic instrumentation, musicians and studio amateurs can make great sounding music. Even if you are making an album in your mother's basement, you can have a song that sounds like a number one hit. For most situations it is a good thing. For others, this can lead to a falsifying sound one could never duplicate live due to lack of actual talent. Even though this album will never be performed live, the talent within is not lacking.
This album starts off with a very smooth "Love Never Felt So Good'. With different rhythm patterns and Michael's fantastic voice along with some slight piano playing in the background, it is one of the best opening tracks I have ever heard. It really sets the mood for what you, the listener, are about to experience.
"Loving You" is full of emotion and space-y vocals. The high notes spun around the bass with that strange tennis ball bang noise make it sound slightly like everything from 2010. A good mix, I just wish they added a few different sounds to it.
One of the very first unreleased songs was leaked onto the Internet shortly after his death was very similar to a hit song titled "A Horse With No Name" by the band America. After many years of hearing the few seconds on YouTube, it was very exciting to finally hear it on this record. It is called "A Place With No Name". Both the modern and original versions were plain awesome and did not disappoint at all. This is the finest blend of classic and modern pop.
The list of unreleased songs come to an end with the title track "Xscape". This song is quite intense. The rhythms with the electric guitar mixed with the offbeat horns make your shoulders, feet or anything else move to the beat.
Now, I listened to the Deluxe Edition and that includes eight tracks of Michael's original cuts. Nine versions of those cuts were modernized including a cut where Michael is joined by the ever talented Justin Timberlake.
So that takes me to my original question: what is the timeframe for the songs on this album? How should a person review this album?
Since Michael isn't here to give us his input on it, we have to look at pop music as it is today for half the review. Is this a good modern pop record?
The answer: yes.
The album had many different people working on it and the sounds that you hear coming through the speakers are relevant to any pop song you would hear on the radio. With people who are arguably the industries' best, this is far better than anything you will hear on radio. That, is unfortunate.
Like I said, however, Michael isn't here to give us his input on it. If you listen to the original recordings on the second half of the album, it is still good music. He does things that you would not hear on today's pop music but that is ok. It brings Michael back to a time where he first made it really big. You know, before the movie "Free Willy". Any classic Micheal Jackson fan will fall in love with this. It does make me question though: in the redone versions, is that weird tennis ball sound something Michael would have wanted? Is this how he envisioned the future of these songs?
The original versions definitely needed the help and I say with the direction that the genre is going, this is the best pop record in quite a while. The days where talent is a hard thing to come by, this album demonstrates why he is called the 'King of Pop'.
Even the original cuts, which are kind of going back to that 80s era that made him big, blend well making this album an instant classic.
So..........is this album Boring, O.K. or Brilliant?
The Verdict: Brilliant.
For hard-core fans, the original tracks will make you reminisce about the days he was alive. The talent that was in this guy's body, is no match for a majority of what is heard on the radio. It is shown with the original and the modern cuts. This album sounds like a Michael Jackson album. That alone is nothing short of great.
The modernized versions, are nothing but the best in today's pop music. The people who worked behind them have, in my opinion, done an amazing job.
Go buy this on iTunes or at your local music retailer right away. I do recommend, though, that you buy the deluxe version.
For new fans, there's never a time too late to start listening to King of Pop. At least give it a shot. You will not be disappointed.
What I listened to: "XSCAPE (Deluxe Edition) By: Micheal Jackson"
How did I listen to it: 320 kbps on Apple Earpods
No, Michael Jackson has not come back from the dead. This album is a set of unreleased material from his past. It features songs that haven't been heard to the general public. So, I have to question this album a couple of different ways. Since it is unreleased material, one has to figure out a timeframe for the songs. When where they recorded? If you are a big fan of his "Bad" or "Thriller" days, the 80's are calling your name. It is now 2014 and so called pop music, along with many other genres, has changed. His music has to as well.
With the use of computers and semi realistic instrumentation, musicians and studio amateurs can make great sounding music. Even if you are making an album in your mother's basement, you can have a song that sounds like a number one hit. For most situations it is a good thing. For others, this can lead to a falsifying sound one could never duplicate live due to lack of actual talent. Even though this album will never be performed live, the talent within is not lacking.
This album starts off with a very smooth "Love Never Felt So Good'. With different rhythm patterns and Michael's fantastic voice along with some slight piano playing in the background, it is one of the best opening tracks I have ever heard. It really sets the mood for what you, the listener, are about to experience.
"Loving You" is full of emotion and space-y vocals. The high notes spun around the bass with that strange tennis ball bang noise make it sound slightly like everything from 2010. A good mix, I just wish they added a few different sounds to it.
One of the very first unreleased songs was leaked onto the Internet shortly after his death was very similar to a hit song titled "A Horse With No Name" by the band America. After many years of hearing the few seconds on YouTube, it was very exciting to finally hear it on this record. It is called "A Place With No Name". Both the modern and original versions were plain awesome and did not disappoint at all. This is the finest blend of classic and modern pop.
The list of unreleased songs come to an end with the title track "Xscape". This song is quite intense. The rhythms with the electric guitar mixed with the offbeat horns make your shoulders, feet or anything else move to the beat.
Now, I listened to the Deluxe Edition and that includes eight tracks of Michael's original cuts. Nine versions of those cuts were modernized including a cut where Michael is joined by the ever talented Justin Timberlake.
So that takes me to my original question: what is the timeframe for the songs on this album? How should a person review this album?
Since Michael isn't here to give us his input on it, we have to look at pop music as it is today for half the review. Is this a good modern pop record?
The answer: yes.
The album had many different people working on it and the sounds that you hear coming through the speakers are relevant to any pop song you would hear on the radio. With people who are arguably the industries' best, this is far better than anything you will hear on radio. That, is unfortunate.
Like I said, however, Michael isn't here to give us his input on it. If you listen to the original recordings on the second half of the album, it is still good music. He does things that you would not hear on today's pop music but that is ok. It brings Michael back to a time where he first made it really big. You know, before the movie "Free Willy". Any classic Micheal Jackson fan will fall in love with this. It does make me question though: in the redone versions, is that weird tennis ball sound something Michael would have wanted? Is this how he envisioned the future of these songs?
The original versions definitely needed the help and I say with the direction that the genre is going, this is the best pop record in quite a while. The days where talent is a hard thing to come by, this album demonstrates why he is called the 'King of Pop'.
Even the original cuts, which are kind of going back to that 80s era that made him big, blend well making this album an instant classic.
So..........is this album Boring, O.K. or Brilliant?
The Verdict: Brilliant.
For hard-core fans, the original tracks will make you reminisce about the days he was alive. The talent that was in this guy's body, is no match for a majority of what is heard on the radio. It is shown with the original and the modern cuts. This album sounds like a Michael Jackson album. That alone is nothing short of great.
The modernized versions, are nothing but the best in today's pop music. The people who worked behind them have, in my opinion, done an amazing job.
Go buy this on iTunes or at your local music retailer right away. I do recommend, though, that you buy the deluxe version.
For new fans, there's never a time too late to start listening to King of Pop. At least give it a shot. You will not be disappointed.
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