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.
Saturday, May 17, 2014
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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