A Rhyme: "Next To Me" - Emeli Sandé

With a voice that sounds like a cross between Beyonce and Leona Lewis and a sound soulful and reminiscent of the orchestral elements of the Motown era, Emeli Sandé brings a classic sound to a genre that's populated by the latest innovations, with "Next To Me". Her refreshing vocals on the chorus soar into a smooth falsetto. Sandé has the kind of vocals that sooth the listener and still makes the song comfortable enough for you to get into the groove.

Like, Leona Lewis, Sandé hails from the U.K. and has the chops to go up against her and many other contemporaries. She currently has the U.K.'s biggest selling debut album of 2012 called Our Version of Events with good reason. The album is currently out stateside.



Source: EmeliSandeVEVO

Video: "...Baby One More Time" - Tony Lucca

On tonight's episode of NBC reality singing competition The Voice, contestant Tony Lucca performed a cover of former MMC cast mate Britney Spears' 1998 song, "...Baby One More Time". Giving the song a completely new and different take, Tony put a southern rock spin on the bubblegum pop tune. The performance showed that he clearly made the song his own and well suited to his own style. Tony brought new life into the track making it more current and diverse while still doing the original version justice.

A Rhyme: "Big Hoops (Bigger The Better)" - Nelly Furtado

With the release of a lyric video on VEVO, Nelly Furtado returns  to the scene for the first time since 2006's Loose with her new single about hoop earrings. It's a club song that focuses on a typical premise of a girl trying to catch a guy's eye. While that may seem like nothing new, what is new is the techniques Nelly used on this song compared to how we last heard her. Produced by Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, Nelly utilizes vocal manipulation not only through the ever-popular autotune but also on her own. The singer echoes current pop staple Rihanna, feigning a Caribbean accent on the track.

The most interesting part of the song comes in the last minute when the music stops and after a few words from Nelly and the chorus repeats with a fast-paced 90's-esque rave track racing in the background. That's something refreshing to hear considering it could have gone a more predictable route and launched into a dupstep break down. Even though the song is nothing especially different to what's on the radio now, it is different enough to stand out.

A Rhyme: "Delusional" - Simon Curtis

From Simon Curtis' debut album released on his own independent label in March of last year, "Delusional" showcases electronic elements prevalent on 8Bit Heart. The first verse gives the impression that the song may focus on naysayers who write Curtis off as someone who won't make it in the music business:

Here's to all the people who've been trying to keep me down
Got their fingers in my collar trying to turn me all around
I find it so funny to hear how much they hate
Try to push me to the ground then say they love me to my face
Say what you mean and don't try to deceive me
I so want to believe it, yes I want to, yes I do
Say what you want and don't try to prolong it
If you want to so-long it, then I want you to, yes I do

This can be thought into the second verse where Curtis proclaims "Now I know you're gonna try to say I stole this verse from Tim'..." (though his voice is more reminiscent of Nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys, his musical styling is more in line with Justin Timberlake's) but the rest of the verse suggests he's really referring to a lover who left him for someone else. Whether this lover is a man or a woman is up for debate, as there is speculation if the singer is gay. All that aside "Delusional" is a song that easily fits into the current atmosphere of music, which is why 8Bit Heart was downloaded 150,000 times since its release.

Source: Billboard.com, simon-curtis.com

Picture credit: simon-curtis.com

A Rhyme: "Moves Like Jagger" - Maroon 5 feat Christina Aguilera

The new single from Maroon 5 and Christina Aguilera, "Moves Like Jagger" debuted today much to eager Xtina fans' delight. The song is infectiously catchy and relies heavily on it's funky disco-esque beat that is characteristic of some of Maroon 5's songs. Adam Levine's voice is smooth along side the notable guitar. (Which might echo Party In The USA from two summers ago). Aguilera supplies guest vocals on the bridge and announces her arrival on the track with her signature vocal stylings and gives the song a fresh feminine take. Though The Voice judges often bud heads on the show, they show great chemistry here. It's a tune that is sure to be something of a summer smash.

Listen:

A Rhyme: "Turning Tables" - Adele

A song that makes you feel vulnerable is one of the best. "Turning Tables" by Adele is one of those songs. On her second studio effort, 21, Adele took inspiration from her past relationship which is how she wrote songs like this one. Because this song is so well written, her voice does all the explaining necessary, evoking emotion that can only be felt if you have experienced the lyrics. The way Adele sings the lyrics and the way the song is written make it an effective listen.

Music Video: F**kin' Perfect - P!nk

The latest single from P!nk's first greatest hits compilation, Greatest Hits...So Far!!!, is one of those songs that is meant to let listeners know that they are just right the way they are. It's a cliche topic that has been written about numerous times but with P!nk, an artist known for sticking up for the underdogs (see her last smash "Raise Your Glass" ), you get the feeling that she is being genuine. In fact P!nk says in a message on her website how important the meaning of this video and song is:

"Making this video was a very emotional experience for me, as was writing this song. I have a life inside of me, and I want her or him to know that I will accept him or her with open and loving and welcoming arms."

The video displays a chilling image of a cutting; even I, who isn't usually move by such a thing since I see it shown in the media and on television so often, was put a little off center by the image. The message of the video is clear by the end of the clip: you are perfect to those who love you.

Check out the video below. What's your reaction to the chilling scenes?



Credit: pinkspage.com

A Rhyme: "Eveyone's At It" - Lily Allen

A departure from her previous work on her 2006 debut album, Alright, Still, Lily Allen's latest effort features electro-pop songs that are similar to the trend in pop music this year. The song "Eveyone's At It" details people's use of prescription drugs ranging from "grown politicians to young adolescents". A striking line in the song to me is this one: "So your daughter's depressed well get her straight on the Prozac/But little do you know she already takes crack"

Many people around the globe abuse drugs. And prescription drugs are more easily obtained than many realize. King of Rock 'n' Roll Elvis Presley faked symptoms of various illnesses in order to obtain prescription drugs to help him during his concerts in the 1970s. He even bought a book that listed prescription drugs and their symptoms. Collage students take pills like Adderall, a drug used to treat ADD/ADHD to help them pull all-nighters. It is truly disheartening to think that young adults and teens would resort to such things. Would you take prescription medication if it helped your studies? Listen to the song on below and tell me what you think.



Source: lilyallenmusic.com, CBS.com

A Rhyme: "Make You Feel My Love" - Adele

On her debut album, 19, Adele covers the 1997 Bob Dylan song, "Make You Feel My Love". It was released as the fifth single from the album on November 3, 2008. After Adele performed the song on Comic-Relief it re-entered the UK iTunes top 100 songs at number 42 . This is a popular cover song, as Billy Joel covered the track for his greatest hits album in 1997 and country singers Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood recorded a version for the Hope Floats soundtrack in 1998.

I like this song because, like most of the songs on Adele's album, it focuses on her voice. The songs on her album are stripped down with little instrumentation. Adele brilliantly sings on the record (probably because most of the songs on her album are about a breakup or falling for the wrong guy) but then again, anyone can out sing Bob Dylan.



Source: Wikipedia
Picture Credit: Wikipedia

A Rhyme: "Hanging On Too Long" – Duffy

Duffy's debut album, Rockferry was released on March 3, 2008. The album won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album at the 51 Grammy Awards in February. Rockferry was ranked number 30 on Rolling Stone magazine's Best Albums of 2008. "Hanging On Too Long" is the 6th track on the record and was written by Duffy, Jimmy Hogarth, and Eg White.

I have to admit, when I first heard Duffy and her debut single "Mercy", I didn't see what all the hype was about. But when my favorite singer Britney Spears mentioned that she likes her in an interview, I decided I'd giver her album a listen. To my delight, I thoroughly enjoyed the album. On of the tracks that immediately became my favorite was "Hanging On Too Long". I've always wanted to hear a song that went the way that song goes--the melody, the rhythm, everything. That song is one of my favorites ever. Listen to the song below!

Picture source: Wikipedia

"Rude Boy" (Music Video) - Rihanna

I first saw this video on Vh1's Top 20 Video Countdown. I'm not the biggest Rihanna fan but when I saw this video, directed by Melina, I couldn't help but watch. The flamboyant colors immediately capture you along with the extremely catchy hook. Whenever Rihanna says "want, want, want" or "boom, boom, boom" The words pop out in that pattern behind her. The video is clearly influnced by pop art.

The song itself has old school Rihanna written all over it, taking influence from her Bajan roots in Barbados. And the flashy colors assist the songs island flare; Rihanna even looks like her pre- Good Girl Gone Bad self when she dons a long brown wig for some of the video, but she still keeps it like her current self with the golden spiked leotard. And don't be fooled by the song's bright presence; this is the third single from RiRi's Rated R album and it's a little naughty. Lyrics like "I like the way you touch me there/I like the way you pull my hair/Baby, if I don't feel it/I ain’t faking, no no" are matched by Rihanna's suggestive moves on a lion and her coy winking after the verse.

I really enjoyed this video! Watch it below, and tell me your thoughts in the comments. :)

Rihanna - Sucker Free - MTV Shows

Credit: Ultimate-Rihanna, MTV.com

A Rhyme: "Irvinie" - Kelly Clarkson

The song "Irvine" seems to be about a person who is struggling with depression and has attempted to commit suicide--a near death experience which causes them to see an angel. In the song they ask for help, saying they have been lonely all their lives. They beg for the angel to stay with them until the "darkness leaves" and to just take them from their misery. The song clearly conveys the painfulness of the disease.

Depression is a serious condition that affects millions of people. I think Kelly Clarkson, who co-wrote the song with Aben Eubanks, does a brilliant job of showing another side of depressions and suicide that I have never heard communicated in a song. Listen to the words carefully as you play the song below.


Picture credit: Wikipedia

A Rhyme: "I Turn To You" - Christina Aguilera

"I Turn To You" is a song written by legendary song writer Diane Warren who is responsible for hits by many artists. The song, which was originally recorded by R&B group All-4-One for the soundtrack to the 1996 film Space Jam, was covered by Aguilera when she was recording her debut, self-titled album. Released as the album's third single in the spring of 2000, the song peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 4 weeks.

The song's theme is thanking a parental figure, but it can also be a song about friendship. A true friend is one that will be a "shield from the storm...to keep me safe and warm". lyrics for Christina's song can be found here. Below is a list of ten rules for keeping friendships strong.

1. Tell your secrets.


2. Be honest.


3. Apologize when you hurt each other's feelings.


4. Keep promises.


5. Be there when they need you.


6. Be able to accept them for who they are--flaws and all!


7. Tell them how you feel.


8. Be able to accept and understand their opinions and viewpoints.


9. If you have a long distance friend, work hard to maintain that relationship.


10. Never take your friend for granted; be sure to compliment them.

A Rhyme: "Life Goes On" - LeAnn Rimes

The release of "Life Goes On" in 2002 marks a departure in Rimes' career from country to pop and from girl to woman. While LeAnn enjoyed cross-over success in 2000 with songs featured in the film Coyote Ugly, (most notably "Can't Fight The Moonlight"), this was the first time she truly changed her sound. The album Twisted Angel is a mix of pop and R&B. The video for "Life Goes On" was shot in New Orleans and was perhaps most notable for LeAnn's more exposed clothing and suggestive movements. The song is about letting go of the past.

I enjoy anytime an artist decides to change their sound. It makes for something more interesting, especially when the change is something so unexpected. LeAnn lost some fans when she released this record, but I know she gained some as well. This is one of my favorite records of her's and "Life Goes On" is on of my favorite songs from the album.

Picture Source: eil.com

A Rhyme: "I Look So Good (Without You)" - Jessie James

"I Look So Good (Without You)" was written by Jessie James, Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, and Savan Kotecha. The song was released on August 4, 2009 to iTunes and released to radio on August 25th. Rudy Klapper from Sputnikmusic said of the song: "James is at her best when she’s imitating Aguilera’s brazen sass on the rhyming verses of “the song,” perhaps the only tolerable real ballad on the album".

I heard this song today at the hair dresser and I really thought it was a really sweet, wonderful song. I've never heard a song about a woman whose broken up with her beau put into lyrics like that. I love the way Jessie sounds in this song. It is much more tolerable to hear her sing in this song and she sings it very well. Some compare her vocal stylings to the likes of Christina Aguilera, LeAnn Rimes, or Carrie Underwood. Of the three, I think she sounds the most like Carrie with a mix of Rihanna. I really like this song; it's a sweet typical pop ballad.

Picture credit: Wikipedia

Source: Sputnikmusic

Spotlight: Kier's Playlist

Here's a playlist full of the music that I like. Many songs that I like are NOT on here so there may be another one in the future. Enjoy!

A Rhyme: "Shadow" - Britney Spears

Britney Spears' song "Shadow" is from her 2003 album In The Zone. One reviewer compared the song to an 80's power ballad in terms of the musical arrangement. The song is about a girl who is in love with a man that doesn't return the feeling to her. Contrary to popular belief , Britney does write (many) of her own songs. Whether or not they make it onto the albums is another thing. "Shadow" is one of the songs she wrote (with several others, including Charlie Midnight) that did make it onto the album.

The reason why I like this song is because it doesn't sound like any song Britney has ever done before. I always enjoy when an artist does something different with their music, and that's basically what In The Zone is. It's a transition from Britney's pure-pop sound of the past into the more futuristic, dance sound that she currently has. "Shadow" is my favorite song off of this album. It's written in a poetic metaphore that sweetly compares a man's deprivation of love to a silhouette. Very artistic.



Picture credit: Wikipedia

A Rhyme: "Cry"- Kelly Clarkson

In March 2009, Kelly Clarkson returned to her pop-rock sound with All I Ever Wanted. The first ballad that appears on the album is "Cry". The song is according to Kelly, "very much influenced by country -- it's a waltz." She calls it the most personal song on the album and says it's about betrayal. Kelly co-wrote the song with two other writers and OneRepublic's Ryan Tedder provides backup vocals.

The thing about this song is that Kelly has claimed that she has never been in love. So how can some one write about such betrayal in a relationship if she's never felt so passionately about a person? The question is answered clearly in a single listening of this song. Not only in the lyrics or even in the sappy music, but in Kelly's vocals. When she hits those notes you can feel the pain in her voice. Along with her cover of Keri Noble's "If No One Will Listen" this is probably her best ballad.

Picture credit: Wikipedia
Source: Popeater.com

A Rhyme: "Just Like a Pill"- Pink

The single "Just Like a Pill" by Pink was released in June 2002 off Pink's sophomore album Missundaztood. The album itself marked a departure from Pink's sound on her previous record, which had more of an R&B sound. Missundaztood still had R&B elements but the music was more rock tinged, like "Just Like a Pill". The song is about getting out of a painful relationship told in a metaphor about drug abuse. It was written by Pink and Dallas Austin.

This is my favortie Pink song...EVER! This song made me buy the album back when I was in 5th grade. Pink sings the song like she means it; and she does--in an interview, she said that the song shows "part of who I am" refering to her problems with drugs. The song is very clever and there are many songs out there that deal with hurtful relationships, but this is the only song that I've heard that relates it to such a dark subject. It's very true--staying in a bad relationship will make you ill, instead of making you better, just like a pill.

Picture credit: Wikipedia
Source: musicOMH