Diva Devotee

[New Music] Take A Listen to Beyonce And Kelly Rowland's Guest Vocals On The-Dream's New Album, "IV Play"!

2013-05-21T19:20:00.001+01:00

Having been responsible for creating some of our Divas' biggest hits- Single Ladies /Umbrella/Obsessed, to name but a few- it's small wonder super-producer The-Dream was able to rope in some big names for his fourth album, IV Play.

The only two Divas making an appearance though, are DC sisters-in-arms, Beyonce and Kelly Rowland- wait, no love for Michelle? Lucky for us, both songs have been released on to the net as a precursor to the album's May 28th release, so no need to wait till then to hear them!

Now, I'm actually a fan of the the producer/singer/writer, and am one of the few people (ten, maybe?) who loved the fun and freshness he brought to Mariah Carey's catalouge with album Memoires Of An Imperfect Angel. However, as his own sound is kinda samey, if you don't like one of his songs, you're probably not going to like many, if any, of the others. Saying that, I'm not exactly loving these new cuts...figures! But as of right now, the Kelly Rowland song is definitely my favourite of the two.

Take a listen to the Beyonce collaboration, Turnt, and then watch a great live showing of the Kelly Rowland track, Where Have You Been, below!

Thoughts?

[Watch] Nicki Minaj Objectifies Herself And Sets Back Female Rappers Everywhere With Performance @ Billboard Awards 2013

2013-05-20T15:21:00.003+01:00

It's Nicki Minaj's ~~and some surgeon's~~ body and she can do whatever she wants with it, that's feminism right? But still, this performance of High School was so ergh to watch. Was it really necessary to perform that stripper routine on top of, and for, someone considered to be your mentor, Nicki? It just makes me feel all sorts of uncomfortable, especially considering the power dynamics and the subtext- Lil Wayne also discovered her- at play here. This wasn't empowerment, and the comment at the end proves just where her mentor's attention was. (I'll give you a hint, it wasn't on her lyrical talent/skill.)

The world really needs for some strong female rappers who aren't about the body and their hyper-sexuality to add balance and variety to that which is being offered. I worry about the next generation of aspiring female rappers, and the state of the industry itself, if this is what they think they have to do and look like to make it big in the male-dominated industry of rap/hip-hop.

Enjoy......

Thoughts?

[Watch] Taylor Swift Impresses With Performance of "22" @ 2013 Billboard Awards

2013-05-20T14:27:00.001+01:00

Awww, wasn't Taylor Swift's performance of 22 at the Billboard Awards sweet as high-fructose corn syrup. In fact, I think she's simultaneously given me a cavity and diabetes at the same time! All joking aside, this was a great performance from the country-pop star that fitted the carefree and youthful spirit of the song absolutely perfectly.

Good on Taylor for consistently putting the effort into her live showings this year. From the Grammy's circus/ringleader theme, to the Brit Awards' masked ball, to this one (which is practically a glee fans wet dream), Taylor is still working hard for those coins despite her album already having sold stupid amounts. Her voice might not be the strongest, but T-Swift sure is getting the hang of compensating for that by feeding our eyes as well as our ears.

I should also mention she cleaned up at the awards, winning : Top Female Artist, Top Artist, Top Billboard 200 Artist, Top Country Artist, Top Billboard 200 Album and Top Country Album! You go girl!

[Watch] Christina Aguilera Rocks Billboard With Pitbull and A-ha's Morten Harket

2013-05-20T13:47:00.001+01:00

Christina Aguilera sounded great during her 2013 Billboard Awards showing of Feel This Moment with Pitbull. But don't get excited, this isn't the performance where X-Tina was finally rocking good technique or a healthier set of pipes. Nope, this was a case of a louder backing track and a turned down microphone. Considering Christina sings live, loud and proud regardless of the quality of her voice, it does leave me wondering whose decision it was to level the tracks in that way. I'm calling on an old friend to investigate....

Oh well, at least she looked classy, and there was better chemistry between the pair than exhibited during their outing at the Kids' Choice Awards. Speaking of classy, was that Ke$ha introducing them at the start!?! Wowie, she scrubs up well!

Eurovision 2013 Round-Up (Plus Performances!)

2013-05-19T18:27:00.003+01:00

I don't know how many of you lovely people managed to catch the Eurovision Song Contest this year. Actually, I'm not sure how many of you outside of Europe even know about the show! So before we get to the entrants, here's a little background for uninitiated.

The Eurovision Song contest is an annual music competition where members of the European Broadcasting Union submit one act each year to represent their country. Who decides the overall winner, you ask? Well, after each country has finished performing at the event, it's then left to a panel of judges (from each country) to mark the songs. Those scores are then revealed LIVE via satellite link, which has ushered into existence one of Eurovision's most defining features: watching the host hurry along any waffling representative while trying to keep the show on track. (I'm sure I'm making this sound way more complex than it is). The winner is of course the song which gets the most points after all the scores are in.

Unfortunately this way of scoring has led to quite a bit of political and block voting occurring, where neighbours would score each other highly while freezing out countries they aren't liking at that moment. To try and counter this, the judges' scores are now balanced with 50% of public votes from their country. (To be fair, this hasn't changed much).

Now from what I remember of the show from my youth, because I stopped paying attention to it quite a few years back, was that it was consistently full of crazy people, camp performances and bad songs. In fact, sometimes it seemed like countries were trying their best not to win the competition just so they didn't have the hassle of organising the show in their country the following year. (A perk of winning, supposedly!)

However this year I was genuinely surprised by how much I enjoyed near enough every song entered-hence this post!! I'll tell you who else would have enjoyed this show: Mariah Carey! There were bloody butterflies EVERYWHERE!

CONTESTANT VIDEOS:

Before we get to the the Divas, there was one act that stood out amongst all the others, and reminded me of the way (I remember) Eurovision to have been. Check out Romania's entry, Cezar and his song It's My Life. This is total camp madness!

Females:

Amandine Bourgeois -L'enfer et moi (France). This French Diva opened the show, and boy did she take the hard road with minimal props and no gimmicks to win over the crowd. However, her voice and the rockier influences in the song managed to hold my interest and set the more grown-up/contemporary tone of the event perfectly. (4/5)

Aliona Moon- O mie (Moldova): I knew there was a reason she was wearing that dress and not moving- just wait till the second half of the performance. The song was a little dry for me, but I didn't dislike it and certainly enjoyed her voice and the big and dramatic bridge. (3/5)

Krista Siegfrids -Marry Me (Finland): This Katy Perry knock-off was my least favourite song of the whole competition. Musically annoying and terribly gimmicky with its publicity stunt lesbian kiss. Maybe she's a gay rights advocate and I'm just being a cynic.(1/5)

Anouk - Birds (The Netherlands): This song felt like it was written for a musical and reminded me so much of Suspended by Kelis (not quite sure why). It's obvious that Anouk has quite a set of pipes on her, with a gorgeous mid-belt. The song was also a surprisingly left-field choice by the Netherlands. Still, I really enjoyed it!
(4/5)

Dina Garipova- What If? (Russia): This is what I (in an ideal world) want from Eurovision: songs about humanity and loving one another! Even though the lyrics were cheesy, it had a real message and wasn't just a generic pop song. Dina had great control over her instrument; seemingly strong in her head, belt and lower register. Lighters up, everyone!
(4.5/5)

Bonnie Tyler- Believe In Me (United Kingdom): Oh Bonnie. The song was just too tame for the Eurovision! It was nice enough but just wasn't memorable. Also, we wanted to hear that rasp-filled belt! There's no point having Bonnie Tyler if the expectations of hearing her massive, wrought belt aren't fulfilled! You did us proud, though!
(3/5)

Cascada - Glorious (Germany): I always thought Cascada was British...guess I was wrong! EDM enters the stadium. Usually I dislike the group's songs, but the euphoria of the synths and soaring vocals got to me- the Jack Daniels might have helped too. It sounded a little bit too much like Swedish House Mafia's Don't You Worry Child for me to really rate it.

(3/5)

Emmelie de Forest - Only Teardrops (Denmark): Spoiler....this won! Lol. It's a nice enough song and the singer had a great husk to her voice, but it was a little twee for my liking with the tin whistle. The staging was good, and everyone performing seemed to be genuinely enjoying the experience which was nice to see.
(2.5/5)

ESDM - Contigo Hasta El Final (With You Until The End) (Spain): Who knew bagpipes were traditionally Spanish...I sure didn't. Really liked the introduction to the song- it was serving up some Lisa Gerrard realness. After that it went downhill for me, descending into a generic pop-rock track. The singer also had a tone too sweet for me, not to mention she was the only singer who suffered from pitch problems.
(2/5)

Alyona Lanskaya - Solayoh (Belarus): This started off well for me and had a production that kept switching it up to maintain our interest. The lyrics weren't to my liking but it was fun, flirty and camp. The percussive breakdown in the middle was EVERYTHING! I Only wish that part had been longer!
(3/5)

Zlata Ognevich - Gravity (Ukraine): This was the most typically Diva vocal of the contest. Great voice and a stunning vibrato but the track sounded too much like a Disney song for me to really enjoy. Give me an animated princess to go with it and then we'll really talk about it.
(2.5/5)

Birgit - Et Uus Saaks Alguse(Estonia): 5 months pregnant and still managing to sound and look like an Estonian Goddess! Shame the song was boring.
(2.5/5)

Margaret Berger- I Feed You My Love(Norway): Loved the dirty electro sound and the general vibe of the song. Was possibly the weakest vocal of the night (and that's no real insult considering how high the standard was), but I enjoyed the darker edge that it brought to the contest.

(3.5/5)

And now the Males:
(RE: that linked Gif. I'm only kidding, there were some great entries. Just don't expect any real commentary or scores!)

Ryan Dolan- Only Love Survives (Ireland):I really liked this; Staging and song! Shame it came last.

Nodi Tatishvili and Sophie Gelovani- Waterfall (Georgia):My second least liked song of the evening.Way too old school for my tastes.

Marco Mengoni- L'Essenziale (Italy): A nice little ballad.

Koza Mostra feat. Agathon Iakovidis - Alcohol Is Free (Greece): This song was hilarious, with the energy and passion shown being the strongest of the night.

Farid Mammadov - Hold Me (Azerbaijan) : Not for me, thanks!

Eythor Ingi - Ég Á Líf (Iceland): Was one of my favourites from the men UNTIL that key change. Blergh.

Robin Stjernberg - You (Sweden): Like Ireland's entry, this was another song that I could totally see on the charts of today. Really enjoyed this one. Guy had a cracking voice, too!

Dorians - Lonely Planet (Armenia): This was a strong, and surprising entry from Armenia. It was written by a member of Black Sabbath, which enhanced the authentic, rock sound of the song.

Roberto Bellarosa - Love Kills (Belgium): I really liked this entry, but boy was the singer creepy. It had a great build-up and was the only song sporting an electro breakdown in its bridge.

Andrius Pojavis- Something (Lithuania): Second song of the night, and had a Bravery/ Kings Of Leon sound about it. Needed more of a punch, but it was enjoyable!

ByeAlex - Kedvesem (Hungary): Cute song.

Gianluca- Tomorrow (Malta): Another cutesy and inoffensive song, which was way too breezy and bright for me.

I can't imagine any of you watched EVERY performance, but I'll ask anyway: Who did you like best, and who do you think should have taken the trophy home? Vote below.

And here's the score table from the night, pinched straight from Wikipidia but changed by me to read from winner to loser:

And to close, last year's winner, Loreen, who put on one helluva show while the scores were being tallied. ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS! Definitely going to be looking for more from her!

[Listen] Mariah Carey's Undubbed American Idol Medley Hits The Net! Yikes!

2013-05-17T21:25:00.003+01:00

So our suspicions that Mariah Carey's Idol performance wasn't exactly as we were led to believe have kind of been confirmed with the surfacing of the video below. (Yes, I know, I was too chicken to say it in the post, but believe me when I say I spoke to a friend about it!)

Supposedly taken during the recording of the medley, the video clearly shows Mariah's belting range isn't quite as pristine as the rendition that aired on Idol wanted us to believe. It sounded particularly coarse and clumsy during the My All section of the medley.

However, it's still not clear whether the aired medley was a composite of the reported three takes; or if it was actually a cut and paste job of old/pre-recorded vocals. I suppose it would be less damaging if the they were all from the night- regardless of which take they happened in- but I guess we'll need to wait until (if?) the other renditions are released before we can really judge either way.

[This was posted in the comments of the Mariah/Idol performance and I thought it was too cruelly apt not to use here!]

Thoughts?

[Watch] Jennifer Hudson (featuring Candice Glover) Perform "Inseparable" @ American Idol /Shade

2013-05-17T19:23:00.002+01:00

So yeah, the duet with Candice Glover and Jennifer Hudson was good, but did anyone else get the feeling that Hudson was singing over Candice? Of course there were parts where the voices were meant to overlap and harmonise, but there were also sections (2.05) were it looked like Hudson should have been controlling herself, but couldn't resist getting in on the vocal. Also, the way she cut off Candice's note at 1.22 of the video was just damn disrespectful- and that's just when Randy and Mariah were really getting into it.

Yes, singers riff off one another, but that didn't seem to be what was happening here. You could clearly see where Candice was sticking to her agreed lines (vocal and lyrical), and how Hudson was just singing whenever the moment took her. That's fine if you're singing with your peers, but it's entirely different when you're trying to support an up and coming novice singer. It effectively made Hudson look like an attention seeking jerk, who was doing her best to overpower and outshine a rival. Candice's body language/ lack of eye contact with Jennifer makes me think she wasn't too happy with the way things were going either.

The lack of humility and graciousness from Hudson was a total turn off, especially after watching the way Jessie J handled her duet with the other finalist, Angie Miller. I'm sure I would have enjoyed this performance of Inseparable a whole lot more if I didn't feel sorry for Candice, but, as it is, I'm left with an ugly taste in my mouth that stops me fully appreciating this ~~battle~~ duet.

Thoughts?

Jessie J's Bald Head Shines Bright Like A Diamond On American Idol Duet With Angie Miller

2013-05-17T16:15:00.001+01:00

Jessie J is one fearless Diva. First she turns traitor on her own show, The Voice, by dilly-dallying with one of its rivals, American Idol, and then, if that wasn't enough, she has the nerve to do it with her bald head! The Americans must have been thinking WTF, who is this chick and where is her hair! Seriously, is she that well known over the pond and do you guys even know the song Domino? Either way, I'm actually proud that she went on to such a big show and didn't conform by putting a wig on!

Duetting with finalist Angie Miller, Jessie demonstrated why she is considered a vocal force by this generation, with a solid performance full of her brand of high belting and crazy melisma. However, I think the last note, aka the money-note, wasn't the one she wanted and was unfortunately all kinds of strainymess. But still, she worked that stage like an energiser bunny, funnelling that energy and humility right down my monitor. Bless JJ and her bald head.(BTW she shaved her head for charity)

Jennifer Lopez Performs "Live It Up" @ Idol- Mariah Remains (Unim)pressed...

2013-05-17T14:06:00.001+01:00

JLo is one consistent performer. You know that whenever she hits the stage she's going to give it a 100% and do her darnedest to entertain the crowd. And, unsurprisingly, that's just what she did when she returned to American Idol to showcase new single Live It Up, with your best friend (and featured artist), Pitbull. Jenny from the Block gave us beauty, personality, choreography, lasers and LIVE vocals! It's just a shame the song was pants, because everything else was on point.

The shady queen that is Mimi clearly wasn't as impressed as her fellow judges (or me) with what she saw; choosing to remain seated while they took to their feet at the song's end. One obviously hasn't forgiven Ms.Lopez (and Sony) for supposedly tanking the Glitter soundtrack. Get over it girl, Loverboy is awesome with the Candy sample! In fact, I think I'll get on my bandanna top and give it a spin now!

Thoughts?

Mariah Carey Performs Medley @ American Idol

2013-05-17T13:14:00.000+01:00

You better believe Mariah Carey was going to work that vast back catalogue of hers when she finally hit the American Idol stage to perform! With a vast chunk of the home audience probably being too young to remember Mariah's glory days in the 1990's, this was a smart move by the Diva to educate them (and any haters) as to just why she's deservedly sitting at the judges' table. The fact that it'll lift sales of her entire catalouge I'm sure had nothing to do with this decision(!)

Having had the original Idol audience cleared so that she could be surrounded by her faithful and supportive "Lambily", Mimi began the medley with her début single Vision of Love. From the first few seconds of the video you could see she wasn't entirely comfortable on the stage, but she seemed to relax- never completely- as the performance went on. Luckily the voice was surer than her demeanour, with her tone being particularly impressive throughout! Sure, there was some constriction and pushing at the top her range, but overall her voice sounded to be in great condition! [I'll leave it to you guys to discuss any lipping/editing/dubbing- I'm not going to risk getting shanked by Lambs today!]

However, it wasn't the smoothest of medleys, with too many songs being crammed into too short a time slot. As a result of this sausage-stuffing mentality, the whole performance felt rushed, and latest single #Beautiful- which needed the hardest push- was the biggest causality of this disjointed approach. But what really got my goat was the awkward and just darn ugly transitions that occurred between the hits! Surely they could have found a way to integrate the songs better! Perhaps it was all very last minute.com- which might go some way to explaining the general uneasiness of the whole thing.

Still, it was great to hear Mimi's voice sounding so strong. Bring on the (rumoured) world tour!!

Thoughts?

[Music Spam] Come Partake! (Vegetarians Welcome)

2013-05-15T17:49:00.001+01:00

Music time! Here's a "spam post" of various songs that are doing the rounds in my uneventful world at the moment! Take a listen and let me know whatcha all think in the comments, below!

Something a little different from the usual Divas who do the round on the blog. Today I bring to you a new act called London Grammar- which of course features a female singer on lead vocal. Consisting of three friends who met at university, their new single Wasting My Youth is giving me XX teases; only with less electro and a softer edge, courtesy of piano, strings and Hannah Reid's Florence Welch-like delivery. (Note: I'm not saying she sounds like Florence.)

Cooler than liquid hydrogen, Katy B is back with new song What Love Is Made Of. Continuing her assault on dance floors everywhere, Katy perseveres with the 90's sound she honed on her début album On a Mission. Take a little time out of your busy day to get down to this!

Brought to my attention by regular reader Hannah, Kat Dahlia is a Cuban-American rapper with a great flow. For those who don't know about her (like me), her single Gangsta helpfully gives us a little bit of background by recounting the up-and-coming stars' turbulent early years. Gripping stuff. (Does anyone else imagine this to be how Amy Winehouse would have sounded rapping?)

Kelly Rowland is back, having still not managed to generate excitement in her new project Talk a Good Game outside of her fanbase, the "Rowland Stones" (yeesh!). Taking a breather from the smut, Ms. Rowland has gone all serious on us, serving up a tale of an abusive relationship for single number three, Dirty Laundry. Talk about doing a 180 after the bombardment of saucy singles: Motivation, Ice and Kisses Down Low! Could it be that Kelly has finally realised that sex isn't selling for her? Even if so, I can't imagine Dirty Laundry is going to be flying up the charts any time soon- worthy lyric, or not.

Solange Knowles has given us a video for Locked in the Closet. Okay, strictly speaking it isn't an entire video, but it's something...Oh who am I kidding, it's a glorified advertisement for the companies at the end, but I don't care as it shines a little bit of light on one of my favourite songs from her amazing True EP. She may be a total scenester, but I can deal with that as long as she keeps making music like this.

This final video was actually released last month, but I forgot to post on it. After releasing the masterpiece that was the ONE EP last year, Charlotte Church has returned this year with a follow-up EP astutely titled TWO. First single/release from the set, Glitterbombed, is another corker from the one-time child soprano, and seems to indicate she's finally found her post-"opera" musical feet in the indie scene. I'm not sure about the artsy video, though. Hurry up with that full length album already, Charlotte!

Late addition: Ruru reminded me about Iggy Azalea's new song Bounce in the comments section, so here it is for you to enjoy (or not), too. I'd given the The Invisible Men/Reeva & Blackit produced track a try last week but though I loved the Bollywood inspired video, the song failed to grab my affections like her last single, Work did. However, I've given it another spin, and on this second listen it sounds better than I remember. Who knows how a third or fourth listen will change my opinion! (I could sit here and listen to it a third and fourth time and just tell ya, but I'm not going to!)

Thoughts?

[Vocal Profile] Stevie Wonder

2013-05-12T16:58:00.001+01:00

Stevie Wonder

Vocal Type: Lyric Tenor
Tessitura: 2 Octaves (F3-F5)
Vocal Range: 3 Octaves 5 Notes and a semitone (F2-D#6)
Whistle Register: No
Vocal Pluses: Stevie Wonder's lower register is light in weight with a color that is nasal, which makes his lower register sound somewhat thin. It extends down to D2 with a vocal fry extension but he can hit an F2 with his modal voice. As a result, the F2 is much more healthy in its quality. Wonder exhibits a slightly smoky texture as he extends up to around the E3 mark, but his resonance is lost below G3. Overall, his lower register is achieved using decent technique.

His mid voice, spanning from G3-E4, showcases his nasal tone better. His voice is light in weight but somewhat thick in tone- most likely due to the nasal placement. In this register Wonder has plenty of freedom and agility. His falsetto, for a man breaks late at around E4 (2 notes shy that of a typical tenor) which places him in the realm of the highest tenors. Overall, this area is achieved using brilliant technique, via mixing or high nasal placement.

His belting register is the strongest and most impressive part of the range. Extending from E4 to an impressive A#5 (though the video claims a C#6 which is ridiculous) this is where his tone really shines. His E4 to B4 sounds light and thick with a slightly velvety texture, but as he hits the C5, his voice becomes brighter with mezzo-soprano like weight. His elasticity is uncanny for a male; being able to complete complex and quick vocal runs with ease. Wonder accesses these high belts with one of the most developed mix voices of all time. His technique in this area is generally phenomenal.

He generally exhibits a mix between head voice and falsetto called falsettone. It extends up to D#6, however it sounds at its most healthy at G#5. The sound itself is thick, lacking in defined resonance (though it is there as he transitions between falsettone and head voice, quite a bit above G#5) and sounds akin to a bugle in color. Any note above G#5 is not sung with the best musicianship and his technique in this register is not great.

Vocal Negatives: The head voice also needs to be improved on to strengthen its tone and connect it better to the lower range. The nasal quality of the voice is also not to everyone's taste.

Thanks to Montrez Rambo for this Profile!

[New Video] Mariah Carey & Miguel - "#Beautiful"

2013-05-10T04:26:00.001+01:00

Okay..So..Yeah...on the positive side, I love #Beautiful even more now than when I reviewed it, here- I see some of you canny folk clocked on to the grade change * side-eyeing Mperry93*. But the accompanying video...I'm not sure I can deal with right now. I'm tempted to rip off some of the hilarious commentary occurring on the site chatbox and spin it as my own, but instead I'll leave the video here and let you guys deal with it in whatever way you see fit in the comments.....

...Oh who am I kidding, I have to say something! Don't get me wrong, the video is beautifully (hehehehe) shot and Mariah looks gorgeous, but it all falls down when she tries to work the saucy and seductive angle (yet again).

When will someone have the guts to tell her she's not doing "sexy" right! Heck, even if they can't tell her outright, they could at least give her a few tips on how to improve! It isn't hard, just tone it down and don't over exaggerate every movement! You were already on the right track during the Butterfly era- like in the videos for The Roof and Breakdown. LESS IS MORE DARLING!

Also, while I'm on the subject, there is a time and a place for everything! Don't think I didn't notice you trying to throw some of those moves into the video for Almost Home [See: Here Here]! That was neither the time nor the place! Lord only knows what got left on the cutting room floor.

But I still love you MC! Perhaps even more so for these little idiosyncrasies. Besides, do I really want a truly sexy Mariah? I'm not sure I do. (Wow, this post is going to read like the ramblings of a madman! Not least because I've just talked myself out of my argument!)

Thoughts?

[New Music] Christina Aguilera & Alejandro Fernandez - "Hoy Tengo Ganas De Ti"

2013-05-10T00:24:00.002+01:00

I was going to take up a Rosetta stone* course in Spanish before I reviewed this Alejandro Fernandez and Christina Aguilera duet.You know, just so I could get the FULL picture of what was going on, lyrically. But since I'm such a perceptive fellow, i figured you'd all probably want to hear the song, Hoy Tengo Ganas De Ti, sometime before the turn of the next century. Hence, I'm posting it for you to enjoy in the present!

I did try to translate the title for you/us English speakers, but Google came back with the meaning, "Today I have Ganas De Ti". Now, I'm no expert, but I'm not convinced that that translation is a 100% accurate- unless "Ganas De Ti" has crept into the English vernacular without my knowledge. So I'll leave that mess there for one of you guys to clean up in the comments, and I'll move on to the song.

Tengo Ganas De Ti sounds like a big budget ballad with its decadent instrumentation and both singers compliment each other on the vocal front. Christina had me reminiscing about her early days with the lyrical, sweet and youthful tone she uses during the song's verse. Of course, things change when she belts, but since she stays (mostly) in her comfortable range, it's a pleasant experience on this front, too. Fans of the singer will probably most enjoy the falsetto she uses at the close of the song, so it's worth waiting till the end if you like to hear Aggie playing in the rafters.

It has a pervading melodramatic and hammy feel about it... and having just checked Wikipedia- literally after typing the start of this sentence- I found out it's the theme song for La tempestad, which is apparently a Mexican telenovela! (By this point I got tired of clicking on links, so feel free to go check out exactly what a "Mexican telenovela" is because I haven't the foggiest. My best guess: it's a soap/Drama.) So the song's mood and direction is actually pitched about right!

Hoy Tengo Ganas De Ti is a little too sugary for my tastes, but it's nice enough and takes me back to the 90's when big ballads ruled the airwaves. Check it out, below!

*No, I am not making a click-through buck for that link! It's solely for those who have no idea what I was harping on about! Not that I make money from any link I've ever put on this site (bar the Google ads).....Why do I suddenly feel so guilty!! I'VE DONE NOTHING WRONG!!! NOTHING!!

Thoughts?

[New Music] Tamar Braxton - "The One"

2013-05-08T14:53:00.002+01:00

Up the duff, Tamar Braxton is readying single number two, The One. Speaking of the song to RapUpTV, the Braxton Family Values member revealed the video has already been shot, being filmed at the Santa Monica Pier- because she loves amusement parks, no less. Other notable things gleaned from the interview include: Tamar is trying to make the word "Funners" happen, and that her unborn baby is as "ratchet" as she is! This woman is nuts, but I love her.

Getting to the song, I was a bit like "Ergh, not this sample again" when I hit play. As far as I'm concerned, Mtume's Juicy Fruit has been done to DEATH! But by the chorus I was being swayed by the track's summery groove- check me out and my weak will. There's still something lazy about the application of the sample, but the melody and Tamar's voice was doing enough that I was distracted enough to appreicate the song as a whole, concluding that it's worthy of one of these.

Produced by LaShawn Daniels and Yung Berg, with a co-write from Ms. Braxton, The One, much like Mariah's exceptional #Beautiful (yes, my love has grown for it expectationally since its release yesterday), feels like it should have been longer, but what ya gonna do! Let's just enjoy what we've been given! Grateful.Org

[Review] Listen To Mariah Carey And Miguel Make "#Beautiful" Music Together...Sorry, I Couldn't Resist...I'm Lame.

2013-05-06T15:33:00.000+01:00

Thank God for #Beautiful! I was starting to lose faith in Mariah Carey after Triumphant (Get Em) and Almost Home failed to illicit much, if any, of the love I usually feel for an MC release. For some of you who are not so hot on her, not liking two songs might not be a big deal. But for someone like me, who can listen to her back catalogue pretty much straight through, it was more than a little disconcerting to have two strikeouts (in a row, no less) after more than a decade of consistent home runs! It was pushing me to thinking I'd fallen off the Mariah bandwagon completely, but #Beautiful has given me faith a new in Mariah! Phew!

As good as #Beautiful is, it's not perfect. But let's start with the positives. It's great to hear Mariah tackle a new sound, and though still Rnb, like most of her hits, it definitely has a more indie infusion than the Pop or Hip-hop she usually dilutes the genre with. Excitingly, it gives the singer a freshness that she hasn't enjoyed in a long while, making her sound relevant and current. Hopefully it'll help the Diva generate the buzz needed for a hit by appealing to- and surprising- critics and non-fans alike.

Of course Mariah's voice, though more nasal, sounds stunning. Adopting an earthier/rawer timbre, the singer refrains from excess ornamentation for much of the song, adhering to a concise melody that is sensitive to the retro feel and Miguel's vocal style. Sure, she does let loose towards the end of the song, but it's totally called for, and she still manages to sound restrained (by Mariah standards) and sympathetic to the laid back air of the track- this is despite some gloriously quick melisma. Ultimately, it's a slight change in style for Mariah, but it should appeal to the current music listener who - if the success of Adele, Taylor Swift and P!nk is anything to go by- seems to have grown tired of showy vocals.

However, like Triumphant, there is too little Mariah on the song- I mean, she doesn't even sing the first verse! It's also too short, feeling like by the time the Diva does join in, it's already fading out to its end. This was either a really smart move to make us crave more Mariah, thereby building excitement for a follow-up, or they just plain forgot to add the bridge that the song is clearly crying out for! Whatever the case, it's not long enough and I needed MOAR Mariah!!

As it stands, yes the song sure is #Beautiful, it's just not #Perfect.But I'll settle for that right now.

Rating: A-

Thoughts?

[Review] Florence + The Machine make Sweet Music On Great Gatsby Soundtrack

2013-05-06T00:10:00.000+01:00

Wow, Florence Welch really lets her inner banshee loose on her Great Gatsby contribution, Over The Love. Okay, well strictly speaking the song is by Florence + The Machine, but still, it's that piercing voice that really steals the first half of this show. From the quiet and broody midrange that opens the song, to the effortless highs that punctuates the chorus, this is Ms.Welch doing what she does best: giving us drama and theatre, all with that stunning instrument of hers.

The "Machine" does get more vocal as the song progresses; building to a chaotic and breathtaking crescendo at the climax, as it joins its front woman up in the musical stratosphere. But it's a fleeting union, because as quickly as the two take up their embrace they drift apart, leaving us with only a choir of Florences to ease the comedown.

Hearing this beauty makes me sad for Florence + The Machine's upcoming break from music.They sure have earned it though, having been releasing and touring since their début in 2007! On the plus side, I'm seeing them at the end of the month at the Chime For Change Concert, so I'll be double sure to treasure and store that experience for those lean Florence-less months up ahead! God only knows how you guys are going to cope!!

Rating: A

Thoughts?

[New Music] Lauryn Hill Begrudgingly Releases New Song "Neurotic Society (Compulsory Mix)" And I Rejoice...Sorry, Lauryn!

2013-05-05T17:25:00.000+01:00

It looks like a tax bill and the threat of imprisonment has put the fire under Ms. Lauryn Hill's tush and finally got her releasing music. This isn't just speculation on my part; she's pretty much said so on her Tumblr page;

Hello All:

Here is a link to a piece that I was ‘required’ to release immediately, by virtue of the impending legal deadline. I love being able to reach people directly, but in an ideal scenario, I would not have to rush the release of new music… but the message is still there. In light of Wednesday’s tragic loss (of former label mate Chris Kelly), I am even more pressed to YELL this to a multitude that may not understand the cost of allowing today’s unhealthy paradigms to remain unchecked!

- MLH

Oh well, at least she's also managed to get her own label, Observe Creation Music, out of the new deal with Sony. One that will ultimately see the record label help to pay her tax bill on the promise she delivers a new album- notably, her first since 2002's troubled but brilliant MTV Unplugged set. With her track record of releasing music, I'm not holding my breath that this will end well.

The track itself is a compelling one, with the Fugees songstress spitting her unique brand of socio-political rhymes over an unconventional (for her), and weaker by comparison to its content, electronic beat. The song is probably not going to grab anyone with the production or structure- missing a hook, or bridge- but for the more dedicated a listener, the lyric and Lauryn's (slightly paranoid) conviction makes for riveting listening.

Even though Ms. Hill is putting out music against her will, or at least before feeling it's ready, I have to say that the timing of this return couldn't be better. As of right now the top 40 female emcees are representing a style of rap that focuses more on image and sales than lyrical content; offering a distorted picture, to the young'uns especially, of what a female rapper can and should be. If Lauryn can get herself together, embracing the bind she's in, there's every chance she could offer a viable alternative to this, ever so slightly soul-crushing, archetype.

God knows we need it! Check out Neurotic Society (Compulsory Mix) below.

And some "classic" Lauryn!

Thoughts?

[Free Music] Marina and the Diamonds and Charli XCX - "Just Deserts"

2013-05-02T14:29:00.000+01:00

Do you like Marina and The Diamonds? Do you like Charli XCX ? Well, if you answered yes to both those questions, then today really is a great day for you (maybe even the greatest day of your life), as the pair have combined their powers to create new song, Just Deserts!

It's also a good day for those of you who answered yes to either one of those questions, because this is a dark and sassy little team-up from the alt-pop Divas. It'll be especially resonate for those of you who've just gone through a not so acrimonious breakup. Oh, and if that does apply to you, then let me be the first to say: Screw him/her/it! You're awesome and can do better! Let's hug.

And finally, if you don't particularly like either, get over it, because it's being offered as a free download! WHOOPIE! So force yourself to get into it, and download it for FREE, here!

#FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Thoughts?

[Listen] Emeli Sande Gives Beyonce's "Crazy In Love" A 1920's Makeover For Gatsby Soundtrack

2013-04-30T21:41:00.000+01:00

Beyonce didn't even try to capture the 1920's spirit of The Great Gatsby with her cover of Amy Winehouse's Back To Black. But thankfully Emeli Sande and the Bryan Ferry Orchestra were a little more sensitive when reworking Bey's own Crazy In Love. (Check out executive producer of the soundtrack, Jay-Z, making sure his wife (and himself) get another paycheck from writing credits off of the album! Nepotism at its finest!)

Now I know a lot of you guys aren't exactly enamoured with Emeli- well, if the comments on her vocal profile are to be believed- but I have to give her, and The Bryan Ferry Orchestra, props for at least trying to deliver an authentic 20's sound. With it's muted trumpets and jaunty rhythm, the song practically paints a picture of bob-haired flappers getting down in trendy, smoke-filled jazz bars.

Take a listen to the song, lifted, of course, from The Great Gatsby soundtrack, below.

Thoughts?

[Review] Sia Makes Musical Magic with "Great Gatsby" Contribution, "Kill And Run"

2013-04-30T20:03:00.000+01:00

We've already heard what Lana Del Rey and Beyonce have served up for The Great Gatsby soundtrack, but now it's time to hear what Australian singer-songwriter Sia's has offered up to the altar of Baz Luhrmann!

Kill and Run is a stunner, right off the bat. From its simple piano-led opening/ haunting vocal combo, to its eventual Earth shaking crescendo, this is a song that once again demonstrates Sia's uncanny knack for creating music that is as beautiful as it is emotionally raw.

Being part of a soundtrack crammed full of attention-grabbing A-listers, I do worry Kill and Run won't get the recognition or attention it deserves. However there's not much I can do about that, save placing my faith in the ears of humanity. So until we get the general public's reaction to the soundtrack I'll just console myself with thoughts of Sia picking up the Oscar for Best Song come whatever year this film will be eligible for the prestigious award. Surely, at the very least, it's deserving of a nomination! I mean, if Skyfall could win it....-_-!

Speaking of Skyfall, boy do I wish Kill and Run had been the theme for the next Bond film...sigh.

Ratings: A-

Thoughts?

[Full Version] Watch Beyonce Perform "Grown Woman" Live

2013-04-27T14:43:00.000+01:00

A snippet of Grown Woman had been used for Beyonce's Pepsi commercial, but up until now the full song had alluded us. But with fans crying out for new music during her world tour, the "King" has decreed her Parisian fans worthy of the whole song! Performed during the Paris date of her Mrs Carter Show, Bey worked it like only she could: with Sasha Fierce realness!

Take a look (and listen) to the new cut, below!

Thoughts?

[Review] Beyonce And Andre 3000 Cover Amy Winehouse's "Back To Black"

2013-04-27T13:51:00.000+01:00

Beyonce's got the right idea: if you're going to cover an Amy Winehouse song, you better make sure it's as different as possible from the original. And that's just what she and Andre 3000 have done with their cover of the Mark Ronson produced classic, Back To Black.

Reworking the originals structure and sound, the pair have made a version that sounds, simply put, as high as a kite. However, whereas Beyonce manages to still sound great in her haze, the most immediate problem I can see folks having with this rendition comes from Andre 3000's intentionally (I hope) out of tune delivery. It takes some getting used to, but I suppose it works with the languid and minimalist production.

I don't think it needs to be said, but I'll say it anyway, this isn't a patch on the original. I just hope the version found on The Great Gatsby soundtrack is longer in length, because this "radio rip" sounds too short and, as a result, comes off lazy. A ratio of more Beyonce to less Andre might change all of that!

Rating: D

[Question] Is The Music World Missing Lady Gaga?

2013-04-24T18:07:00.001+01:00

Am I the only one missing Lady Gaga and her crazy ass antics? Sure, it was annoying when she was everywhere, hyped-up to the hilt, but her time away from the spotlight- mainly recovering from surgery- has me jonesing for some of her unique brand of over-the-top wackiness. I mean, the craziest thing she's done of late is cut her hair- see above. Heaven forbid she's mellowing on us!

I know I'm probably going to regret this post once the behemoth that is ARTPOP eventually chugs into town later this year, but as of right now, the heart wants what it wants...sigh.

[Music Video] Alicia Keys and Maxwell Get Steamy In Video For "The Fire We Make"

2013-04-24T18:02:00.000+01:00

Alicia Keys and Maxwell join forces on new single, The Fire We Make. Taken from last year's album, Girl On Fire, single number four (I think?) is a surprise choice considering the hard time Rnb is having on the charts at the moment- don't believe me, just ask Brandy. But maybe the combined musical powers of these two great singers can reignite the public's love affair with the genre.

As for me, I just can't get into the song right now- what with the sun, blue skies and 22° temperature going on outside my window. Maybe you guys will have better luck! I'll try again once ol' Helios has gone to bed.

Check out the Chris Robinson directed video below.

Thoughts?