ARTIST: Eric Hutchinson GENRE: Pop DATE RELEASED: April 13, 2012 THOUGHTS: With drums and clapping, Eric Hutchinson opens this song sounding deceptively cheerful. While it's a song of hopeless attraction, and speaks of what could (and should) be, regarding the object of his affection, this song is bouncy and so fun to sing along to. The foot-tapping beat and Jason Mraz-esque vocals bring just a hint of summer whenever you listen to it. It's the perfect song for a sunny day! OVERALL RATING: 5 out of 5. This song is super catchy, and really easy to sing along to- it'll get stuck in your head!
ARTIST: Linkin Park GENRE: Alternative DATE RELEASED: April 16, 2012 THOUGHTS: I'm not a very avid Linkin Park listener, but every once in a while a song catches my attention- and this absolutely did. The opening notes were what first drew me in- it sounded like a synthesized organ, which is always cool. Soon, I was hooked. It's such a powerful song, you just want to sing it at the top of your lungs. It's one of those songs I enjoy repeating- and have been doing so frequently. Gosh, this song is awesome. It's also clean- a huge plus. And I actually liked the rap part, which is something I usually do NOT like. OVERALL RATING: 5 out of 5 stars- this song is composed of three parts: Epic, Jaw Droppingly-Awesome, and Win.
Have you ever been listening to the radio and you hear a
song you really like, but never figure out the title name? That happened
to me like 2 years ago! I really, really liked this song they kept
playing on the radio, but I could never find the title. The other day I
was listening to Pandora and the song came up! Go Pandora! I love, love,
LOVE this song.
Artist: The Script Genre: Irish Rock (?) Date Released: August 2008 Thoughts: First off, they are an Irish rock band from Dublin, who would have thought? Ireland and Scotland have always been close to my heart, so them being Irish just got them very high on my list of favorites. I love the beat to this song. The melody and harmonies are amazing. And the main dude is attractive, so there. Check this song out here! Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. This song is very catchy (I mean I have been singing it in my head for 2 years). Danny O'Donoghue has a voice I could listen to all the time. Let's just face it, this band has a unique sound and they could get somewhere in the music business.
I find out about new artists in the most random ways sometimes, and this one was really no different. I was looking up dates for Owl City's summer concerts, and I saw that she was performing with him in San Francisco, so in an effort to get to know his opening acts (just because I'm a creepy stalker-fan), I looked her up and discovered that if you signed up for her email list, you would get a free single! So I signed up immediately, and got the free song. Score! I had to check this chick out more, just to make sure her song was all okay and stuff. And I love her! Honestly, who couldn't? She is adorable!!
ARTIST: Jayme Dee GENRE: Electroacoustic/Jazz/Pop (self described) DATE RELEASED: January 1, 2009 THOUGHTS: This is a very fun song, light and flirty, and dripping with witty wordplay, for example: I don't think you could fit through the door/ With a head that big,/ Surprised it don't hit the floor. Clever, right? She doesn't stop there, rather, she gathers steam, dissing her ex to no end, remarking how he was "just a phase", and things like that. The slight, bouncing rhythm is faintly reminiscent of older country-style songs, and she sings with a clear attitude throughout. It makes you want to cheer for her "You GO, girl!"-at least for me. She reminds me of a jazzier, less beachy, slightly younger Colbie Calliat. It's also nice how this is not over-produced at all, it's just her and some simple instrumentals, and that's really all this song needs. OVERALL RATING: 4.5out of 5 stars. While the song is super cute, after a while, the rhythm gets a bit redundant.
ARTIST: Jonsi GENRE: Alternative DATE RELEASED: April 6, 2010 THOUGHTS: This is a song best listened to when the house is utterly quiet, and you aren't distracted by anything, using headphones to make the sound closer to your ears in order to hear everything clearly. If you want to take it further, close your eyes and just immerse yourself in the song. In case you were wondering, music is a very pleasurable experience for me, and I don't like much getting in the way of me and my sounds. This song just... Flows, and it almost feels as though it's floating through the air. The complicated melody, the falsetto, and the energetic drumming makes this song the perfect confection of soaring vocals and unique instrument effects. The one thing that might annoy some is the fact that his music is more about the overall musicality of the piece, rather than focusing on the words. I, however, think this adds a certain mystique and charm to it all. OVERALL RATING: I give this song a five out of five, because it quite simply takes me to my happy place.
ARTIST: David Guetta and Sia GENRE: Dance DATE RELEASED: August 29, 2011 THOUGHTS: Titanium is a very powerful song about being independent and not being affected by what others do, which I LOVE. It isn't a pointless song about getting drunk/high, or one-night stands. This is a song with an empowering message, and a great beat. I read in Billboard magazine last week that "Dance music is resurrecting", and I totally agree with that. I've always been a fan of fast, danceable beats, and this song fits the description perfectly. There's one specific part, however, that may irritate some people in between the chorus and verses- a pounding, surging beat that at first listen may weird some people out. My first thought was "seizure alert!", but quickly found myself loving the song. If you are someone who hasn't heard much of Sia, I encourage you to get more familiar with her sound- her lyrics are often hard to understand, due to her singing style, but she has a good sound, and VERY creative music videos (bordering on just plain weird). I'll probably do a feature on her soon, so you can get better acquainted. OVERALL RATING: 4 out of 5, because the pounding, surging beat can get a bit dizzying, and you have to really focus hard on what she's singing. But it's a marvelous song! Check it:
Do you get what I'm saying when I talk about the pounding, surging beat?
Alright, I know what you all are thinking, "The Jonas Brothers? Really?"
Before you exit, let me explain: lately I have been really fed up with
the crap I have to listen to on the radio. Luckily I have a tape adapter
and a tape player in my car so I can plug in my I-pod. I have made a
few playlists that are clean, up-beat, and don't distract me from
driving cautiously :). One of my favorite bands to listen to is the
Jonas Brothers because they are so positive in (most) of their music,
and I don't have to worry about skipping songs that I think are
inappropriate. The Jonas Brothers became well known around the year
2005. I began to listen to their music when they released their singles,
"We're The Kids of the Future" and "The Year 3000". Sadly the boy band
has kind of dissipated since Nick, the youngest Jonas brother, decided
to go solo and the eldest Jonas brother, Kevin, got married. If you have
a chance, pick up their CD, and have fun dancing to the beat!
THOUGHTS: When I first heard that Owl City was coming up with a new album, I was extremely ecstatic- I am a Hoot Owl through and through, and I jumped at the chance to get new music from him. I soon after heard that he was experimenting with "a new sound", and I got apprehensive- not wanting to lose my undying devotion, but not wanting a drastic change from OC's usual, bubbly electronic feel, I almost resisted listening to his new EP, but I caved, and... I loved it! It wasn't dramatically different, he simply is experimenting with different effects. The first thought that came to me in regards of the sound was more "mature", for lack of a better word. It's not as bubbly as his other works, the instruments sound a bit "heavier" (does that term make sense?), and his lyrics seem more grown-up. Not, of course, in a vulgar way, because he is extremely clean in his lyrics (just another reason to love him), but the messages sound more serious.
"Shooting Star" is a comforting song about showing the world who you are. In a way, it's almost reminiscent of Katy Perry's "Firework", as far as messages and pyrotechnics go.
"Gold" is a really awesome song about not hiding your talents (that's what I got from it, anyway), and it's got a great hook to it, sucking you in.
"Dementia" is more rock-infused, featuring Mark Hoppus from the band Blink-182. I don't love it as much as the others, but it's still a good song with a good beat.
"Take It All Away" (sorry, no preview on this one) is a slower, more melancholy song that is quite pretty, and kind of peaceful at the same time.
OVERALL RATING: 4 out of 5 stars. While I embrace OC's new sound, I'm not a huge fan of rock, so "Dementia" kind of threw me off. However, I really enjoy the rest of the songs, and I think you should give it a listen!
