Category: Reviews

Reviews

Album Review: ‘Loved Me Back To Life’ by Celine Dion

Celine’s back! There’s something really great about hearing that because you’re expecting beautiful, timeless music. Six long years have passed since Dion graced our ears with the pop rock and chart topping, Taking Chances, now the songstress is ready to reveal how she’s evolved in her artistry. With what many, including the notable producers and songwriters who’ve contributed to Celine’s 11th studio album, Loved Me … Continue reading Album Review: ‘Loved Me Back To Life’ by Celine Dion

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Reviews

Mini Album Review: ‘Who Are You?’ by Kahi

I’m actually a devoted fan to the lovely and talented entertainer, constantly finding out what she’s up to via her twitter page. When I saw that Kahi was travelling quite a bit I figured more or less she was seeking inspiration—amidst relaxation—for her upcoming music.  More recently, she took a trip to Barcelona, Spain, which apparently hadn’t only been the setting for her latest music … Continue reading Mini Album Review: ‘Who Are You?’ by Kahi

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Reviews

Album Review: ‘What Will All The Neighbors Think?’ by Jasmine Kyle

Jasmine Kyle is an independent artist living in Wisconsin. I came across this inspiring lady via her personal blog on which she highlights her journey to the release of her debut album, What Will All The Neighbors Think, and boy is it an interesting journey. While I’m not about to mention all the good reasons why you should check out her blog but if you … Continue reading Album Review: ‘What Will All The Neighbors Think?’ by Jasmine Kyle

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Reviews

Single Review: ‘Galaxy Supernova’ by Girls Generation

Release date: September 18th 2013 Label: Universal Music Japan Purchase: CDJapan | Amazon I haven’t listened to anything Girls Generation since the catchy English attempt, Boys. After that, I’ve been so out of the loop when it comes to SM Entertainment’s finest. Then boom! Galaxy Supernova lands on the front page of Youtube and I’m immediately pulled in. The song is spunky, energetic, addictive, tastefully … Continue reading Single Review: ‘Galaxy Supernova’ by Girls Generation

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Reviews

Music Review: “Roxie” EP

Release date: May 17th 2013 Label: Roxie Bardo Entertainment Purchase: Amazon | iTunes Roxie Bardo did the intended. She not only made me listen to her music, but her lyrics made me think. The talented singer sails on her fierce EP, and I felt like climbing to the top of a mountain and screaming out, “why aren’t more people listening to her music?” but once … Continue reading Music Review: “Roxie” EP

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Reviews

Mini Album Review: ‘A’s Doll House’ by Ailee

ailee2Release date: July 16th 2013

Label: Windmill Media/YMC Ent

Purchase: Kpoptown | Kpopmart

Ratings: 4.5/5

Ailee is indeed vocally talented. That for one I have to mention whenever I review her music. Heaven was like magnate for me, pulling me into the artist’s style and sound. And while her debut remains my favorite with the recent I’ll Show You disappearing quickly from my brain, I’m rather pleased that she’s finally returned with some new music and a new EP. A’s Doll House is soulful, contemporary, upbeat, and possesses a great amount of pizzazz in music composition and image concepts. This is by far one of the better releases in Kpop this year. 

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Reviews

Album Review: ‘One’ by Sarah Miles

onesarahRelease Date: July 16th 2013

Label: Rock Ridge Music

Purchase: iTunes | Amazon

Rating: 5/5

This album was provided in digital format in exchange for an honest review but that does not influence my opinion at all.

Had to state that before going any further because I sincerely enjoyed the debut album of Sarah Miles. Packed with a combination of country, folk, pop, acoustic, and soft rock songs, One is like a soothing soundtrack to the warm summer days and the bitter-sweetness of relationships and life. I cannot express enough how absorbing and easy to love these songs are, and I feel my review may not truly interpret the greatness of the album. But go on this journey with me as I give you a break down of my reaction to every single track: Continue reading “Album Review: ‘One’ by Sarah Miles”

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Reviews

Album Review: ‘Ciara’

ciaraReleased: July 9th 2013

Label: Epic

Purchase: Amazon | iTunes

Rating: 4/5

I truly enjoyed Ciara’s debut and sophomore albums but to be honest I went to sleep on her previous two. But now, her fifth studio album definitely has me wanting to pay attention to her music again. The self titled fifth album has concepts swaying from sex, love, being bold, and having fun. It’s actually quite tolerable as rudiments used aren’t all in your face and vulgar. Ciara does a rather classy job bringing forth tracks otherwise deemed as raunchy, and soars satisfyingly on more laid back mellow songs. There’s also some experimenting going on, with the presence of reggae, dance, a little bit of rock, and some electro pop even. A track by track will give you a better idea of how I’m feeling towards the album: Continue reading “Album Review: ‘Ciara’”

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Reviews

Album Review: “Talk a Good Game” by Kelly Rowland

Release date: June 18, 2013

Label: Universal Motown

Purchase: Amazon | iTunes

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, Kelly Rowland is a very talented woman. She does not need to sell sex to sell music, if anything she shouldn’t even be trying so hard to appear sexy when she already is. And going into this album I had already formulated an opinion based on the cover and the ‘parental advisory’ stamp at the bottom. In the end, the music  is half the time entertaining and there are songs that leave you thinking, but I can’t ignore the tracks that aren’t very memorable.  Continue reading “Album Review: “Talk a Good Game” by Kelly Rowland”

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Reviews

Album Review: ‘First Love’ by After School

as-single

Release date: June 13th 2013

Label: Loen Entertainment

Purchase: Kpoptown | Yesasia

AFTER SCHOOL’S BACK!!

I had to say that because I’ve been waiting, and I am somewhat satisfied. Not entirely in love with the mini album but I’m sold by the overall concept. I listened to the EP at least two times before writing the review so I can safely explain my impression of each track. From start to the finish, every single song had something of interest. With the exception of the intro, 8 Hot Girls, which I think should’ve been longer instead of only a minute and couple seconds, my reaction has pretty much swayed from sensual, classy, fun and upbeat, to warm and misty. I’ll break it down so you know which song rubs me in what way. But before that, let’s get into 8 Hot Girls. Continue reading “Album Review: ‘First Love’ by After School”

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Reviews

Music Review: ‘Avalanche’ by Quadron

AvalancheRelease date: May 31, 2013

Label: Epic Records/Vested in Culture

Purchase: Amazon | iTunes

First of all, I am so thrilled to have discovered this album on Amazon. Quadron is honestly new to me and I had no expectations, no idea whatsoever about the kind of music they make, but let me tell you I’ve gone bat shit crazy listening to this album. Avalanche sounds like a blast out of the 70s. It embodies the feel good type of music even your grandparents can enjoy. I mean songs that actually make you sit and listen to the words, or get up and dance but still listen to the words and soak it all in. It’s just great. And the only issue I have is with myself, for only now finding the Danish duo.  Continue reading “Music Review: ‘Avalanche’ by Quadron”

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Reviews

Album Review: ‘Demi’ by Demi Lovato

Demi

Release Date: May 14th 2013

Label: Hollywood Records

Purchase: Amazon | iTunes

Demi Lovato has overcome quite a lot since the release of her previous album. And she stays on that positive path with her fourth, simply titled ‘Demi‘. My initial thoughts of this new release is that it must be a true representation of where the singer is at this point in her life, whether in music or personally. Since Unbroken established intrigue on my part, I’m eager to find out if ‘Demi‘ will have that same impact or greater. Let’s break it down now:

I like Heart Attack, especially the lyrics, but I’m not in love with the track. Its most definitely suited for mainstream but not exactly epic. Just for the here and now. But I should add that I like how achy she seems in the music video as she lives up to the words of the song. I can’t really find anything else to say about the lead single other than it’s alright.  Continue reading “Album Review: ‘Demi’ by Demi Lovato”

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Reviews

Album Review: “Lenya Wilks”

Lenya WilksReleased: March 26th 2013

Label: Z x 5 Productions

Purchase: Amazon | iTunes

This review is way overdue. But I just had to go through with it and say I’m speechless. Absolutely and utterly speechless. No worries, this is not a rant. I’m actually just very impressed by Lenya Wilks‘ debut album. The self-titled record is sultry, bubbly, jazzy, reggae-rific, and pretty much perpetual, with music you’ll never stop listening to for years to come. I can’t get over how much I love this album. So, yes. Once again I will say it, I love this album. But let’s move on to a more calm and collected interpretation of why Lenya Wilks has one of  the best reggae albums of the year.

Aside from her flawless and soul shaking voice, the words literally take you there, and the music defines a wonderful production. Summer Love starts things off in a beautiful and wanting mood. The track signifies being in love with an unknowing other, and how effortless it is to describe how exactly you feel about that person. This is the perfect love song that isn’t slow but groovy enough to make you want to get on your feet. A truly wonderful opener.

Following the sexy starter is the more mellow and bluesy Better in My Dreams. There’s something about this track that pulls me into the 80s. All  I think of is sitting in a lounge filled with sensuality in the air and surrounded by nothing but emotional melodies. I had no idea that after one listen Better in My Dreams would turn out to be my favorite on the album, but it sure doesn’t stop there. The next track is just as memorable and uniquely interesting.  Continue reading “Album Review: “Lenya Wilks””

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Reviews

Music Review: Darla Beaux’s “Rebel Soul” EP

Release date: March 19, 2013

Purchase: iTunes

Are you ready for some soulful, timeless, and all in all REAL music? Then I invite you to give Darla Beaux’s “Rebel Soul” EP a good long listen. The five track record had me hooked from the opening song, and left me anticipating more by the last. The talented songstress sent fire under my skin with her mature and powerful vocals; I did a double take hearing she was only fourteen years old. One would never guess such impressive ranges were coming from a teen, but Darla has proven that age is indeed nothing but a number.  Continue reading “Music Review: Darla Beaux’s “Rebel Soul” EP”

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Reviews

Music Review: Rihanna’s “Unapologetic”

Released: November 19, 2012

Label: Roc Nation/Island Def Jam

Purchase: Amazon

A little step up from her previous oversexed Talk that Talk, but still not even close to impressive. Unapologetic sounds mostly exhausted and rushed. There’s nothing wrong with putting out an album every year to stay current if you can handle it, but at least take the time to perform songs  that will be embedded in the hearts and minds of listeners. Sure there are likable tracks here and there, but not good enough to give goose bumps.  Continue reading “Music Review: Rihanna’s “Unapologetic””

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Reviews

Music Review: Christina Aguilera “Lotus”

Lotus (Deluxe Edited Version)

Release date: November 13, 2012

Label: RCA

Purchase: Amazon | iTunes

Six albums already under her belt (yes, that includes the questionable Bionic) Christina Aguilera is back on the scene to do what she does best, sing her throat heart out. With a strong force of musically gifted producers and songwriters behind her, Christina is set to reclaim the top of the charts with her seventh studio album, Lotus. Like the album’s title, the singer rises above her setbacks. Now, she’s challenging herself to experiment with different sounds, including country. Well, let’s see where this new found path leads her. Continue reading “Music Review: Christina Aguilera “Lotus””

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Reviews

Music Review: One Direction “Take Me Away”

Take Me Home

Release date: November 13, 2012

Label: Syco Music/Sony

Purchase: Amazon | iTunes

I had no idea who One Direction was until finally deciding to check them out after constantly seeing the group’s name trending on twitter. The English has surely been invading the States, with a great amount of talented vocalists, but as far as One Direction is concerned, I have mixed views. 

Right off the success of their debut album, One Direction is hoping to make the same impact with their sophomore attempt, Take Me Home. It’s possible the group will score another hit or fall victim to the second album curse. There’s no denying their positions on the charts so far, but just how good is the overall package? Let’s find out: Continue reading “Music Review: One Direction “Take Me Away””

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Reviews

[Music Review] Yuri Koller “Open Doors”

Yuri Koller is a Toronto based vocalist, songwriter, and producer. His latest effort, Open Doors, came to us via a short sweet email from the man himself. It is a mashup of hiphop, RnB, and soul. Personally, I struggled to find any soul esque notes in his music, hence it just being a contemporary R&B album. If you miss the 90s era, his music re-ignites that vibe effortlessly.

In terms of production, his crew consisting of Cxaleb,SE7N, Oliver Grey, Korruption, and the Masterminds and Nexus Movement, went hard in the paint for him. Both Kai and I were impressed with their professional efforts. Shourr ourrs to dem! Overall, it is a very well produced and cohesive sophomore project. Apparently, this cutie has been on his grind for a minute…Nyhoo, journey with me as I review, and let’s see whether he gets a (-) to the nth power, or an (A*) rating. 

[Free download] here

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Reviews

Music Review: Keyshia Cole “Woman to Woman”

Woman to Woman

Release date: November 19, 2012

Label: Geffen Records

Purchase: Amazon | iTunes

Interesting how just recently I was venting over r&b being dormant and forgotten in the industry, and here comes Ms. Keyshia Cole with an album that sounds like a blast from the past. Woman to Woman is deemed the best album the soulful songstress has released since 2008’s A Different Me, with 2010’s Calling All Hearts short of the artist’s full potential. 

After being in the biz for over seven years, Cole is ready to show how much she’s evolved in her artistry and as a ‘woman’. You know what that means, it’s time to analyze and find out just how good Keyshia’s fifth attempt is. Should I add this one to my collection, or give it a pass?

Continue reading “Music Review: Keyshia Cole “Woman to Woman””

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