I've held the hand of the devil, felt his breath on my skin...
The boyfriend is back, and he keeps telling me off. Might have something to do with my restless energy and the urge to clean the house. I just finished doing his laundrey, and washing the dishes.
He came into the kitchen, shook his head and said "Put that dish down. I'm not letting you do dishes."
Then proceeeded to take the dish out of my hand, told me to go sit down and relax, put on bright blue dish washing gloves and proceeded to do the dishes.
Rotfl. I'm restless because it's nearing the time of my exam...as in two days time, and restless for other reasons.
He doesn't realise cleaning actually can relax me LOL.
But hey I'm not complaining. He also cooked me lunch. He made the most delicious hot and spicy soup, served with toast cut up into soldiers. Cute.
So I'm content in my food, and I've been going through some stuff on my computer. I found some reviews that I've written, and since absolutelyzing asked to see some of my reviews I'm posting a couple that I've written.
They're not very good, as I've only really started writing music reviews. Generally I interview bands and write features on them, or write features in general or news, so this is a new thing for me. But I do enjoy it.
So enjoy, and give me your opinions.
Leann Rimes is back, and she's back in style. While her last album lacked the lustre and traditionally strong songs that people have come to expect to hear from Leann Rimes, "This Woman" shows that at 22 Rimes can still sing.
Not only can she still sing but also, she does it quite well on this album. Rimes goes back to her roots of country music rather than her sticking to the style on her last album, which bordered on being too poppy for her fans.
One thing that has changed is that her voice has got matured and become stronger.
She finally seems comfortable in her own skin, singing music that, not only appeals to her audience, but also seems to appeal to her.
The music is still country rock, and has shades of "Coyote Ugly" in it, but she puts more heart and soul into the music.
Songs such as "Something's gotta give" and "Nothing bout love makes sense" are traditionally country. With lines like "Like an ocean liner shouldn't float on the sea, a pearl in an oyster or a circus of fleas, someone so perfect can't be falling for me, oh nothing about love makes sense." one feels the urge to bring out the cowboy hat and boots.
The song "Probably won't be this way" is the traditional country heartbreak song of love lost, with poignant lyrics, and Rime's is at her most heartfelt sincerest.
Strong in lyrics, the whole album plays strongly on the use of acoustic guitar, and fiddles.
The music is still very bouncy, but in a boot-tapping way, and certainly her best effort in a long while.
Overall the music sounds clearer, and neater. Leann Rimes seems to have finally found an album that is her niche, and that shows that she wasn't just a flash in the pan. At 22 she shows with "This woman" that she has many years still in her.
For the die-hard Leann Rimes fans, and even some new ones it's definitely worth putting into the CD player and listening to.
The news that Jesse McCartney used to be in a boy band doesn't surprise me in the least. "Beautiful soul" is reminescent of other solo efforts by former boy band members ,such as Back Street Boy Nick Carter.
The album's title song is what drew my attention to McCartney's singing talents, and I was pretty impressed by it. The song is a rock ballad, that has a great beat, great lyrics, and accompanied by a very sweet voice.
At the same time it's slow, soothing, and will have every young girl in ecstasy, but as for the rest of the album...well for a first album it's a pretty good attempt.
The album is a mixture of different styles, with pop songs, songs with shades of R and B and the traditional slow ballad that comes on most former boy band's albums. Then there are Songs like "Get your shine on" which are reminiscent of a young Michael Jackson.
Jesse McCartney is a record marketing executives dream come true for the teen market. With traditional boyish good looks, a butter wouldn't melt in your mouth smile, looks that are both innocent and rebellious and with ballads like "Take your sweet time", this album is sure to be a hit for the teen market.
He sings songs explicitely for that market, and the music ranges from the soft ballads to the upbeat babyface style music. As mentioned before there are shades of Michael Jackson, and he gets as rocky as a ex boyband member could possibly get.
Despite the fact he is obviously a pinup for the teen girl, he is someone to watch out for.
The guy does have talent, and takes a hand in writing his own music.
The main theme with this music seems to be relationships, and that's fine for the first five or so songs, but after a while it tends to fray around the edges. It would have been nice to have heard different themes, but again, since this album is marketed to teens and one of the main themes in a teen's life is love, it's perfect for him to sing about.
Every time I hear this album though it very much reminds me of Nick Carter in the same style of music performed, but with a little less of the ego. Jesse McCartney even has shades of Justin Timberlake to him with an r and b beat to some of his songs, like "that was then".
Mccartney's voice is pure, and as I said Jesse Mccartney is someone to watc.
It will be interesting to see what direction his music takes, as for someone only 17 his music and voice both hold a maturity about them.
If you're a teenage girl then it's worth checking out.
Garth Brooks: Double Live
Garth Brooks isn't your traditional and typical country singer.
With music roots that go back to his love for Kiss when he was younger, it's obvious through his double live album that he tries to emulate what Kiss did on their own live albums and shows. And you know what? Garth succeeds.
Nothing about this double live album is dull. Garth shows through his music what a true performer he is, and you only need to listen to this album to understand why everyone raves about his showmanship.
With classics that range from "Friends in Low Places" to newer songs such as "The American Honky Tonk Bar association" Garth brings a little rock to his country, and a little country to his rock, and he does it exceptionally well.
Garth brings his own style to country.
In each song he performs he speaks volumes with emotion. Songs like "We shall be free" touch the soul completely.
Other songs such as "The American Honky Tonk-Bar Association" and his exceptional cover of Aerosmith's "The Fever" has one tapping their foot along to the beat of the music.
Whether he is being cocky and confident, or humble and tearful, through and through he brings emotion to the music. This is heard not only through his voice, and the lyrics but through the crowd, and the atmosphere.
Songs such as "The Thunder rolls" and "Friends in low places" are two songs, in which the extra verses can only be heard in concert and the response to those extra verses is enough to hear it.
Garth's connection with his fans is obvious, and what is even more obvious is his own enjoyment at seeing how much his fans love his shows.
And it wouldn't be right without Trisha Yearwood singing a duet with Garth, as she does on "Wild is the wind".
This Cd is a must to all Garth fans. And for those who aren't Garth fans this is the album that will either make you one, or not.
The best way to listen to this is to turn down the lights, turn up the music, close your eyes and let Garth take you there.
This self-titled album is a huge step away from Britney's traditional bubble-gum pop music. It's a step in the direction of Britney growing up, and expanding her style of music.
While the album is still bubblegum pop it is definitely more mature, more sexier, and slightly more darker than her usual music.
Fans of Britney will be surprised by the raspiness of her voice, and the sexiness in her music.
Songs like "I'm not a girl, not yet a woman" is an indication of her own life, and how much she has changed in the years since she came to us with "hit me baby one more time".
It shows a wistfulness, and an eagerness to grow up yet at the same time a slight reluctance.
The album has become less pop though, and more music that you can dance to.
Admittingly there are tracks that take a while to get used to, such as her cover of "I love rock n roll".
Her version is a shock to the system, but eventually it grows on you. Older fans however may disagree with this. It's not the best version in the world, but it is Britney well... being Britney, and bringing the pop into the song. Younger fans of Britney will probably love this song.
With songs such as Boys, I'm a slave for you, Bombastic love, the album oozes of dancebeat numbers, and sex appeal, but as mentioned there's the touch of innocence in "Not a girl, not yet a woman".
Britney seems to have taken a step in the right direction with her music though, as she and her record company know that she can not appeal to young girls forever. She needs to find her niche in the grown up market, and this album might just do that for her.
Some of the tracks are very clever, such as the cleverly written "Cinderella" which describes how a girl realises that she's not going to be used, or treated like a doll on a guy's chain for the rest of her life.
This album, as mentioned before, is a grown up album. The music is catchy, and take a step in the direction of R and B. A very clever move on behalf of Britney and her team.
Set this circus down is a step in a different direction for Tim McGraw. While it still has the same style of his earlier albums, it also takes a deeper step into what he was attempting with "A place in the sun".
"The cowboy in me" is rockier than his usual music, and has strong guitar themes throughout it, yet the voice is still pure country, as are the lyrics. The lyrics are stong, and it's either a song you'll get or you don't. It either will strike a chord in you, and make you sit up and realise, "Hey I get that. I get what he means by the cowboy in me" or you won't.
"Teluride" talks about a young boys innocence fading, and the bittersweet remembrance of young love.
"You get used to somebody" is the traditional love song that appears on McGraw's album, with strong poignant lyrics such as "I never dreamed when I was letting you go that I would wake up and miss you this much" that can touch even the coldest of hearts.
"Unbroken" borders on as pop country as perhaps McGraw gets, and has a great beat to it.
"Things change" is a must-listen-to song, and it looks at how music has changed throughout the years, and it's something a music lover who knows their music can listen to and relate to. it talks about prejudice, and how much music has changed over the years from Elvis Presley to now. With strong guitar, and strong vocals this song is a pure winner.
The line that really touches deep is "they say it's too country, it's too rock n roll but it's only music if you can feel it in your soul." Pure magic.
I think one of the biggest gems on this album is the song "Angry all the time" which talks about the breakup of a relationship, and what made it disintegrate. The lyrics are powerful, strong, and touch deeply.
Right throughout the album the lyrics are strong, and the vocals of Mcgraw go from strength to strength.
His relationship with his group, The dancehall doctors, is strong, and it shows throughout the whole album.
An album worth having in the collection, and it's understandable why Mcgraw keeps on winning with his music.
He came into the kitchen, shook his head and said "Put that dish down. I'm not letting you do dishes."
Then proceeeded to take the dish out of my hand, told me to go sit down and relax, put on bright blue dish washing gloves and proceeded to do the dishes.
Rotfl. I'm restless because it's nearing the time of my exam...as in two days time, and restless for other reasons.
He doesn't realise cleaning actually can relax me LOL.
But hey I'm not complaining. He also cooked me lunch. He made the most delicious hot and spicy soup, served with toast cut up into soldiers. Cute.
So I'm content in my food, and I've been going through some stuff on my computer. I found some reviews that I've written, and since absolutelyzing asked to see some of my reviews I'm posting a couple that I've written.
They're not very good, as I've only really started writing music reviews. Generally I interview bands and write features on them, or write features in general or news, so this is a new thing for me. But I do enjoy it.
So enjoy, and give me your opinions.
Leann Rimes is back, and she's back in style. While her last album lacked the lustre and traditionally strong songs that people have come to expect to hear from Leann Rimes, "This Woman" shows that at 22 Rimes can still sing.
Not only can she still sing but also, she does it quite well on this album. Rimes goes back to her roots of country music rather than her sticking to the style on her last album, which bordered on being too poppy for her fans.
One thing that has changed is that her voice has got matured and become stronger.
She finally seems comfortable in her own skin, singing music that, not only appeals to her audience, but also seems to appeal to her.
The music is still country rock, and has shades of "Coyote Ugly" in it, but she puts more heart and soul into the music.
Songs such as "Something's gotta give" and "Nothing bout love makes sense" are traditionally country. With lines like "Like an ocean liner shouldn't float on the sea, a pearl in an oyster or a circus of fleas, someone so perfect can't be falling for me, oh nothing about love makes sense." one feels the urge to bring out the cowboy hat and boots.
The song "Probably won't be this way" is the traditional country heartbreak song of love lost, with poignant lyrics, and Rime's is at her most heartfelt sincerest.
Strong in lyrics, the whole album plays strongly on the use of acoustic guitar, and fiddles.
The music is still very bouncy, but in a boot-tapping way, and certainly her best effort in a long while.
Overall the music sounds clearer, and neater. Leann Rimes seems to have finally found an album that is her niche, and that shows that she wasn't just a flash in the pan. At 22 she shows with "This woman" that she has many years still in her.
For the die-hard Leann Rimes fans, and even some new ones it's definitely worth putting into the CD player and listening to.
The news that Jesse McCartney used to be in a boy band doesn't surprise me in the least. "Beautiful soul" is reminescent of other solo efforts by former boy band members ,such as Back Street Boy Nick Carter.
The album's title song is what drew my attention to McCartney's singing talents, and I was pretty impressed by it. The song is a rock ballad, that has a great beat, great lyrics, and accompanied by a very sweet voice.
At the same time it's slow, soothing, and will have every young girl in ecstasy, but as for the rest of the album...well for a first album it's a pretty good attempt.
The album is a mixture of different styles, with pop songs, songs with shades of R and B and the traditional slow ballad that comes on most former boy band's albums. Then there are Songs like "Get your shine on" which are reminiscent of a young Michael Jackson.
Jesse McCartney is a record marketing executives dream come true for the teen market. With traditional boyish good looks, a butter wouldn't melt in your mouth smile, looks that are both innocent and rebellious and with ballads like "Take your sweet time", this album is sure to be a hit for the teen market.
He sings songs explicitely for that market, and the music ranges from the soft ballads to the upbeat babyface style music. As mentioned before there are shades of Michael Jackson, and he gets as rocky as a ex boyband member could possibly get.
Despite the fact he is obviously a pinup for the teen girl, he is someone to watch out for.
The guy does have talent, and takes a hand in writing his own music.
The main theme with this music seems to be relationships, and that's fine for the first five or so songs, but after a while it tends to fray around the edges. It would have been nice to have heard different themes, but again, since this album is marketed to teens and one of the main themes in a teen's life is love, it's perfect for him to sing about.
Every time I hear this album though it very much reminds me of Nick Carter in the same style of music performed, but with a little less of the ego. Jesse McCartney even has shades of Justin Timberlake to him with an r and b beat to some of his songs, like "that was then".
Mccartney's voice is pure, and as I said Jesse Mccartney is someone to watc.
It will be interesting to see what direction his music takes, as for someone only 17 his music and voice both hold a maturity about them.
If you're a teenage girl then it's worth checking out.
Garth Brooks: Double Live
Garth Brooks isn't your traditional and typical country singer.
With music roots that go back to his love for Kiss when he was younger, it's obvious through his double live album that he tries to emulate what Kiss did on their own live albums and shows. And you know what? Garth succeeds.
Nothing about this double live album is dull. Garth shows through his music what a true performer he is, and you only need to listen to this album to understand why everyone raves about his showmanship.
With classics that range from "Friends in Low Places" to newer songs such as "The American Honky Tonk Bar association" Garth brings a little rock to his country, and a little country to his rock, and he does it exceptionally well.
Garth brings his own style to country.
In each song he performs he speaks volumes with emotion. Songs like "We shall be free" touch the soul completely.
Other songs such as "The American Honky Tonk-Bar Association" and his exceptional cover of Aerosmith's "The Fever" has one tapping their foot along to the beat of the music.
Whether he is being cocky and confident, or humble and tearful, through and through he brings emotion to the music. This is heard not only through his voice, and the lyrics but through the crowd, and the atmosphere.
Songs such as "The Thunder rolls" and "Friends in low places" are two songs, in which the extra verses can only be heard in concert and the response to those extra verses is enough to hear it.
Garth's connection with his fans is obvious, and what is even more obvious is his own enjoyment at seeing how much his fans love his shows.
And it wouldn't be right without Trisha Yearwood singing a duet with Garth, as she does on "Wild is the wind".
This Cd is a must to all Garth fans. And for those who aren't Garth fans this is the album that will either make you one, or not.
The best way to listen to this is to turn down the lights, turn up the music, close your eyes and let Garth take you there.
This self-titled album is a huge step away from Britney's traditional bubble-gum pop music. It's a step in the direction of Britney growing up, and expanding her style of music.
While the album is still bubblegum pop it is definitely more mature, more sexier, and slightly more darker than her usual music.
Fans of Britney will be surprised by the raspiness of her voice, and the sexiness in her music.
Songs like "I'm not a girl, not yet a woman" is an indication of her own life, and how much she has changed in the years since she came to us with "hit me baby one more time".
It shows a wistfulness, and an eagerness to grow up yet at the same time a slight reluctance.
The album has become less pop though, and more music that you can dance to.
Admittingly there are tracks that take a while to get used to, such as her cover of "I love rock n roll".
Her version is a shock to the system, but eventually it grows on you. Older fans however may disagree with this. It's not the best version in the world, but it is Britney well... being Britney, and bringing the pop into the song. Younger fans of Britney will probably love this song.
With songs such as Boys, I'm a slave for you, Bombastic love, the album oozes of dancebeat numbers, and sex appeal, but as mentioned there's the touch of innocence in "Not a girl, not yet a woman".
Britney seems to have taken a step in the right direction with her music though, as she and her record company know that she can not appeal to young girls forever. She needs to find her niche in the grown up market, and this album might just do that for her.
Some of the tracks are very clever, such as the cleverly written "Cinderella" which describes how a girl realises that she's not going to be used, or treated like a doll on a guy's chain for the rest of her life.
This album, as mentioned before, is a grown up album. The music is catchy, and take a step in the direction of R and B. A very clever move on behalf of Britney and her team.
Set this circus down is a step in a different direction for Tim McGraw. While it still has the same style of his earlier albums, it also takes a deeper step into what he was attempting with "A place in the sun".
"The cowboy in me" is rockier than his usual music, and has strong guitar themes throughout it, yet the voice is still pure country, as are the lyrics. The lyrics are stong, and it's either a song you'll get or you don't. It either will strike a chord in you, and make you sit up and realise, "Hey I get that. I get what he means by the cowboy in me" or you won't.
"Teluride" talks about a young boys innocence fading, and the bittersweet remembrance of young love.
"You get used to somebody" is the traditional love song that appears on McGraw's album, with strong poignant lyrics such as "I never dreamed when I was letting you go that I would wake up and miss you this much" that can touch even the coldest of hearts.
"Unbroken" borders on as pop country as perhaps McGraw gets, and has a great beat to it.
"Things change" is a must-listen-to song, and it looks at how music has changed throughout the years, and it's something a music lover who knows their music can listen to and relate to. it talks about prejudice, and how much music has changed over the years from Elvis Presley to now. With strong guitar, and strong vocals this song is a pure winner.
The line that really touches deep is "they say it's too country, it's too rock n roll but it's only music if you can feel it in your soul." Pure magic.
I think one of the biggest gems on this album is the song "Angry all the time" which talks about the breakup of a relationship, and what made it disintegrate. The lyrics are powerful, strong, and touch deeply.
Right throughout the album the lyrics are strong, and the vocals of Mcgraw go from strength to strength.
His relationship with his group, The dancehall doctors, is strong, and it shows throughout the whole album.
An album worth having in the collection, and it's understandable why Mcgraw keeps on winning with his music.