aleng's journal

Showing posts with label album. Show all posts

CNY's Coming!!

YESS!!!
The moment of the year when you just go around get ang paos is coming.

Well, I've always loved CNY not for the ang paos. I just like the feeling of reunion. You know, especially being more busy now despite with all the studies I'm going through, I'm even more distant from my family. Well, I've always been a shut in, but I still have a heart for my family too. Plus, I just freaking love playing fireworks, so I'm bound to enjoy playing fireworks with my little cousins when I get back to my kampoeng, and let my inner child go out with no shame. 'Cause let's be honest, your aunts and uncles need one nephew or niece who knows how to get along with kids so they can drink happily and talk about politics and stuffs (Argh... adult stuffs).

And again... complaining about how time flies so god damn fast, like seriously... it feels like last week we set off fireworks for the countdown, and now February is coming up? I don't know, maybe I'm just overthinking stuffs.

BTW, SIA'S This is Acting is OUT!!!

And boy it sounds freaking cool. Well, it's Sia.. so yeah.. but in this album, she did push her limits. Using songs that were mostly meant for other artists, like Alive which was meant for Adele, Cheap Trills was supposed to be Rihanna's, and I get the feels that Sweet Design was meant to be Beyonce's. All in all, the music and lyrics are amazing, with her as per usual amazing crispy vocals, this album makes me feel that she might actually change her music style into something new. I mean, this is something like a sign that she really has talent in music and if she does start to make a change, I would definitely look forward to it.

Listen to it on Spotify, or if you're lazy to search that up just click on the list I prepared.

One more thing, Zika virus is apparently bombing in America. The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (based on Wiki). Well, it hasn't spread globally, but the host, Aedes mosquitoes, is still roaming around the globe, so it's still best to be more aware.

Well, January is about to end, enjoy it to the fullest people!!!

CRITICS! [Blue Neighbourhood]

21:59:00 No Comments

It's. Finally. HERE!!!

OMG!

I have waited for this album to come out!!

The EP WILD was an amazing experience. Something about Troye's works seem very polished and dreamy, and it gives me excitement to literally wait for his album. The moment I remembered today (well, today at my place) was 4th Dec., I got up quickly and went to my Spotify to check it, and yes... let your brain process the way I screamed when I saw the album there.

Listen it on the Spotify list I've prepared >>>

Anyways, let's just get to the critics. The EP was able to build enough hype that I literally needed to listen to the album, and one word to explain the album is chill. The album is, in overall, chill. Lyrically meaningful and relatable, along with Troye's calm chilly vocals, I can say this will definitely go viral. Although some songs contain a bit too much chorus repetitions, like; TALK ME DOWN and BLUE, but manages to sound quite catchy at the same time (kinda like Try by Colbie Caillat). Others are either just good or simply addictive, some have insanely catchy unique beats, like TOO GOOD and DKLA. Troye really made it great this time, and my favourite from the album would be for him., the beats are bouncy and the lyrics just adds up to the music (I'm literally playing it on repeat for the whole day after listening to the album thrice).
All in all, this is definitely a huge step for Troye Sivan, and I'm so proud to be a fan of his music.

CRITICS! [25]

19:49:00 No Comments

YES! I'm late on this post, but I'll still make it.

Damn the new album is just amazing.

First off, it's Adele, it's bound to be amazing.
Let's start off with the hit single Hello, it was an amazing single, and pretty emotional at the same time, despite this is probably the first time I listened to Adele singing a song about how she 'mistreated' her ex. It's still amazing, don't get me wrong.

Her other songs, which are pretty unexpected, such as; Send My Love and River Lea, was totally out of my expectation, and I'll be honest, Send My Love has that Taylor Swift feels to it. That sassy and cool atmosphere in it. River Lea, on the other hand, sounds Sia-like, I don't know why.. I just feel like that song would be something Sia sing to. The other tracks sound familiarly new, as if I've heard it somewhere before, but at the same time, I know it's not.

I'm not sure if it's just me or am I the only one who find that the songs are pretty simple in terms of music. Now, there's nothing wrong with being simple, 'cos simplicity is the best sometimes, but in this album, Adele seemed to manage it pretty well effortlessly. Plus, I'm not sure if there's way too much piano ballad in her album, but it still connects one to another like a puzzle getting together. I'm probably still stuck into pop music, which makes me feel as if something is missing from the tracks in her album.

One thing though, this album will not be streamed in Spotify, so this time you guys have to listen to it for yourselves, but if you love ballads, this will definitely be a worthy album.

MUSIC

22:03:00 No Comments

O.M.G
Literally...
Is it me or is there so much music to expect before 2016 comes?
Like seriously...
JB's Purpose, Adele's 25, Ellie's Delirium, Sia's Bird Set Free, Troye's YOUTH, 1D's Made In The A.M., and even another new star, Parson James.

OK, this will be a long short critique, so I'm just gonna prepare all the songs and let you listen on the Spotify list I prepared.

I'm surprised that I have so much to talk about and at the same time so much I've missed. Apparently, I spoke in my first vlog about Demi's Confident, and also how amazing Adele's Hello was. So now, let's start from JB.. YES, I hated his music from Journals, but now, his comeback is amazing, and I would say I love a lot of songs from his album. Each of them seem fresh and new, as if JB just rediscovered himself.

As for Ellie's Delirium, most of the songs are good, but a few are considered catchy for me. However, lyrically, Ellie still manage to send some good messages, although I'm still thinking On My Mind is about Ed Sheeran, though she said it wasn't.

Sia's Bird Set Free.. Ahh... Just as expected from Sia, and amazing powerful track. This will definitely get stuck in my head for a while. She is one of those artists who can give me eargasm. LOL

TROYE RELEASED YOUTH!!! OMG!! I've been playing it on repeat, and it kind of reminded me of Fun from his TRXYE EP. Still, the this track isn't that bad, and damn his vocals are amazing. I can't wait for his album Blue Neighbourhood.

Directioners are probably insane over this album, since it's 1D's first album without Zayn (Sorry if any Zayn fans are reading this and got reminded again). And I hate to say this, but I think they will separate, just like any boybands in the past. I mean, the album is nice, but the moment they said "We're gonna take a break", it's kinda like a subtle way of slowing separating, but who knows they will come back as strong as ever. We'll never know... the future's a mystery and anything goes. The album is great btw. I loved some of the music, it's pretty lively, kinda reminds me of their first album.

And finally, Parson James. This dude has an amazing voice, like seriously, choirs of angels can't beat him (JK). He seem to be one of those rare artists who can bring stories along with his vocals, you know, the "story-telling" style of vocals. It's hard to find someone who has those vocals. Not to mention, his Sinner Like You is like his anthem for gay acceptance.

Phew, that was a long one. Could've been single individual posts, but I'm too lazy to do that. So, BYE!

CRITICS! [Ms. Anonymous]

13:35:00 No Comments

And this rising star is starting to get the attentions he needs. Well, he was famous, but now even more...

This EP may be only 4 tracked, but is amazing enough to make you love him, well, not particularly, but you gotta admit that he has some amazing vocals.

The EP starts off with Gibberish ft. Hoodie Allen, trust me.. THIS SONG IS AMAZING!! Although it was released pretty long ago. Next with Ms. Anonymous, with its marching drum beats and Max's smooth Adam Levine-sque vocals. Moving on with Hotel Confidential, this song has quite some cool beats, and not to mention lyrically sexy. Ending off with a slower song, You're Not That Girl, which has that Bruno Mars feels.

All in all, this EP is an amazing step for MAX to go a step forward to fame, and is definitely worth a listen.Vocally, he sound like the mash up between Bruno Mars and Adam Levine. Musically, this is definitely some sick beats to dance off to.
Give it a try! I'll prepare the EP on my Spotify list.

CRITICS! [Honeymoon]

14:35:00 No Comments

A year after Ultraviolence, she finally release another dreamy album, Honeymoon.

Now what makes Lana unique is her anti-pop style. In this album, she tries out new style while remain true to her roots. Lyrically still Lana Del Rey-sque, musically, this album gives out a lot of mysterious atmosphere (as expected to Lana Del Rey) with all the willowy whistles and echoes all around each track of the song. All those "Ooooh"s and "Why?"s are just bouncing in my mind right now. Indeed mysterious and cool. Let's admit it, her art styles are majestic and vintage-like, which is something I really like. AND don't make me start on how good "Salvatore" is.. IT'S AMAZING! I CAN'T EVEN!!

Not much to say about the album, but that doesn't mean it doesn't deserve a listen. If you've been listening to the radio, I'm pretty sure you've listened to "High By The Beach" a lot, and if you love those type of music, this album is packed with 14 tracks of slow jammed, saxophone and slow strung jazz, sappy willowy vocals, and breathy yet chilly and cool whispers covering the background. I prepared the album on my Spotify list, go give it a listen. "The best things in life are free", unless you count things as Ferrari, villas, and personal island.

CRITICS! [E•MO•TION]

20:35:00 No Comments

The Call Me Maybe artist is back with her 'let's take this smooth and slow' album, E•MO•TION.

Starting off with the track that takes you away from reality, Run Away With Me. Continued with some unique beats from Emotion, and the simply simple yet addicting I Really Like You. Gimmie Love, on the other hand, sounds like one existing song that I can figure out what it is, but still, in this track, her vocals feels really smooth alongside the smooth jam (Oh, did you realize that this song is actually pretty sexual, alongside with Warm Blood).
All That is next with its slow ballad based music, then going to electropop songs like Boy Problems, Your Type, LA Hallucinations, Warm Blood, When I Needed You and Making The Best of the Night.
Of course, to release the tension, Let's Get Lost brings in some innocence with sugar sweet lyrics. Some extra ones can be found in Deluxe Edition, some include; Black Heart, I Didn't Just Come Here To Dance, and Favorite Color.

E.MO.TION, an amazing album that brings you back to the 80s and 90s music styles. This was revolutionary for Carly. Unlike her previous album, KISS, she has changed her music style with her 'I want to take this journey slow and smooth' plan, and it was definitely worth it. Not to mention, her vocals have improved, and I would say that this album might just hit many charts, although it won't be as huge as "Call Me Maybe".
What do you think about the album? I'll share with you guys the album on the Spotify list I've prepared on the top right of my page.

CRITICS! [Zedd's Latest Album]

11:16:00 No Comments

Zedd released his album, "True Colors"! And TBH, I've waited for it and it's TOTALLY WORTH IT! But before I begin explaining, please take a moment to listen "True Colors" from "True Colors".

Tracklist:
1. Addicted To A Memory (ft. Bahari)
2. I Want You To Know (ft. Selena Gomez)
3. Beautiful Now (ft. Jon Bellion)
4. Transmission (ft. Logic & X Ambassador)
5. Done With Love
6. True Colors
7. Straight Into The Fire
8. Papercut (ft. Troye Sivan)
9. Bumble Bee
10. Daisy
11. Illusion (ft. Echosmith)
Before I begin with anything, it's so Zedd-like... well, I mean, from all the EDM/House/Dubstep artists I've known so far, Zedd has his unique style. What makes it so unique is that the music is unpredictable. Why? Ok, let's take Skrillex or David Guetta for example, when their music comes to a part when it gets super loud, it's like super obvious that the epic moment is gonna happen. As for Zedd, his music doesn't alwayz foes that way, he can just make it epic with(out) the loud noises (sometimes).. but most of the time, his music is unpredictable, which has its good and bad (obviously..)
So far, I find the album a pretty good mixture of electrohouse, progressive house, and a bit of complextro, which is probably gonna be a thing for me to bang my head for some moment of time while I'm still in to this album. Ya'know..

<- My current condition listening to this

And the third critic which won't make any sense, but TBH, I waited for the album just to hear Echosmisth and Troye Sivan singing in two songs of the album. This might seem brutal, but ZeddxSelena's "I Want You To Know" wasn't creative and is simply plain. Although I still find it amazing, the song is just not amusing enough, especially when Selena is in it. Maybe I'm being to demanding on Selena, but still, overall, amazing album. This took back my interest into EDM and complextro ('cause lately I'm a bit obsessed with psychedelic music)
So far, my favourite track from the album is "Beautiful Now (ft. Jon Bellion)". What about yours?

Infamously Famous - Breanne Düren

12:29:00 No Comments

Breanne Düren, a.k.a the soft background girl vocals in Owl City songs. She is well known for her soft and sweet voice.

This! is Breanne Düren...
LOOK AT THOSE EYES!!

Her songs are mostly super soft and romantic in a sense of bringing you into a world of unimaginable love and passion. However, if you prefer EDM and upbeat music, her musics are those that will make you sleep in minutes like lullabies. (No, seriously, when I was in a mood to listen to fast songs and hers came, I literally skip it. But when I'm in a mood for deep meaningful songs, I can play her songs on repeat)
One of her famous work is "Daydreams", it's... well, a sweet romantic love song, and I have to say, she knows how to make it simple and meaningful. Watch her MV of "Daydreams"!

And... nope, not only is this song sweet, the chorus (in my opinion) is simply simple yet addictive in a way that I can keep repeating it.. "All I think that we... That we were meant to be". Well, it's pretty obvious it's relatable to everyone, I mean, that's why we love music right? Because we can relate to them. Anyways, back to the main thing... she is known to sing in Adam Young's songs like "Honey and the Bee", "Tip of the Iceberg", and some more. Try listening it here...

Now... again, her vocals might sound like a mother singing lullabies to their children, but that doesn't mean no one likes them. Besides, lyrically, the song isn't as bad as it is. Her latest song so far, is "Sign of Life"...

Which, in my opinion, is more electronic compared to her previous works, and softer... One of her album is Sparks, and I must say, it was an amazing album of hers and I hope she will come up as a star in the future.
How do you think of Breanne Düren? Share your thoughts below!

CRITICS! [Fall Out Boy's "AB/AP"]

16:22:00 No Comments

Fall Out Boys' "AB/AP"

Watched "Big Hero 6" yet? Then you've probably listen to "Immortals" by Fall Out Boys, and it's a track on their latest album "American Beauty/American Psycho", a.k.a. "AB/AP".
To start all off, this one of the most anticipated albums in 2015, and I'll have to say, Fall Out Boys sure are awesome in their rock roots. The first track of the album sure brings a good invitation into the album, making the album "Irresistable" indeed. The three singles present in the album are "Centuries", "American Beauty/American Psycho", and "Immortals", which promoted the album pretty well.
Some of the songs I find pretty unique in this album are "Uma Thurman" and "Irresistable.
"Uma Thurman" brings in the "Surfs Up" atmosphere really well, and I do have to say this track really impressed me. "Irresistable" on the other hand, sounds pretty much like an opening anthem for the album, making the album welcoming, and awesome at the same time.
And of course, for a good album, there needs a balance of some slightly softer songs and faster songs. Some of the softer ones are like "Immortals", "Favorite Record", and "The Kids Aren't Alright", though not as roughly made like the others, still stand out in the album. The ones considered as the faster, darker types, for example, "Novocaine". "Centuries" took Suzanne's "Tom's Diner" as a sample and they sure make the song pretty cool yet sounding classic at the same time. Not to mention, the MV for "Centuries" is also pretty straightforward. Watch it here!

Overall, the album is one awesome thing you won't regret listening, well that is if you're a rock lover. Totally not recommended for those who don't prefer rock, punk, and alternative rock; although, the artist themselves have gone through some time to make sure the album was dangerous and futuristic, and I have to say, their efforts sure was worth it.
Tracklist:
1. Irresitable
2. American Beauty/American Psycho
3. Centuries
4. The Kids Aren't Alright
5. Uma Thurman
6. Jet Pack Blues
7. Novocaine
8. Fourth of July
9. Favorite Record
10. Immortals
11. Twin Skeletons (Hotel in NYC)
So, what do you think of the album? Share your thoughts below!
Haven't listen to the album yet? CLICK HERE TO BUY AT AMAZON

CRITICS! + Musical News [New Single and Upcoming Album]

18:06:00 No Comments

After success over Radioactive, Imagine Dragon sure earned their name. Now, they JUST released their second single for their next upcoming album, "Smoke + Mirror".
Here their second single for their upcoming album via this official audio...

This is one song that might be "gold" itself. However, this doesn't sound like the usual Imagine Dragons I used to listen. The music is kind of like a roller coaster, with sudden upbeats and soft-mid tempo music, making the song sounding like an "anthem" for their next album. I'm not quite sure if this song might become their next hit, but it sounds pretty promising for their upcoming album, not to mention, their previous single, "I Bet My Life", was surprisingly addicting.
Haven't order their upcoming album yet?
DOWNLOAD IT HERE!

CRITICS! [Lady Gaga's Duet with Tony Bennett in "Cheek to Cheek"]

00:26:00 No Comments

"Cheek to Cheek", which literally got me waiting for too long. I even forgot to update the Gaga news and just realized that this album has released on September 19 and that Gaga had hip surgery which lead to delay of the album. Now, without further adieu...

Lady Gaga & Tony Bennett standard cover for "Cheek to Cheek"

Lady Gaga, after going through her music career with dance, electronic, and some electro-rock music. It was pretty surprising yet obvious that her next album might be less "high" as her usual works; however, what really surprised me is how she was able to get along to such genre (exception for "Speechless" and some slow-mid tempo music). In this album, it's all jazz!
Yes! That sexy 80s style music! It was surprising for me to realize that this album is all about jazz. However, like Taylor Swift, this sudden change isn't as bad as it sounds. The exit from the electronic music to new jazz music really changed my point of view for Gaga. She is able to play with her voice along with the type of music she sings, plus with the collaboration with Tony Bennett, this makes an even more amazing album. One of the tracks you might have listen to is "It Ain't No Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)" which features in H&M ad.
She changed quite a bit in her fashion styles too (in a good way), but of course, I'm not heading to that part. The songs in the album are mostly covers of old jazz songs. There's also a jazz cover of "Shot Me Down" by David Guetta, which sounded really nice! (In my opinion)

Most of the songs are mid tempo, and are quite addicting for jazz listeners. However, I find a downside from this album, almost all of the songs are in the same tempo that I didn't realize that I just finished listening to the whole album, making the album feel short. This might not be a problem for some listeners, but I prefer an album that could give a strong opening and closes the album, giving a story to share and remember, and this is one thing, I feel, that is lacking from this album. Nonetheless, the album is a great change, and now I'm looking forward to listen more Lady Gaga.

Haven't listen to this classy, sassy, jazzy album? CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PRICE!!

CRITICS! [David Guetta's latest album, "Listen"]

15:55:00 No Comments

To begin with, I was never a big fan of David Guetta's music, although some are exceptionally good, like; "Where Them Girls At", "Titanium" (which really went viral), "She Wolf", and "Alphabeat".

David Guetta

His works are something I could say as "I will listen to them when I'm alone so I can bang my head along with it so hard like there's no tomorrow" type of music (Skrillex is also another one). However, based on the news, he divorced with his wife which caused him lots of hard time (got this from my friend, check his BLOG RIGHT HERE), and also, he stated:

"Until today I was doing lots of songs about happiness and love and sexiness and just having a party – it was basically my life, you know? And lately, my personal life has been a little more difficult, so it reflects also on the album, on the things that we're talking about, on the type of chords. I've never done this, because even for me it was all about making the people dance." - David Guetta, from Rolling Stone

"When you're a little bit at the top of the game, what is left except being afraid to go down? I never want to feel like this, so I thought that the best way to avoid it was to kind of start from scratch again. Until today I was always starting with the beat and then writing the song on it. This time I was starting with piano, voice and guitar, then producing around the song. I've really changed everything, like the way I was working, the people I was working with – everything." -David Guetta, from Rolling Stone

"I miss soul and emotion. A lot of EDM lately is based on production tricks that make it sound huge. I think it's not enough. These songs can be played by a classical orchestra, a rock band, or a funk band, and they would be great. It's not like, 'Oh wow, if you don't have this huge distorted kick, there's nothing else.'" -David Guetta, from interview with Billboard

Of course, he also said he wants his work that really reflects his emotions, so yeah, based from the 'divorced' incident, it's quite obvious that his latest works might not be as edgy and EDM-ish as before, but without further adieu, I'll start stating out the plus and negatives (in my opinion)

"Listen" album cover

First off, I know it's been a week or more that I missed this album, and I literally lost track of his music when I began studying again. Luckily I got a friend who informed me about this, and vise versa.
The album was more of a soul and a bit of country rooted music. However, all of the songs in this album are featured with a singer, unlike his previous works, there are 'singer-less' music which is kind of abstract. His first promotional single was "Shot Me Down", which went famous for quite some time.

"Shot Me Down" art c

I was pretty shocked when I listened to this on the radio, since it wasn't like his usual works from "Nothing But The Beat" (I didn't search his background and just found out he had a "soul" album titled "One Love"), which were usually all about party and dancing like there's no tomorrow. In this track, it was about being 'shot' by your 'baby', which hurt you (must've related to the divorce)

"Lovers of the Sun" art cover

The first single of the album, "Lovers of the Sun", (in my opinion) is superbly awesome. I dunno why, but the country style is somehow really beautiful, with the addition of electronic beep-boops after the chorus finishes. Not to mention Sam Martin's voice really hits the spot in this track.

"Bad" art cover

One of the promotional single (second promotional single) for the album is "Bad", and I've listened to it on the radio once, but didn't bother searching what it was, until I listened to this album, and yes, I was freaked out of joy and went all, "OMG! I know this song! It was on that radio", ans what I think about this song is that it is really EDM (also edgy), and since I'm an electronic music lover, this track really caught my interest.

"Dangerous" art cover

The second single on the album is "Dangerous", and seriously, the chorus sounds quite familiar. Anyhow, the soft electronic music that starts off is really technological, which is probably the part I really love; however, this song is also lyrically good, but probably won't be strong enough to make the album stand out.

"What I Did For Love" art cover

Now the last single of the album is shockingly unexpected. It is more of a piano-pop with a slight spice of pop, and I think this song is emotionally great. Plus, Emeli Sande's really good in putting out the emotions of what David Guetta is experiencing (salute you Emeli!)

The album's tracklist :
1. Dangerous (feat. Sam Martin)
2. What I Did for Love (feat. Emeli Sande)
3. No Money No Love (David Guetta & Showtek) [feat. Elliphant & Miss Dynamite]
4. Lovers on the Sun (feat. Sam Martin)
5. Goodbye Friend (feat. The Script)
6. Lift Me Up (feat. Nico & Vinz)
7. Listen (feat. John Legend)
8. Bang My Head (feat. Sia)
9. Yesterday (feat.Bebe Rexha)
10. Hey Mama (feat. Nicki Minaj)
11. Sun Goes Down (David Guetta & Showtek) [feat. MAGIC! & Sonny Wilson]
12. S.T.O.P (feat. Ryan Tedder)
13. I’ll Keep Loving You (feat. Jaymes Young & Birdy)
14. The Whisperer (feat. Sia)
15. Bad (David Guetta & Showtek) [feat. Vassy]
16. Rise (feat. Skylar Grey)
17. Show Me Down (feat. Skylar Grey)
18. Dangerous (Robin Schulz Remix) [feat. Sam Martin]

Overall, the album was a good way for David Guetta to express himself in it, but almost all of the songs have the same format, which might bore some people, not to mention the use of singers to express his emotions was probably a good thing to do, but I think he kinda overdoes it. There are mixtures of genres in this album, such as; country (Yesterday, Lovers on the Sun, Shot Me Down, Sun Goes Down), pop (Lift Me Up, Dangerous, Goodbye Friend), and of course EDM (Bad, Bang My Head, S.T.O.P). So, I could say it was quite a good album in a lyrical and emotional way. Musically, this album could be considered average in my opinion, and worth "Listen"ing

Have you listened to the album yet? If not, you can buy the album HERE!