Review: Skipping A Beat by Jordin Sparks

Genres: R&B, Pop, Dance-Pop
Released: 1 August 2013
RCA

It's been a really long time since Jordin Sparks has released anything new. I remember when I used to blast Battlefield all the time. That was all that way back in '09. Now, years later Jordin Sparks is back! I'm so excited. It's adorable because it's said that this song is dedicated to her man, Jason Derulo. Even better, his song The Other Side was dedicated to her as well. Come on? You have to admit that it's super sweet. This is my review for her latest single, Skipping A Beat.
Song:
This song has a really cool vibe. I love the R&B style that she's chosen. The snares at the beginning sound amazing. Afterwards, it starts to disappear and then a lovely piano beat comes in until they start to work together. It sounds absolutely amazing. The producing of the song is also flawless because even though Jordin's voice is beautiful, it needs that extra push.
Lyrics:
Of course, like I said before, the song is a love ballad for Jason Derulo so of course the lyrics are awesome. They left me swooning. The best lines in my opinion are:
"Boy I think I'm gonna need an ambulance
Cause you been doing my heart some damage"

Cheesy, I know but I just love those lines so much. The rest of the lyrics are pretty repetitive but as I said before, the good producing makes it okay.
Summary:
Give it a go guys. I'm waiting for her album to come out and I'm super excited. I have a feeling this song isn't the one she's trying to make super popular. I think there's going to be another release that is made to hit the charts.

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Review: Kill Bill by Brown Eyed Girls

Genres: K-Pop, Pop, R&B, Dance-Pop
Released: 29 July 2013
Members: JeA, Miryo, Narsha, Ga-In
Nega Network

My blog has been crazy busy with a crapload of posts this month. I'm sorry but here's another one! I'll try to calm down a bit in the future but I just had to get this review up. Brown Eyed Girls is a much respected band that I love too. Even though I'm not a major fan, I do really appreciate their work. If you've never heard of them, Brown Eyed Girls is the band that Ga-In is apart of. Ga-In was the chick in Gentleman by PSY. The other day, one of my most awesome friends asked me if I'd heard their new song. That day, I went home, listened to it and loved it!
Song:
The beginning is like WOW! I swear, you have to listen to it for yourself because I don't even know what to call it. It's like a whistle mixed with synths. The same friend I mentioned above also said that she liked Brown Eyed Girls because they can actually sing. I completely agree. Even though they all look super good and can dance well, they don't rely on it because they can already sing amazingly. One of my favourite elements in the song is the rapping near the end. I could replay that part a million times.
Lyrics:
I've seen people say that the lyrics correspond to the actual movie! I can't be sure because I haven't watched it but I can be sure that it's not your usual pop song. Lyrics can be found here. My favourite part would translate to:
"Run, run away till you run out of breath
Everything is the price of what you did to me
Look at yourself,
you feel like going crazy, right?"Summary:
This song is addictive. I could listen to this non-stop because that's how much I loved it. I definitely recommend it. Check out the music video as well because it has a really cool story line. It'll only take 7 minutes. If that's too much just listen to the song! It's spectacularly fabulous.

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Review: Baby I by Ariana Grande

Genres: Pop, Dance, R&B
Released: 22 July 2013
℗ 2013 Universal Republic Records

Okay so today, I was so tempted to do a review on One Direction's Best Song Ever since the music video came out like 14 hours ago and is absolutely the funniest thing ever but I thought again. Instead, I decided to do a review on Ariana Grande's Baby I  which I felt as though would appeal to a bigger audience. Baby I definitely has a nice feel that I know would be enjoyed by people of all ages. Baby I will be apart of her debut album, Daydreamin', which I swear wasn't what it was going to be called a few days ago. The name's been changed quite a bit. Of course, I absolutely love this song but I love Ariana Grande over all.
Song:
Baby I has a very 90's feel. The first time I listened to the beginning, that was the first thing I thought of. I completely understand why people are saying Ariana is kind of like Mariah because her style of music is definitely similar. Her spectacular voice and the R&B emphasise the similarity even more. The song has a different vibe compared to her previous single The Way but I think the matureness suits her.
Lyrics:
Okay so the lyrics are super super repetitive but I can't expect any better anymore. Songs are like that these days and I think as long as the lyrics are nice, it's okay. The lyrics of this song definitely portray love in a lighter way. They express the feelings you feel when you first fall in love. I think it's really sweet. My favourite lines:
"When I try to explain it I be sounding insane
The words don’t ever come out right."
Summary:
Give it a try because Ariana Grande's voice is absolutely beautiful! I think a lot of you will like it. If you've already listened to it, you're awesome!


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Review: Me & My Girls by Fifth Harmony

Genres: Pop, Electronic Dance Music, R&B
Released: 16th July 2013
Members: Lauren Jauregui, Camila Cabello, Dinah Jane Hansen, Normani Hamilton, Ally Brooke Hernandez Epic Records

Fifth Harmony were the second runners up in the US version of X Factor. Their more popular song, released awhile ago is called Miss Movin' On. However, I really like this song too. Both songs are really fun and happy. I'm glad different X Factors all over the world have brought out so many good singers and artists. Sometimes I do still feel as though these winners don't have to work as hard to get famous, but I do admit they are talented.
Song:
I love all five of the girl's voices. Though they aren't extremely unique, at least they aren't bad. This song has an almost Hannah-Montana-esque beat to it. It's super crazy uplifting and fun. After all, the song is about being at a party so I couldn't expect any less. I really loved it every time the song broke into a Electronic Dance Music instrumental. It added another layer to the boring parts.
Lyrics:
Normally, I'd hate lyrics like these but for some reason, I don't mind them. I mean they are kind of stupid and cheesy but I have to say, they're realistic. They target younger, teen listeners but they've definitely done a good job of it. Can totally relate:
"My voice is gone, got my favorite PJ's on

Times like this don't always come along"
Summary:
Not the best song, not even mind-blowing but it was good. Definitely a song that I will listen to often. I just don't love it as much as everything else. Do check it out though, you never know until you try it.

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Review: Burn by Ellie Goulding

Genres: Pop, Indie Pop, Synth-Pop
Released: 4th July 2013
℗ 2013 Polydor Ltd. (UK)

Burn was released on the 4th and three days after, the music video came out on the 7th, I love Ellie Goulding's voice. She's come out with a bunch of amazing stuff that I've loved. Lights, Anything Could Happen and I Need Your Love are only a few of my favourite songs that really demonstrate her powerful soprano voice. Burn is a new single that will be a part of her repacked album Halcyon Days coming out in August. The album will also be featuring a few other songs. Burn is an absolutely wonderful song.
Song:
The song starts off with dull beats before the build up and then completely soften when Ellie's voice takes the show. I really think that her voice fits the song perfectly. Apparently, this song was meant to be for Leona Lewis but I'm glad Ellie got it instead. The upbeat dance synths make the song perfect for many situations. I mean, it could hit the clubs but when the tempo slows, it shows that it you could listen to this whenever. This is another one of those songs that I'll sing to super loudly and give a damn if I kill my neighbour's ears.
Lyrics:
The lyrics play a big factor in how much I love this song. I know that she didn't write them herself but I still love them. I'm glad that this pop song has got some proper lyrics. When you hear Burn I bet you expect a sappy breakup song but it's actually a powerful inspiring song. The lyrics are super repetitive but the producing by Ryan Tedder makes sure it never gets boring. My fave lines:
"Strike the smash, play it loud, giving love to the world
We'll be raising our hands, shining up to the sky
Cause we got the fire, fire, fire, yeah we got the fire fire fire."
Summary:
Obviously I love this song and it's lyrics and I'm definitely recommending this song to you. The music video is also amazing.


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Review: Firestarter by Samantha Jade

Genres: Pop, Electro-Pop, Dance-Pop, R&B
Released: 28 June 2013
℗ 2013 Sony Music Entertainment Australia Pty Ltd.

It's pretty much the end of the month and I should probably be doing my end of the month posts or reading for the Debut-A-Thon but instead, I'm going to review Firestarter by Samantha Jade. It was released yesterday and is already climbing up Australia's Top 10 on iTunes. Samantha Jade was the winner of X Factor for 2012. I was super excited for her new single and of course, I love it. A wonderful Electronic-Pop, Dance song that makes sure the party's in the house.
Song:
This song was produced by the same people who produced her previous single What You've Done To Me. I think it's a wonderful choice. If your first single reached #1 why not do the same for the second? I absolutely love the feel this song gives. It starts of with a catchy vibe that stays around in the background for the whole song. It may seem a bit repetitive but it sounds really cool. I love how extra beats are added for the lead up to the chorus. Closer to the end of the song, the tempo slows down and this really added a nice ballady touch to the song before it went electro-pop again.
Lyrics:
Of course any song about fire is going to have a whole heap of symbolism. I really like the lyrics for this song. I can't be 100% but I pretty sure Samantha wrote them herself as well. My favourite lyrics in this song have to be:
"There you are like a flame thrown to my heart, yeah, yeah
Got the things that I need to make it start, oh, oh!
You're the flame thrower
You're the firestarter!"
Summary:
Australia being the silly country it is, means that this song probably won't get far in the US. However, you never know what might happen. Aussie Guy Sebastion managed to get into the US charts. Either way, I'm quite sure this song will reach #1 here in Australia. It deserves it too because it really is a wonderful song. Check it out and have a listen!


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Review-A-Thon: Female President 여자대통령 by Girl's Day

Genres: K-Pop, Dance, Pop
Released: 24 June 2013
Members: Sojin, Minah, Hyeri, Yura
Dream Tea Entertainment

Girl's Day have come back again! I didn't expect a new release so soon after their last release Expectation. Either way, I'm not going to complain because I absolutely love their new single. Female President. It's a part of the repacked Expectation album. The music video is really racy with strip teases and the lot but there isn't actually anything explicit. Despite the super sexual video, the song is actually really catchy.
Song:
The song begins with a nice array of synths. It's the perfect beginning. Though some say it's really similar to Little Mix's Wings, I really don't care because I like the way it sounds. The drums and guitar strums in the background are the perfect base the the beautiful vocals. My absolute favourite in this particular song is Minah's extremely powerful voice. In some of Girl's Day's past songs, Minah's voice seemed to forced and strained. Sojin's voice which I can't describe as anything other than 'whispery' was wonderful as well. Lots of the song was 'chant-like' which made Hyeri and Yura's rapping fit in effortlessly.
Lyrics:
I don't know if I like the song or the lyrics more. They were both so good. The lyrics express the fact that sometimes the girl has got to make the first move. I think this is a really great message to be sending. My favourite lines translate to:
"You go first and say you love him,
Now is the time, you can start first."
Summary:
Definitely worth the time. Again, the music video is really hot but if you get offended by anything sexual, maybe just listen to the song without the video. I really love this song though. One of my favourite in a long time. Super powerful vocals, super catchy tune, super meaningful lyrics, super super super! Give it a go!


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Review-A-Thon: Heart Hypnotic by Delta Goodrem

 
 
Genres: Dance-Pop, Pop, Music
Released: 17 June 2013
℗ 2013 Sony Music Entertainment Australia Pty Ltd.

Delta Goodrem never fails to amaze me. Heart Hypnotic is a new pop song with lots of EDM elements. It's a fresh new dance song that's ready to hit the radios and clubs all over Australia and possible internationally. As a judge/coach on The Voice Australia, Delta Goodrem has released this new single at the perfect time. Fellow judge Ricky Martin also released a new song. My review of his song can be found here. But back to Heart Hypnotic, it is an amazing song with an amazing title.
Song:
I love how this song starts slow and then builds up. The piano at the beginning of the song creates a very peaceful atmosphere. Then it becomes a really upbeat dance song. Once the chorus comes around, the song has a really strong bass. The instrumentals are super fun as well. Closer to the end of the song, the tempo slows again. It really accentuates Delta Goodrem's amazing vocals.
Lyrics:
Heart Hypnotic was co-written by Ryan Tedder. He's worked with people like Zedd, Far East Movement and Gym Class Heroes which you can see is where some of Electronic Dance Pop has come from. I absolutely love the lyrics in this song. All the fancy symbolism really fits the mood of the song. My favourite lines:
"Dark nights under the setting sun,
Bright lights, come we're the only one."
Summary:
I'm so glad that after a decade, Delta Goodrem is still making music. Heart Hypnotic definitely beats Sitting on Top of the World and I'll listen to it for a long time. I hope you'll check it out. It only takes a few minutes.

 
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Review: Slow Down by Selena Gomez

 

Genres: Pop, Dance
Released: July 23, 2013
℗ 2013 Hollywood Records, Inc.

My review is a week late but by now, everyone's probably used to my late reviews. Slow Down is the second song released from Selena Gomez's upcoming album, Stars Down. I absolutely loved Come & Get It after it grew on me so I had high hopes for this song. Luckily, it met my expectations. I really liked this song and a fell in love the first time I heard it. I can't wait to listen to the rest of her album once it comes out.
Song:
Slow Down was produced by The Cataracs so obviously, it was spectacularly wonderful. The beat was awesome. The perfect timing with Selena's voice made the song even better. I loved the varying tempos throughout the song. All in all, it evoked that side of me that just wants to dance and sing and doesn't care about a thing. There are also parts of the song where Selena whispers a line and then sings something loudly. That was a nice edition to the already awesome song.
Lyrics:
I particularly liked this song because the lyrics weren't too overly stupid. They were only a little bit dirty but it's not hard to ignore. The simple rhyming worked effortlessly in this song. My favourite part was the part where I said it goes from a whisper to normal singer and back and forth.
"Breathe me in, breathe me out
The music's got me going
Breathe me in, breathe me out
No stop until the morning
Breathe me in, breathe me out
You know I'm ready for it
For it, for it
Yeah"
Summary:
Well I got to say, this was an epic listen. I highly suggest you go listen to it because most likely, you'll fall in love just like I did.


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Review: Trap by Henry 헨리

Genres: Pop, K-Pop, Urban Pop
Released: June 07, 2013
℗ 2013 SM Entertainment

Before I begin... I must admit... I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS SONG. It's definitely one of the best songs I've heard in awhile. Henry was apart of Super Junior-M but honestly, I'd never listened to them. When I first saw the little snippet of this song in the teaser, I'd already fallen in love. I must say that Henry is pretty damn amazing. His also the first solo artist that SM has debuted in THIRTEEN YEARS.
Song:
Well firstly, you must listen to this song. Like, now. The piano at the beginning is so extremely wonderful. The intro probably would've been enough for me. I know the whole song is simple chords but with Henry's vocals, Trap sounds spectacular. I also loved the bold drum beats and the strings throughout the song. Kyuhyun and Taemin sounded beautiful as always. I don't think I can gush about this song enough.
Lyrics:
The title of the song basically sums up the song. In this day and age, the trap has obviously got to do with love. The chorus has got the be my favourite part.You can read the translation here.
Summary:
Please, just try it out. I don't care if you don't like Pop or K-Pop or even if you just hate music. You'll love it. Just trust me with this one. Absolutely perfect. I know this wasn't a very detailed review compared to some of my others but if I made it any longer, I'd just become repetitive.


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Review: The Baddest Female 나쁜 기집애 by CL

 

Genres: Hip-Hop/Rap, Music, K-Pop 
Released: 28 May 2013
℗ 2013 YG Entertainment

Today, I'm doing a review on CL's new single, The Baddest Female. There was so much hype leading up to this song. 2NE1 is definitely one of my favourite girl groups and though I don't have a favourite member, I really like CL. I was so extremely excited and was waiting for something super spectacular and it was spectacular but I'll be honest, it's not the best. It was too, for lack of a better word, swag. For me at least, it was too much.
Song:
I've always liked CL's voice and she definitely displays it in this song. The thing is, it wasn't amazing. It's unique but I feel like she could of done better. For me, there's a line between talking and rapping and CL just wasn't rapping enough. Some parts, she was almost singing and I think that those parts were my favourite. The beats in the background were actually really nice. Closer to the end of the song, there's a really dubsteppy section. I liked the dubstep elements throughout the whole song as well. Some people might hate it but I actually quite like it. For me, it was the highlight.
Lyrics:
I don't know how I feel about the lyrics. At first I thought they were a bit vain because they were just about how swagalicious CL is. The second time round though, I thought it was sending a good message. It's not vain, it's confident. My favourite lines:
"This is for all my bad girls around the world
Not bad meaning bad but bad meaning good, you know
Let’s light it up and let it burn like we don’t care
Let em know how it feels damn good to be bad"
It's not the best message but we all need to feel good about ourselves once in awhile right?
Summary:
All in all, I don't hate this song. It definitely could've been better but it's still a song that I will listen to often. The music video was pretty cool though. It was a bit all of the place but I thought it was really fun. I really hope you can check out this song if you haven't already. It only takes four minutes!


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Review: Reminded of You 떠올라 by Baek Ji Young 백지영

Genres: K-Pop, Dance-Pop, Disco Dance
Released: 24th May 2013
WS Entertainment

I was so excited for Baek Ji Young's comeback. Like expected, it didn't disappoint. Though it's a bit different from her usual R&B, this song was so good. I legit just wanted to get up and dance. I loved Good Boy by Baek Ji Young which came out awhile ago. I can't believe she's 37 and still as pretty as ever. I'm just sad that this will be her final release before she gets married.
Song:
Baek Ji Young has a very powerful voice that can effortlessly perform in high and low ranges. The first few verses of the song are a bit lower compared to the last verses. I loved the electronic sounds that played in the background and how they didn't ruin her voice. Some voices only sound good with more soulful music but Baek Ji Young rocked the synthy beats. I also liked the repetitive but nice drum beats in the background and how sometimes another faster layer is added on top of it. Even if some people won't understand it, it sounds amazing as it is.
Lyrics:
Even though this song is so upbeat and uplifting, it is a break up song. My favourite lyrics in the song translate to:
"Now I will erase you, my heart is too tired
Though I know this is only momentary
You forgot me although you know I started to really hate you"
Those lines are so meaningful and all the symbolism and stuff makes it really nice. The part that sounds the nicest is romanized as:
"ni-ga tteo-olla jakku tteo-olla
nareul tteona modeun ge lie lie
ni-ga tteo-olla jakku tteo-olla
nan beokchaolla gaseumtteojil-keotkata"
Summary:
This is the type of song that I'll listen to for a long long time. I can't wait for the music video! I definitely think that a lot of people would enjoy this kind of music. I can't promise it will be the best song you've ever heard but I'm really encouraging you to give it a try. All it takes is one click.



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Review: Walks Like Rihanna by The Wanted

 

Genres: Dance-Pop, Pop
Released: 10th May 2013
Members: Max George, Siva Kaneswaran, Jay McGuiness, Tom Parker, Nathan Sykes
℗ 2013 Global Talent Records Limited

Okay, I'm just going to be honest here, I didn't like this song. This is the first time I've done a music review of a single I actually didn't like. I really loved Glad You Came so when I found out that The Wanted have a new single called Walks Like Rihanna, I went to check it out straight away. I've been trying to let it grow on me but I just don't think it's working out. I totally understand why people would love it but I think the the song is a bit to over-hyped. I just hate that pop and boy bands are getting more and more meaningless.
Song:
If I just ignore what the lyrics are actually saying, I don't mind the song. I like how you can dance to this song for most of it but the dynamics change throughout the song. The tempo stays pretty even though. I like the beat and the synth waves in the background. It's definitely catchy and it's the type of song that where you always tap your foot.
Lyrics:
So this is where everything spirals down. Correct me if I'm wrong but the lyrics are just stupid and repetitive. The lyrics nowadays have no meaning at all. I could try to explain it but I think I should just give you a snippet:
"She can't sing, she can't dance but who cares
She walks like rihanna
She can't sing, she can't dance but who cares
She walks like rihanna
Have you seen that girl, have you seen her
With the way she moves you wanna kiss her
She'll be the girl of your dreams if you can close your eyes
You can feel that beat when she's in the room
You can feel your heart going boom boom
And all the boys they crowd around"
I'll admit that I have sung along before but I just can't enjoy the song like I would've if the lyrics were a but better.
Summary:
I feel as though boy bands are just aiming to make girls go crazy. What happened to making good music that everyone could enjoy? Good beat, silly lyrics.


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Review: Set Me On Fire by Bella Ferraro

Genres: Pop, Music
Released: 14 December 2012
℗ 2012 Sony Music Entertainment Australia Pty Ltd.

Song:
This song displays Bella Ferraro's amazing and unique vocals. The instruments are kept to the bare minimum with some piano. Strings aren't brought in until later in the track so that Bella's amazing voice can shine.

Lyrics:

The words are very inspiring and beautiful. Though the track isn't cheerful or uplifting, the lyrics are definitely positive. Songs are meant to be another form of a poem but lately, songs have lost it's poetic meaning. These lyrics are definitely much more thought out with the metaphors, similes and other endless poetic techniques. My favourite part:

"Set me on fire,
With silent kisses like the sunset
Darkness is our playground we call home"

Summary:

Set Me On Fire is my favourite song of the moment and you should definitely check it out! Being Australian, the song doesn't get much hype worldwide but I think she definitely deserves it. As of right now, the video on YouTube doesn't even have 50,000 hits yet. It's so unfortunate because the song, and Bella, are beautiful.

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