Lifehouse has recently enlisted the help of Natasha Bedingfield for the song "Between the Raindrops."
Between the Raindrops with You
I'm kinda diggin it. It has kind of an old west sound, especially with the bassline at the end. Both vocalists sound good individually and have a nice balance of octaves and harmony when singing together.
A few days ago, it received a music video. Here it is:
First off, NB looks amazing. Also, I think the visuals fit the song well. So I don't mind the lack of a cohesive storyline too much.
Florence and the Machine (+ sign optional) frontwoman Florence Welch Recently teamed up with producer and DJ Calvin Harris for "Sweet Nothing."
Dapper Dame
Here is its official music video:
Both the song and the video bear striking resemblances to "We Found Love," Calvin's smash hit with Rihanna from last year. That's not a bad thing either- I love that song. I'm just sayin.
What do you think, fellow music maniacs? Love it, hate it, or somewhere inbetween? Let me know!
The theme of this post is quite apropos, because I auditioned for American Idol about a week ago. Therefore, I decided to write about my two favorite alumni from that show. Here we go!
Idol Worship
First up, Adam Lambert. Although he didn't win, I feel like he deserved it. The title track of his current album, "Trespassing," is soon to be released as a single. I would've preferred a different song, but I'm still ok with this one. A music video will be sure to follow, so stay tuned for that. For now, here's the lyric video:
Next is the amazing Ms. Kelly Clarkson. The first winner of AI, and still probably the most successful person to come out of it, has recently come out with a new single, entitled "Catch My Breath."
I won't be told what's supposed to be right.
The production seems, literally, like a breath of fresh air while the lyrics speak of several things: Kelly reflecting on her life so far, stating gratitude for her success, and standing her ground on the fact that she will live the rest of her life exactly the way she wants to. The music video came out just today. Here it is-
Really cool imagery. However, there doesn't seem to be a whole lot going on here. And I gotta say, while she looks great, her hair is a little too blonde.
See what I mean?
Another new single from KC, pictured above, is "Don't Rush," featuring Vince Gill. This is definitely more country leaning and speaks of wanting to take it easy. And I actually really like the harmonies on the chorus.
Both singles are in support of Kelly's upcoming album "Greatest Hits - Chapter One." It's about time the girl had a greatest hits album! Lord knows she has plenty of hits on her hands.
Anyway, that's all I've got to say for now. Gonna go to bed in a minute. Wish me luck with my own potential American Idol journey~
I was pretty surprised to hear that Rihanna was releasing a single to support a new album so soon after "Talk That Talk." I guess I shouldn't have been though, because Riri pumps out music like clockwork. The aforementioned album will be entitled "Unapologetic" (for obvious reasons) and will be released on the 19th. Has anyone else noticed that her albums get released in November a lot? I hope it's a good one, because I've already mentioned on this blog several times that I wasn't the biggest fan of TTT. Although I still love her. <3
Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend
"Diamonds," which has so far peaked at number 4 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 since its release in late September, is a midtempo love song. It brings in Rih's Caribbean roots and is decidedly more positive than a lot of her past songs. I like it, for the most part, except for the part where she sings "shine bright like a diamond." That part just sounds a little...childish or something.
Here's the official music video, which came out just a few days ago:
Pretty amazing imagery, though I'm not sure if it represents the song all that well. Perhaps a more cohesive plotline would've worked better? Let me know what you think of both the video and song!
-Jake
P.S.- Here's a clip of the Barbadian songbird singing the song on Saturday Night Live from over the weekend:
Nicki Minaj is, once again, quite the busy woman. Here's what she's been up to lately.
Her song with Cassie, "The Boys," recently received a music video.
Very colorful and crazy. Just like her. And she and Cassie seem to have girl crushes on one another. ;)
Also, she teamed up with Justin Bieber for "Beauty and a Beat."
It's fun and everything, them making a splash and all, but I'm not sure I get the whole homemade vibe. I think I would've preferred something else. Oh well.
Within the past few weeks, a music video was released for "Va Va Voom."
The fairy tale influences here are obvious. I'm not sure if it was executed in the best way though: it looks a little low budget-y and the story line seems a little scattered. Kinda cute though.
If you want it, I'm gonna be va va voom voom.
Within the last few weeks, she also released a brand new single, entitled "Freedom." I just listened to it, and here's what I think: the lyrics are pretty awesome. They speak of her newfound fame, address her haters, and, of course, establish a feeling of freedom. However, I feel that it's a bit ho-hum musically. Don't hate it, don't love it.
Lastly, she's starring in a special on E! called Nicki Minaj: My Truth. I saw a bit of it this morning, and I plan on finishing it soon. I'll let you know if it's any good. ;)
-Jakey Mirage
P.S.- This came out not too long ago as well:
Nicki gets a little more serious here, but I like it, even though she seems a bit pasted-in. Also, I think Alicia Keys is making a statement about working mothers. Did you catch the Mary Poppins Reference?
P.P.S.- Found this just a bit ago. Kinda lazy, but iss ok. Nick's mad busy.
P.P.S.S.- This came out very recently:
Kinda cute, albeit the shaky text is kinda weird. I wish they had had text for the spoken part about fragrances. Also- wtf does "burn a L" mean? lol
Update: This was released just hours ago-
The biblical imagery is pretty interesting. And did you notice that they put the wrong year at the end? Lol!
The Canadian Idol alum's most recent single is entitled "This Kiss," from her appropriately titled album "Kiss." It has a real 80's dance vibe to it, which is pretty awesome, IMO. Lyrically, it is about trying to resist someone at a club.
Here is the music video, which came out in the past few weeks:
It's cute and fits the song pretty well. She also makes partying seem a little classier than a lot of other artists. And did you catch the Saved by the Bell-esque outfits toward the end?
My favorite song of hers, however, is "Tonight I'm Getting Over You." From the aforementioned album, it packs a whallop on the dance floor. And it has become one of my favorite break up songs ever. I blasted it in my car just this morning. Rumors are circulating that this is soon to become a single. I sure hope they come true!
I think this girl has real talent and can last longer than a few hits, such as "Good Time" and "Call Me Maybe." I guess we'll just have to see what happens. What do you think?
That's right, I've got a trifecta of music videos for you today- and all from fabulous blondes to boot.
First up is "Your Body," by Christina Aguilera.
I kinda like it. It's sexy with a twist. I also like how she's embracing her new-found curves. :)
Next up is "Try," by Pink (or P!nk if you fancy).
This is different for her. The dancing is amazing. And the visuals seem to be deeply symbolic.
The last offering I have for you tonight is "Die Young," by Kesha (or Ke$ha if you fancy).
Released just the other day, this video features Ke$ha as the leader of a fictitious cult wreaking havoc on a small Mexican village. She would sneak south of the border to raise a little hell. Too bad she and her comrades got caught in the end.
I finally have some time to post this weekend. That, and I was inspired by my good friend and fabulous new follower, Tyler. :) So prepare ye for a lot of new content in the next few days.
Anyway, the title of this post is quite fitting, namely because I was a British punk from the 70's for Halloween this year. I even had a whole backstory and everything- my name was Axel Ansel, lead singer of the band Acid Reflex and cousin to Sid Vicious of The Sex Pistols. Pretty cool, huh?
Right Proper Bloke
British artists have always been very popular (see: The Beatles, The Spice Girls, etc.) and they still are today. There has been a particular explosion of Brits on the music scene lately. Let me share some highlights with you.
One Direction- "Live While We're Young"
Simon Cowell's hitmakers from The X Factor bring the party on this track. It may sound pretty similar to some past songs of theirs, but I think it's even catchier. The lyrics, true to form for this boy band, tow the line between naughty and innocent.
Muse- "Madness"
I quite like this song. I heard it for the first time on Saturday Night Live (on which they did quite well, I must say) and a few times on the radio since. It starts out with a chill vibe and ends quite gloriously. Lyrically, it speaks of looking back on a relationship gone sour.
Ellie Goulding- "I Know You Care"
This song is not a single, but it still received a music video. Here it is:
It's pretty touching, isn't it? It kinda makes me want to see the movie that it's on the soundtrack for. And that scene with Dakota Fanning being carried on the motorcycle so she can view the horses because she's too sick to do it on her own chokes me up every time.
The song itself is simple and quite sweet. The sound is that of a stripped down acoustic ballad. And Ellie croons the heartfelt lyrics beautifully. <3
Adele - "Skyfall"
This song serves as the theme song for the most recent James Bond movie, of the same title. Side note: it came out in The States today and I'm seeing it in about 20 minutes. So excited!
Adele is, as always, a vocal knockout in this song. It features an amazing orchestral score and even incorporates the classic James Bond theme. It has a very old sound to it. Lyrically, it speaks of standing tall in the midst of tragedy, which I think is very fitting for a Bond movie. In fact, I think I'd even go as far as to say that it's the best Bond theme ever. Nice work, Adele.
Oh, and also- one of the piano parts toward the end totally reminds me of "The Other Side," by Evanescence. See if you can catch it!
That's all I've got for now. Stay tuned. Glad to be back. :D
-Jolly Old Jake
P.S.- Also new from Ellie Goulding, a music video for "Anything Could Happen."
