AlunaGeorge- Body Music Album Review

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Album- Body Music

Artist- AlunaGeorge

Beginning their rise to musical stardom with the release of the 2012 single Your Drums, Your Love, a release that regarded much industry and internet buzz, AlunaGeorge has become a group going from strength to strength. Being shortlisted for the Brit Critics Choice Award and being on the BBC Sound of 2013 poll meant that the group seem destined for success. But by teaming up with fellow rising stars Disclosure on the brilliant dance track White Noise, the duo really hit the big time in terms of being in the public consciousness. An album described as an array of bedroom music, the duos debut, Body Music, certainly has a lot of high expectations, and so I look at this record to see if it is a treat or let down.

Track 1- Outlines

Opening track Outlines starts the record of nicely in terms of living up to its title in a way, as this bass heavy number has a soft, sultry feel about it. The song finds the lead singer Aluna Francis singing of how she can’t stop tracing the outlines of her lover, but she worries that that is all she has. The song’s lyrics border the lines of sensual, sweet and sincere, but in every aspect these emotions are also nicely brought out by the airy vocals of Francis, who comes across as a bit of a playful good girl and makes for an even better listen. The layering of the singer’s voice within the middle section gives the track a nice ethereal edge, and with the stuttering bass and soft edge of the synths, this is a really soft but cool listen that sets the record off to a good start.

3.5/5

Track 2- You Know You Like It

Re-released before the album after the groups new found success, You Know You Like It is punchy, sensual number with a fuzzy bass and twinkling synth notes that is built on the idea of confliction. Francis sings of how her lover likes the relationship and loves her, even if she might drive him insane. The lyrics are playful and a little feisty, and with the tone of the bass there is also an edge of confidence within the track that makes it a sway along, great number. At points the repetition can be a much, but the softness of Francis’ voice puts you at is, and she brings out the characteristics of the track to great effect through the way she sings. The hip hop edged, scattering beats in between the verses and chorus keeps the listener on their tones, creating a song that feels inventive and fuun but also a little deep at the same time.

3.5/5

Track 3- Attracting Flies

Coming after the success of their collaboration with fellow new artist Disclosure, Attracting Flies has become the group’s most successful solo release today, and it is definitely worthy of its success. The track finds Francis singing of how her lover talks a lot of rubbish and how she is just not caring about what he says, with the singers pitched vocals having this carefree essence that makes this a potential anthem for some scorned girls out there. But the best thing about this song has to be the intricate melodies and the lush synths that permeate the record courtesy of George Reid, creating a bouncy sound that you can really bop along to, and elevating the catchiness of the hook driven chorus.

4/5

Track 4- Your Drums, Your Love

The groups and Body Music’s first single, Your Drums Your Love is the weirdest offering from te group so far in terms of the computer distorted voice that states this songs title, but that doesn’t mean that this isn’t an intriguing number with a catchy sound. The song has a little bit more of an RnB lilt the previous track, with the track having more of a bass heavy sound with clattering beats that bring a hip hop feel to the groups digitised sound, but at the heart of the song is definitely Francis airy vocals, with the chorus being a moment where the singers goes a bit higher in vocal range and brings true emotion to the song. The song is a bit of a complex love song lyrically as Francis sings of treading water for this boy’s love, but also feeling that she might not be good enough.

3.5/5

Track 5- Kaleidoscope Love

With a snappy backbeat and the use of horns, Kaleidoscope Love comes across as a bright pop number that has a bit of an old school twist and an RnB edge. The message of the song is rather simple and metaphorical, as Francis is this girl who sees new singles because this guy just brings something new and lovely to her life. The message is sweet and is perfectly suit to the soft and breathless texture of Francis’ voice, with the final choruses going into a higher register for the singer that makes Francis and the listener seem a bit euphoric. The shimmering synth notes and snappiness of the production creates an equally cute sound to the track, and the only issue here is that the lyrics are a bit hit and miss, with the chorus being catchy, but the entire song is a bit clichéd in places.

3.5/5

 Track 6- Bad Idea

Bad Idea almost acts as the antithesis to Kaleidoscope Love, as here we find Francis singing of how she has to get out of the relationship because this guy just brings her down. The message is feisty but the chorus lacks the catchiness of the previous songs because sings are a bit too fast vocally, and the ‘do do’ hook feels a little too simple. The other issue is that Francis has this cute quality to her voice that creates this feeling that she isn’t really invested in what she is singing, with the chorus going to the point where she can be seen as a whiny kid. Reid still manages to make the song catchy with the funky, disco flecked beats and finger snapping grooves, but at this point the group do seem to lose some of their charm.

2.5.5

Track 7- Diver

Beginning with this cool intro that feels very 90’s RnB with a hint of an Asian influence, Diver is one of the more funky and distorted tunes from the group where the sound of the track definitely seems to take precedence over lyrics and vocals. The stuttering rhythms and violin edged touches within the production makes a sound that is interesting and pleasurable to listen to, and although the lyrics are a bit lacking in terms of a catchy hook, Francis’s soft and sensual vocals gives the song a nice edge and this believability that the singer won’t go out of a relationship just because the other person wants to, with the stuttering effects on her voice in places making the song more lively and a touch more intriguing.

3.5/5

Track 8- Lost & Found

Opening with stop and start house music rhythms that get you hooked from the beginning, Lost and Found finds the group in a little bit more of a dance state, with their music definitely by this point feeling indebted to the 90’s era. The song finds Francis seemingly kissing off this guy who could have had her when he wanted and when she was on the rebound, but now he can’t really have her. Francis vocals work great in conveying this sense of her being both a sweet and flirtatious girl, with the distortion of her vocals in the chorus adding to the bouncy texture of the song that is really catchy. The chorus is supremely catchy and the funky but also simple rhythms of the production with the snappy bass and bubbly synths makes for a sound that is just fun to dance along to, and it would just be a shame if this was not a single at some point in the future.

4/5

Track 9- Best Be Believing

With the distorted ‘na na na’s’ that open the song, this is another track that is a bit weird in lyrical and vocal composition, but which is still fun and also a bit feisty. Here we find Francis singing of how this guy best be believing that she is great and that everything in life is just going to be great. The lyrics aren’t sharp in the way that some of the songs have been, but song is good in the way that Aluna shows off a bit more vocal range, whilst the clattering, snappy beats and smooth synths create a nice sound as always. It is good in many ways, but I also think this might be a song that polarises people.

3.5/5

Track 10- Superstar

With the gritty and fuzzy bassline of the intro, this song has a rough sound that adds an interesting layer to the song and breathes a nice bit of diversity within the record. The production almost has this breathless quality that really works well with the lyrical message, as Aluna sings of this guy who is an unknown superstar, but rather he is just great in his heart, and in many ways that song seems designed to bring the listener out of a bad frame of mind and instil the idea that everyone is a Superstar. The chorus is catchy in terms of the use of repetition and the way that the verses build towards a snappy chorus, and the only thing that kind of hinders the song is Aluna’s vocals, which are smooth and light but ultimately feel a touch too safe at this point.

3/5

Track 11- Just a Touch

Just a Touch is a track where the production definitely takes centre stage from the beginning, as the squiggly synths are buoyant and intriguing and make for a sound that is vibrant and infectious, with the chorus having an energised tone with the use of island tinged drums. The production also feels stylish and intricate and so this song really highlights how musically interesting and different this group is. The song is lyrically catchy with the simple chorus focusing on Aluna telling this guy she doesn’t want to rush into things and she cares for him a lot. The vocals are on point, if at this this point like the interest of the records first half.

3.5/5

Track 12- Body Music

Title track Body Music keeps the intricacy of the previous track going, but things are also a little slinkier, more seductive and more bass heavy. Lyrically this track for me brings things back onto a better form, because the verses feel just as powerful and intriguing as the chorus, whilst the song is still catchy and builds to a simple but great chorus. Vocally this is also much better as the delicate, lilting tones of Aluna’s voice really brings out the seductive qualities of the track to great effect, as Aluna tells her man that his body is like music that she keeps wanting to listen to. The slinky texture of the production with the smooth groove and lovely synth section before the end is another great essence of the track, and it would seem appropriate to release this as a single in the future.

3.5/5

Track 13- Friends to Lovers

The final proper track, Friends to Lovers is another slinky, glittery synth affair that takes a while to get into and is a little annoying because of this. However, when the song does kick in sings are good in terms of Aluna’s vocals, as the singer plays the flirtatious, in love and cute girl very well and has an airy texture to her voice that in this instance is great to listen to. The song focuses on the idea of not knowing how to get to that state of not being friends but lovers, and having doubts about whether that is the right thing but also having these feelings you can’t hide. The simplistic and youthful quality of the lyrics is great, with the song kind of having this diary like quality that is fun to listen to. The slinky production with the intricate notes and plunky rhythms keeps the track in this airy tone that makes the lyrics feel that bit more potent, and making the song work in every aspect.

3.5/5

Track 14- This Is How We Do It (bonus track)

Bonus track This Is How We Do It is a cover of the well-known Montell Jordan track that is all about living life and showing that you are just living your life the way that you want. The songs swag is fun and infectious and the blending of the lyrics with this new, synth based sound which is light and snappy is quite fun. But vocally Aluna just sounds like someone trying to emulate the original, and ultimately this just an alright cover and deserves its bonus track state, because a really great cover would have added an extra layer of brilliance to the song.

3/5

Final Review

AlunaGeorge are a fun and quirky duo who definitely enrich the music landscape with their synth driven sound, catchy lyrics, and the airy, quirky voice of lead singer Aluna. Body Music is an album that definitely lives up to its title with some tracks, and is an album full of solid hooks and intricate production that puts other artists to shame. That being said, the record does have some issues, with certain tracks marring the finesse of the record in terms of some lazy lyrical compositions, and at times Aluna’s voice can definitely wear thin in terms of pleasing the listener. But if the tracks were cut down and the vocals were worked on, then their next album would be superb, and even with the issues, AlunaGeorge have still given us a cool, diverse record that is much better than some of their peers.

7/10

Best Track- Lost & Found

Worst Track- Bad Idea

Song of the Week September 30th 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Song of the Week- Walking on Air by Katy Perry, from the album Prism

As a big Katy Perry fan it would be easy for me to just have her as the song of the week every time she released a new song, but I have managed to put my feelings aside, as her previous track Dark Horse was awesome and weird and different and really interesting and bewitching, but I had to concede that at the time of that songs release there just were better songs from other artists. And that is largely what happens as we get into the last quarter in music industry terms, as loads of artists save their music for the near end of the year and so a lacklustre music year could very quickly turn into an amazing music year. However, this week Katy Perry is definitely the pop and all-round music queen with Walking on Air, a stomping, 90’s house inspired tune that just gets stuck in your head so easily and which will make you want to dance, and I mean really dance. I was a fan of the song from the 30 second preview that was released over a month ago, and my love for the track has just increased immensely after hearing the song in its entirety. Lyrically the track focuses on Perry being in this euphoric state of love and passion, to the point where she is walking on Air. The lyrics are catchy and fine-tuned as with most Katy Perry tunes, with the chorus being simplistic and easily something that gets stuck in your head. Vocally the singers vocals are strong, with her voice layered in places to give the track this sense of her truly walking on air, whilst the verses are really good in terms of the quirky sensuality that the singer displays within her voice, But the best element of the track is the deep, 90’s house production, which comes courtesy of one Mr Klas Ahlund, the man responsible for the superb Robyn track ‘Call Your Girlfriend’. The thumping rhythms and forceful bass is just pure get yourself on the dance floor deliciousness that the work of other music artists seems to be lacking. And with this production comes the feeling of the song being current (as today everyone loves a bit of a throwback sound) but also being that instant classic, and with the track being elevated by an arms aloft breakdown and the awesome use of a choir, this is definitely a classic Katy Perry track already, a song that will be awesome live, and a song that gets me wanting her latest record Prism now!!!!!!!!!

Reasons Be 'Say Goodnight'

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is great about the online world is that people are really able to connect and create a difference in the world, and I am happy to think that I am part of that. I never thought that this blog would be something that would see me informed directly about new music, but it has, which is amazing. One great example of this is an email I received about the group Reasons Be and their single Say Goodnight. First of all, the song and its accompanying music video is just great because they both act as a support for the LGBT community, support which I fully commend and support myself, and it is great when artists really use their work for greater purposes. Secondly, this is also just a really good song in its own right, and so it is great to see that this is a group whose music is really great and which therefore makes the fact that they are supporting a cause even greater. Lyrically the track for me is very heartfelt and sincere, with a smooth quality that when you really focus on the lyrics instils the listener with positivity. The stuttering rhythms of the production gives the song a powerful tone that is also nicely chilled, with the duo using a lovely blend of instruments to make the track that touch more powerful. But what stands out for me with this song are the vocals, which are light and airy but have enough substance to make the song have the impact it should, whilst the duo’s vocals also blend really well. This is a strong, emotionally loaded, positive music offering that is nicely attached to an important and awesome cause, and I am really happy the track was brought to my attention and that I can now share it with other people, so please check out Say Goodnight on YouTube and download the song from ITunes now. And make sure to keep your ears and eyes out for this group in the future.

Diana Vickers- Music to Make Boys Cry Album Review

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Album- Music to Make Boys Cry

Artist- Diana Vickers

Many people have proven that you don’t have to win a talent singing contest like the X Factor to have music success after the program, but Diana Vickers is perhaps one of the greatest examples in that she didn’t even get to the final of the UK X Factor for the 2008 series, but the singer managed to score herself a well-received role in the West End production of The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, and found herself having a number one single and album in 2010. Music to Make Boys Cry, her second album, has been a few years in the waiting, and is released under a new label after her departure from major label RCA. The records lead single failed to reach the UK top 40, and it looks like this record won’t live up to the success of her debut album. But is this because the material isn’t as good, or is this because the public aren’t giving her the attention she deserves after a couple of years out of the spotlight, or maybe it’s just cause she hasn’t got a big label backing her this time?

Track 1- Music to Make Boys Cry

The records title track and second single, Music to Make Boys Cry is a glittering, beautiful slice of 80’s synthpop music that is classy, pure and just utterly enjoyable. Vickers sings of how girls want to do so many things, but she confidently has herself and just wants to make music to make music to make the boys cry. The lyrics are supremely catchy with an airy innocence that is infectious, and the lyrics also bring out this lovely message of just loving life that is lovely to listen to. The airy vocal tones of Vickers voice are brought out to beautiful effect within the song, and with the stomping, vibrant and ethereal quality of the production, this is pop as pop should be and one of the ebst songs of 2013.

5/5

Track 2- Cinderella

Lead single Cinderella is another shimmering synthpop number that sees the singers cute vocals being employed to talk of how Cinderella wouldn’t skip out on this guy if she was hear, as Vickers would lose both her shoes for this guy. The verses and the chorus don’t match in the best way, but the chorus shows how the singer has a knack for making a tune really catchy, and with the soft airiness of her voice the vocals really bring out the sweetness of the song’s lyrics and makes the song feel that bit more sincere. The production follow on the track is superb, with a stomping bass and beautiful synth sound that just adds to the songs catchy tone, making this a good lead single choice.

3.5/5

Track 3- Lighting Strikes

Lightning Strikes continues the cute electro pop vibe of the record firmly going, but this time the lyrics are a bit more storytelling based, whilst the chorus is still as catchy as ever. The song finds Vickers singing of that feeling of being struck by love. The song is lyrically catchy and with the love based message the singers quirky, airy vocals perfectly suit the subject matter and makes this feel like another very heartfelt, sincere track. The bass is a little heavier and the synths that bit heavier in tone, but the synthpop energy is still there and the sound just creates a summery, breezy lightness to the track that is infectious, and with a great hook reminiscent of Dario G’s Sunchyme (although I hope he’s credited, otherwise she might have another My Wicked Heart, Red Hot Chilli Peppers kind of scenario on her hands) this is another tune that could work great as a single.

3.5/5

Track 4- Dead Heat

Taking things to more of mid tempo state, Dead Heat is more of a sultry offering from the singer that evokes the early work of Madonna, but the song is still similar to the previous tracks in terms of the really catchy chorus that easily gets stuck in your head. The song is quite a sensual and sweet love song where Vickers sings of how she would sacrifice things such as breathing and the sun because she can’t live without her man. The song nicely allows the singer to show of a different quality within her vocals in terms of the way she gives us a lilting, smooth vocal that is imbued with this naturally sensual quality. The thumping bass and synth notes create a steady rhythm to the track that compliments the vocal and lyrics really well, giving us another great pop offering.

3.5/5

Track 5- Boy in Paris

A stomping up tempo pop number, Boy in Paris is the most modern feeling and sounding track from the record at this point, although the synthpop bassline keeps things in the realm of 80’s inspired music. The song focuses on Vickers telling us of how she won’t forget this night where she danced with this boy in Paris and everything was just great, and with the singers light tone the dreamy essence of the lyrics are beautifully brought out, although sometimes the singer’s vocals are annoyingly Auto Tuned. The stomping disco rhythms of the track are infectious, making this a fun dance tune that could work well in some clubs, and making this a infectiously vibrant effort.

3.5/5

Track 6- Mad at Me

Mad at Me signals that the singer is firmly influenced by 80’s music as the synths and preppy production alongside the heavy drums just creates this sound that is fun and infectious and feels like we are listener to someone who has just be plucked straight out of the 80’s, with Vickers particularly evoking the work of Blondie this time. The song finds the singer diverting from her typical being in love and feeling free state, and instead she is this flirtatious girl who asks her lover why he is so mad at the way she acts when he is just as bad. The chorus is once again really catchy, and vocally this is one of the finer moments for the singer as the quirkiness of her personality really shines but doesn’t sound weird and instead really compliments the flirtatious essence of the song.

3.5/5

Track 7- Smoke

Taking things to a bit more of an emotional and vulnerable place, Smoke finds Vickers being in a bit of heartbroken state, but she can’t admit her feelings and pretends that it is just the smoke getting in her eyes that makes her cry. The song nicely taps into the emotional vulnerability that comes with the end of a relationship, and with the natural delicacy of her voice the singer makes the song feel powerful and passionate. The problem with the track is that it lacks a really catchy chorus, and although it offers a different side of the singer that is more vulnerable, the vocals are a bit too processed, and the production veers a bit too much into dubstep territory to make this feel like a track placed on the record so that the singer would seem modern.

2.5/5

Track 8- Mr Postman

From the dubstep diversion of the previous track we head back into the past with Mr Postman in terms of the songs sound, but instead of 80’s synthpop, we seemingly go back to the 1960’s with a pop number with a typical ‘shoop shoop ah’ hook. The change in sound is a bit weird, but the singers cute and airy vocals seemingly suit the genre nicely, and there is enough flourishes of synth for the track to still work on the record, Furthermore, the singer returns in terms of giving us a catchy chorus, and the lyrics are also great in that whilst the song primarily focuses on Vickers waiting for a letter from her man as she feels like that is the best way for both her and her boy to show their love, the lyrics also nicely act as an analysis of the poor state of society in that many people are really controlled by technology.

3/5

Track 9- Better in French

From the 60’s, cutesy pop of Mr Postman we go into a 90’s/early 2000’s, slinky disco mode with Better in French, an upbeat electro pop number that finds the singer in her most sensual side and channelling Kylie during her awesome Fever era. The song focuses on Vickers seeing this guy and being overcome by his passion, with Vickers coming to the conclusion that love sounds better in French. The message is nice and catchy but lacks power because it does feel a bit like the singer is revisiting Boy In Paris. The sensual tone of the singers voice shows a nice and different side of the singer, but it does also maybe stand out a bit too much against the cutesy tone of the rest of the record, and although the slinky, upbeat production is catchy, the stomping beats of the middle section and the overall sound feels like the singer is fitting too much into a current dance trend, making this is a nice song but something that doesn’t feel like it works in this record.

2.5/5

Track 10- Blame Game

Final track Blame Game is a fast paced, upbeat electro pop number that finishes the record off on a high note. Lyrically the song focuses on a tug of war love where Vickers admits that she is always quick to blame a lover and seemingly ruin the good times. The final track once again shows the singers brilliant knack for a solid pop chorus, and vocally this a much better offering the previous track, with the delicacy of the singers tone making her words seems that much more sincere. The frenzied, commanding electro beats giving vibrant sound to the track that makes you want to just move around, and this is a great way to the end the record in terms of the song fitting into the mould of the record but also sounding like a little bit more of a modern offering.

3.5/5

Final Review

Diana Vickers is definitely one of the more accomplished acts to come out of the X Factor, and what she definitely proves with this album is that she has a really lovely tone to her voice and a distinctive vocal, whilst she lyrically has this superb ability to make her songs ridiculously catchy. The 1980’s indebted sound of the record is also fun whilst still feeling current enough to fit into today’s pop mould. At times the singers voice is definitely produced in annoying ways, and certain songs feel out of place and hinder the record from being a perfect pop specimen, but aside from this, this album is a fun and catchy pop record that seems stronger than her debut, and particularly more assured, and I can’t help feeling that if she still had a bigger record label behind her then she would be able to perform better commercially, as the music is definitely of a good and commercially viable quality.

7.5/10

Best Track- Music to Make Boys Cry

Worst Track- Smoke

The Saturdays- On Your Radar Album Review

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Album- On Your Radar

Artist- The Saturdays

Being a girl band in today’s music industry seems to be a really difficult prospect, as there are some any potential groups trying to break the market, and unfortunately many just don’t work, with groups like Girls Can’t Catch, Dolly Rockers and Parade being examples of one hit wonders and the ability for girl groups to really rise and then just crash and burn. But there are also many girl groups who have gone on to amazing success, and right now The Saturdays are definitely one of those groups and one of the leading girl bands, with twelve UK top tens under their belt (including a recent number one hit) and three top ten albums. However, their third studio album On Your Radar is definitely a sort of blot on their music record, as the album only reached position 23 on the album charts in the UK compared to the top ten placing of their previous records. In looking at this record I aim to see whether it was right to chart in such a low position compared to previous efforts, or whether the wider public was just missing out on a good album.

Track 1- All Fired Up

Second single and album opener All Fired Up is a stomping electro pop and dance pop track that is all about feeling alive and just getting the listener in the mood to party and dance. Produced by pop music maestros Xenomania, the song lyrically is full of catchy hooks and repeated patterns that get stuck into your head, and what is interesting about the track is that it doesn’t follow the traditional verse chorus verse chorus form of most songs, and is much more interesting because of these. Vocals are probably the weakest element of the track, as although harmonies are nice, there is a lot of Auto Tune going on within the track and this can feel annoying at times, but at times the auto tune does sort of work with the dance vibes of the tracks. The vibrant dance beats and the way the song wavers in intensity throughout is infectious, giving us a solid and fun dance pop number that also nicely shows ability of the girls to try different genres.

3.5/5

Track 2- Notorious

A playful electro and dance pop number, lead single Notorious has a feisty bass heavy beat within the production and features the girls in a vocally and lyrically confident frame of mind. Lyrically the track has a catchy chorus and focuses on the girls working hard but also having this naughty side that guys should be aware of, making the song more of an appealing track for the group’s female fans. Vocally things are once again ok but suffer from Auto Tune, with some members seemingly showing their ability to produce a good vocal more than others. However, what the song lacks in vocals is made up for in the stomping beats of the songs sound that gives the group a slightly edgier sound and makes the song one of those fun number that is like an addictive song to dance to.

3.5/5

Track 3- Faster

Another up tempo dance pop number, faster is a little more intense than the two previous offerings and features the girls in a more romantic frame of mind, as they lyrically apologise to their lovers and emphasise that they need them because they make their hearts beat faster. The song features a big pop chorus and the build intensity from the verses to the chorus is really good to listen to, although at times things can feel a bit clichéd and typical pop. Things are vocally stronger within this track, with the Auto Tune still coming into effect but not feeling as blatant and potentially annoying, and most of the girl bands members do show their vocal ability to great effect. The hard edged dance beats of the track and the intensity of the sound acts as a perfect sound to compliment the lyrics, and is also a good sound in the way that it is a bit more simplistic and less frenzied than the previous offerings, and I think this would have made a good choice for a single.

3.5/5

Track 4- My Heart Takes Over

The records first ballad and third single, My Heart Takes Over is a powerful and synth driven track with a glittery pop sheen. The track focuses on the girls asking their man that if things are to end then they must end now, but if there is a glimmer of hope then the girl’s hearts will take over. The song is similar to the previous track in terms of the slightly annoying clichés but strong pop chorus and nice build to a really powerful chorus. The vocals are much stronger here, with great harmonies and some real vocal prowess from members Rochelle Humes and Vanessa White, although the heavily Auto Tuned bridge and the end of the final chorus is just unnecessary and annoying. Production wise the song feature light synths and a steady bass beat that makes for a passionate and dramatic sound to nicely compliment the lyrical and vocal substance of the track, and giving us a well-rounded track that brings diversity to the record.

3.5/5

Track 5- Get Ready, Get Set

After the passion and drama of My Heart Takes Over we go back to the fun loving, get you on the dance floor side of the group with Get Ready, Get Set, another song produced by Xenomania and the first track on the album to feature co-writes from each of the band members. The song has a sensual edge to the lyrics as the girls tell these guys that they can be great for them and they better be ready, because what these girls want they definitely get. The lyrics are clichéd but work in terms of the build from the flirtatious verses to the full on chorus, and although Auto Tune once again slightly hinders the vocals, the girls are good within this track in terms of bringing a vibrant personality through within their vocals. Production wise Xenomania create a stomping dance floor ready sound that is quite frenzied and is designed (and succeeds) to get you up and jumping, although the track sadly lacks the finesse and power of Xenomania’s other track on the record All Fired Up.

3.5/5

Track 6- The Way You Watch Me (featuring Travie McCoy)

Continuing to show their playful, fun and flirtatious sides, The Way You Watche Me is a smooth pop jam which focuses on the girls telling guys that they will choose them, and that they are kind of helpless as they watch them do their thing on the dance floor and throughout life. The track is vocally stronger as Auto Tune is less noticeable and the lilting tone of the track makes for a fun listen, whilst the play off vibe between the girls and guest artist Travie McCoy is great to listen to, with McCoy providing snappy and memorable raps throughout the track. The chorus is simple but catchy, and the tracks sound nicely utilises some great guitar riffs and a more organic feeling sound, making this a song that would have served nicely as a single to show a different side of the group.

3.5/5

Track 7- For Myself

Another song that features co-writes from the group, For Myself is a forceful, electro pop orientated track that lyrically focuses on a turbulent relationship where fighting seems to be at the centre of the relationship, but at the end of the day you still just want to keep that person. The theme is interesting, but sadly the way that soft verses build to a feisty chorus doesn’t work in the same way that other tracks have, and the chorus lacks the fun, memorable quality that the previous tracks had. The vocals are smooth and Vanessa White gives us some nice ad libs in the before the final chorus, but the songs features a bit too much Auto Tune and lacks personality, whilst the production features a bass heavy sound that is just ok, and which feels like the group are trying to be too current.

2/5

Track 8- Do What You Want With Me

From the forcefulness of For Myself we enter into more sensual and almost ethereal sounding territory with Do Want You Want With Me, a song that is still forceful in its own right, bit which has a tota;ly different essence and more exciting quality than the previous track. Lyrically the track focuses on the girls singing of how they cannot control their passion and love, and how there respective men can do what they want with them because the really believe and trust in this relationship. The lyrics are good in terms of the passionate tone of the track, with the chorus being catchy in its sincere and simplistic tone. Vocally this is a strong offering as there is more layers to this track, with the girls showing more power within the verses and then going into airy tones within the chorus, which is a smart and excellent change from the former tracks. The track features a light pop sound infused with dubstep driven beats to create the crazy, powerful sound. But what is great here is that the song doesn’t feel like a pop song where dubstep is just thrown in to be current, but it feels more like a song that just naturally suits a dubstep edge, and a song that is just powerful, light and catchy.

4/5

Track 9- Promise Me

Promise Me takes things back to more of a dance pop orientated sound and an up tempo, get up and moving vibe, with the track definitely being a song more suited to the girls female fans. Lyrically the track focuses on the idea of boys who promise to do things but then  just do what they want and just don’t live up to their promises, so the girls are just going to go and party without them. The forceful and angst driven lyrics are catchy, and the brush off chorus is fun, but the track is vocally hindered because of the use of Auto Tune, as we get more of a robotic girl band, and the use of the tool makes it feel like they aren’t actually invested in what they are singing. The songs features a punchy, vibrant dance pop sound with simple but catchy beats, but the sound is a little questionable in terms of the middle section, which features a dubstep heavy breakdown, and which I feel is something that only individual listeners can decide for themselves whether it is catchy or whether it is trying to jump on a current trend.

3/5

Track 10- Wish I Didn’t Know

Another ballad from the group, Wish I Didn’t Know is an emotionally powerful track that lyrically focuses on the idea of the girls seeing a former lover being happy with someone else, and wishing they didn’t know the current situation of that ex and just wanting to wash away the fact they were once so happy. Lyrically this is definitely one of the more polished and sophisticated efforts within the record, with song having a touching purity that adds to the songs catchy quality. The song features a nice blend of twinkling piano melodies with stomping drums and a full on chorus that brings out the passion of the track. And whilst it is in some ways a typical pop ballad, the typicality’s of the track are ok in this instance, because for once we get to see the group actually sing, with Auto Tune moments only helping the track, and all members are great here in show some vocal ability and emphasising that they are a good girl band.

3.5/5

Track 11- White Lies

White Lies takes things back to a more upbeat state and finds the album at its most full on pop state. Here the girls sing about finally coming to the point in a relationship where you have to let yourself go and talk about the white lies that might exist, and get past them. The song features a strong pop chorus that is really catchy, with the use of the colour imagery giving a great metaphorical twist to the lyrics that adds to the fun of the song. With the upbeat dance beats of the production and the bouncy sound of the track there is an infectious quality to the song, and vocally the group blend together well and make the song fun of joyful, jump around personality that is great to listen to. White Lies is a song that reminds you of this girl bands roots, particularly in terms of the brilliant pop sound, which is only expected when it was penned by hit makers of Carl Falk and Rami Yacoub, responsible for the early career hits of one Britney Spears, and who are responsible for most of One Directions current hits. It’s just a shame that this pop gem shines on an album that is predominantly mixed with other genres, and makes it feel like a song that just proves this group should always maintain a strong pop sheen to their work.

3.5/5

Track 12- Last Call

The records final ballad, Last Call is different to the records other ballads in terms of its purity and simplicity, as the song finds the girls just singing over piano instrumentation. The song finds the girls in that state of a break up where you look back on the relationship and realise that you need to let go off this person, but it is so difficult to do so. Like the previous ballad the song is structured very nicely lyrically and is nice to listen to in its pure and simplistic tone, and even more so than the previous ballad are we actually shown a girl band who can sing well and harmonise beautifully, with Auto Tune finally being stripped away for good. Keeping the production light piano makes this a more powerful song, and this is potentially the best try at a really good pop ballad that the group have produced.

3.5/5

Track 13- I Say Ok

I Say OK is another track on the album that has a strong, light pop sound, although the production does have a slinky, electro pop tone as well. The song is fun and flirtatious in terms of the lyrics, with the girls focusing on not caring about what others think or say and just doing what they want because to them it is ok. The confidence of the song is fun to listen to and the almost venom like quality of the lyrics is cool and a bit different, with the Simon Cowell reference being a great pop culture moment in the lyrics. The production is snappy and fun, but yet again this is a song where things are ruined by the vocal quality, as Auto Tune comes back to full effect on this number and just gives an annoying, robotic effect that feels like a complete waste of time.

2.5/5

Track 14- Move On U

Final track Move On U is another slinky, electro pop number, but with a bit more of a dance edge and a sensual tone to the lyrics and vocals. The song focuses on the girls telling these guys that they are going to make a move on them because they like the way they look and express themselves. The flirtatious quality of the lyrics and the simplicity of the chorus makes for a catchy tune, and the way the production dips from these smooth electro rhythms in the verses to a more frenzied sound in the chorus is great to listen to. But vocally Auto Tune ruins things once again, and if anything this just ends the album on the note of what is wrong with the group, their label, their producers, and anyone who is potentially involved in some way in the vocal side of the record.

3/5

Final Review

On Your Radar is a solid pop offering from The Saturdays that sees them delve into a range of genres to good effect, particularly in terms of the dance edge of All Fired Up and the dubstep quality of Do Want You Want With Me. With solid pop choruses, infectious personality’s and catchy production, each of the tracks on the record work nicely. That being said, the record is also marred by such things as clichéd statements, sometimes a lack of identity, and most importantly, vocals, which seem to always need the Auto Tune button when they really don’t. I don’t think this album should have performed worse than their previous efforts, yet with the problems this record has, I can see peoples frustrations with the group, and I only hope that with their next record things are kept a bit eclectic but also a bit simpler in terms of sound, and that we actually get to hear some nice vocals rather than Auto Tuned ones.

5.5/10

Best Track- Do What You Want With Me

Worst Track- For Myself

Song of the Week- September 23rd 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Song of the Week- Move by Little Mix

Only released today, and having actually not even heard it when it first premiered, Move has quickly become this song that is just stuck in my head and is so good I just knew that it had to be this weeks Song of the Week. Flirtatious and fun, the track lyrically focuses on the girls telling this guy that they like it when the guy makes the effort in getting the girl and so he should just get up and move and get them feeling good. What is great about the lyrics is that it isn’t just your normal this is the verse, then this is the catchy chorus, but all of the lyrics are full of catchy statements, with my favourite line definitely being ‘feeling like it’s my birthday, like Christmas day came early’. Vocally Little Mix have always stood out in terms of girl bands, as after winning the UK X Factor and storming worldwide charts, it is no secret that these girls can really sing well. But Move is also stronger than some of their other musical offerings, with the harmonies being that litte bit more polished, whilst each member really gets to shine, and for once I think it is hard to tell who you would class as the better vocalist, which is a testament to how great a group this is. The girls have described their upcoming second studio album as being a bit more mature and a little more RnB orientated, and indeed Move is definitely a step in that direction, with the girl vocal and lyrical attitude feeling that bit more grown up, whilst the click clacking beats of the track feel quite RnB. However, things also still feel pop orientated, and what is nice is that whilst the girls show growth as artists in terms of the sound of this track, they don’t alienate fans of their previous material, and instead maintain the essence of the group that was shown on their debut, whilst perhaps growing and aving the potential to gain new fans. The track also really builds in power to the point where if you are not dancing by the end then it is wrong. This is just great way to kick of a new music chapter for the girls, and gets me thoroughly excited for their new album.

Jessie J- Alive Album Review

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Album- Alive

Artist- Jessie J

Jessie J as undoubtedly become one of the biggest female stars to come out of the UK, being the first female to have six top ten hits from her debut album in the UK and achieving worldwide success. Yet with her new record the singer has stated that she is more mature, reflecting this in the records sound and showing her listeners where she is in her life now. The album also kind of steps away from the slightly cartoonish image that led the singers Who You Are album era. But is the album really all that it is painted out to be, or has the singer just created a subpar record that tries to be awesome and fails to meet expectations.

Track 1- It’s My Party

Opening track It’s My Party is a stomping, pure pop number which features a vocally feisty Jessie J singing about her musical ‘haters’ over vibrant guitar riffs and thumping drum beats. The tracks production gives the song a perfect lift up your spirits energy that is infectious, although the sound is perhaps a bit too familiar when reflecting on the similarity between this and the singers hit single Domino. Vocally the singer layers her voice with attitude, with the two moments of her just talking being biting additions to the track that make this a song perfect to listen to if you are sick of the way some people treat you. And while the lyrics are in many ways more personal in terms of her music and celebrity lifestyle, the chorus is a pure catchy pop moment with a defiant statement centrepiece that people will identify with, and so all the components add up for a track to just dance along to and go a bit crazy to.

3.5/5

Track 2- Thunder              

Thunder is another stomping tune but has more of a hopeful essence and a more emotional resonance than the previous track. Over glittering synths Jessie J sings of how this person is like thunder to her in terms of how they bring her out of the dark places and bad attitudes she finds herself in, with the metaphorical imagery being powerful and making for a sweet but strong love song. The chorus is once again a catchy pop number, and vocally the song is great in terms of the way that the singer controls her voice in the verses and then builds up to really unleash her vocal power in the chorus, and even more powerfully in the bridge. The tracks synth based sound with the stomping bass nicely compliments the tracks lyrical message, and what is lovely about this song also is that although it is produced by two hit making producers of the moment, Stargate and Benny Blanco, it doesn’t have that I can easily identify who produced this track quality that can sometimes be quite annoying, and really seems to remain true to who Jessie J is as an artist.

3.5/5

Track 3- Square One

From the sweetness of the previous track we enter into more emotionally powerful territory with Square One, a mid tempo track that finds Jessie J singing of how she doesn’t want to go back to a place where it feels like her relationship with this person has just started. The lyrics of the song are quite touching in their simplicity and honesty, with the chorus having this pleading tone and simplicity that is infectious to listen to. Jessie J is once again vocally great, with this song really allowing her to show off the ability she has vocally in terms of holding notes and really layering the lyrics with emotion through her voice. The Auto Tuned male vocal moments act as this cool emotional counterpoint to Jessie’s vocals and add to the songs appealing tone, whilst the guitar and bass heavy sound production wise is superb in capturing the intensity of the songs message, with the guitar riffs in the final chorus being of an epic texture that makes for a fine finish to the track.

3.5/5

Track 4- Sexy Lady

After the emotional intensity of the previous track we go into more confident territory with Sexy Lady, and as well as this we also go from a pop track with an RnB lilt to a more pure pop moment. An inspirational track, Sexy Lady is lyrically focused on the idea of women being confident in any and every way and just showing their sexiness because they can, with the song’s lyrics being simple but attention grabbing and inspirational. The song vocally has a cool attitude that is inspirational in its own way because vocally the singer instils confidence into her female listeners and also shows off her own sexiness. But for me the best part of this song has to be the production, as the guitar riffs that act as the main body of the songs sound grab your attention from the beginning, and it is a sound that never wavers in its infectious energy. And with the absolutely amazing guitar solo before the last chorus, this is just a great pop number which although it largely only appeals to women, I think it should just be released as a single just because it sounds so great.

4.5/5

Track 5- Harder We Fall

Continuing with the guitar based sound that the previous track had, although with a lighter texture, Harder We Fall is another confident and inspiring pop number that has a bit of a folksy quality as well. The song focuses on how people make mistakes but you just have to live life and understand that mistakes are made, but life is great, and you just have to pick yourself up and try again. The way the track dips in the intensity in sound from just this light guitar riff, to heavy bass drum, to this awesome gospel feel, the song has this ethereal tone that is infectious, and although the chorus isn’t as catchy as the previous tracks, the simplicity and honesty of the message is once again very appealing. Vocally the song also is quite inspiring, making this a good tune in that it shows Jessie J is an artist who wants to be positive and make a difference in the world, which is great.

3.5/5

Track 6- Breathe

Co-written with girl of the moment Sia Furler, Breathe is a heavy and also light, emotional music piece that features poetic lyrics and a forceful bass heavy sound mixed with gentle piano to really bring out the power and emotion of the track. Here Jessie J sings of how this person can breathe with her if they just love her, with the catchy chorus being infectious in its emotional intensity, and overall the lyrics are of a good quality, particularly in terms of their poetical feel. Vocally the singer allows for the power of her voice to really convey the intensity of the tracks lyrics, particularly in term of the simple but powerful line ‘love me’. My only issue with this track is that the blend of synths, piano and heavy beats is nice but is perhaps just a touch too harsh, with the beats of the production edging into dubstep territory that makes the track feel like it is trying to fit into a current trend.

3.5/5

Track 7- I Miss Her

Remaining emotionally intense but perhaps going one step further, I Miss Her is probably Jessie J at her most vulnerable and personal within this record. The song was inspired by someone close to the singer who is affected by an illness, with the singer expressing her sadness and love for this person as she misses her because she feels like this illness has taken away the person she once knew. The emotional honesty of the lyrics is beautiful, and vocally the singer warbles and sings with such strength that things are so sincere, painful and powerful that it just makes this a song that really shows how amazing Jessie J is as a vocalist and how she will definitely go down in history for her voice. Backed by simple and equally powerful piano and string production, this is a vulnerable but stunning musical moment.

4/5

Track 8- Daydreamin

From the pain and simplicity of the last track we enter into more funky, synth pop based vibrancy with Daydreamin, a track that feels quite influenced by 80’s music. The song focuses on Jessie J telling us and this person of how she has these feelings for them that makes her be in this state of daydreaming, with the singer wanting this persons love but also kind of wanting them to say that it isn’t going to happen. The vocal layering of the song nicely brings out the tracks message and at this point you really understand how great Jessie J is because she really does convey her feeling not just through her great and catchy lyrics but through her awesome voice. The stomping groove of the production with the quirky synth notes makes for a funky tune that you can slide and dance along to in a state of you daydreaming along with Jessie.

3.5/5

Track 9- Excuse My Rude (featuring Becky G)

Featuring a hip hop tinged sound with snappy beats and a forceful attitude. Excuse My Rude is a feisty moment from the singer that feels like a cousin of her debut single Do It Like a Dude, although this time she is focusing on relationships. The song finds the singer telling this person that she Is sad things have turned out this way but because of what they have done she has to express the fat that she hates them. The repetition in the verses could be potentially annoying for some but the quirk of those sections makes the forcefulness of the chorus a bit more powerful, and whilst she doesn’t sing in the high register, powerful way of some of the former album tracks, the song is still vocally great in that she brings the songs aggressive and also slightly heartbroken message out through her vocal tone. The production is equally forceful and catchy, and with a vibrant, snappy and equally catchy rap section from rising star Becky G, I wouldn’t be surprised if this became a single in the future.

3.5/5

Track 10- Wild (featuring Big Sean & Dizzee Rascal)

The song that started of the whole album and marked a new chapter for the singer musically, Wild is a feisty, vibrant dance pop number with a little bit of a hip hop twist. The tracks lyrics find the singer exclaiming of being amazed at her life and feeling that in her fantasy she is running Wild, with the lyrics featuring a ridiculously catchy chorus and having that nice quality of feeling like a love letter to her fans, but also having that quality of being relatable to people in different ways. The addition of two rappers on the track is perhaps a little excessive, but the way Dizzee Rascal and Big Sean compliment each other in terms of their American and British energy and sound is great, and somehow the excessiveness doesn’t feel that bad. And with addictive beats that add to the songs power in capturing your attention, it is definitely the best choice for lead single.

4/5

Track 11- Gold

Going back to more of a pop orientated sound, Gold is a another song that could equally feel like a love letter to the singers fans and how much she is grateful for her success, as the singer sings of how being in this magical moment where this person/s make her feel like gold because of the love that is shown for her. The catchy chorus is made greater in terms of the way the singer really holds various notes and the way that at times her voice is layered to great effect, making the song having this light, ethereal tone that is awesome to hear. The mid tempo sound of the track with light guitar riffs and shimmering synths just adds to the songs ethereal quality, making this a song that could be great to listen to in the morning and make you feel positive about life.

3.5/5

Track 12- Conquer the World (featuring Brandy)

Featuring a guitar based sound with heavy drum beats  and RnB pop quality, Conquer the World finds the singer asking her lover to not give up and fight for love, because together they are unstoppable. The message is sweet and simple and catchy, and the song works great in terms of the blending if Jessie’s vocals with one of the singers idols, Brandy. The song really suits Brandy but doesn’t feel like we are seeing Jessie J compromise who she is as an artist, and instead it is just this awesome conglomeration of two awesome vocalist. The tracks sound is simple but equally powerful and nicely allows the singers two vocals to shine in a great way, so that this is just an all-round lovely duet.

3.5/5

Track 13- Alive

Ending the record is title track Alive, which is a song that is all about positivity and which seems designed to be a great, crowd pleasing song destined to be sung live. Here the singer basically sings about celebrating life and fighting the hard times to be in a state of throwing your hands up and showing the world that you are truly alive. The message is potentially clichéd but the singer manages to pull it off, and vocally the light positivity of the message is brought out to great effect. The punchy sound of the track with the slightly funky synths and great dance like breakdown of the middle section is a pleasure to listen to, making this a lovely finish to the record.

3.5/5

Final Review

Written and largely produced over the space of five weeks in comparison to the seven years that resulted in her first studio album, Alive is definitely a different musical chapter in the singers career, But the fact that this record was produced in such a shorter time frame doesn’t mean that we are given a substandard record, but rather we are given a record that still feels relevant to the singers previous album and shows things that we expect from the singer, but also shows artistic growth and a greater understanding of Jessie J as an artist. The eclectic nature of the singer is still very much present but compared to her last album things feel that bit more cohesive despite that eclectic style, and each song is great in terms of the catchy lyrics and superb quality of the production. But what is definitely the best element of the record is Jessie J’s voice, which is so powerful and emotive it is just a pleasure to listen to, and just makes for a great record.

8.5/10

Best Track- Sexy Lady

Worst Track- Breathe

Jason Derulo- Tattoos Album Review

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Album- Tattoos

Artist- Jason Derulo

Jason Derulo has had a strong career in the music industry, producing a number of hits such as In My Head and It Girl. But after the singer suffered a terrible injury to his vertebrae, it was a possibility that his career could have been over. But he has returned seemingly stronger than ever and with a new mind-set, as Tattoos, his third studio album, was something he wanted to be truly representative of who is right now, as well as a roller-coaster ride where each song is different from the last. But is Tattoos worth all this hype, or is it more just an okay album that is just about Derlup putting out some new music rather than giving us innovation.

Track 1- The Other Side

The album’s first track and lead single, the Other Side is a simple, up tempo pop dance track that is typical Derulo territory. The song focuses on Derluo telling his girl to take him to the other side where they are not just friends but lovers who are so intensely in love and are perfect. The message is sweet and potent and the chorus is catchy in its simplicity. The vocal performance on the track is nicely layered and kept simple, with the singer going into a higher register in the chorus to give the track a slightly more intense feel. The synth laden guitar riffs and clattering beats of the production gives the track a light if typical, radio friendly pop sound, and that is mainly the issue of the track, in that it all its elements it feels like a stereotypical pop track. But with Derulo’s charm and ability to give us a catchy tune, the typical qualities can perhaps be forgiven.

3.5/5

Track 2- Talk Dirty (featuring 2 Chainz)

Released as the records second international single, Talk Dirty is definitely a step in a different direction for the singer, as he is more bold and doesn’t keep in line with his sentimental, so in love persona that has largely characterised his singing career. Here Derulo sings of loving when girls talk dirty to him and how he doesn’t need to understand the language to understand things in the bedroom. The change of style is pulled of very smooth and the charismatic Derulo manages to vocally sound cool and a bit mischievous and not just sound like a weird, sexual person. The chorus is catchy, but the 2 Chainz rap is a bit to obvious for this sort of track, and he doesn’t add much too the song. Yet this best element of the song has to be the production, with snappy bits and killer brass riffs that are addictive to listen to and make this a song that is great to dance to and an ideal club tune.

3.5/5

Track 3- Marry Me

After the different and interesting direction of the last song, Derulo definitely takes a step back with Marry Me, a sickly sweet love song that is all about Derulo telling his girl of his love for her and how he wants to spend the rest of his life, and so he will definitely ask her to marry him. The charm and softness of the vocals is nice, but the use of Auto Tune is annoying and the smoothness of the singer isn’t enough to hide the fact that the lyrics are poorly assembled into an a range of clichés that are just annoying, because you want something more interesting. The clattering beats, swirling strings and piano of the production also creates a typical love song pop sound that is bland, and to me it just doesn’t make any sense why this simple, Disney kind of cute love song was chosen as the records second American single, and why on earth Talk Dirty wasn’t released in every territory it could have been.

2.5/5

Track 4- Tattoo

A more forceful mid tempo pop number that is also very different emotionally compared to the last track, Tattoo finds Derulo singing about heartbreak and how he doesn’t seem to have more room to have those marks of heartbreak placed on him. The metaphorical quality of the lyrics are nice but the expletive qualities feel a little forced, as if Derulo is desperate to prove how he has grown as a person. Vocally his smooth tone makes the song feel a bit sincere in a way, with the track nicely showing off the singers falsetto to good effect. Production wise the song is based in a simple pop sound with clattering drum beats and an overall light sound that makes this another radio ready track.

3/5

Track 5- Trumpets

Going back to his so in love state, Trumpets is all about the singer telling his girl that he has created this song for her and how there is this kind of symphony in his head when she is around. The message is typical love stuff and is a bit sickly sweet, although there are some nice topical references to other music stars. Vocally this one of the weaker tracks because the singer goes a bit too high in places and just sounds annoying, and by this point his charisma is channelled in the same way so that it is just boring. The production is one of the more stand put components of the tack as the horn heavy sound gives a bit of pizazz to the track, and the twinkling melodies are nice to hear, although it would have perhaps been nice for more of the song to have a vibrant and more unique tone.

3/5

Track 6- Vertigo (featuring Jordin Sparks)

Featuring the singers current, long time girlfriend and American Idol winner Jordin Sparks, Vertigo is a simple love duet between the two where the two artists respectively tell each other of how they get them in this vertigo state because they are so in love. The fact the song is a duet makes a nice change because this would have been another boring love tune if it was just Derulo, and vocally the two artists nicely compliment each. Lyrically things are quite clichéd, but there is a sweet and sincere quality to the beautiful vocals, and with the simple production value of the piano, this is a sickly sweet but pleasant track.

3.5/5

Track 7- Fire (featuring Pitbull)

After the simplicity and sweetness of the previous track, Fire takes a 180 turn of direction and finds Derulo giving us a full on dance track, with a little assistance from rapper Pitbull. Lyrically the track is all about the singer telling this girl that she is on fire (presumably because of sex appeal) and how he wants to go back home with her and have a good time. The song lacks a strong chorus and is something that has been said by other RnB pop artists (in particular Usher), and although the smooth vocals are nice, the clattering dance floor ready beats and stomping groove of the track is a typical dance sound, and with Pitbull giving us a typical I love girls raps, this is a simple dance track that is unfortunately too bland and simple.

2.5/5

Track 8- Side Fx (featuring The Game)

Side Fx continues lyrically in the same vein as Fire because he tells this girl/s of how they/she looks great and how there is this quality of side effects that comes from loving her/them. The chorus is catchy and this time rapper The Game actually provides a good rap section for the track that doesn’t feel like it is tagged on for commercial appeal. Vocally this is one of the stronger offerings because the singers range is shown off to good effect, whilst the snappy rhythms of the production and the way the sound builds intensity makes for a more interesting and different kind of tune from the singer.

3.5/5

Track 9- Stupid Love

Bakced by twangy guitar rhythms that wouldn’t feel out of place on an Enrique Iglesias track, Stupid Love is lyrically summed up in the title, with the typical use of a radio friendly ‘bum bum ba de ba dum’ hook. Vocally the singers nicely employs the higher register of his voice to make the track feel believable, and the light pop sound of the production with the frenzied beats and preppy, pop driven guitar is nice if something that pop radio is maybe a bit too full of at the moment, so whilst it has single potential, it doesn’t have any quality that makes it stand out it and is a song that would likely get buried in the current pop landscape.

3/5

Track 10- With the Lights On

With the Lights On finds the singer definitely giving us a change in sound and energy that is interesting, as this is a pop tune with a particularly strong hip hop quality. The lyrics are a bit dodgy and the song perhaps lacks a really great, but the fast paced vocal delivery and the difference in energy of the track makes the fact that it is a bit dodgy to hear the singer sing about how he wants to get freajy with the lights on that touch less weird. Vocally the song is also interesting because the singer employs a cool rap style vocal that is a nice change for him, and with the frenzied hip hop edge beats and punchy electro beats, this is definitely a different and better kind of song from the singer.

3.5/5

Track 11- Rest of Our Life

Ending things on a loved up pop note, rest of Our Life is all about the singer telling his baby that they will have this night for the rest of their lives, and in the process telling her of his love once again. He produces a lovely catchy chorus very nicely that he makes it seem easy, and the vocals are on point, but the light guitar pop sound is too safe and familiar and makes the song feel like something other artists like One Direction could have sung, which makes sense when the tracks producer s are two people largely responsible for the success of One Direction. A sweet but poor way to end the record.

3/5

Final Review

Jason Derulo is a nice guy with a charismatic personality and smooth vocals that are cool to listen too. The guy also knows how to create songs filled with catchy hooks and memorable choruses. But all too often the sounds of each track are paint by numbers of their respective genres, and it is only on the odd track that we seem to see any artistic growth or anything that grabs your attention in a really good way. So whilst this is an album full of good songs, overall there is just a lack of originality, too much cliché and not enough of an enjoyable, cohesive quality to make Derulo an equally successful album artist as he is a singles artist.

5.5/10

Best Track – Talk Dirty (featuring 2 Chainz)

Worst Track- Fire (featuring Pitbull)