Kelly Clarkson- Wrapped In Red Album Review

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Album- Wrapped In Red

Artist- Kelly Clarkson

Since winning American Idol’s first season Kelly Clarkson has gone on to be a musical superstar with a string of hit albums and singles under her belt. The singer’s sixth studio album finds her making her first Christmas record and giving us an array of covers and original song. A Christmas album is always a dangerous prospect and isn’t always pulled off right, but with the track record off good music that Clarkson has, surely she has produced a really good Christmas album?

Track 1- Wrapped In Red

Title track Wrapped In Red is the first of a few original Christmas compositions by Clarkson. Here we find the singer in snappy and slightly soulful musical state in which she expresses the emotional intensity that she feels for this person and how this Christmas she is just going to give herself away fully to this person and risk it all, making this Christmas an extra special one. The song is sweet lyrical composition that is a bit more appealing for couples this Christmas, whilst Clarkson’s vocals on the track are absolutely stunning, as she belts those high notes with ease and brings emotional weight to the words. The swaying rhythms of the production with the clattering drums and light bell notes makes for an easily identifiable Christmas sound that is maybe a bit safe but which is still exciting and powerful enough to make the first original song a good one.

3.5/5

Track 2- Underneath the Tree

After the Motown esque, 60’s girl band vibe of the previous track Clarkson turns to more finger clapping, modern and upbeat grooves with the records lead single Underneath the Tree. Another original composition that finds its lyrical weight in the love that surrounds the Christmas , the song focuses on Clarkson telling this person that she has found what she is looking for in them and just needs them this Christmas underneath the traditional Christmas tree. The song is really light and fun and perfectly captures the Christmas spirit, with the song have a little flavouring of Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is You. Clarkson keeps things fresh and merry with her vibrant vocal performance, and with twinkling piano melodies and an all-round groovy feel that is really exemplified with an awesome saxophone solo, this could very well become a Christmas classic.

3.5/5

Track 3- Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

The sets first cover sees Clarkson take on a song originally sung by Judy Garland and later made famous by Frank Sinatra. With the swirling strings and ethereal tone of the production, Clarkson keeps a faithfulness to the Sinatra version whilst adding her own stamp on the song with her vocal delivery, with the song starting of nice, soft and sensual vocally before the singer builds her voice to a beautiful crescendo that makes the song that much more impactful and sweet. The song is lyrically still as potent as many years after its original recording, and so if you just want to chill and bask in the warmth of Christmas at some point this period then stop at this track.

3.5/5

Track 4- Run Run Rudolph

From the softness of the previous track we go into a much higher musical gear with Run Rudolph, a funky old school rock number with an infectious spirit that will make you want to get up and dance this Christmas. The songs lyrical message is intriguing as you can take different things from it, but here the main thing Clarkson seems to be instilling is that you should really run with and enjoy the spirit of Christmas. Clarkson feisty delivery and sharp vocals makes the song a bit more reminiscent of her usual work, but she still sounds fun and fresh rather than overtly aggressive. The funky guitar riffs and stomping bass is awesome, and with the great use of horns, the song is fun filled, infectious number where the production definitely wins in terms of being the songs best element.

3.5/5

Track 5- Please Come Home for Christmas (Bells Will Be Ringing)

Clarkson takes on the Christmas classic from blues singer and pianist Charles Brown, and because of the soulful setting her voice shines and she just seems very comfortable singing the song. With multiple references to the holiday season the song typifies what Christmas will mean for people, but at its heart is the simple message that Christmas should be spent with your loved ones, hence why Clarkson asks for this person to make sure they come home for Christmas. The warmth and powerful soul that exists within Clarkson’s vocals makes this a superb rendition where you can tell where she means what she is singing, and whilst the piano melodies and drumming of the production is quite safe, Clarkson still gives Brown’s original the respect it deserves and gives us a good cover.

3/5

Track 6- Every Christmas

Another original composition, Every Christmas keeps the soulful, blues vibe of Christmas going, as here Clarkson sings of wishing for this man like she does every Christmas, and here her emotions seem to really bubble too the surface as she makes a defying declaration for this man to be by her side this Christmas. The message is sweet and intriguing and would resonate nicely with those listeners who have loved ones away from them for long periods of time. The rich tones of Clarkson carry the song really well, with the use of a choir elevating the passion of the song to lovely heights. The use of the church organ adds a catchier dimension to this track alongside the bluesy rhythms of the guitars and drums, so once again Clarkson really manages to capture the spirit of Christmas within her new compositions.

3.5/5

Track 7- Blue Christmas

Clarkson takes on a Christmas tune made famous by the one and only Elvis Presley, and brings a different spin on what it Christmas time means, as the song focuses on this tale of unrequited love during the holidays. Having first sung this song live back in 2005 for a UK TV special, it seems that Blue Christmas would undoubtedly end up being on Clarkson’s Christmas album, but it maybe does seem a bit weird for an artist who is now happily married. But with the songs soulful edge Clarkson’s voice naturally lends itself to such a rendition, and she brings a lovely mix of warmth and sadness to the record that does the song justice. The simply production keeps things steady with a cool bit of twangy guitar, whilst the piano solo is great on the ears, and this is just a nice song that gives a different element to this Christmas record whilst still sounding comfortable alongside the rest of the songs.

3.5/5

Track 8- Baby It’s Cold Outside (featuring Ronnie Dunn)

Taking on a classic that has been sung by a lot of duo’s for many years now, Baby It’s Cold Outside finds Clarkson getting out a lovely romantic side with the help of country singer-songwriter Ronnie Dunn. The song nicely stays faithful to the original with a bouncy piano melody that gives the song a sweet texture in terms of sound, whilst vocally Clarkson is really powerful and sensual in her delivery, whilst Dunn acts as a nice complimentary voice that underpins the song, although I personally would have liked to hear this version give a bit of country spin to the song considering Dunn is so rooted in that genre and that Clarkson has also dabbled in the genre a number of times.

3.5/5

Track 9- Winter Dreams (Brandon’s Song)

Winter Dreams (Brandon’s Song) is signalled as a love song kind of a Christmas tune because the title says the song is for Clarkson’s husband. The song lyrically focuses on Clarkson being in this blissful state this Christmas where she doesn’t want to wake up because her partner makes her feel so great. The chorus doesn’t hit you in the same way the other original songs did but the cute and soft feel of the verses lyrics is actually stronger and adds to the songs catchiness. Clarkson typically belts outs the song in her signature style to great effect, but the vocals are also great in the way that it feels like a very natural build in power. Production wise the song is lovely with a shimmering melody that gives a very sweet, very romantic tone to the tune that makes this track perhaps a nice one to play to your partner this Christmas.

3.5/5

Track 10- White Christmas

Taking on a Christmas classic made famous by Bing Crosby, Clarkson’s flowing vocals work wonders in exuding the passion, smoothness and sophistication that made Crosby’s version such a massive success. The song is very simple and understated with the piano instrumentation, which is great because whilst it is safe it avoids ruining such a song and just makes the message more powerful, whilst also highlighting the brilliance of Clarkson’s vocals. The piano player for the track has to be commended because he does a stellar job, and Clarkson just gives us a lovely rendition that brings a layer of softness to the record and doesn’t try to outdo the Crosby version in anyway, because let’s face it that probably couldn’t have been done

Track 11- My Favourite Things

A hit song from the musical The Sound of Music  that has become a Christmas song in its own way due to some of the winter imagery in the lyrics, My Favourite Things finds Clarkson telling us some of the things she loves. The song is giving a jazzy makeover for this version and vocally it is an intriguing rendition because whilst the original song and many cover versions feature very light, cute vocal performances, Clarkson goes a bit bolder and grittier with her vocals to give the song a different vibe that is cool and powerful to listen to, whilst some of the songs lightness remains with Clarkson’s awesome high notes. The production is toe tapping and groovy in a big band kind of way that builds nicely with the vocals and makes the song a complete package.

3.5/5

Track 12- 4 Carats

The final original song, 4 Carats was described by Clarkson as a cross between Eartha Kitts ‘Santa Baby’ and Madonna’s ‘Material Girl’. Underpinned by a simmering guitar riff and complete with some light but forceful drum beats and a funky  rhythm, the song is one of the more pop driven of the sets off. The song focuses on Clarkson asking Santa Claus for something nice this Christmas, and preferably something sparkly, because she has been a good girl. The song is probably the weakest of the original songs, because whilst the light and smooth vocal performance is cool and sensuality, the song feels a bit to sensual in some ways and doesn’t quite settle on the record as the other songs have. The production is different and adds something new to the album but also feels like something that would have worked on a previous or future Clarkson album, and the lyrics are nice but don’t keep your attention in that same way the other songs have.

2.5/5

Track 13- Just for Now

A cover of a song originally by Imogen Heap, Just for Now brings a sombre but sweet and hopeful tone to the record and emphasises the dysfunctional qualities of Christmas time but coming to the great conclusion that feelings and the chaos should be pushed aside and the closeness, family quality of the time should just be cherished for a moment. Clarkson vocally nicely brings out the emotional qualities of the song in the way her voice builds up, dragging out the depths of emotion to express how she really wants the day to be cherished, whilst the mix of drums and piano gives the song this simmering but still intense energy that makes it that much more powerful. It may not be your traditional Christmas tune but it still makes a strong point that will resonate with many listeners.

Track 14- Silent Night (featuring Reba and Trisha Yearwood)

Closing out the album with a rendition of a popular Christmas carol, Clarkson teams up with American recording artists Trisha Yearwood and Reba McEntire for a powerful finish to the record. The song is great in terms of it’s placement cause it kind of reminds the listener of the true spirit of Christmas time outside of all its commercial qualities. All three artists are vocally great and harmonise beautifully, suggesting that placing these woman as a future girl group wouldn’t be totally out of the question. The production is very understated and nicely strips back more for the final section to allows the ladies voices and the words to really shine, making this a lovely, peaceful note to end the record on.

3.5/5

Final Review

Clarkson does a great job in giving us a fun and very festive Christmas album that is really joyful and exudes the spirit of Christmas, whilst not feeling like a hastily put together, I want more money kind of a Christmas record. The album nicely shows of the singers amazing vocals and sees her putting her own spin on classics whilst giving us some good original tunes, one or two of which could become classics in their own right. The production is fine-tuned and great in allowing the singer to continue to show her musical diversity whilst giving us a cohesive set. This is just a welcome Christmas album built on love and merry spirit that is infectious.

8/10

Best Track- Underneath the Tree

Worst Track- 4 Carats

 

Michael Buble- Christmas Album Review

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Album- Christmas

Artist- Michael Buble

Michael Buble’s Christmas album was a major success when he released it back in 2011, but what I find hard to get my head around is that it also was a big success again in 2012, and looks like it will have renewed success in 2013. Okay so Christmas albums are those kind of records that will always spike in sales when the big day approaches, and the album’s renewed success in 2012 was undoubtedly helped by a cheeky re-release. Yet for some reason Christmas just seems to be a record that is really bigger than any other Christmas album: it doesn’t just sell well, it sells amazingly well when the Yuletide tidings start to come, and the fact is that surely most of his fans of all ready got it? Basically, my review of this record is just to see what is so brilliant about this Christmas album and why it is perhaps magical in its own way.

Track 1- It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Opening with a swirling, orchestral, hard hitting but smooth and delicate introduction, the first track signals from the outset that we are truly listen to a Christmas record. The song simply focuses on the idea of things within life signally the fact that Christmas is coming and that is so great. The message is cool but the way Buble delivers it outshines the lyrics a little, because he keeps things in his smooth and suave way, whilst also exuding warmth within his vocals that touches your heart in a way. The song is also nice in terms of the production because things are kept quite traditional with the strings and piano, showing the fact that Buble is a traditional kind of man who isn’t out to ruin Christmas classics.

3.5/5

Track 2- Santa Claus Is Coming to Town

Buble up’s the impact and tempo with Santa Claus is Coming to Town. The lyrics are basically summed up in the title, but what brings out the joy of the track is melding of Buble’s charming vocals with a some big band production that will have you pining for Christmas day and also wanting to dance a bit. The band who got together for this song really have to be commending cause with the stuttering drum beats that builds to these great horn moments, the song is so impactful in a really good way that you can’t  help but feel joy. Buble’s vocals are awesome in the way that he builds up his voice to show the cheekiness of the song before hitting the high notes and showing that he is just as joyful about Christmas as you may be.

4/5

Track 3- Jingle Bells (featuring The Puppini Sisters)

Buble brings on vocal trio The Puppini Sisters for a vibrant, snappy and sophisticated rendition of the Christmas track Jingle Bells, which focuses on the idea of being merry in Christmas time as all these things are going on, particularly the ringing of Christmas bells. The two artists really meld together well, with the sisters giving us some lovely tight harmonies and adding some great old school pizazz towards the tracks latter half, whilst the play off with the male female dynamic adds a great layer to the track. The snappy percussion and fun loving brass sounds makes for a joy capturing sound to the record that keeps that Christmas spirit going very nicely.

3.5/5

Track 4- White Christmas (with Shania Twain)

Made famous by Bing Crosby and probably for many people the Christmas song, Buble was always going to have a tough job covering White Christmas. But what is nice about this version is that he remains faithful but doesn’t give you a carbon copy, upping the tempo a bit more and adding a bit of snappier rhythm to the track that keeps it in tone with the rest of the album. The brassy instrumentation and awesome backing vocals keep you intrigued and invested in the track, whilst vocally Buble is just as smooth as Crosby but is a bit more vivacious sounding. The addition of country singer Shania Twain was an awesome move, not only because the pair’s voices meld together really well and that she adds warmth to the song, but that she gives a new dimension to the track that shows it is as much a love song as it is a Christmas song. This is a stellar rendition, and whilst it probably is safe to say you can never beat Crosby’s version, this rendition should still have you wishing for a white Christmas

3.5/5

Track 5- All I Want for Christmas Is You

Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is You is probably my personal favourite Christmas song of all time, so as such I was really wary of hearing Buble’s take on that classic. But, and I’m sorry to say this Mariah, I might actually like his version better. Stripping things back and taking the album down to a slower pace, Buble brings a powerful sense of love to his vocals as he coo’s and warbles about just wanting to have his girl for Christmas above all else, and he just captures the romanticism of the track so beautifully that listeners who have fallen in love with the singer will probably fall all over again. The production of the track is equally as stirring with the build from just the piano to powerful strings and drums that makes you realise Christmas is just about being with the ones you love.

4/5

Track 6- Holly Jolly Christmas

Buble goes back to a fun loving, carefree, upbeat Christmas spirit in which invites the listener to just have a good Christmas cause it is the best time of year. The short but sweet track finds the singer vocally rising and falling with a lovely effect, whilst the production features a simple backbeat with a cool electric guitar solo that is pure joy to listen to in its own right.

3.5/5

Track 7- Santa Baby

Covered by an endless array of artists, Buble takes on another big Christmas song with Santa Baby, a song all about asking Santa to leave some good stuff for you and to hurry. The message is often sensual and more appropriately sung by a woman, but Buble nicely changes ups the lyrics to be more relatable and less weird with respect to the fact that he (a man) is singing it. What is great about the track is that things are kept simple with the production, featuring a steady rhythm and some twinkling melodies that just capture the songs essence, whilst the song is great for Buble to show off his suave persona to great effect in terms of the vocals. The only thing for me is that I can’t quite decide if he does the song justice, or whether he just somehow creates a version that sounds completely new and separate from the original in its own right.

3/5

Track 8- Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Made famous by Frank Sinatra, this lovely Christmas tune all about the singer wishing you some Yuletide joy is the song of the record so far that Buble has remained most faithful to the original. In a way this could be seen as Buble playing things annoyingly very safe, but with such a classic you could really ruin the Christmas spirit, and Buble doesn’t just give us a boring rendition. His vocals are equally as smooth and warming to the heart as Sinatra’s were, whilst the simple arrangement of strings and drumming makes for a twinkling, light and lovely melodic feel to the track that makes Buble's wish seem all the more sincere

Track 9- Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)

Buble brings back the romantic elements of Christmas with his cover of a Darlene Love classic. The sentiment of the song is very much summed up within the title, and what is great is that Buble has that vocal tone and natural charm that makes his rendition of the song very believable compared to if other artists were singing this song, and he also nicely stretches his voice a bit more within the song and adds some nice gospel flourishes near the end with the use of a choir, giving the track this extra layer of passion. By now the sound of the big brass band is a signature part of this record, and whilst it may at this point feel a little samey within the record, it is a sound that is full of spirit and a vivacity that is perfect when focusing on such a period of time as Christmas.

3.5/5

Track 10- Silent Night

One of if not the most popular Christmas carol, Silent Night is a calm and soothing number that is all about the true spirit of Christmas and simply expressing the idea of love and peace. The message is still as powerful today and with this song Buble’s natural vocal tone really benefits the song. He has such a soothing texture to his voice that the words meaning is so powerful, and the gorgeousness of the track is further typified by the fact that he remains so true to the original carol and keeps the production simple, with the light, acoustic guitar keeping a simple energy to the track. The use of a children’s vocal choir further elevates the power of this song, and so this is a great addition to the set in bringing back the simplicity of Christmas against all the hustle and bustle, powerful energy that really makes the album.

3.5/5

Track 11- Blue Christmas

A tale of unrequited love during the holidays, Blue Christmas is a soulful song made famous by Elvis Presley. The song isn’t one of the biggest Christmas songs (at least not for me) but it reminds us of different elements of Christmas, whilst Buble’s voice lends itself well to the genre. The band is awesome within this song because they are really let loose and build up within the track, with the crazy solo of the bridge being so great it really makes the song, making this a Christmas tune where the sound really takes centre stage.

3.5/5

Track 12- Cold December Night

Co-written with long-time collaborator Alan Chang and Bob Rock, Cold December Night is an orginal composition within the set that sees Buble reflecting upon the different elements of Christmas and reflecting that is year he just wants this person to fall in love with him. The song is a nice Christmas ditty that is a bit lighter and sweeter in tone against the big band numbers, and this is definitely a great original tune for the singer’s female fans. The song finds Buble putting on his charm and using the higher register of his voice very nicely to give the song a lovely romantic feel. The only issue I feel with the song is that the production is a sound that would fit on another Buble album and feels a bit too safe, and so whilst it is a lovely Christmas tune, it doesn’t quite have that magic that would make it a Christmas classic.

3.5/5

Track 13- I’ll Be Home for Christmas

Another Bing Crosby classic that Buble remains faithful to, the inclusion of I’ll Be Home for Christmas on the record nicely acts as kind of an answer to the track Christmas (Baby Please Come Home). The smooth sound of the track with the glittering, swaying piano melody and lush string arrangement just makes you fall in love with the singer and the song’s sentiment, whilst Buble exudes that class and loveliness that Crosby did so well, and the track works well in showing that Buble is a bit of an old soul who can really bring back some of the charm in music that some of the past generation had, whilst he also maybe shows a love Crosby that many listeners will perhaps identify with.

3.5/5

Track 14- Ave Maria

Not necessarily a Christmas tune, but a song that still captures the warmth of the season ad which also brings to light the religious foundation of Christmas against all the fun commercialism, Ave Maria finds the singer showing us a bit of sophistication in a cool Latin way and bringing the foundation of Christmas brilliantly to light. The gospel elements of the song are powerful and resonating and Buble sings the song in such a lyrically emphasising way that whilst you may not understand what he is saying, you still totally get the tracks sentiment. The production once again works really well in keeping things brilliantly understated and lovely.

3.5/5

Track 15- Mis Deseos, Feliz Navidad (with Thalia)

Incorporating a classic Christmas song in the Spanish speaking world, this track is a cool Spanish number with a clinking, swaying rhythm that sees the singer nicely melding together great with vocal guest Thalia. The song is simply the two artists wishing you a merry Christmas, and this message is simple but effective and brought off great by the light vocal performance and build in energy of the songs sound with the use of strings and guitar, making this a nice track to end on.

3.5/5

Track 16- Michaels Christmas Greeting (Hidden Track)

A special hide message where the singer simply wishes you a very Christmas, this final moment of the album is just the perfect signing of message that should have your heart melting with the joy of the season and just wanting to enjoy every moment of the holidays.

Final Review

So after listening to the record in its entirety I totally get why this is such a stellar Christmas album and why so many people will still being buying it every holiday season. It is so traditional and fun yet doesn’t just produce carbon copies of the original songs. Buble’s voice is so brilliantly charismatic and he sounds like an artist who does actually really believe in the spirit of Christmas. The guest features are great and big band production value of the album is awesome, with a shout out to the greatness of the musicians being something that has to be done, whilst each tune is also great in that the sound is really in tune with the spirit of each song. Christmas is a classic holiday album that thoroughly deserves the success it has and will continue to get.

9.5/10

Best Track- All I Want for Christmas Is You

Worst Track- Santa Baby

Rebecca Ferguson- Freedom Album Review

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Album- Freedom

Artist- Rebecca Ferguson

Rebecca Ferguson is one of those rare X Factor acts who has managed to achieve both critical and commercial success, with her debut album Heaven being critically lauded and being certified double platinum with the UK. As such, her sophomore effort was always going to be a tough record to assemble. But with the singer pooling from the turmoil that has characterised her time between albums and showing a fiercer attitude with the dramatic, crimson red album cover, Freedom seems to be a record where Ferguson is definitely stronger and wiser, and so the simple question is whether this new attitude means she can better herself and bring us another amazing album.

Track 1- I Hope

Lead single and opening track I Hope keeps within the same soulful state as Ferguson’s previous record, but with an intense drum loop and simmering energy, there is also a forceful and slightly darker essence to the track that makes it stand out more from her previous material. Here we find Ferguson in a state of coming to terms with life as she lyrically addresses the fact that she used to hate this person or even persons but with time she has come to realise that she has to let go of the past and now just wishes them well. The songs composition is a bit fragmented and doesn’t quite hit you on first listen, but after a few replays of the repetitive hook of ‘I hope’ gets easily stuck in your head. Vocally the singers soulful and rich tones blend beautifully with the message of the track, with her delivery of the vocals making the song that much more believable and nicely dramatic. Producer Jarrad Rogers does a great job with the songs production, with the almost tribal like drums and lush piano melodies intertwining for a sombre, reflective and powerful sound that makes the tracks  emotion all the more palpable for the listener.

4/5

Track 2- Fake Smile

Ferguson teams up with previous collaborator Francis White once again for a snappy, soulful track that finds the singer telling you to put on your fake smile and use some other tricks to show that you are fine and are better without this person, because really the world is full of a lot of fakery just like what she wants you to do. The message is strong and although the lyrics could be a little sharper the chorus is catchy in its simple, defiant tone. The vocals are stronger here as we get the typical vulnerable Rebecca in places but she also belts out some notes and delivers the chorus with a bit of venom in her force that shows we are dealing with a mature and feisty woman, even if what she says is questionable. White’s stomping drums, soft piano and great use of horns makes for a slightly smouldering, soulful RnB tune that will have you maybe snapping your fingers along and just chilling along letting the singer’s confidence wash over you.

3.5/5

Track 3- Bridges (featuring John Legend)

The record first ballad is the only song on the album (and her whole career) where the singer isn’t a co-writer. But that being said, this still feels like a Rebecca Ferguson song, and colloborators John Legend and Steve Robson give us a song that doesn’t compromise on the lyrical quality and which features some lovely, sharp lyrical sentiments. Bridges is very much a break up song, but it could be applied to relationships of different kinds, and is all the more powerful because of this . Ferguson and Legend match each other beautifully vocal, seeming like two artists who were destined to sing together and giving us a deeply emotional essence to the track that is made all the more potent by the use of two voices that nicely emphasises how the breakdown of relationships is very much a two way thing. The lush composition of strings and piano means that the production perfectly encapsulates the songs sentiment, and I wouldn’t be too surprised if this turns up as a single in the future.

3.5/5

Track 4- My Best

Produced by rising production stars TMS, My Best is the first proper dance ready track from the singer. That is not to say she has suddenly gone all David Guetta on the listener, but with the slight electronic flourishes on the track, groovy drum beats and nice saxophone bleeps, My Best is a song where dancing just feels like something you have to naturally do. Here Ferguson gives us an aspiring number where she sings of how you are at your best when you just go for things, and like with some of her previous material she nicely reminds the singer that we all have things like family and faith to fall back on. Vocally flits from feisty to airy within the song to great effect, with the backing vocals on the track nicely giving a powerful tone to the track that almost makes it feel like a gospel tune (with this feeling being particularly present in the awesome bridge). The song is definitely something we haven’t heard from Ferguson before, and this would be an awesome future single to show a different side of Ferguson.

4/5

Track 5- All That I’ve Got

With a clicky sounding production that is almost a bit witchy in my opinion, and with stomping bass drums that elevate the songs fierce nature, All That I’ve Got is a track where we find Ferguson facing her demons and moving on from bad times where people brought her down, so now she will give life all that she has got. The dramatic lyricism of the track is catchy and potent to listen, whilst Fergusons steady build up in the vocals for a really meaty, powerful chorus really captures the listening. The twitchy production value of the track with the prominent drum underpinnings adds a further catchy quality to the song, making this an anthem for those defiant people moving on in life.

3.5/5

Track 6- Hanging On

Hanging On is like a musical sister to I Hope in that there is a burning intensity to the track that culminates in a powerful chorus, and we once again find Ferguson releasing herself of her troubles. However, this track has more of a lighter, I am rising from the ashes a better person feel, and Ferguson really conveys the sense that as she doesn’t let her past problems get her down anymore, life is definitely her oyster. The soft tone of Fergusons voice works really well in terms of the way the songs builds vocally, making the freeing spirit of the track very relatble and appealing. The production of the song is great with lovely horn blasts and a forceful, bubbly drum base that simply allows the song to fly and soar along in sound just like it does vocally and lyrically.

4/5

Track 7- My Freedom

My Freedom is an intriguing listen from the outset as the song features a slinky, more RnB driven production that shows a different side of Ferguson, and it is not only the tracks production that is intriguing. Vocally the singer sounds forceful and even a bit angry within this song and gives us a commanding performance that shows that this is a woman who won’t take things from other people anymore. The lyrics of the track focusing on the singer defiantly telling people that she doesn’t care what people do because her freedom won’t be compromised. The lyrics really highlight the singer’s struggles with her management in recent years and emphasising the awesome personal growth, and with a strong backbone to the production that is intensified by the awesome use of electric guitar in the bridge, the song feels fresher and shows a great new side of Ferguson that listeners will be dying to see.

3.5/5

Track 8- Beautiful Design

Co-written and produced by English singer-songwriter Mr Hudson, Beautiful design is one of the more pop driven tracks on the record but which still has a soulful and RnB quality. The song finds Ferguson telling the listener to let go, to not take love but send it out to the world and just create a beautiful world for yourself and others to live, with song seemingly reflecting her new philosophy of life and how she wants others to act around her, which can only be a by-product of turmoil she has suffered from those she once trusted. The lyrics are sharp and poetical whilst the emphasis Ferguson places vocally on the ends of each line really gives a lush, sweet quality to the track that makes the song live up to its title. Hudson does a great job with the production, blending piano, strings, guitar and finger snapping beats to good effect to great this ethereal, gospel like quality to the song that shows Fergusons new faith and capturing the sweet tone of the song beautifully.

3.5/5

Track 9- Wonderful World

Another song created with new collaborator Toby Gad, Wonderful World is a slightly is a forceful but light, more pop orientated number than finds the singer reflecting on the little instances of life and looking at her past and just reflecting that she might be dreaming of a better life now, but she will get their one day, and in the meantime this is a wonderful world. The songs lyrical message is really nice if slightly clichéd, whilst the vocally delivery is strong in the way that the song rises and falls in power to captivate the passion and vulnerability that co-exists within the song. Gad production utilises a more acoustically driven guitar riff with clattering drums and shaking tambourine that imbues the track with a summery feeling that exemplifies the fact that this is a record about moving on and getting to a brighter future as it is a look back at the troubles that one has had.

3.5/5

Track 10- We’ll Be Fine

We’ll Be Fine is another song that kind of immediately grabs you cause it sounds that bit different, with the plunky guitar rhythms being a captivating sound. The song is another track that is a fierce slice of RnB pop that sees the singer going her most dance crazy to date with the almost rave-tastic beats and euphoric essence of the track that is awesome. The song finds the singer simply conveying the sentiment that life is hard but there will be times when you will be just fine. It may be something a million other artists have said before, but Ferguson brings weight to the track that others haven’t with her great vocals that have this I have gone through pain but come out stronger tone that is just a pure pleasure to listen to. The vibrant, energetic beats of the song may perhaps be something that previous listeners of Ferguson might struggle to get used to, but the sound is powerful and fits comfortably on the record and will perhaps gain the singer some new fans.

3.5/5

Track 11- I Choose You

After brilliantly covering his hit song Strange and Beautiful, Ferguson teams up with songwriter and musician Aqualung for a simmering number that focuses upon the singer anaylising the situation and deciding that she is choosing to be with this person. The song is perhaps the most romatically inclined record on the set although elements of the lyrics cover wider ideas of love, and whilst the singers soulful deliver is a bit grittier and adds weight to the lyrics, the lyrical quality itself isn’t as strong as usual, with the repetition becoming a bit annoying. The songs sound moves from slow burning drum beats to a heavy, guitar flecked sound that still simmers along but which gets to a point of being a bit too powerful, and it would have been better to keep things more understated, so whilst Strange and Beautiful was an amazing, beautiful song, this new collaboration doesn’t quite reach those heights.

3/5

Track 12- Freedom

The albums closing number and title track, Freedom is a lush ballad that finds the singer giving us this final vulnerable note that blooms into a freeing spirit that puts the demons of this record to rest. Lyrically it is such a powerful, almost narrative like piece built around this simple, airy and immediately captivating chorus that is beautiful. Vocally Ferguson seems to save her best work for last with the song as her vocals dazzlingly build to perfectly captivate the songs message. With intensity of the strings piano and guitar, the arrangement of the production is just lush, and so with this final song Ferguson the record on such a high and shows that she is just amazing.

4/5

Final Review

With Freedom Rebecca Ferguson definitely does what some people might have thought was impossible and deliver a really worthy successor to her previous record. But for me it is difficult to actually say if her debut is the superior effort or that this album outshines its predecessor. This is because here we are given a different musical beast. Gone are the lyrics of love and heartbreak and in its place are equally as lush ideas of freedom, fighting your battle and forgiveness, beautifully echoing Fergusons life and exemplifying the fact that this is an artist who is really informed by personal experiences. The vocals are as smouldering and soulful as the last time but there is more depth, more control and a more fierce delivery that shows Ferguson blooming in life and becoming a stronger human being. And whilst the soul/RnB vibe of her debut is still present, her sound has nicely evolved to reflect her fiercer attitude, being bolder and a bit more experimental with the use of horns and dominating drumbeats. It’s just a really developd artist giving us a record that moves on, shows growth and retains a glamour that is superb and shows why she is definitely one of if not the best thing to come out of the X Factor.

9/10

Best Track- My Best

Worst Track- I Choose You

Song of the Week- December 2nd 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Song of the Week- Birthday by Katy Perry, from the album Prism

With Christmas fast approaching, a lot of music acts have been releasing record in the last quarter of the year to really maximise their sales. Out of a lot of the releases that I have heard, there is one song that I keep finding myself going back to, and that is Birthday by Katy Perry. Birthday is just a stunner of a track that is pop brilliance and which must, must be a future single from the album Prism. Lyrically the track is a sugary sweet, double entendre filled tune with a massive, gets stuck in your head so easily chorus in which Perry basically tells her man that with her sensuality and love and she will make it like his birthday every day. Perry utilises her falsetto to awesome effect within the song, giving us a really cute, airy texture to the track that perfectly captures the lyrical message and intensifies the tracks appeal tremendously. And producers Dr Luke and Max Martin do a stellar job with the tracks sound, giving us a Mariah Carey like tune featuring saxophone blasts and an all-round light texture that is snappy and fun and just creates this amazing pop jam that you can’t help but love.

One Direction- Midnight Memories Album Review

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Album- Midnight Memories

Artist- One Direction

Out of all the acts that have ever come out of the UK X Factor, One Direction are probably always going to be highlighted as the most successful to really make it in the music industry. Becoming a worldwide phenomenon with a 3D movie and millions of 1D merchandise, the group have truly had a meteoric rise to fame, and this rise is now emphasised with the release of the group’s third studio album in as many years. But is Midnight Memories a good enough album to keep them going, or will the group’s magic be lost? And does this album actually show any growth?

Track 1- Best Song Ever

Opening track Best Song Ever acted as the theme song for the groups 3D film This Is Us, and is primarily a fun pop number that is simply designed to cater to their fan base. The song finds the boys singing of a fun night in which they met this girl that just kind of took their breath away, with the final consensus being that they danced all night to the best song ever. The lyrics aren’t as sharp in the verses as they should be but on repeated listens the chorus becomes stuck in your head quite easily, whilst vocally the group are on good form in terms of imbuing their work with a lovely sense of youthful charm. The smattering of synths, light guitar rhythms and frenzied drum beats gives the track a light and get up and dance pop feel that is very much signature One Direction, so whilst they may have some better songs out already, Best Song Ever still is a good number, even if it doesn’t live up to its title.

3.5/5

Track 2- Story of My Life

The band has described this album as being ‘rockier’ than their previous efforts, and this is really exhibited in the change from Best Song Ever to Story of My Life. Here the pop rhythms are replaced by more acoustically, folk driven guitar riffs that shows a nice bit of maturity of sound from the group whilst not completely alienating previous fans. The song focuses on the group reflecting on the past and looking at the things that mark their lives, with the song having a touch of a romantic flavouring about it but also being relatable to different kinds of love. The message is sweet and memorable if not completely sellable from a group who are barely in their twenties, but what the group lack in real maturity they make up for in the slightly grittier in places and all-round stronger vocal performances that each member gives, with Zayn Malik being a particular stand out in terms of the final chorus.

3.5/5

Track 3- Diana

Continuing in a more rock vein but still holding onto some pop flourishes, Diana is a stomping effort featuring a nice drum base and some soaring guitars that will make this a strong number when the boys head out on their stadium tour. The song focuses on the group telling this girl called Diana of how they will be there for her because they hate to see her feeling in a bad way and she has really helped them. The message is slightly cheesy but wrapped around a solid chorus, and undoubtedly there will be many young girls pretending that they are Diana, so the boys do a great job of catering to their fan base. Vocally they are strong here with a bit more depth although some of the youthful charm is a bit lacking which is a shame, and for me this song also doesn’t quite feel like a group effort in the way the first two tracks did.

3.5/5

Track 4- Midnight Memories

Title track Midnight Memories definitely shows a m ore roc side of the group and emphasises the fact that they have a cool jet setting life and are a group of young lads who work hard but also want to have fun and act their age. The song is lyrically an anthem for the youth that reflects upon the bands life but primarily focuses on the group trying to catch some girls eyes and make some good life memories. The chorus is instantly catchy and sing along ready and the way that the verses are faster and the chorus is very stadium rock is fun and fresh. The songs composition is quite frenzied and at times you could see this as two or three different songs put together, but it all really works with the hand clapping ready guitar riffs of the chorus and heavy bass making for a vibrant and impactful record. Vocally the group are also great, having a great tone that brings out the charm and pizzaz of the songs message, whilst the group once again show a little more depth and power in their voices. In my eyes this should definitely be a future single.

3.5/5

Track 5- You and I

From the stadium sized fun of the last track we turn to softer, more acoustically driven ballad territory with You and I, a love song that lyrically focuses on the group reflecting on this relationship where they come to the conclusion that this relationship will last and that they won’t be like other couples in the world. The message is simple but maybe a bit too soppy and definitely only caters towards the groups young girl fan, with too many clichés being used. The vocals are nice but don’t have the impact that the previous songs showed, whilst certain members seem to carry the song more than others. The production of the song is really the only interesting and attention capturing quality of the song, as the track features some nice guitar riffs that almost give a country rock feel to the song, before the drums and heavier guitar rhythms kick in too make the final sections of the song a little bit more potent.

3/5

Track 6- Don’t Forget Where You Belong

Opening with subdued guitar riffs and creating this almost euphoric atmosphere, Don’t Forget Where You Belong is a soaring pop rock effort that is very nice in terms of the track feeling like a very nice self-reflective effort, as the lyrics focus on the group being in this state of travelling but not forgetting their roots. The positivity of the track is nice and although the chorus could be better and less clichéd, the group can be commended for teaching their fans some good values. In terms of the vocals the group blend better here and feel like one strong unit, although their voices don’t quite make the song truly believable and have the weight that it should. The production is ok with the drums and guitar blending to create an impactful sound, but at this stage it feels like the groups sound is too easily identifiable, and there is not enough for each song to stand out on its own.

2.5/5

Track 7- Strong

Strong is a nice effort in that the group don’t bombard you with the message and there is lightness to the track that adds some relief at this point in the record. The rumbling drumbeats and clattering guitar gives the track a simple and airy tone that would make this a good soundtrack song to a teenage love story kind of movie. The lyrics can be easily applied to a romantic situation but are also applicable to different types of relationships, making the song more appealing due to its ability to be relatable to a wide range of people, as the group purely sing of telling this person of how great they are in their life. With a simple, pure message that is effectively carried out and some nice vocals that rise from lovely, subdued to impactful, I am really declaring my love, this is another track that could maybe work as a future single and which shows a bit of a different side to the band, even if it is a little soppy and clichéd.

3.5/5

Track 8- Happily

With a jaunty guitar riff that kind of (or at least to me) shows the groups positioning themselves as the new Beatles, Happily is one of the more pop efforts on the set and is a simple love song that finds the group telling their various loves of how their relationships are great and that they don’t care what others say or think, as together they will just be happy. The song is lyrically very catchy with some nice use of a pop ‘oh oh oh oh’ hook for the bridge, whilst the groups joyful, youthful spirit is more prominently and powerfully brought out with the vocal delivery of this song. The guitar riffs and spacious energy of the songs production is more light pop territory with a sprinkling of folk, and so this song works great for the fans of the group’s previous material and reminding us of the sweet fun that can be hand in listening to their music.

3.5/5

Track 9- Right Now

A mid tempo pop ballad, Right Now finds the group wishing for their love to be there in the moment with them. The lyrics are sharp and accessible with a definitive and catchy chorus, whilst the groups vocals are good if perhaps a bit too obviously teenage boyish which doesn’t quite meld with some of the other songs on the set. The songs production is nice enough with the rolling drum beats and the subtle use of tambourine, but in a way the songs production is very obvious for this kind of track and so some of the impact of the song seeps away because of this.

3/5

Track 10- Little Black Dress

When I first saw the title of this song I was intrigued, because I thought it kind of strange that here you have a boy band singing about what many would consider the staple piece of a womans wardrobe. But with the song the group actually focus on the idea of a woman walking in wearing such a dress and just exuding a sensual appeal that is captivating, whilst the group tell this woman that they want to see the way that she moves for them. The song is annoyingly catchy in a way because the lyrics feel slightly weird but the use of repetition makes the lyrics get stuck in your head easily, whilst the vocal delivery of the track sees the boys give us an infectious charm that really carries the song, and we are given with this song another track that is slightly better in showing us a group that feels really unified within their music. Production wise the song is a bit more rock aggressive with the punchy electric guitar riffs and the stomping drums, but there is still light freshness about the track that simply positions the song as a slight 70’s rock inspired piece that is also very modern.

3.5/5

Track 11- Through the Dark

Opening with a guitar riff that is quite folk driven and which makes the song feel very much like a Mumford and Sons like number, Through the Dark is another sweet love song that finds the group wishing for this girl to see the good and light within herself and stating that they will be there for her. At this point the group’s lyrical message is unoriginal and self-plagiarising, and therefore the songs appeal doesn’t quite grab you in the way that it should. Keeping the vocals soft and a bit more lighter and understated makes the song feel more sincere but at the same time doesn’t quite make it as catchy as some of their other tracks, and with a production value that feels too obviously relatable to music by other artists, this track is simply a commendable number in that the group are trying something different, but it just isn’t enough and should have not made the album.

2.5/5

Track 12- Something Great

Folkier, Mumford and Sons inspired One Direction continues with Something Great, another love song in which we find the group this time singing of how they want this person to jump into life and a relationship with them so that they dreams can come true. Once again it lacks a freshness lyrically and is also weaker vocally because the slow delivery of lines just makes it feel like the group aren’t actually all that sincere. The production gets interesting in the bridge with the addition of strings, but otherwise the blend of instruments is just too typical and at this point the album needs to come to a conclusion.

2/5

Track 13- Little White Lies

The group thankfully up the tempo and intense feelings with Little White Lies, where they sing of this girl playing games with them and being so appealing even if she does lie a lot. The mischievous and charming quality of the lyrical content brings the album back to a finer form and the band feel like more of their better, traditional fun selves within the songs nice vocal delivery. The production of the track keeps things rock driven with the stomping bass but with little flourishes of Auto Tune and some cool synths we get a nice pop element within the track that is refreshing, and so by the time the frenzied bridge finishes and the final chorus kicks in, I would be surprised if you weren’t sold on the band once again.

3.5/5

Track 14- Better Than Words

With the jaunty, summery opening and nice whistling hook of the beginning, Better Than Words is a light pop rock affair that has a lovely rhythm and which ends the record on a vibrant and very good note. The song focuses on the group not being able to really express the feelings they have for this person and how this person’s ability to make them feel this things is something they just cannot explain with words. The snappy tone of the track is great and the combination of the astute lyrics with a some smooth and charming vocals makes for a fun listen. For me, the production of the track is also great in terms of the blend of some jaunty guitar riffs and drums with some little electronic flourishes makes for a fresher vibe and acts as a last minute indication of a slightly better musical lane for the group to follow.  

3.5/5

Final Review

Midnight Memories is definitely a record that improves on the groups previous records and shows some nice maturity, but at the same time it can feel like the group are trying to move on from their previous sound a bit too quickly and not progressing in the way that they should be. Lyrically the songs are always backed by catchy choruses but in some cases the clichéd rhymes are just too obvious and annoying. Vocally the group are stronger, with tighter harmonies and more power and nicer tone, but at the same time it can feel like a bit of the youthful charm that makes them such an appealing boy band is lost. And whilst the feisty pop rock sound is great and gives us a different vibe to the band that is impressive, at times it can feel like too much of a stretch to take seriously, whilst in other cases it can seem like the group is being moulded into the casing of different artists music. Midnight Memories is a powerful pop rock piece that has its musical value and which stands strong in seeing the band continue to have success, but with a few too many songs and a slight patchwork tone to some of the song, the group definitely need to find a better balance between pushing their musical identity whilst remaining true to their former selves, and they also need to give us less down/mid tempo songs or work on their delivery of such tracks.

6/10

Best Track- Midnight Memories

Worst Track- Something Great