Icona Pop- This Is... Icona Pop Album Review

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Album- This Is… Icona Pop

Artist- Icona Pop

Synthpop act Icona Pop is a duo of two fun loving girls who have seen their star rise as artists throughout 2012 and 2013 with the mega success of their single I Love It. The song has slowly risen to top charts and place within the top ten of many charts worldwide, with particular success being found in the notoriously difficult US and UK music markets. This Is… Icona Pop marks the duos second studio album, but their international debut, and so the question is, will the record live up to the success of their major hit single?

Track 1- I Love It (featuring Charlie XCX)

The track that gained the duo worldwide attention and was a smash hit, I Love It is a feisty pop number that in many respects shouldn’t work. This is because the lyrics are quite a bit of nonsense, whilst the girl’s vocals are more shouting than singing in places. But with an angsty attitude and reckless feeling, this is a pop number that is just all about having fun and living life, and the girls definitely get you in the mood for celebrating and dancing. The lyrics may be weird but the hook laden chorus and verses are supremely catchy, whilst the fresh, slight aggressive but fun vocal performances makes the song feel as if the girls are embodying your own feelings, particularly for those spurned by an ex-lover. The thumping, grinding beats of the production is very simple but powerful and acts as the perfect sound for the girls ideas of reckless abandonment, giving us just a fun if a bit weird and silly pop tune.

4/5

Track 2- All Night

Opening with an addictive synth laden guitar strumming, All Night is another up tempo track from the group that is full of the idea of living life that I Love It expressed. The song is similar in its message to the former track, as we find the girls singing of how it feels like we can just party all night. However, the lyrics are a bit simpler this time and the pop chorus is catchy if something that other artists could have produced. The girl’s vocals are a bit grating but their tone brings out this quality of them being truly invested in what they are singing, whilst the final chorus shows of some ad libs from the duo that shows they have a little more to him. The beat is equally as thumping as the previous track, but the synths are a little more fresh and light sounding, whilst the post chorus breakdowns make for another catchy tune.

3.5/5

Track 3- We Got the World

Another up tempo party number, We Got the World finds the group this time talking of how people talk about them but they don’t care, as they will just have fun like they run the world, because life is their oyster. It would be a strong message, but after the last couple of tracks, it seems like Icona Pop are all about nothing but partying and having fun. However, lyrically the track is good in how it shows that no matter what this seems to be a duo with an eye for a strong, catchy pop chorus. The vocals are processed in a way that makes the song feel a bit smoother and in some way more youthful, whilst the frenzied production with the scattered electro beats is a bit familiar, but not familiar enough to be boring just yet.

3.5/5

Track 4- Ready for the Weekend

With a title like Ready for the Weekend, this is definitely nothing but a party tune, and so four songs in you would be forgiven for being bored with Icona Pop already. Yet Ready for the Weekend is more frenzied and weird than the former musical offerings that your attention is fully grabbed, and you find yourself once more wanting to party. The song simply tells the listener to grab someone and get ready for the weekend, with the girls giving us a forceful and vibrant vocal performance. But what is so weird and wonderful about the track is the high-pitched, auto tune heavy elements of the vocal performance that is just crazy but also really fun. The choir like intro is also really cool, and the distorted, slow outro leaves you nicely falling from your musical high. The tracks production features aggressive beats and a sound that is now at this point signature Icona Pop, but things are also a touch more volatile with this track, and there is also this weird, almost sensual edge to the track, making this a potentially strong single choice.

3.5/5

Track 5- Girlfriend

A fun and slightly lighter musical offering from the duo, Girlfriend keeps the upbeat, party atmosphere of the record going, but not in the same way as the former tracks. This is because the girls change tact lyrically, and instead of telling us of how they and we should live life, they tell us of how all they need in life for zen is them and their girlfriend (so basically each other). The song once again shows the group’s ability to create extremely catchy choruses, and the vocal performance here is still as rough and forceful as the former tracks, but the girls also sound a little sweeter and happier. The synths and stomping rhythms of the production gives us a vibrant, almost ethereal tone to the track that is great to listen to, making this a perfect song for girls to listen to whilst getting ready for a night out.

4/5

Track 6- In the Stars

Beginning with slightly tinny instrumentation, In the Stars changes things up for the album just a little bit, as the girls electro pop essence is still maintained but there is also this slight rock driven quality about the track. The girls tell us of how they are going to the stars until they die, emphasising their love for fun and this eternal, youthful quality. The chorus isn’t as catchy as the previous tracks, but hook is still good and the song is nice in terms of the way the girls vocals are quite soft in the verses but strong, loud and airy in the chorus. The guitar rhythms and heavy bass of the songs production meld nicely with the electro beats, giving us a good pop number.

3.5/5

Track 7- On a Roll

On a Roll to me has a slight 80’s music quality about it but still feels thoroughly modern, and finds the girls enveloped in a thorough synth pop sound. The song lyrically follows the idea of just going through life like every day is great, as they are on this roll where their lives seem to be brilliant. The message may not exactly be something everyone can relate to, but the ‘ do do do do do’ hook is ridiculously catchy, and scattered synth beats the song has this energised sound that once again captures the listeners attention and gets you feeling happy. The vocals at this point are a bit too similar as the group show how they haven’t exactly got the most amazing range, but with a vivacious personality that is imbued within each track, the group manage to pull things off and still keep you interested seven songs in.

3.5/5

Track 8- Just Another Night

From the songs title, I expected this to be a bit of a different song from the group, and thankfully the group definitely delivered. We find the group singing of how they are just having another night of going out, but they are thinking about this former love and what he could be doing. The song shows of a more emotional, contemplative side of the group, and vocally this is one of the strongest songs from the group, as they channel their energy into making the song feel passionate and heartfelt, whilst the song also nicely shows of the duo’s individual voices very well. The synth imbued guitar riffs and clattering drum beats create this intense sound that nicely dips into simple piano for the songs outro,  cementing the fact that this is an emotional piece from the group.

3.5.5

Track 9- Hold On

Hold On takes things back to more of a forceful, up tempo sound, but the song is also still a bit different as the guitar rhythms and rock and roll energy is a bit more central to the track, particularly in terms of the stomping bass. The song still shows a change in the group as they don’t go back to singing about living life but instead focus on telling this boy to not finish this relationship because they are firmly invested in their feelings. The change in the groups tone and message is nice, but sadly the songs chorus isn’t as catchy as usual, as the group vocally come across a bit whiny. The slightly more organic tone of the production is a nice change, particularly when the piano kicks in the middle section, whilst the groups electro sound is also not compromised, and so this would have worked really well if the lyrics were a bit sharper in execution and the vocals were reworked.

2.5/5

Track 10- Light Me Up

With the stuttering intro that immediately grabs your attention, Light Me Up is a bit of a feisty mid tempo track from the group that has a snappy bass and rhythm that gives a little bit of an RnB lilt to the groups sound. The funky guitar rhythms and slinky beats of the production gives the song a strong and infectious energy, and the girls give us a confident vocal performance that is layered with an attitude that perfectly suits the song. The only issue here is that the lyrics just aren’t as catchy as previous offerings, as although the girls seem totally believable in telling this person that they should light them up because they are awesome, it just doesn’t grab your attention in the same way as some of the other songs.

3/5

Track 11- Then We Kiss

Final track Then We Kiss finds the group giving us a stomping finish to the record with a pop groove that is a bit rock driven and funky in sound, and which is also in a way quite cute. The lyrics are like the first track a bit weird but ultimately catchy, with the group seemingly telling the listener of this night where things happened and then they kissed the guy. The groups vocals are vibrant as always, but there are little quirks to the performance that make the song catchier and which makes the group come across as quite cute in sound. The guitar riffs and synths are samey but catchy, and the only really weird thing that is a bit of a love hate issue is the animal like noises in the track that is cool and weird at the same time.

3.5/5

Final Review

If Icona Pop didn’t show the world how much of a fun loving duo they were with their track I Love It, then this record definitely will, as it is full to the brim with stomping party tunes. Quite a few times there is an essence of familiarity with the tracks, but the girls have this infectious personality that makes you forget the lack of originality and just want to dance, whilst there are some little quirks within tracks that keep you attentive and excited. The album is nicely balanced with some more emotive moments, and although the record is definitely weaker in terms of the second half, the girls have a knack for a catchy pop song and just make you want to live life, and so whilst far from perfect, this is a good debut that definitely lives up to the title, as the girls never seem to compromise who they are as artists.

8 /10

Best Track- Girlfriend

Worst Track- Hold On

Song of the Week- September 16th 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Song of the Week- Beautiful Life by Union J, from the album Union J

In a world saturated with a range of boy bands (i.e. The Wanted, One Direction) it would seem difficult to think that there could be room for more. But Union J seem to have somehow squirmed their way into the market, gaining a fanbase and reaching the top ten in the UK with their debut single Carry You. Whilst I wasn’t a huge fan of Carry You, the foursome have definitely shown that they are a strong boy band force to be reckoned with as they release their second single Beautiful Life. The song is a stomping, mid tempo pop ballad with an anthem sound that is great to listen to. The songs production features a light guitar loop that gives the track a lovely delicacy, whilst the addition of the drums as the chorus kicks in adds power to the track and makes the song much more impactful. The lyrical message of getting out of your own little world, looking at your problems, and just realising the beauty of life is potentially clichéd, but the message just sounds so pure and powerful that you really believe the group, and the songs chorus is so catchy it is great. But the best thing about the track is that it really shows off the groups vocals, both individually and as a superb, harmonised to perfection music machine. This is definitely a boy band where the members can really sing, and not just sing but sing really well, and so if their charm and cute appeal isn’t enough to ensure them success, the power of this track and the boy’s vocal ability should definitely do so.

Song of the Week- September 9th 2013

Song of the Week- Piano by Ariana Grande, from the album Yours Truly

So many people over the last week have been raving about the debut album by actress and singer Ariana Grande, with many seeing the young star as this generation's Mariah Carey. I totally agree with these people, and believe that Yours Truly is going to be at the best pop album and debut album of 2013, unless someone else manages to give us an amazing album in the few short months left of 2013. But whilst I am loving the whole album and am one of those people that feel each song is single worthy, for myself there is one standout track on the record, and that is Piano. Now in many ways Piano separates itself from the rest of the singers music (aside from the Mika collaboration) because it is definitely more of a pop song rather that a RnB pop number. But with the beautiful melodies and silky smooth vocal tones of Grande, the singer makes the track totally fit within the set and not standout as a rather awkward song, whilst such flourishes as the male calling intro and other minor things create just a hint of RnB within the song.  What I find great about Piano is that it is a bit of a love song in its own way, but more than that it is just this amazingly fun number that is supremely catchy and does indeed do what the lyrics say in terms of making you want to dance. The youthful, airy and impactful voice of Grande is on fine form within the track, with the producers layering her voice and giving us these lush melodies that just feel bubbly and light and create something that can't be seen as anything other than enjoyable. The synths and piano loop likewise creates this bubbly sound that furthers the songs vibrant energy and the inability of the listener to not want to dance along to the track. But for me what is the songs best asset is the lyrical content, which is packed with not only one of the catchiest choruses of the year, but an array of great hooks and an overall lyrical package that is full of lines that can just easily get stuck in your head. Piano is just this amazing pop offering that definitely needs to be played on the radio (as the songs lyrics suggest) and which would I believe safely see Grande achieve further commercial success, particularly in terms of the tracks Top 40 ready status.

Becky G- Play It Again E.P. Review

E.P- Becky G

 

Artist- Becky G

Becky G is one of the rising stars of the music world in the past couple of years, and seemingly brings a refreshing change of pace with her music as she provides us complex pop tunes that feel simple at heart and show off her prowess as an artist by emphasising how she is a really good singer and a really good rapper. Whilst she finishes her debut album and hooks up with a range of great producers and artists, the singer has both satisfied and tantalised her growing fan base by releasing a simple five track full E.P. Yet could this release actually be a bit troublesome and not live up to expectations, or is this going to be a I am so hungry for more set?

Track 1- Play It Again

The E.P.’s title track, Play It Again is a feisty but fun pop number from the young rapper that finds Becky telling us of how people are anticipating her album and how she is rocks in a variety of ways, wrapped around a firm pop chorus that acts the DJ to lift her spirits by playing her record. The song smartly shows of the singers knack for creating fast paced raps that show off her youthful spirit and agility, whilst also creating hooks that will grab the attention of the wider music market. At times her voice is helped a little too much from Auto Tune, but her light tone is perfectly complimented by the fast paced, feisty texture of her raps. The production of the track is also good if simple, with bouncy beats that a light synth notes that create a sound you can sort of chill to and sort of dance too.

3.5/5

Track 2- Can’t Get Enough (featuring Pitbull)

Can’t Get Enough is definitely the sets most radio friendly offering and would make a good song if she just wanted something that could definitely get played on Top 40 radio. Over bouncy dance beats that have a bit of a funky edge, the song finds Becky rapping and singing of how the music is so great and she can’t get enough, a message that is clichéd but very catchy in terms of the simple chorus. Pitbull provides a strong male rap counterpoint to Becky, and also nicely matches the singer in terms of highlighting both artists Latin American roots, most strongly heard before the final chorus. The song also shows off a little bit more vocal power from the young singer in terms of the final chorus, and so whilst it may be very commercial, it is also commercial pop done to a very good standard.

3.5.5

Track 3- Built For This

Taking things to a bit more of a typical rap orientated energy, Built For This features a fuzzy bass line and slightly aggressive sound that has more of a hip hop flavour, and takes the E.P. into slightly more of a feisty edge. The song finds Becky asking this boy if he is ready to be with her, because she is not sure if he can handle her. The lyrics just sadly come across as too clichéd and contrast too strongly with the tracks quite mature sound, as you can’t help seeing Becky as just a girl in terms of the lyrics. Her youth also comes across within her vocal delivering, which is good but not enough to make this enough of a catchy offering for the listener.

2.5/5

Track 4- Zoomin Zoomin

Zoomin Zoomin keeps the record on the same, slightly more urban edge that Built For This, displayed, but the strong pop chorus comes back into play here, and so things feel a bit fresher and less trying to be something that the star can’t quite pull off. The song finds Becky telling this guy to just slow down, because he just needs to treat her right and win her love. The song has a positive message that is built around a strong pop chorus, and will be something that will definitely make the singer appeal to mums of young girls who wish to instill such sentiments into their daughters. The songs production melds together this feisty, hip hop flecked, fuzzy bassline with some light pop synths, creating a sound that nicely shows of the singers various influences without sounding annoying, whilst Becky is just vocally strong throughout the track.

3.5/5

Track 5- Lovin’ What You Do

Ending the track with Lovin’ What You Do is a little bit of a safe way to end the record, but the down tempo love song shows off a softer side of the singer and also highlights that she is also just as accomplished just singing as she is rapping and singing. The heavy bass and light piano and synths creates this euphoric sound that nicely elevates the emotion of the song, as Becky tells this boy of how she loves that he does all these things and makes her feel great. Whilst Auto Tune can undeniably be heard here, the effect is just on the right side to not be annoying, and just gives an edge to the song that gets you wrapped up in the tender atmosphere of the track, making this a truly lovely song to finish on.

3.5/5

Final Review 

Play It Again might be a bit of way for the singer to just appease people as she takes time with her debut album, but the E.P. is great in showing of the young stars skills and highlighting how she can make really catchy songs. Bar one track the E.P. is really solid, with strong pop hooks and feisty raps that feel fresh and new. Perhaps the sound could be a bit more inventive, and the singers raps could be a bit stylistically variant, but in any case this just highlights that as a young artist she might really stand a chance of placing a strong foot in the wider music market, commercially and perhaps critically.

7/10

Best Track- Can’t Get Enough (featuring Pitbull)

Worst Track- Built For This

Song of the Week- September 2 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Song of the Week- Music to Make Boys Cry by Diana Vickers

Fans of the 2008 X Factor contestant will already like me have heard this song a long time ago, as the track actually first surfaced online back in December 2011 in the form of a demo. Yet as the singer gears up to release her new album of the same name, I wanted to highlight the awesomeness of this track, as I have found myself falling in love with the track all over again. As well as this, the track is also mastered a little differently for its actual release and is even better than the original. The track itself is a lovely and sophisticated slice of indie pop and synth pop that was reportedly inspired by Vickers seeing the songs title in a newspaper article and being inspired to write from this. The track is lyrically very sweet with a catchy chorus and a message that is all about being empowered and just loving yourself for yourself, but giving this message in a nice and not in your face way. The singers distinctive, airy vocals are on fine form within this track, where she create a great vocal build within the song and brings this passion to her music that is great for the listener to hear.  The tracks production features a steady, soft bass and glittery synths that create a lovely rhythm to the track which is very 80’s inspired, and gives another dimension to the track that will make you fall in love with the music. Music to Make Boys Cry is a pure slice of pop gorgeousness that shows why Diana Vickers is one of the finer and perhaps one of the best artists to emerge from the UK X Factor, and if this doesn’t become a UK top 40 hit at the very least then I will be really disappointed.