Single Review | Hunter Hayes - Invisible

Hunter Hayes
Invisible - Single
Atlantic
Release date: January 26, 2014

Country music singer, Hunter Hayes, 21, premiered a brand new single, 'Invisible', in the middle of Sunday's 56th Annual Grammy Awards. The performance, which got tremendous applauds by critics and viewers (and yeah, Paul McCartney!) got us, the non-Americans, to take notice of this young music nerd. 

In my opinion, 'Invisible' is brutally honest. It speaks about Hayes' past where he was being misunderstood by his friends and community. This awesome power ballad carries the theme of seeking hope and acceptance. The chorus is pretty beautiful and I love it: "Trust the one who's been where you are, whishing all it was sticks and stones, those words cut deep but they don't mean you're all alone."

Hayes released his self-titled debut album back in 2011 and it did achieved few number one hits and the album sold over one million copies in the US, so, he's kinda big over there. And thanks to that performance at the Grammys, I'm sure he'll be a worldwide sensation by the time his sophomore record hit the record stores in May. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars.

Single OST Review | Lana Del Rey - Once Upon A Dream

Lana Del Rey
Once Upon A Dream - Single
Walt Disney
Release date: January 26, 2014

By Shawal Ras
Follow @shawalras

My favorite singer, Lana Del Rey, has been chosen personally by Angelina Jolie herself to sing the theme for her upcoming dark fantasy film, Maleficent, a remake of 1959's Disney's animation film, Sleeping Beauty. Oh I am obsessed with it the moment it was shown during the 56th Annual Grammy Awards. 

Single Review | Austin Mahone - Mmm Yeah (feat. Pitbull)

Austin Mahone
Mmm Yeah (feat. Pitbull) - Single
Chase / Cash Money
Release date: January 26, 2014

Pop singer, Austin Mahone, gave his fans (affectionally known as Mahomies) a taste of his much anticipated debut record, Junior Year, with a brand single titled 'Mmm Yeah'. The song, which featured Mr. Worldwide himself, Pitbull, dropped during the telecast of the 56th Annual Grammy Awards.

Judging by the lyrics, 'Mmm Yeah' is about losing your cool when you met the girl of your dreams. This beat heavy tune is much better than his previous (and annoying) single, 'Banga Banga'. And as usual, Pitbull's rhyme sounds so good in this single. You can't deny it, he can rap his ass off and make any songs danceable. 

I'll be waiting for the video of this one. In the meantime, y'all can buy this single at US$0.69 in iTunes Store. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars.

LP Review | Rudimental - Home

Rudimental
Home
Asylum / Atlantic / Black Butter
Release date: April 29, 2013

By Shawal Ras
Follow @shawalras


For those who are not aware of the band, Rudimental is an electronic music quartet from London. They created their own songs and pretty much produced Home on their own. Their most notable hit is 'Feel the Love' which topped the UK Singles Chart, thus, making them a powerhouse by the end of last year.

LP Review | Sara Bareilles - The Blessed Unrest

Sara Bareilles
The Blessed Unrest
Epic
Release date: July 12, 2013

By Shawal Ras
Follow @shawalras


The Grammy is almost here and it is time to review another nominee of my choice, this time it's going to be Sara Bareilles' The Blessed Unrest. The album is currently nominated in two major categories: Album of the Year (oh Lord, she's up with the biggest albums of 2013 - may the odds be ever in your favour, Sara) and Best Pop Solo Performance for 'Brave' (note: she's competing with Katy Perry's 'Roar' in this category. FYI, 'Roar' is basically a ripped-off from 'Brave' - listen to them both closely, people).

LP Review | Loreen - Heal

Loreen
Heal
Warner Music Sweden
Release date: October 22, 2012

By Shawal Ras
Follow @shawalras


It is rare to see a European singer to release a very good electronic pop album. Heal, debut album from Eurovision Song Contest's 2012 winner, Loreen, is pretty much a very solid LP. 

LP OST Review | Various Artists - Eurovision Song Contest - Baku 2012

Various Artists
Eurovision Song Contest - Baku 2012
CMC Entertainment / Universal Music
Release date: May 1, 2012

By Shawal Ras
Follow @shawalras

Eurovision Song Contest is one of the premiere worldly music competitions I kinda watch every single year. I was introduced to it back in 2011 and I'm hooked ever since. Despite the cheesy format and oh-so-long live marking session in the show (45 minutes, at least, plus the additional 2 hours worth of performances - non stop!), the show is still fantastic in its own way. 2012 edition is my favorite edition of the show and honestly, I am still listening to the soundtrack album today. 

Single Review | Pixie Lott - Nasty

Pixie Lott
Nasty - Single
Mercury
Release date: March 9, 2014

I have no idea where is Pixie Lott heading creatively for her upcoming self-titled third album and I am dying to know about it, but, she did released a few singles over the past few months and this one, 'Nasty', caught my ears!

'Nasty' was previously recorded by Christina Aguilera back in 2010 or 2011 for her movie, Burlesque. I heard the demo in some website and I fell in love with it (and she threw it out - not a wise decision from her part). This horn-heavy and uptempo Jazz single is gonna be my favorite from Lott. Lyrics like “I love the way you’re talking nasty, you know you’re just my type!” is making this one a retro-flavored sex jam.

Vocally, Pixie Lott's version is not as good as Aguilera's but still, it's a finished and polished version - it's a good recording, indeed!

[UPDATE] I uploaded the video below. It's a must watch! Sexy Pixie Lott is in a 70s styled night club and everyone's bumping and grinding into each other. I only hate the lingerie she wore towards the end of the video (erk!).

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Single Review | Enrique Iglesias - I'm A Freak (feat. Pitbull)

Enrique Iglesias
I'm A Freak (feat. Pitbull) - Single
Universal Music
Release date: January 14, 2014

Enrique Iglesias once again bore us with his choice for a new single. Yes, I'm gonna go ahead and say this out loud: I hate it! 

'I'm A Freak' is Iglesias' latest single to hit iTunes in his bid to reignite his fading name in the industry (it is still flaming, but it isn't that bright). But lemme give you a lesson here, Enrique: EDM is also a fading genre and it is not wise for you to jump into this bandwagon (I mean, look at how Britney's Britney Jean and Lady Gaga's ARTPOP are performing in sales... not good). Sure, the addition of Pitbull's nonsense rap is quite cool, but still, it is not a good single: 'I'm A Freak' sounds repetitive and frankly, the same as any other EDM-based singles out there.

My advice: please bring that uber-masculine Latin sassiness that you got years ago. Honestly, I am still listening to 'Bailamos' and yea, it's eargasmic and it is your identity. Bring him out, I tell you!

Rating: 1.5 out of 5 stars.

Single Review | Foster the People - Coming of Age

Foster the People
'Coming of Age' - Single
Columbia Records
Release date: January 14, 2014

In the midst of the hotness going around Shakira and Rihanna's duet in 'Can't Remember to Forget You', my favorite pop-rockers, Foster the People, is back with a brand new single, 'Coming of Age'.

'Coming of Age' is a very cool pop-rock track that talks about going ahead and accepting what is yet to come. Lyrics like "I try to live without regrets / I'm always looking forward and not looking back / but I tend to leave a trail of debt while I'm movin' ahead" gave this song its chilling effect. It's a very pretty song with deep lyrics and yes, it isn't as offensive as their debut single, 'Pumped Up Kicks'. Lyrically, I love this song. Sonically, I'm OK with it. I'm not excited for it but I think it'll be engraved on my forehead soon enough. 

This track will be included in the group's sophomore record, Supermodel (coming in March), and judging by the songs in their previous album, Torches, and this single, the album will be critics' most anticipated album for 2014 (well, at least the first quarter, right?).

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. 

Single Review | Shakira - Can't Remember to Forget You (feat. Rihanna)

Shakira
Can't Remember to Forget You (feat. Rihanna) - Single
Ace Entertainment
Release date: January 13, 2014

Shakira is back with a brand new collaboration with Barbadian beauty, Rihanna, for a song titled 'Can't Remember to Forget You'. For the first time, I was excited to hear her new song since her 2007's revenge-y duet with Beyonce in 'Beautiful Liar'. The video is still hot, y'know!

Anyway, 'Can't Remember to Forget You' starts off with a very ska-punk intro. I love it from the get go, actually. Her voice sounds effortlessly sexy alongside the danceable tune and not to mention, her's and Rihanna's voices complement each other in the relatable track. But I'm not a fan of the chunky chorus 'cos I think it is kinda loud in my ear. But, that is Shakira being Shakira, she is still a rock chick after all. 

'Can't Remember to Forget You' will be included in Shakira's upcoming English album which is due on March 25th and it'll features a lot of producers, from the likes of John Hill (Jay Z), Kid Harpoon (Florence + the Machine, Calvin Harris), The Messengers (Pitbull, Christina Aguilera) and many more. Plus, she'll also return as a judge and coach for the sixth season of The Voice. 

2014 looks like a very busy year for our Shak.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

LP Review | The Pussycat Dolls - Doll Domination

The Pussycat Dolls
Doll Domination
Interscope
Release date: September 23, 2008

By Shawal Ras
Follow @shawalras


The Pussycat Dolls returns to the scene in 2008 with their second (and final) album, Doll Domination. After achieving so many success with their debut, PCD, the Dolls are expected to be better, bolder and with the word "dominance" is largely at display here, one ought to think it'll be a very empowering record. Doll Domination is the group's first album since the departure Carmit Bachar, the longest-serving doll since its first appearance back in 1995. 

Music Video Review | Lea Michele - Cannonball

Lea Michele
Cannonball - Single
Columbia Records
Release date: November 10, 2013 (Single) / January 9, 2014 (Music Video)

Rising superstar and Celine Dion / Barbra Streisand wannabe (in a good way, of course!), Lea Michele, dropped her debut music video for her debut single, 'Cannonball', which will be in her upcoming LP, Louder.

From what I've mentioned in our previous post, 'Cannonball' deals with the subject of rising from the ashes like a phoenix. Despite the ridiculous lyrics ("I will fly like a cannonball" - I mean, whaaaa?), this song is pretty catchy. Based on the song itself, I don't think it'll be a huge monstrous debut for her, but still, it's a good song for you to listen to and then forget about it in five minutes. 

The video is very simple. No storyline, but you'll understand it easily. She's wearing a black dress and singing around in an abandon-yet-intimate space. The setting is dark, so, yea, I think it signifies her lowest moment (Cory Monteith's death, perhaps?). Then in the final scene, she's singing in a new lighter space with lights coming in from all angles and she's donning a white dress, and yea, it means she's finally breaking through and be free (and "fly like a cannonball").

I kinda like the video because of its simple nature. She's baring her (and our's) darkest fear and there is really no need for excessive glitters or getting naked or riding a wreckingball (in this context: cannonball). So, kudos for that! Plus, it is good to see her in a proper video setting than having to see her prancing around the school hallways in Glee. 

Louder out on March 4, 2014.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Single Review | Alejandro Fernández - Hoy Tengo Ganas De Ti (feat. Christina Aguilera)

Alejandro Fernández
Hoy Tengo Ganas De Ti (feat. Christina Aguilera) - Single
Universal Music Latino
Release date: May 8, 2013

I'm not a big fan of Latin music (exception: Shakira, Juanes and Alejandro Sanz), but this one got my attention, well all thanks to Christina Aguilera's appearance in it. A 101 introduction class first: Alejandro Fernández is a Mexican pop-singer and he has sold 30 million albums worldwide after branching out into pop music (previously? Mariachi!). He is not well-known in our region but he is pretty big in South America. 

'Hoy Tengo Ganas De Ti', literally translated to 'I Have Desire for You Today') is a song originally sung by Miguel Gallardo in 1976 but was covered by Alejandro Fernández in 2013 for a duet with Grammy-winning singer, Christina Aguilera. It peaked at no.1 in various charts and used as the theme song for a telenovela, La Tempestad. I love the song and honestly, I haven't heard a great duet like this for a very long time. Fernández's husky voice sounds mucho caliente in this song and as usual, Aquilera's powerful vocal touches in all the right places. It's empowering, to say the least.

So yea, I am definitely hooked on this song and I'm sure, if it were given great air time in Malaysia (and our local's obvious obsession with ballads), this song could be a monstrous hit! Oh well, maybe next time, aye?

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars.

Single Review | Basshunter - Elinor

Basshunter
Elinor - Single
Ultra Records
Release date: December 17, 2013

A fan of the blog (@cecepkpr) has requested me to do a review on Basshunter's latest single, 'Elinor'. To those who isn't aware of the club world in the early millenium, Basshunter, in my opinion, is one of the original famous DJs alongside Tiesto, Ferry Corsten and many more. Without the need to collaborate with huge or up-and-coming artist, like the usual practices done by David Guetta or Zedd, Basshunter created his own mixes and stuffs. His biggest work to date is Now You're Gone, which spent weeks in various charts all over the world back then. 

Expected to release a new album in mid-2014, Basshunter gave us a peak of what's coming with a new single called 'Elinor'. First of all, I am not a fan of the song, but, I bet it'll be a huge hit in the club soon. Why? Well, it'll be a unique number next to this generation's EDM or Dubstep-influenced tracks. Seriously, we're tired of listening to headbanging beats churned out by the likes of Skrillex and 'Elinor' has certainly prooved that old style can still be hip and relevant. 

Believe me! This style of music is set to return at any time!

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.

LP Review | The Pussycat Dolls - PCD

The Pussycat Dolls
PCD
Interscope / A&M
Release date: September 12, 2005

By Shawal Ras
Follow @shawalras


I was first introduced to The Pussycat Dolls back in 2004 when they performed at the now-defunct MTV Asia Awards (or is it 2003? I have no idea!). Back then, there was about twelve or more ladies in the group and they strut pretty sexy for the love-themed event. Anyway, a year later, they returned with a single called 'Don't Cha' and it was pretty rad to see a group of girls chanting or screaming "don't cha wish your girlfriend is hot like me?" (YES indeed!). Critics are raving them as the next Destiny's Child, albeit more sexier (and thinner, sorry Beyonce). 

LP Review | Demi Lovato - Demi

Demi Lovato
Demi
Hollywood
Release date: May 10, 2013

By Shawal Ras
Follow @shawalras

It took me exactly two months to fall in love with Demi Lovato's new hit, 'Heart Attack', back in 2013. I thought it was kinda hard and I hated it. That thought changed the moment the video decided to make its way into my computer (it's not that I love the video, but I think she looked different in it - edgier and a little funkier, unlike any other failed ex-Disney artists). I still remember that I spent that whole week listening to this song only. Talk about obsession, right?

LP Review | Haley Reinhart - Listen Up!

Haley Reinhart
Listen Up!
19 / Interscope Records
Release date: May 22, 2012

By Shawal Ras
Follow @shawalras


It is super rare to see a former reality star, especially from the United States, released a pretty good album like this one. Listen Up! is Haley Reinhart's debut album and I am in love with the whole production. The dusty R&B vibe that filled this record fits her like a glove. 

LP Review | Kylie Minogue - Fever

Kylie Minogue
Fever
Parlophone
Release date: October 1, 2001

By Shawal Ras
Follow @shawalras


Kylie Minogue's eighth studio album, Fever, is probably her biggest album to date. Peaked at no.3 in Billboard 200, Fever is Minogue's highest charting album and her second record to achieved mainstream success in the US (the first would be 1989's Enjoy Yourself). 

LP Review | Kylie Minogue - Body Language

Kylie Minogue
Body Language
Parlophone
Release date: November 10, 2003

By Shawal Ras
Follow @shawalras


After having a huge worldwide success with her chart topping album, Fever, Kylie Minogue is back with a new sexy album called Body Language. The title is taken from a verse in the first single off the album, 'Slow'. This album is very different from Fever as it features R&B, hip hop, electronic pop and synthpop. Critics may hate it, but I am in love with this one!

LP Review | Kylie Minogue - Aphrodite

Kylie Minogue
Aphrodite
Parlophone
Release date: July 5, 2010

By Shawal Ras
Follow @shawalras


In 2010, Australian pop star, Kylie Minogue, released her eleventh album, Aphrodite.  Unlike her previous album, X, Aphrodite is filled with electronic and disco-pop tunes that are sure gonna sound great on a mid-day listening session with your friends (or all by yourself, no judgement here). 

Single Review | Fall Out Boy - My Songs Know What You Did In the Dark (Light 'Em Up)

Fall Out Boy
My Songs Know What You Did In the Dark (Light 'Em Up) - Single
Island Def Jam
Release date: February 4, 2013

Fall Out Boy returns to the music scene with a very edgy new sound and a cool album. Despite that, my interest with 'em kinda died after Patrick Stump released his not-so-popular solo record a few years back. But this single, 'My Songs Know What You Did In the Dark (Light 'Em Up)', kinda dragged me right back into them and now I wanna save rock and roll, too!

It doesn't take a scientist to find out why I fell in love with 'My Songs Know What You Did In the Dark (Light 'Em Up)'. The edgy hard pop rock beat, the Queen-like high pitch when they sang "light 'em up up up I'm on fireeee" and that anthemic verse in the chorus that goes "oh ohhh oh ohhh." Sure Taylor Swift damaged this song by performing with 'em boys at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show but as long as that version is not released officially to the public, we'll be fine with the original version, thank you.

Save Rock and Roll is a good album although it is not as good as their previous records, but still, with this kind of single imprinted in it, I'm sure you'll love the album as much as I do. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars.

P/s: does anyone remember that scene where Kim K is kissing a monkey in Fall Out Boy's 'Thnks Fr Th Mmrs' video? Hmm...

Single Review | Laura Jansen - Golden

Laura Jansen
Golden - Single / Elba
Universal Music
Release date: June 17, 2013 (album)

Laura Jansen is a Dutch-American singer who released her breakout album, Elba, somewhere around June last year. The album was born under Jansen's fascination with the idea of creative exile and banishment. The title itself was taken from the place where Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled to, Elba, a small island off the French coast.

'Golden' is one of the songs available in the avant-garde record. It is filled with words of hope and desires for something greater: "In the middle of your heart / there's a place that's never dark / never broken / never scared." And there's also a video for the single, too! I was fully inspired by the mythical realization in the video - it is kinda alluring at some point. 

Ugh, eventually the music speaks for itself. Why am I bother explaining about the song when you can listen to it and head over to your iTunes and download it for a small sum of money. This is not a bad effort from a 36 year old woman. 

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.