album review: Erik Hassle – Hassle

this time around i’m reviewing an album that i have had the chance to listen to multiple times over before actually sitting down and writing a review. i came across Erik Hassle’s album randomly while surfing the giant internet in search of some new music. i have been completely overwhelmed by this album, as it has really struck a strong note with me, so forgive me if i sound somewhat biased. i’m going to do my best to be as objective as possible! Erik is originally from Sweden and has been blowing up over there in Europe where their taste in music is outstanding. i would classify him as pop, rock, and soul. basically, beautiful. his album, “Hassle” will be available in the US sometime next year, probably in the summer. but the cunning aficionado that i am, i found a copy of his album and i want to share my thoughts with you! so let’s start listening!

just to let you know, if you click the track number, it will take you to the YouTube video of the song so that you can hear it for yourselves! i hope you enjoy!

Track #1 : Bump In The Road: the album starts out with this empowering ballad explaining that you can move on even if there is a simple bump in the road. “don’t give up” is the ringing sentiment here, and listening i want to say the same back to Erik. don’t give up, this is a great opener for you. a truly solid track that’s lyrics can resound with anyone who has suffered set backs. which is pretty much everyone!

Track #2: Hurtful: this song has a killer chorus, i’ve been singing it in my head for hours and hours. whether you listen to this and think of a broken relationship or something you regret, it resounds as a profoundly apologetic look inside the singers head to whoever he may be singing to. another solid track on this album, his vocals really shining through on this track.

Track #3: Don’t Bring Flowers: this is my personal favorite of the album. whether you take it as the literal, that is, refraining from bringing flowers to a funeral, or you take it as a metaphor for anything that has failed in life, it’s simply a beautiful song that really gets you to think about certain things. again, this is my choice for pick of the album. everything here just works for me.

Track #4: Isn’t It Obvious:  i’m immediately brought back to high school with this track. first relationships, first loves. everything that we experience as teenagers. all the angst and pressure. it shines through on this track in this desperate call for the love that we so desire. the need to feel wanted and needed. i really feel this song has serious potential to really penetrate the radio and become a smash. bravo, Erik, this is looking really good.

Track #5: The Thanks I Get: the tempo has slowed down for this song. we’re really seeing a much softer side of Erik’s voice here. the song is beautiful, but not nearly as strong as the first four tracks of this album. if i were to guess how far this song would go on the charts or the radio, i’d have to sadly say: not that far. like i said, it’s a pretty track, but radio listeners won’t latch on to this. and i totally understand them. this would lull me to sleep, not pump me up, like i usually ask out of a song from the radio.

Track #6: Wanna Be Loved: we’ve brought back the upbeat tempo and the happy(er) feeling with “Wanna Be Loved” and i’m really liking this song. just as the title says, we wanna be loved! and that’s what this song encompasses. this essential need. and we don’t want to just be loved by anyone, we wanna be loved by YOU. whoever YOU may be to anyone. i could really see this song picking up some serious popularity. another great track from you, Erik!

Track#7: Feels Like The First Time:  there is definitely a light-heartedness tone with this song. it’s fun, and really easy to listen to.  the lyrics blend together really well, bringing this image of being on this amazing cliff overlooking the ocean with the person that you love the most, just playing and have the time of your lives. this song also has a tone of being indicative of a hit for Hassle.

Track #8: Love Me To Pieces: this song is almost pleading for the listener to the love the singer. as the title would tell you, the song is entirely about wanting a person to love you.  the song has a good chorus that sucks the listener in, yet it definitely isn’t the strongest track on the album. cohesively, it is working well with the other songs, but i wouldn’t peg it as a #1 hit.

Track #9: Bitter End: this is another solid track. a pleading tribute to mistakes made and promises made that never happened. this song really has a great beat to it, and i can really see it breaking in to the mainstream media, given it gets the coverage that it so desperately needs. beautiful lyrics and a great beat have done some amazing things for this song.

Track #10: All That I Wanted Was You: another beautiful ballad from Erik here, longing for the love he wants.  this time, however, i’m not as pulled into the song as i am with his other tracks. it’s a great song, don’t get me wrong, but this one just didn’t do it for me as the others have. it feels almost too slow and too drawn out for me. simply put: more could be done in less time. i hate feeling that way when listening to a song, but it is obviously inevitable.

Track #11: Back To Bed: i like this song, i really do. there are parts where these strange sounds play and i really think that there is an ambulance or a fire alarm going off right next to me which really throws me off and i get worried, especially when i’m walking around and there is the possibility of emergency vehicles all around me. but this song is also a great addition to the album. and i really think you will enjoy listening to this song. it sticks in your head and will make you smile while listening.

Track #12: Make It In Time: as a closing track to an album, this song definitely hits the spot. as the title suggests, it’s all about making it home in time. in time for what? well, whatever works for you, of course! Erik really sounds so pressed with these lyrics, and the way he sings throughout is beautiful and poignant. his voice definitely carries through here and brings the album to a sound and exquisite end. trust me when i say you will enjoy this track. just a nice, silencing piece to lay you down, which is what i love from an album. to come around, reach an arc, and lay me down, feeling good about life and about everything. truly inspiring.

conclusion and thoughts: obviously, i’m a huge fan of Erik Hassle. i really do just love his entire album. i have listened to it over and over and i can’t get enough of it. i know it isn’t perfect, and i’m sure that a lot of you will disagree with my thoughts on these tracks, but that’s what i want! i want us all to have a voice here! so voice your thoughts through the comments. i would be more than happy to respond to you! if anything, we can say that Erik has created an album that is certainly different than what we’re seeing these days. and i think that’s commendable in itself. so give it a listen, and let me know what you think.

and just to give you a little push, here’s the link to Erik’s MySpace page. please give it a chance! i think you’ll truly love the experience!

until next time,

<3, -b.

album review: Ke$ha – Animal

i just happened to have come across an early copy of pop newcomer Ke$ha’s debut album that is set to be released January 5, 2010. what i plan on doing for these album reviews is listening to each song and as i go through the album just give my thoughts on each piece and then at the end how i feel about the album as a whole. now, i’m no expert, i’m just telling you what i think! so don’t be too angry with me you if disagree! but feel free to drop a comment with your own thoughts for some friendly discussion! let’s get started!

Track #1:  Your Love Is My Drug: this is clearly a solid opening song for the album. the chorus is catchy and subtly begs to be a club hit. i’d definitely call this a strong opener and it’s giving me high hopes for the rest of the album.

Track #2: Tik Tok: i got this single even before it was released on iTunes early this summer. and i do feel this is her strongest song and a surefire hit. it’s got a solid beat and a hot chorus that rings in my head for hours on end. this song will obviously be a breakout hit and bring her in the spotlight.

Track #3: Take It Off: this begins very interestingly. personally, i love it. it may not quite sit well with everyone, but i think it’s very cool. again, i would say this song feel pretty solid. i don’t hear this being played on the radio. that isn’t necessarily a bad thing, just because something won’t be played on mainstream radio doesn’t mean it’s bad. but i don’t know how well America’s radio listeners would embrace this song. certainly not as easily as “Tik Tok.”

Track #4: Kiss N Tell: this song definitely solidifies the incredibly pop and dance side of Ke$ha. this is another song that is just begging to be given a dance remix. another good song here. not great, but far from terrible.

Track #5: Stephen: i absolutely love this song. it’s actually kind of insane and i have no idea what happened during it. it feels pretty worked out and it’s definitely strange. but it works for this song. however, she sounds slightly like a little girl while singing this song and it feels much more immature than her previous songs. not my pick for album favorite, nor would i have necessarily put it in with this album, but a nice little treat for your ears.

Track #6: Blah Blah Blah (feat. 3OH!3): this is the song i have been wanting to hear since beginning to listen to this album. it’s fun, loud, unapologetic and really just jams, a lot like “Tik Tok.” i haven’t heard anything that compares to “Tik Tok” until this song. though, it’s not quite as good. but what it lacks in the jam quality of “Tik Tok” it makes up for in sheer coolness that she collaborated with 3oh!3.

Track #7: Hungover: i like this song, i really do. it’s got a good beat and it makes me want to get up and scream and dance and have fun. but i’m starting to ask myself: what’s the difference in these songs? they all seem to going down the exact same road. i feel like i’m not finding some uniqueness with each song. instead, they’re all sort of melting into another. this almost feels like a filler song, something to put in just to take up some time. i feel no heart here.

Track #8 : Party At A Rich Dude’s House: this song feels really good to me. it doesn’t really feel polished, but i like that about it. it feels like they just sang through it once and said, that’s it! those songs stick out to me, and i like when songs stick out. definitely not a chart-topper, but worth a listen. you won’t be disappointed.

Track #9: Backstabber: as soon as it begins i get nostalgic. i’m not sure why, because there is really nothing in the song that is from the past. but something about it makes me get all “back when.” this song is great. i would love to hear this on the radio, playing at the club, or at a party in my own apartment. yet i would listen to this working out, walking down the street, or just sitting at my desk.

Track #10: Blind: showing a much softer side of Ke$ha, “Blind” reminds me of some old school Britney Spears or even from Paris Hilton’s first album. but here Ke$ha’s voice sounds awkward and out of place, even with the special effects done to help with this. i don’t mind the song, and i would listen to it again, but i don’t think this is the direction the album should be heading. let’s keep it upbeat and hardcore. Ke$ha’s a badass, not a princess.

Track #11: Dinosaur: i just had a “wtf?” moment while listening to this song. singing about an old man hitting on you? alright, i can go along with this if you can make it interesting. but Ke$ha ultimately fails here and makes a song that is almost entirely unlistenable. the music goes off the wall and i’m totally lost. i’m not sure what she was going for with this, but she didn’t get it.

Track #12: Dancing With Tears In My Eyes:  i fear that this song was added without anyone knowing, because there is simply nothing about this song that is valid for this album (isn’t it called “Animal”?). this folk song sounds entirely out of place on this album of fist pumps (no guidos, please) and rocking out. it’s like this weird person that hangs out at parties that no one really knows. why are they here? the answer i do not know.

Track #13: Boots & Boys: eh. that’s all i really have to say. eh. there is nothing about this song that really sticks with me or stands out to make me remember it. the chorus is sub par and left me feeling let down more than anything else.

conclusion and thoughts: i really like Ke$ha, i do. when i found “Tik Tok” some months ago i fell in love with it and even listened to it on repeat while i commuted to class and while walking. it is such a great song and she really owned everything that she professed while singing. she gave me such high hopes for this album and ultimately i was let down. while it started out on a positive note, it just kept sliding and sliding until it just fell apart by the time “Dancing With Tears In My Eyes” came around. while i wouldn’t call this album bad, it’s definitely not the window smashing machine that i really feel Ke$ha could have created. i wouldn’t label her as a one-hit-wonder yet, i’ll see what the second album brings, but she’s teetering that scary edge right as we speak. best of luck, Ke$ha, i’m rooting for you. and i’ll be sure to pick up my copy of “Animal” when it’s released. even if it didn’t blow my mind, i liked it. i really did. and that’s what it is all about.

until next time,

<3, -b.

don’t bring flowers after i’m dead

hey y’all!

i’m so terrible at updating, i know. i have to get better at this!

anyway, i have a real treat for you! his name is Erik Hassle and he is simply amazing. i would classify him as pop-rock-soul. his music is a total breath of fresh air. he’s so original and his music really comes from the heart. his album, titled Hassle, doesn’t come out for a while, but he has a MySpace page up and you definitely need to check him out. i can’t even tell you my favorite songs because every song he has done is brilliant. go to his MySpace right now and give it a listen. i promise you will get his songs stuck in your head and be begging for more!

i hope everyone’s holidays are going splendidly. i hope finals are winding down for those of you at college. and i hope your family and you are getting some quality bonding time!

until next time,

<3 -b.

give me a second go.

hey everyone! i know it’s been a long time since i updated. since classes started up again everything has been a little hectic! but i do have a great new artist for you!

i’m sure most of you have already heard of them, but if you haven’t, you must check them out! they’re called “Lights” and it’s like an mystical, dream-esque experience. the entire album is just pure bliss.

check out their MySpace here and see their iTunes page right here!

hope you all are having a wonderful fall! i hope to be updating more often here soon, so be sure to check back all the time!

love,

-b.

put your hands up.

hey all! i know it’s been a while, but i have been super busy! but i have an amazing song that i think you should all check out! it’s called “TiK ToK” and it’s by Ke$ha.

i know you can find her on MySpace for sure, but i don’t think she has an iTunes page yet.

don’t have much time. hope you all have a great weekend!

<3

-b.

lock me up.

hey, everyone! hope your thursday is going beautifully! here in the city it’s so nice out, so if you’re around, go outside and enjoy it! but, if you’re inside for a bit, you must check out this artist. he’s one of my favorites.

Jeffree Star is a very unique character, to say the least. but does that matter? no! check out his new single below, and be sure to check out his iTunes page here and his MySpace page here!

love you guys!

-b

you wanted it.

alright, guys. i just thought about this one for ya. one of my all time favorite artists, MoZella, just released a new EP album on iTunes. it’s called “The Straits – EP” and features a couple of new songs from her. if you’ve never heard of her before, you must give her a listen! her voice is very soulful, almost raspy, without being overbearing. she’s so easy to listen to, you don’t even have to listen to the lyrics to just enjoy what you hear. she’s defiintely an up and coming artist who deserves your attention!

to go to her iTunes page, just click here, and her MySpace page, which has tour dates, music, and so much information, check that out here.

my favorite songs of hers are: You Wanted It, Love Is Something, Thank You, Amazed.

<3,

-b

do you have talent?

a Leona Lewis track leaked the other day, Strangers. i’ve heard it’s going to be on her new album which is due out later this year. this is song is definitely very Leona. it’s poppy, soulful, and shows off her amazing vocals. i’ll post the youtube video for you guys to check it out. i think you’re really going to like it!

if the video doesn’t work above, click here to go straight to youtube!

-b

do you love me.

here’s another band that i’ve had for awhile, but isn’t necessarily as well known as it should be. they’re called “Ballas Hough Band” and they are sort of like a poppy, rock-ish young singing group. their music is really catchy, upbeat, and they are sure to get their big break soon.

check out their iTunes page here, and their MySpace page here!

if you guys want to check out the music, here is a link to listen to it. but, please, support the artist and buy the album!!!!!

-b

take me home.

After Midnight Project is a band that i found weeks ago, when i fell in love with their smash single “Take Me Home.” they are classified as alternative, but they definitely have a real rock feel to them. this is a song for fans of Daughtry, All Time Low, or really just anyone who likes a good rock ballad.

the band’s debut album drops soon, so be sure to be on the lookout for them. their iTunes page is a bit scarce, only housing their single, but their MySpace page has a lot of information, including more songs and tour dates. check them out, they’re gonna be huge!
-b