The Black Eyed Peas "The Beginning"

.Get ready for "The Time" of your life.....DIRTY BIT..... "A-All these girls they like my swagger/They callin' me Mick Jagger/I be rollin' like a stone/Jet setter, Jet lagger" and if I could write more just open up the door kick the song out and say why you would do this to make me cry. The song is not bad at all! It's catchy and it borrows from (I've Had the )Time of My Life. The next song is a little bit more down tempo, but has a real cute hook and wonderful robotic vocals from the Will and Fergie; that's a compliment. It sounds pretty, and the instrumentals are my favorite part as they 'Light Up the Night.' This is the hard part, a confession of love to someone who just completely blows your mind; how the flip can I tell her, and what if she says no? Will the world come crashing down? Please please just hear me out. Please just get to know me! F!!!Too many people and their d___ assumptions just let me "Love You Long Time," and "I hope you know that I'm for real /I ain't playing games baby /I'm serious now." The next track has this beat that has me writing 'XOXOXO,' and do we even need to write what it's about? Maybe 'Someday' you'll find out if you are curious enough. Hey Tiesto, you were mentioned in the previous song!!!!! The song is about doing something big, or in the chorus they sing that they are going to get their lives right someday, and apl.de.ap "I came here from the Philippines In the plane with some big, big dreams/I left everything I knew behind me/Like my mom and my family/People tell me that I ain't gonna make it/I gotta finger aimed at all of them haters."  Hand claps and oh (x8) are prominent Oh, 'Whenever' I hear this song I hear this auto-tuned Will and this thumping and driving beat. Fergie's singing without auto tune? Of course because she doesn't need it; using auto tune does make it hookier somehow. Anybody hear another silly love song? Doctor, After you're done with Will, can you help me? This cute synth and disco vibe? What do I need that for? I think you meant to give that to Will. You know what else you could give Will? Better lyrics. This is actually good dancing and party music, so we don't really need anything better than that, and the concept is interesting so just give him that other stuff, and I'll keep the 'Fashion Beats.' They 'Don't Stop The Party' they keep it going! It's subtly funky, versatile and a little daft, punk?  Now it's time for one of those "I am better than you" swag exercises with a catchy beat and some entertaining lyrics, but at 3:05 they are starting to race on a road that has suddenly been attacked by many bumps and now is ridged, changes with a different beat, and this synth that says can't 'Do It Like This.' There is more of an attitude in this song, like they actually believe they are saying something, but I think they  just be chillin'. The sequencing is definitely different as the bonus tracks come before the final two tracks of the regular addition.  'The Situation' is not in the building, but it sounds like a rock influenced one is as Fergie channels her inner Benatar; that would have been a nice addition to the regular disc.'The Coming' is tribal funky techno-fied repeat are words that talk about coming and hates on their face please don't spray that mace "Yeah I got that ener-dope/Here's the doughs/Damn I'm dope/Check me out here we go."  In this orchestral and piano introduction, addictive drum-line beat, synchronized piano keys,  and positive message they "Own It." There is this obnoxious synth, but this engaging, underlining bass-line though; this is a song for celebration, and one to ensure you don't let your dreams pass you by, but it's not 'The Best One Yet (The Boy).' The next song I "Just Can't Get Enough" of. I love the several tempo changes toward the end, the beat the sentiment and Will's vocals sound more addictive on this one,and the vid game beats. "I pledge my alligance/To rhythm and sound. /Music is my medicine/Let the rhythm pound." John Lennon and Bob Marley are the presidents; as for the song the instrumentals are real beautiful: it has the driving beat, lovely harmonies, and sounds very uplifting with the backing cloud-riding loop of keys on this ironic track that requests to "Play It Loud". I f I had to choose some songs I might: Love You Long Time, XOXOXO, Someday, Don't Stop The Party, The Situation, Own It, Just Can't Get Enough, and Play It Loud.

Jaguar Love "Hologram Jams"

This Jaguar Love accused me, saying ‘I Started a Fire’ in what sounds like a raucous techno-infused Pat Benatar update. For some reason I was thinking of saying no, you girls can look at ‘Polaroids and Red Wine’ could be my companion while I am in agony, but I don’t drink, so I’ll sit in the sunshine and look at old photos instead; some old memories can be more helpful than boxed wine.  It sounds like someone drank too much ‘Cherry Soda,’ because not only does everything hyperactive, but it sounded like the guitar was throwing up after the minute mark. Techno-grunge? While the song’s catchy hook and clappable beat have you humming along with a smile as the mantra ‘Don’t Die Alone’ replays in your head; it is really to distract you from the depressing lyrics that are elsewhere. You know those obnoxious neighbors that stay ‘Up All Night’ partying as they blast loud and sometimes malevolent music? While there is a lot of noise, there is somewhat of a catchy and melodic song underneath the cacophony. These ‘Jaguar Warriors’ talk big game, but really just want to have fun; the chorus is tolerable, but what follows around halfway is what makes it worth more than one listen. When someone says ‘Everything is Awesome’ you expect so much more, but pop life was a great song by Prince. Let me just say that the song is only 80% is awesome, but I cannot decipher which elements are distinctly so because they mesh well. I feel like running to ‘Evaline,’ after the two minute mark for some reason and the chorus is fantasmic. There usually is a lot of stuff going on in the songs so they don’t sound very melodic at first, but some do after a few listens, and this is one of them. This ‘Sad Parade’ sounds like they are on the pursuit of happiness. ‘A Prostitute, An Angel’ reminds me of this song from a commercial, not sure if it’s Pringles, but it sounds like they’re saying “Heyyy yeaaah, yeah yeah! wave your hands, wave your hands” in a slower pace. Ok, enough with pitiful comparisons. It seems like the only time the song begins to ‘Freak Out’ is in the chorus, or whatever you call it after 2:30; not one of my favorites, but it is one of their most minimalistic and focused songs. Just like writing this may borrow a ‘Piece of my Heart,’ it takes a tiny piece of classic rock remixed and relayered, but instead of going for the throat, they just go for something to sing along with. Check Out: I Started a Fire, Don’t Die Alone, Jaguar Warriors, Evaline, Sad Parade, and Piece of My Heart.

Sarah McLachlan "Laws of Illusion"

                The Laws of Illusion are as follows: take a seven year hiatus between regular albums, and release a winter-themed album in between; take four years after said album to make it seem as if one is toiling over creating something immaculate; release a single that hints that her art has not lost bite, and make some changes to seem as if it is something new.  These ‘Awakenings’ seem to be occurring to me on first song; I thought I was dreaming when I heard something that may appeal to fans of post-hardcore, but with a more mainstream filter; slight buzzkill to the energy that could be released. These are not ‘Illusions of Bliss’ that I hear, but a sound that seems familiar: that acoustic strumming at the start and beautiful uplifting harmonies throughout; nothing new, but I still would like to sing along. ‘Loving You is Easy,” but the question is whether it is the piano or the rhythm that accompanies it. Her Voice? That doesn’t count. So she made slight ‘changes’ to another one of her songs, like context and adding a theramin, and it is supposed to be new? Yes, but why do I think of Halloween? This next song is one about heartbreak, an attempt at redemption and ‘Forgiveness’ which she proclaims to her ex that “you don’t know much about heaven boy/If you have to hurt to feel.” These “Rivers of Love’ seem as if they freeze easily because they sound best on one of those gloomy winter days (past holiday) after work; meeting a friend or two for a drink. ‘Love Come’ easy for this tune with its new-age atmospherics and solace. Either my mind is ‘Out of Tune,’ or I just cannot figure out how it makes me feel, or why I feel that way; confused, but I like it! What sounds like ragtime piano, in a U2 context, introduces us to a song about one of the most common known fractures in the world, ‘Heartbreak,’ yet time is the only thing that can heal it. ‘Don’t Give Up on Us’ teeters between slight desperation and tragic empathy; you want them to know that you care without having them worry they’re your obsession. 'You Want Me 2’ state the obvious? We have already heard this song, and its quality would be wasted if it were solely a retrospective compilation cut. The next song does ‘Bring on the Wonder’ for me; those haunting harmonies in a friendlier filter. Awakenings, Loving You is Easy, Changes, Rivers of Love, Love Come, Out of Tune, and Bring on the Wonder.         

Saving Abel "Miss America"

I can't believe the first song isn't even half over and I'm already about to "Tap Out" with a suspense building first minute and then a killer beat and riff, and the vocals are spectacular. The next track is about another one of those girls who flirt with fame, want to put some substance in his drink, and have a good time with him, but not exactly aware what will become of this flirtation with something that can either kill the person's original soul, or mutate it if there is not enough of their identity left to counteract the phenomenom's side-effects. "Stupid Girl (Only in Hollywood)" is lead by this low note piano and sounds similiar to Hinder's breakout hit. "Contagious" is just that with soaring harmonies and instrumentals, a dual-guitar attack, and lyrics concerning his affliction with this addiction, and his conviction on prescription has run out of emission.The next song is this dirty acoustic/bass driven song about not leaving the girl because being lonely stinks, and "The Sex is Good." Even after a "Bloody Sunday" I find that "I'm Still Alive" which is one of those songs that are about living life to the fullest, and to appreciate the life that you have even though it may not be easy all of the time, but it could be worse."Mississippi Moonshine" has this very addictive groove that sounds reminiscent of track four, yet sounds different with more energy; and who could forget the wordplay in the track. It was inevitable, but there is finally a track that is dedicated to an "Angel Without Wings." The title track is very powerful instrumentally and message, as it is a tribute to the troops still fighting "When does the fighting end, wheres does the freedom begin. My hair stands on its end/Chilling thoughts as I defend,Running for cover take cover my brother /To die another day as that man I yet waste." You know what? When I listened to the next song I thought why didn't they use something like "I Need You" like a band needs his fans? Well, because that would be cheesy, and yes, they are above cheesy, but not necessarily sappy in a song such as that one. The final song on the record proclaims it's been a "H*ll of a Ride." This record was better than expected, the vocals seemed to be stepped up a notch, as well as the sound,or maybe it's because I haven't listened to this record to the point where it's old yet, but I cannot take away the fact that their second record does not sound like a slump. Tap Out, Contagious, Mississippi Moonshine, Miss America, and I Need You.

Jimmy Eat World "Invented"

Jimmy Eat World have always been a band with the ability to create dreamy 'pop' songs and catchy rock songs, but they also were a band that were able to create angsty anthems bleed american. Maybe they said goodbye sky harbor after their state of clarity was over, because of the construction of the robot factory from album previous. They have had more abrasive tracks sewn through later albums, but have now decided to turn down the volume and turn up the tenderness, without . The aforementioned 'harbor' was dreamy, but repetitive, and long just for the sake of being long; it felt that way anyway. The strings, hand-claps, and the folksy-pop aesthetic mesh well with the sincerity in a song that addressess that a 'Heart is Hard To Find' especially after it has been beat down, bruised or broken many times. It took a little bit to figure out what the next song was saying, but 'My Best Theory' is that it's about living life your way ("love what you have with your time/By dowsing find/ my true design?") without judging others how they live theirs, or listening to both sides of a story ("Not like one side is any better") in this hooky, addictive, song with a subtle side of disco or new-wave. This next song sounds like a much more upbeat replacement of disentegration (I love the instrumental break) despite the fact that the song is about a cheater. I don't need to explain, if you read the the lyrics there is plenty of 'Evidence' to prove it. The next song brings up the questions like: Do they have a 'Higher Devotion' to creating catchy indie-pop songs, or experimenting with their sound to make it better? Have they been listening to Silversun Pickups? The vocals are in the higher reg which the vocalist is known to sing in. Most of our lives are not 'Movielike,' especially when it comes to relationships; unless you count the disastrous ones. Who would think that a choral tribute to something so simple would sound more enticing than corny, but the reason could be that there is more to it than just 'Coffee and Cigarettes,' but a relationship. I'm not sure whether it was positive in retrospect, or negative in retrospect because this line confusing me ("Then, I commit with some restraint") before the title line. Relationships are a lot of work and if you don't 'Stop' and take the time to appreciate that special someone, or listen to what they are saying you may be stuck in a constant search for your significant other. Funny how a 'Littlething' becomes something that takes up your whole life or all your focus whether it be the heart-tugging strings (in sound and in lyrics), those bells or those piano keys that score the scene the song opens up perfectly. At first I thought this next track was touching a sensitive subject like drugs or me from the stellar Futures, but alas it's about a relationship but from the girl's point of view who's not 'Cut' out for the relationship anymore. The next song 'Action Needs an Audience' is probably the edgiest song on this release. They aren't the band that 'Invented' long songs, but unlike their previously mentioned epic they say twice as much in less than half the time in this duet.It follows a dreamy-minimalism aesthetic for the majority of the song until five minutes hits where there is a thirty second blast of energy( not too wild, because that would ruin the song, and probably cause us to question its sincerity) which after, returns to form. The band does not have the finish this record like their 2004 release did about turning 23, nor does it have the power to make you dizzy because of your love for the song, but since this track is a 'Mixtape' of drum machine beats, dreamy piano, soaring strings,and ambiance we'll give it a break. Best tracks Heart is Hard To Find, My Best Theory, Evidence, Higher Devotion, Coffee and Cigarettes, and Action Needs an Audience.

Alter Bridge III

                                It's easy to 'Slip To The Void' in depression when everything feels like it's slipping away; in anger when nothing goes your way; or disenchantment when you're paid to listen to and review records. How is it? Is it worth it? I wouldn't know, anyways, the opening track starts quiet and then the first blast of guitar sounds something reminiscent of sevendust; there is the powerful wail of the vocalist, guitar heroics, gang vocals, and this ominous feeling of persistence. I sometimes prefer 'Isolation' when I'm not in a good mood, simply because I feel it's in the best interest of myself and everyone around me, because when you're angry you say thing you don't mean or little things seem much worse. This song seems like a great song to listen to when you're angry, but may not be one that fully illustrates that anger, but makes up for it with a great rhythm section, solo, groove, harmonies and vocals that almost sound like... F-bomb I cannot remember! This track has a really nice driving beat and southern-fried hook leading to a sweeter chorus, to the point where you will bare the pain just to try the sfied metal, and let's just say the bridge is not the safest; haunted by 'Ghosts of Days Gone By,' but on the other side are green pastures that somehow still have this strange ending. Again this prominent riff, an upbeat sound despite the title, and the lyrics make it more interesting instead of going the dark and dreary audio accompaniment; there are traces of Alice in Chains' harmonies, a mean metallic bridge, and more guitar heroics which provides proof to the antithesis that 'All Hope is Gone.'  This song's intro and Sevendust rhythm/groove with a soaring signature Myles Kennedy chorus just reinforce the fact that my respect for this band 'Still Remains.' A song of conviction that does not state their belief in God, but may state that there may be a h#ll  (check the chorus). The bridge may collapse, so you fall in the flames if you do not own up to the sins you had committed and try to 'Make It Right' sealing the fate of your judgment day. We erase all of the angst and guitar heroics that battle the redundancy demons and replace them with an uplifting song to document this 'Wonderful Life' built on lovely harmonies, vocals, and a song that is without a defiled sincerity by a change in tone; it is great when there is a change you do not expect, but it weakens the emotional impact when present. 'I Know It Hurts' but I do hear more similarities to Sevendust in this song too, and you should not be offended because they have written some amazing songs. Even with the comparison, Tremonti returns to lift us up as they end the song with a bang in a song we can all relate to because we all fall. The next song is sequenced nicely because it sounds like one for those that have fallen, and are now awaiting their fate in a southern-metal epic just asking to 'Show Me A Sign.' Agai with the sequencing is a tale of one driven by persistence and the desire for the truth in a world of lies, undeniable choruses, solid musicianship, and brooding verses leading to the climax in the 'Fallout.'  Sometimes we may take life for granted, or just get hung up on things that only exist to hold us down, yet we feel we need them. Until we realize that some of those things are worthless we can 'Breathe Again' in a song that is another uplifting chorus lead-harmony monger. Prominent bouncing groove and rhythm, and a song of losing yourself in the bittersweet embrace of fame 'Couer D'Alene' is calling out. Even if Creed never make another album 'Life Must Go On' even if you are six feet from the edge and "You’re trying to find what you need to survive/You're so afraid/You can’t go on/Left in the silence that tears at your heart" in a song that is anthemic for those that have attempted to jump off that literal cliff, or plan to. Kennedy's vocals are as strong as ever, and the sincerity in the delivery is what I like to hear, because not many people realize that others feel the same way. ‘Words Darker Than Their Wings’ sounds like a mixture of Creed, Five Finger Death Punch, and (a little) Alice in Chains. On a scale of one to ten this next song is a ‘Zero.’ Wait, that cannot be right, someone must have forgot to add a one or something; then they have the gall to keep off the traditional album, only available as a bonus track.  Check out: Slip to the Void, Ghosts of Days Gone By, All Hope is Gone, Wonderful Life, I Know it Hurts, Fallout, Life Must Go On, Zero and Home.      

The Maine "Black and White"

"Don't Stop Now," but I think I have found the "Right Girl," even if she roughs me up, breaks me down, locks me out. This song reminds me of another song, and I don't think it's petty to say I am not absolutely sure who performed the song it reminds me of; this is a nice song with the lovely sentiment driving beat, and the guitar, besides the bassline. This latter song is even better than the preceding with a situation all guys can sympathize with or understand: "Try to stay smart but the dumb comes out/Maybe I'm shy, I drive an old car ,Maybe I'm amazed that I got this far/And I got my stand-bys waiting on the line/But the hardest part is knowing that it won't be her this time.../Oh god I did the wrong thing to the right girl/My mind was only in it for a minute/Had a bad fling with a good girl" and a real nice guitar riff. The Next song is about "Growing Up," and that "Graduate, what's a kid to do now?/Get away, yeah-ah/We've got so much to prove/Cause it's time to move on /And I'm stuck to let go." It is a nice old-fashioned piano rocker, not one of those solemn and sappy, synthetic numbers.  The song follows one of those ironic principles in relationships where someone treats the guy like crud, but it only adds "Fuel to the Fire," and increases his burning desire, love or lust, just adds to the flame. This hook, and great instrumentals, as well as that passion just get "Inside of You," and do not let go. There is an underlying bass that is behind the drums and Callaghan's passionate vocals in this catchy pop-punk nugget. "Every Road" we take has a different path and outcome, but this country song dressed in pop-punk clothing ends on a positive note. The melodies and the instrumentals in this song just say "Listen to your Heart," which could end up being your "Saving Grace" which is a very uplifting and positive anthem that releases a lot of positive energy and has wonderful harmonies and instrumentals. The next song just says "Give it To Me" with this driving beat while Callaghan "You got your daddy's wallet/And your mothers eyes/Soon enough girl you're going to realize/That when the pretty boys try to get next to you/They really just want to have sex with you" which almost has him rapping. This song is of a different "Color" and sentiment; searching for hope? Everybody feels messed up sometimes, and needs some assurance. Personally, the song has a nice guitar riff, and a good ending. When there are only gray areas it's hard to see differences, but some people only see differences, and judge people on how they look. So I would prefer more gray areas, but not always in music though; like when songs sound too similiar. So if i had to choose 5 songs I would choose I would choose: Right Girl, Inside of You, Listen to Your Heart, Saving Grace and Color.      

Miguel "All I Want is You"

They say that nothing is a ‘Sure Thing,’ but this can be a sure hit with its laid back groove.  has a nice, slightly funky, backing riff and that ever-present hip-hop beat with the sentiment that I can spend time with any girl, but ‘All I Want is You.’ J. Cole joins in to drop an opening verse that seems to be a look into the future while his ending verse is full of regret when the independence that he gained for leaving is not as glorious as the time spent with that special girl he thought it was best to leave. The ‘Girl With a Tattoo Enter.Lewd’ is a short bare bones track that has a dreamy/droning harmony in back of Miguel's pleading with the girl who is using others to gain fame, even toying with others' hearts, but warns her to not lose herself along the way. Cha-Ching! ‘Pay Me’ with this droning repetitive chorus, cash register and air-horn sfx, hornline, sexy beat and lyrics that may be about a stripper; the girl who sings the chorus sounds perfect for the part, it would not make sense with a guy would it? There is a nice beat slow down toward the end, and "Umm, do you take cheque?" The next song is explicitly and undeniably about the power of the ‘Quickie,’ with a reggae-soul vibe."Mami I realize that I'm manish/Speak a language of love like Spanish/"Quero Fugir"/I'm so obscene and know what I mean?/Yeah, sorry that was Portuguese." Did I tell you? ‘Girls Like You’ deserve nice instrumentals, but the lyrics may at times sound rude toward the end, if read out of context, as he says he hates them only because he needs 'em. 'The Overload.Enterlewd’ preps us for the ‘Hard Way’ with the muted guitar and backing soulful harmonies lead by the beat and ending with the keys. However, no matter how many times one has suffered heartbreak, they can never be truly prepared for the pain of those re-opened wounds. ‘Teach Me’ to play this prominent bass; it's slow so I guess it should not be too hard. I hear something of a slow Prince jam in this song, but the real ‘Hero’ is the guitar in the next track, as well as his sidekick tambetz, in a song that has him proclaiming "I'll be your superman in bed/Yeah you heard just what I said." Ok... 'Vixen' is a slow, soulful, and sexy song with a slight jazz horn, and cute piano perfect for getting in the mood; maybe I’ll even get closer ‘To The Moon’ with the instrumentals not as prominent, or aerodynamic, but work their charm when in sync with Miguel's vocals.  Would you like ‘My Piece’ of mind, or opinion concerning the song? It's a song dedicated to his love, flips off the haters, admits he has a fetish with firearms, and the rest of the song, is okay. If I had to choose an EP of these songs it would include: Sure Thing, All I Want is You, Quickie, Girls Like You, Hard Way, and Hero.    

Michael Buble "Crazy Love"

All I need to say is that once you hear that really epic and over the top intro to a song flowing with emotive power and incredible sound, you don't have to 'Cry Me A River' because I know that this record is going to be fantastic! Some have said the intro is very Bond-like, and I cannot disagree. It will not take All of Me' to write this review, but for those that have read every review..wait, may I laugh a second..ha ha ha ha..I'm sorry I was just delving into self delusion for a sec. Some of us do that more than they realize, but as I was saying, I always put my heart into writing these things, I don't just phone 'em in. I always try to write the review to the best of my ability. It is a real nice brassy  follow-up, even though it's not as epic, it is a nice aside. I have 'Georgia On My Mind,' and if the piano lead track is a musical metaphor to the beauty of this woman, she must be tender, loving, devoted, and have a smile that can brighten a room. One of my favorites is the title track that I have Crazy Love' for; which is a rendition of a Van Morrison classic. They say if you know why you like them, it can be infatuation, but if have no idea why you like someone or something it's love. That can be misleading, maybe if you cannot exactly describe the reasons, then it could be love, and even if you can say why it can still be love. The first single, and another of my favorites with it's bouncing rhythm and piano, horn inclusion, sentiment and a song about something we can all relate to. Finding that special someone we can spend our lives with, but darling 'I Haven't Met You Yet' ( I would definitely say it has to be close to the top of his best singles, and songs). Maybe I have, and 'All I Do Is Dream of You' which is a doo wop style song that has me hope for a Christmas of Love. 'Hold On' is another one of my favorites with a piano start and is real laidback ,but picks up in the second half, the solo is real short, nice and doesn't seem to fit with the big band/easy listening sound in which Buble can be attributed to. I really like the next one too, and if you're not careful you can end up with a 'Heartache Tonight' which is a brassy, bass driven track that has some classic rock swagger clashing with it's big band dreams. I don't think anyone would love to hear that 'You're Nobody Till Somebody Loves You' from someone else, especially if it comes from a heartless witch, or male counterpart. It makes you wonder, how can someone love you if you're like that? If they are a witch, well, witchcraft, duhhhh. This is one of those lounge tracks that is nice, no doubt, but you know what? When he sings the word  "sand" he sounds like Lady Gaga! No really! When she sang the word "hand" during her Bad Romance. When I heard the intro it made me think of a heartache tonight, but the song is still good by itself as it includes Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings who released a pretty fantastic record a year after this one and a year ago when considering the time of this review. 'Baby (You Got What It Takes)' is a nice duet, and 'At This Moment' I have nothing else to say but that his rendition of the latter is really nice. This 'Stardust' melody has the Naturally Seven talented group assist Buble in a beautiful rendition which actually sounds like a song to be played at Christmas time, and "Whatever it Takes" to finish this thing I will consider.It's a beautiful duet with Ron Sexsmith, again really laidback some easy listening, and in the standard edition finishes off this record. The next song should have been on the original, but they did end up re-releasing this record with this SPECTACULAR track, so great it was the subtitle for the re-release, about following your dreams and finding it in yourself to reach those instead of going to Hollywood.' The vocals are always great, but it must be the alignment with the arrangement which is a nice blend of doo-wop/ rock/ lite-swing and or big band, but others would say it's just a glorified pop song, if it is juuuust  a pop song it is a GREAT one. Then there are the live versions of 'At This Moment' I can't remember what the title..oh yeah! ha! The next song is 'Some Kind of Wonderful,' it's not that bad; it reminds me of the time he dedicated a song to his dancing partner asking her to save the last dance for her ride. The next track is another somber, piano number with some subtle strings that probably sound better during the winter months or late fall months more so than the 'End of May.' Then we are followed by wonderful  live renditions of "Me and Mrs. Jones," "I Haven't Met You Yet," and "Heartache Tonight." Looks like this review had not only gotten the "Best of Me," but maybe had put the best of Buble to light. The whole album is pretty awesome, but the songs I have crazy love for include : Cry Me A River, Crazy Love, I Haven't Met You Yet, Hold On, Heartache Tonight, At This Moment, Stardust, Whatever It Takes, Hollywood, and End of May.

Ryan Adams "Ashes and Fire"

It's been said that this new record is definitely tamer than previous releases, including "III/IV" with The Cardinals which had a selection of many great songs, and that fact cannot be ignored.This record starts with a song that is pouring 'Dirty Rain' and notes of laidback piano (bar style..wtf does that mean?) and acoustic guitar. There is something about the title track that is a lot more inviting,  maybe it's the piano which is a little bit more upbeat, and slightly bluesy, as well as being in the forefront., or the folksy intro; everything works together for a perfect example of synergy.I was waiting for an idea on how to describe this one. First thing, Jim James comes to mind in the vocal sense, and the sound is as it should be with a song dealing with the longing of a lost one to 'Come Home.' The violin is there with the right sense of twang.The next song 'Rocks' even though it is pretty tame with a string-laden backbone. We follow with a song about a topic that many of us can relate to because we have been in that situation at some point, a situation which has us asking 'Do I Wait' for that person to recognize me as more than a friend, or realize that they made a mistake when they left? These 'Chains of Love' are short and sweet, which can either be a good or bad thing depending on the type of person one is. What The flip? Long term or those people who like a one night stand, but reading the lyrics it seems like it is about one of those relationships where you stay in because you feel the need to, maybe you're afraid to leave or you just cannot escape the 'Invisible Riverside.' The latter is a perfect song to listen to as you float away on this tame current of strummed notes. Maybe someone can 'Save Me' with their 'Kindness' which doesn't ask for more than an open mind, which doesn't seem like a lot, but to some it's too much.The former is a song crying in desperation blues in an alt-country style, lovely acoustic guitar led harmonies, while the latter sounds like a more positive twin. I feel real 'Lucky Now' after listening to this track, which would have ended the record perfectly. The next song is just.like..well. 'I Love You But I Don't Know What To Say' except at times I cannot help but think of Jim James during several songs on this record, and that the song does end the record pretty strong, but not as good as if the former track would have ended it. If I had to choose my favorites they would be as follows : Ashes and Fire, Rocks, Chains of Love, Save Me, and Lucky Now.

It Feels Soooo Wierd to Be Back On This Site

I know it has been a looong time since I have posted anything on this blog, but that doesn't mean I have not been writing anything. I may have been silent, but I have plenty to post; i just wanted to continue writing more entries before i finished the final 10% (or more) of each review before release. If you have been here for a while and know the deal; ok, who typed that because that was a joke (not very funny). Let's say that this is the first post you have read, and that's fine, but be prepared because these reviews may not be the usual quality you are used to reading (better! No, probably worse, but you can be the judge). Ok, so that is it. Have an awesome day! Hopefully it is not ruined by reading my s#!+. HAaAaAa! ;)