Future "Pluto"

   If a rapper from the Future promised to take you to Pluto what would be the first thing that would come to mind? “It’s Cold There! I might need a few layers of under armour, some extra sweatshirts,…how long will this take? Maybe in the future that would be possible, but…” Guess what? “The Future is Now.” R Kelly joins in on the fun, and his vocals leap without a “Parachute.” That hook makes me blue, but is addictive, and that beat seem to be perfect for going down on someone. Whatever. In this next song, he sounds like Wyclef Jean… “Straight Up.” So if the first track was an introduction, the second and third tracks must have been preparation for what is to come once we enter space. Finally, I get to meet an “Astronaut Chick,” and guess what the first thing we do? “We light up the whole room, we hot like May and June/More love than February, this s***ain't no fairy tale/The highest level you can go, we blow up to legendary,” and there’s more where that came from. The piano is peaceful, and there is autotune sounding a lil’ weezy, yet it is not as raspy.                                                                                                                           This song must be “Magic” because there really is nothing special about it that comes to mind, yet I’m still intrigued. “Learned the Astronaut Kid no such thing as limitation,” but he might not be aware of the four walls around him while he is on his level. Your right, “I’m Trippin” because this next song is what launches this spaceship into hyperspace; ironic considering that this could make a great reefer anthem.  If I say that this song sounds like it might taste like a lollipop, the criticism and harsh words may “Neva End,” but I thought it was a compliment to be compared to the “greatest rapper alive.” While on the topic, his protégé appears on the next track to make a coke deal with “Tony Montana” who sounds like he is making fun of his own character. As we come closer to the end of the trip I realize that he reminds me of a weakened Wale, but only because of that “Permanent Scar” that he is still trying to overcome and the limitations it presents to him. This is one of those songs I can laugh so much I cry at the “Same Damn Time,” I can hate it, I can love it at the same d*mn time, and you can roll your eyes while I attempt to rhyme.                                                          Looks like Snoop is out for blood this time in what may be a verbal ‘”Homicide,” but it takes two to tango, and recalling his past, Future prepares for what is to follow: “Slang a bunch of packs, and go and snatch a Benzo/I played them streets as a young n****, ain't never liked Nintendo.” If I mention Wyclef Jean again as a comparison it’s probably because “You Deserve it,” at least when it comes to vocal style on occasion. This hook is sharp, but causes no pain; I recommend it to be released as a single. Parachute, Straight Up, I’m Trippin, Truth Gonna Hurt You, Permanent Scar, Same Damn Time, Homicide, Turn on The Lights, and You Deserve it.          

Demi Lovato "Unbroken"

After a harsh year preceding, dealing with personal issues made public and going to rehab, she came out Unbroken; stronger and better than ever. I loved the sound of her first two records and one of my all time favorites will be the song that tooks and still takes me to "La La Land" which was so fun to listen to and layered like pure audio lasagna in prog-pop stance,that i cannot ever forget it. I ws worried when i had heard that the sound will be different. Now I am always an advocate for an artist to change their sound, but I have come to the realization that maybe the song wasn't entirely her, and she had some help (obviously). Maybe she was still figuring out her style, but I still thank her for that awesome pop nugget, no doubt. This seems more authentic. After listening to it, I realized that maybe this music is more her, and no less powerful.                          She starts with a song that can keep this party lasting "All Night Long" with Timbaland and Missy Elliot. I'm sorry I was drunk so I needed to use the easy way out, I was partying for several hours already. The song took me by surprise in the vocal department, delivery, which is of desperation "I don't fall easy often/I've never had a love like you" and go perfectly with her delivery, then we have Missy Elliot dropping some bars and Timbaland laying down some autotune, and some good beats.                                                       I wanna know "Who's That Boy" that has Demi going crazy because now there are two songs in a row she has been ready to make waves "From the back of the club /To a bed in the shade." The song starts with Dev whose voice always sounds really sexy for some reason, and then we got Demi whose vocals are great, backed by some Pretty Girl Rock, with Miss Independent. The next song is one of my favorites, and was recorded originally with Ariana Grande and Iyaz. I love that version, but this one is bomb too! So is the guy Iyaz who tells Demi that "You're My Only Shorty" backed by infectious bells and whistles, trombones, hand claps and lovely harmonies. Do you remember when Jason Derulo sang a duet with Demi Lovato? Neither do I, but now they are on a song "Together." Can you remember the lyrics? It shouldn't be too hard, but the emotion is real, and about a relationship where two lovers went their separate ways.                                              A song that starts floating in the air, and makes you feel "Lightweight," this is truly a beautiful song that sounds like an updated Unchained Melody, but focuses on the other side of the relationship and on one that has Demi feel like a candle in the wind, frail whenever she sees this guy, or near him. However she remains "Unbroken," even after the stranglehold the relationship had on her self esteem. There is a reason why this song is the title track for several reasons, amongst being a powerful song in the dance vein and a change, yet the meaning is still strong and substance is there as well; dance songs can have substance, and you can dance to it ,but it may not be a full on one.It is a song that encourages you to take a risk and live your life I love it though, it should be a single. I guess you can't really "Fix A Heart" can you? This song doesn't need any fixing I'll tell you that much, and if you need a song that can "Hold Up" after repeated listens this is one of them; at times it can be a percussive dance track with some pop-punk attitude, and it makes an allusion to a robbery as she sings "If your gonna take me down, I surrender/I'll give you anything you want,/Just don't leave me alone." If this next song was a single it would not be a "Mistake" because the opening just Knocks You Down yet lifts you up. Again, Demi's vocals do not disappoint, and she decides to "Give Your Heart a Break." The first single, and very powerful anthem for everyone and anyone who has felt judged, spat on, laughed at, and pushed down, but still try to rise like a "Skyscraper" with the heart-tugging piano and the vocals  seem as if they may shatter glass, or will fall apart, but remain forever strong.                                             If only I could meet Demi "In Real Life." This song is reeaal awesome and is about those daydreams of this guy (for her) or a girl that is like the cat's meow, but they are a-holes and just look good. The only way to see them that great is in their dreams, and the sounds something from a dream with that wurlitzer? I'm just spitting words, but this song and the next sound like throwbacks. Demi's vocals just outshined themselves on earlier tracks with the sound of a soul-girl in this bluesy-soul workout that proclaims "My Love is a Star." The last track is a very powerful confessional dealing with her relationship with her father and how he could not put the bottle down "For The Love of a Daughter," among the flourishes of piano, strings, guitar and percussion which is made for a soaring epic, oh, and if this doesn't move you, even if you haven't experienced something like this..then do you have a heart? So many great tracks, and this album is definitely worth a listen, but it seems like she saved some of the best for last.

Garbage "Not Your Kind of People"

    You may not have liked them because you either thought their music was Garbage, or they were simply Not Your Kind of People. This album might change your mind though as it sounds as if there is a new vibrancy. Producing records is almost like teaching, you want to instruct them and help build on their strengths, but then also learn new approaches from those artists whose albums you produce as well. Butch Vig deserves credit considering some of his production work, and I am just giving credit where it is due, but we cannot forget to mention the talents of Shirley Manson, Steve Marker, and  Duke Erikson.                             It's not like it is an "Automatic Systematic Habit" to disregard the opening song; I just had nothing of note to say besides the fact that I liked it. Track two  has an underlying Ramones bass line that cannot be ignored, especially in the wonderful "Big Bright World" of ours. One of the poppiest cuts is going out for blood, but like too much sugar can cause your teeth to fall out, an infectious pop hook can cause your ears to bleed. It sounds as if the conductor was a fan of some Aerosmith-harmonica style boogie, but loses “Control” as the  steel tracks disintegrate. Would it be too brash to point out that the title track’s dream-pop recalls Beatles' brand of psychadelia?                                                                                                                                            The synth sequence in the next tune sounds deliberately robotic, and devoid of feeling; to illustrate and coincide with some of the crimes that love is guilty of, before declaring “I Hate Love.” Manson wants some “Sugar,” but you will not find any immediate hook, you will hearthe whisper and the “come hither” delivery that Madonna still occasionally dabbles in this subtle dance tune. I wonder if the “Man on a Wire” would have been able to drive a getaway car with enough practice, a helicopter and high tension cables. The final song is as sure of its sincerity, as it is with who it’s directed towards; “Beloved Freak” need not apply :                                                                                                                                                                                     “People lie and people steal                                                                                                                                                They misinterpret how you feel                                                                                          And so we doubt and we conceal.                                                                                                                                       You're not alone"

Carrie Underwood "Blown Away"

  Carrie Underwood has had a solid career for fans of country, and even if you are not an old or new country fan you can appreciate her approach to music. It’s more pop-rock than country, think Shania Twain and almost every other artist under that label (male or female), but this is not about labels; it’s about the music!        This album may have some of her best music yet; from the production to the more rock-oriented sound on some of the tunes. You can say I was Blown Away. This song is about another “Good Girl” who may get her heart broken, like the main single from her last album, except she’s not afraid to wade her “…heart in the dirt.”  What is love without getting hurt?                                                                                                           What do you get when you cross a song about an abusive relationship and instrumentals that may be found on Florence and the Machine record? You get “Blown Away” by the title track. If that wasn’t enough this next one may have you believe she lost faith in men; how these “Two Black Cadillacs” and piano cross a new divide. Oh, Wallflowers! Will I “See You Again” on the beautiful side of somewhere?                                   The topic that is probably forever relatable: when you question “Do You Think About Me” to the love of your life (indirectly); I think it is for those pre-marital relationships, but it could work for those bound by marriage as well. How life can be “Forever Changed” by one mistake or one miracle, but that is up to the person’s interpretation and viewpoint; this is one of those tales. From the solemn to the sunny, the country-reggae vibe is a “One Way Ticket” to a simile where “Life is like a ride on a party bus.”                                  Wait a second, “Nobody Ever Told You” that you are beautiful? WHY? A song that has a positive message for girls (it could work for guys too, but they would prefer to be called handsome) who feel as if they must look like those in the magazines to be beautiful. This next song is for the homesick, whether you are a hometown hero or not, and reminds me of a song from Scotty McCreery’s debut; that’s a compliment. “Thank God For Hometowns” because no matter how famous one becomes, the place where they derived from may always bring them back to Earth; good or bad. Sometimes it’s easy to see that there is “Good in Goodbye,” but when other people you know leave you ask why?                                                                       “Cupid’s Got A Shotgun” is one of her most energetic rockers that plays out like a Mr. and Mrs. Smith-type relationship. I get what Carrie Underwood was trying to say in “Wine After Whiskey.” Nice Touch! In the end, many fans curious to read what I have to say will ask “Who Are You” to say anything. No one, but my intent is to inspire thought and conversation, not to deliberately insult an artist or their fan base. Favorites: Good Girl, Blown Away, Two Black Cadillacs, See You Again, Do You Think About Me?, One Way Ticket, Nobody Ever Told You, Leave Love Alone, Cupid’s Got A Shotgun, and Who Are You?   

Deuce "Nine Lives"

   Y’all wanna read about the solo album from Deuce? Well, “Let’s Get It Crackin!” It is easy to see that this song could have been leftover from his former band, in sound and subject matter, but that is b-sides the point; the point is that he can write a good party song. Irreverent, sure, but he has spunk; he even proclaims himself as the white Obama: “Yeah I ain't even gotta f****** try!/You know why?/Cause I sound good Whenever I talk, whenever I spit, whenever I sing, b****” in “Help Me.” The first two songs were entertaining, but may lack substance. “America” is his retort; it sounds heavy handed, and out of place considering the neighbors of this aural country, but it has a lot of elements in its favor.                                          If you forgot this fact, well “I Came To Party.” One night stands and more of the usual activities, but look who stopped by? Travie McCoy. This may not be bar conversation, but as the record progresses the album features songs that become more introspective and depict more than one dimension. “The One” sounds like it might directly address his departure from Hollywood Undead, or just address his need for companionship. “I need a friend, someone close to my heart/That'll help me through my struggles,” and not just another one night stand who plays tuggles. UGH! In truth, part of Deuce still wants to get “Freaky Now.” Jeffree Star is not afraid to get risque with some of his lyrics again; he was in the opener as well. It is to be expected, like they are going to talk about cupcakes, rainbows, and puppies? If they were talking about those kind of puppies they would have no fear in saying “titties.”  Ronne Radke joins Deuce in revealing the Truth; “Nobody Likes Me.” Calling out his fair-weather friends: “I thought I could trust/But when it came to saving me/You let me self-destruct;” almost in what sounded like a music box. “Walk Alone” may see him inflate his confidence, comparing himself to Tupac, Jonathan Davis and Trent Reznor, but he still has his insecurities; you just don’t hear them in this track. I like the verse where he addresses the duality of meet and greets. “Til I Drop” is where Deuce is overshadowed by the likes of Veze Skante and Gadget (who seems to channel Eminem), but compensates for it with the anger and pain channeled in “Gravestone.” Who is he talking about though? The final song coincides with the whole (Imagined concept) of leaving the party to be able to self-assess. The other side of fame, and how most people don’t reach it , but “Now You See My Life.” The most exciting element of this song is easily the verse that Skee-Lo drops.                                                              Favorites: Help Me, America, I Came To Party, The One, Walk Alone, Til I Drop, and Gravestone. I was going to say that since he has Nine Lives, maybe he can make a better album in his next life. But this must be the album he was supposed to make, and it’s not that bad; it just seems to lack the diversity of the album released by his former band in 2011.