Justin Bieber

Type - Song Review
Title - Be Alright
Artist - Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber revealed prior to releasing his 'Believe' album that he wrote a song entirely for his other half 'Selena Gomez'. He wrote it while on his previous world tour, during his time in Japan. We later found out that the song was 'Be Alright'. The song targets how difficult long term relationships can be, especially when you're a band or artist and you're touring without that special someone.

Listen here. 

Justin's smooth vocals make us realize how much emotion he's putting in to this particular song. You can hear the sincerity in his voice and the acoustic guitar throughout is played beautifully. He talks about the thing's he'd do to be with his special someone and how he's been away for so long that it's hard for him to picture her. Justin said in an interview 'in the song, I'm letting the other person know that everything's going to be alright'.

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- newcitylauren

While She Sleeps

Type – Album Review

Title – This Is The Six

Artist – While She Sleeps

While She Sleeps are set to be the new stars of the British metal scene, over the past 18 months the band has won every accolade available for a new band playing heavy music and ‘This Is The Six’ is exactly the album that they needed to make.

Released on August 6th, 2012, The album opens with “Dead Behind The Eyes”, While She Sleeps do not waste time in making an impression. Loud, fast and designed to instigate bar brawls, it’s a monster of a track—and perhaps one of their best—but this does not mean that This Is The Six is lacking in intensity in the rest of the tracks. Having first gained attention with 2010’s The North Stands For Nothing mini-album, the quintet—who come from Bring Me The Horizon’s hometown of Sheffield, U.K.—up the ante across the board, churning out anthems by the fistful, for the most part avoiding the one-dimensionality that plagues far too many of those born of the metalcore gene pool.

Among the best are the frantic “Seven Hills” (its frantic energy contrasting with a mournful tone that undercuts the music), the piano-tinged, desperate “Our Courage, Our Cancer” and “Love At War” which borders on heartbreaking in between passages dripping with contempt. At the same time, the belligerence of the hardcore-flavored “Be(lie)ve” and juddering violence of “Until The Death” do an effective job of wrecking everything before them. The band’s greatest weapon lies in the vocals of Lawrence “Loz” Taylor, whose approach seems born of a desire to be coughing up blood the rest of his life (in a good way, of course). Every scream sounds torn from his body, his intensity never wavering as he delivers a commanding performance rife with emotion.

 

Its  moments of respire mean that This Is The Six isn’t simply an exercise in unrelenting aggression. A considerable amount of thought has been put into making sure that this album has as big an impact as possible.

There’s not one bad song on this album. This Is The Six is comfortable in is own skin full of heavy guitar riffs. Unlike so many before them, While She Sleeps just might be able to live up to all the hype that has been heaped upon them.

We really enjoyed this album and we want to know your thoughts on it, leave us a comment below telling us what you thought.

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- Gillian_x3

Owl City ft. Carly Rae Jepsen

Type - Single Review

Title – Good Time

By – Owl City ft. Carly Rae Jepsen

Despite ruling the worldwide charts with 'Fireflies' back in 2009, Adam Young aka Owl City has struggled to maintain his popularity. Not content with another track stalling at the lower depths of the chart, the singer-songwriter has called upon 2012's pop princess Carly Rae Jepsen to feature on his latest single - and the result is exactly what we were expecting.

Owl City tells us it's always a good time, and when the songs are pure fun like this, it certainly is. "Good Time" wastes no time in getting under your skin. The music kicks off with the background of "It's always a good time" before the first verse kicks in. This sounds like a "I Gotta Feeling" for the summer. Choruses of "Whoa-oh-oh" seem one of the most tired elements of current pop music, but somehow it works here. Collaborating with Matt Thiessen of Relient K and Brian Lee on song writing, Owl City's Adam Young exudes a pure pop confidence that is exhilarating.

"Woke up on the right side of the bed/ what’s up with this Prince song inside my head?" Young asks over beats bouncier than a space-hopper and indie-pop keyboard riffs more jubilant than a kid after a packet of sugary sweets. As such, with Young's knack for a stellar pop melody and Carly's current chart queen status, the result is an addictively sweet tune - and better yet, it means they both avoid that dreaded one-hit wonder tag.

Carly Rae Jepsen, of the massive hit "Call Me Maybe" demonstrates she knows her way around appealing vocals on songs written by others. She shares equally with Adam Young on lead vocal elements. The pair is ultimately very charming and appealing together. It is quite possible they may have another chart-topping pop hit to follow up each of their #1 debut singles.

If there is a down side to "Good Time," it is that there is nothing that sounds original here. The song distils current elements of mainstream pop into a fluffy sing-a-long. That works well for a summer pop anthem of the moment. However, it is hard to know whether this song will be nearly as memorable as some of the other top hits of 2012. Meanwhile, enjoy the sugar fuelled pop rush here and sing along.

We love the pairing up of Carly Rae Jepsen with Owl City for this track and this is a fantastic song full of energy. We want to know what everyone thinks of this song, leave us a comment below telling us what you think.

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- Gillian_x3

All Time Low

Type - Single Review

Title – For Baltimore

By – All Time Low

Ok so All Times Low’s last album “Dirty Work” wasn’t as good as their previous albums and it wasn’t entirely their fault they had a ton of major label pressure from Interscope.  But now that the band are back home where they belong with Hopeless Records they are sounding better than ever.

Their upcoming album “Don’t Panic” is due to be released on October 9^th 2012 and the two singles that have already been released sound like some of the best song that the band has ever written. Personally I think that they give of a Green Day vibe, lyrically in “Reckless and the Brave” and musically in the acoustic intro of “For Baltimore”

“For Baltimore” starts off with Alex’s vocals being quietly delivered along to the strumming of an acoustic guitar. The song deals with a guy who is trying to tell the girl he likes how much better life in the city and life in general in better when they are together. This is one of my favourite songs that they have ever written, it’s up there next to “Remembering Sunday”, you can really tell that a lot of thought was poured into the writing of this song. The band perfectly capture the spirit of desperation as he tries to pour his hear out to this girl.   

Musically the song sounds like a step forward from the brilliance that was “Nothing Personal” and as much as I love All Time Low, I will just take “Dirty Work” as an awkward bump in All Time Low’s road. The guitars are strong and the vocals are excellent and not autotuned to hell like at times on the last album and it sounds like they were all on the same page when it came to making this song.

We love this new All Time Low track but we want to know what everyone else thinks, leave a comment below telling us what you think of their new song “For Baltimore”

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- Gillian_x3

Rita Ora

Type - Album Review

Title – ORA

By – Rita Ora

'ORA' is the long awaited debut album from Rita Ora and it was released earlier this week on Monday 27th August 2012. Ever since bursting onto the music scene she has been labelled as the British Rhianna, however this debut album blows that compassion out of the water and confirms that Rita is most definitely an outstanding artist in her own right.

12-tracks long, ORA is an album for those who enjoy the sounds of the current eclectic R&B and dance-pop vibe. From 'R.I.P.' to 'How We Do (Party)', Rita Ora has made her stamp as a pop artist with the infectious sounds of her pop music taking the charts and the club scene by storm.

The opening track to the album is ‘Facemelt’ and straight away livens things up with its in your face beats. ‘Roc The Life’ is possibly one of the best tracks on the album apart from the recent Number 1 hit ‘How We Do (Party)’. ‘Roc The Life’ has a rock feel to the track and full of infectious lyrics.

The album is full of synths and hard, loud drums and strong vocals and even when she is showing a softer, vulnerable side of herself on ‘Been Lying’ she manages to keep these elements keeping a great flow and energy through the whole album.  When Rita hits big choruses on the album is when she is at her best with the biggest choruses easily being lead single ‘R.I.P’, ‘Radioactive’ and ‘Fall In Love’. The songs also give us a stronger side to Rita because they show her bigger character and with solid beats, undeniable big vocals and great up-tempo production seem hard not to dance to.

The singer also manages to effortlessly mix up tempo dance-pop songs such as ‘Hot Right Now’ and ‘Crazy Girl’ with urban inspired tracks such as ‘Young, Single, Sexy’ and her collaboration with fellow Roc Nation label mate J. Cole ‘Love and War’. Overall you can definitely see an artist that knows where they are going and which direction they are heading with their music. Rita’s strong presence writing and singing on the album is easily there along with her raw aura.

‘How We Do (Party)’ and ‘R.I.P’ need no introduction as both tracks have been hugely successful for Rita, giving her a second and third consecutive Number 1. ‘Radioactive’ is rumoured to be Rita’s new single but this is yet to be confirmed. This track has the David Guetta feel to it and will no doubt make a huge impression on the charts if it is released

With impressive productions from rap legend Kanye West and the Black Eyed Peas frontman, Will.i.am, you can’t help but appreciate the effort put into the production side of the album.

This album is brilliantly written and produced and has the potential to be one of the biggest pop of the year.

We love Rita Ora's debut album but we want to know what everyone's opinion about this album, leave a comment below telling us what you think.

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- Gillian_x3

Professor Green

Type- Single Review

Title- Avalon

By- Professor Green ft. Sierra Kusterbeck

Professor Green will be releasing this track on September 24^th. The singe is different from the original album track and includes the vocals from Sierra Kusterbeck of American rock duo VersaEmerge.

‘Avalon’ features Sierra Kusterbeck, who provides a dark, powerful chorus, to match Pro Green’s lyrics and delivery. The song is about staying strong and picking your self up when you are down. This song perfectly represents Pro Greens personality how he lives his life to a certain extent. ‘Avalon’ tells the story of his life growing up from the boy on the streets that he used to be to the man living his dreams that he is today.

Though you may have heard ‘Avalon’ in the latest advert for Relentless Energy Drink that follows Pro Green’s journey from the streets to the stage and sees him unite with the rock singer, where they perform their collaborative effort to a lively crowd. Personally I could get used to Pre Green as a rock star, especially since he’s not afraid of controversy and causing a stir.

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- Gillian_x3

Aiden Grimshaw

Type- Album Review

Title- Misty Eye

By- Aiden Grimshaw

After placing ninth in X-Factor 2010 Aiden Grimshaw has come a very long way since then to deliver a solid debut album.

His lead single 'Is This Love' full of glitches, twitches and skidding bass seems like an unconventional move for a former reality star, then the remainder of Misty Eye will feel a bit strange. We'll admit it; we're not used to X Factor contestants diverting from the typical pop sound and creating a new sound.

"Well hold on to this," Aiden demands on opener 'Hold On' surrounded by grinding beats, stomping piano and trickling percussion. It's a pretentious comparison, but one that recurs on title the track 'Misty Eye' and current his single 'Curtain Call'. Thundering thuds underline distorted ad-libs and contained strings, gloriously showcasing Grimshaw's ambitious vision.

Aiden's intense stage persona oozes through his deeply emotional lyrics of heartbreak and despair. "Behind my eyes I'm terrified/ Now you're gone," he sings on 'This Island', before declaring that the solitary space is "suicidal". It's painfully hard stuff, but refreshingly honest. His chances of winning The X Factor may have ended extremely early, but Misty Eye is beyond a winner's album. It’s unique, it's interesting, it's daring and, most importantly of all, it's Aiden's.

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- Gillian_x3

Yellowcard

Type- Album Review

Title- Southern Air

By- Yellowcard

Yellowcard are not just another band. Just last March, the Jacksonville natives released ‘When You’re Through Thinking Say Yes’, a record that served as a statement, saying not only was Yellowcard active again but they were well and truly back, The album was a refresher on al things Yellowcard and the band took a sound that we are all familiar with and crafted a comeback album that stood higher that theor past material. It was a perfectly executed return back to the scene. Saying that with ‘Southern Air’ we are shown front man Ryan Key’s most intimate and personal story telling, Sean Mackin’s most emotional violin contributions and Longineu Pearsons’ steady backbone on the drum kit.

Most of us can easily recognise a Ryan Key’s chorus quickly by now, and Yellowcars sixth studio album kicks off with a big one on “Awakening.” On this particular track its not the chorus that stands out its actually the verses. The second verse Key’s belts “Yes, I miss you still/ and probably always will/ I’m living with a busted heart that I will have until/ I find strength I know is somewhere in my bones/ To pull the curtain up again and get on with the show/ at least you know I still care enough to write.” Key’s lyrical prowess has been magnified on this latest record.

As always, Yellowcard throws in a few slow songs in to mix up the pace during the 10 tracks on the album. “Telescope” is a brooding, building number while “Ten” is the emotional high point of the album. Key sing a heartfelt story about a child lost before birth. The song is so intimate and is impacted by Mackin’s emotive violin. Mid-tempo song co-written with Patrick Stump “Here I Am Alive,” allows Key’s lyric to come to the forefront and this times offers an insight into the highs and lows of his band’s career and hiatus.

When Yellowcard announced they were recording a new album merely eighteen months after releasing the last one is nothing compared to the sense of awe I get listening to ‘Southern Air’. For a band like this to put its all into their come back and become present in the genre again is made even better by the fact that they are even better now than they were before they left, it truly is something amazing to witness. ‘Southern Air’  is the best  pop-punk album of 2012, it is a veteran band giving their all for everyone to listen.

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- Gillian_x3

Taylor Swift

Type- Single Review

Title- We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together

By- Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift recently released the first single ‘We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together’ from her upcoming fourth studio album, ‘Red’.  We were completely surprised with Swifts change of style for her latest single, that’s not to say we didn’t love it because we absolutely did.

Swifts track is less country like we are used to from her and is more ‘pop-ish’, however beneath the heavily electronic production you can still hear the country roots that are there. Even with the changes this track is still girl and loveable keeping it true to her beginning still using her signature acoustic guitar.

“We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” has a similar sound to that of The Veronicas and Avril Lavigne, However Swift has much more up beat and simple lyrics – “I say I hate you/we break up/you call me/ I love you”. These make the whole song more upbeat and catchier.

The best line is when she, sarcastically, sings “You would hide away and find some peace of mind with an indie record that’s much cooler than mine.” Not only is it delivered beautifully, but there is no doubt that that incident really happened, which only makes it more relatable.

As always Swift co-wrote the track and she has a way of not sugarcoating her thoughts: she’s hurt and she’s lashing out and it would be nice, given the sway she has over her millions of teen followers, if the song led them to also get out of a bad relationship. To her credit, there’s no hint in the lyrics (and hopefully won’t be in the video) that she’s even possibly thinking about going back again.

Though acoustic guitar based, with sweet “ooh-ooh” background vocals, this song is sang beautifully the whole way through. Even although this song in mainly pop I bet that the rest of her album will cater to country as she would never abandon her roots.

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- Gillian_x3

Artists Inspirations: Hudson Taylor

We asked Hudson Taylor "Who are your biggest inspirations and how do they inspire you". 

Here is their answer. 

We've always had a thing for the Oldies, we grew up listening to Simon and Garfunkel, The Beatles, The Everly Brothers, the whole lot! To this day we're still listening to all of this. They have inspired us mainly because they use a lot of vocal harmony, something we use in our music quite a bit. We love raw music that is preformed live and songs that are sung with great energy and conviction. We've picked up on what song structures work, and are easy for everyone to relate to and tried to translate that into songs that have elements of Simon & Garfunkel-esque memorable lyrics and melodies.

- Written by Hudson Taylor

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A Rocket To The Moon

Type- Single Review

Title- Whole Lotta You

By- A Rocket To The Moon

Massachusetts born rockers A Rocket To The Moon have release the first song ‘Whole Lotta You’ off their second full length album, ‘Wild & Free’, which is due to be released the autumn.

The band have stayed with their roots for this song sticking to the sound that we are familiar with coming from A Rocket To The Moon. With their pleasant pop melodies, ringing acoustics and hook-laden harmonies. This song seamlessly captures the feeling of being drunk off love. Much like the songs from their first album this song is extremely catchy and will be stuck in your head for a long time.

This mesmerizing 4 piece band are fronted by Nick Santino who lends his unique vocals to their band. Guitarist - Justin Richards, Bassist – Eric Halvorsen and Drummer – Andrew Cook all bring the band together and give them a very distinctively upbeat sound to the song.

Front man Nick Santino said in an interview with AltPress “We wanted to write a different kind of love song. We also wanted to write a different kind of summer song. ‘Whole Lotta You’ is about having a good time, going out to a bar with your friends and falling in love with someone across the bar”. Listening to this song all of this comes across in their sound and through their lyrics and it’s a fantastic relatable summer song.

If you haven’t heard of A Rocket To The Moon we strongly recommend that you check them out, they are fantastic and have a sound that is like nothing you have ever heard before. Much love, Life is Music TV

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Gillian_x3

Zeus

Type- Single Review

Title- Are You Wasting My Time

By- Zeus

Canadian Rock band Zeus release their new track ‘Are You Wasting My Time' next week. The song’s lyric are extremely catchy and is laced with excellent guitar and bass riffs. This song is one that the band can definitely be proud of.  Zeus has a very distinct sound and the way that the band play their instruments and put their own spin on the genre giving the song instantly recognisable sound.

This 4 piece band consist of is fronted by Rob Drake. Drake gives the band their unique vocal edge. Members Carlin, Mike and Neil all play a huge part in the band by bring the sound together and creating the unique and distinctive sound that is Zeus.

The lyrics of Are You Wasting My Time speak about love, but with some one that doesn’t know whether or not to love back. The hook sums up the whole song perfectly and the song faces the indecisiveness with their fantastic guitar riffs.

The song is extremely catchy, but the bands secret is in the production with faint acoustic guitar strums, layered guitar leads and saloon-styled piano. The song has a vintage sound to it, however it is most definitely not outdated.

If you haven’t heard of Zeus we strongly recommend that you check them out, they are fantastic and have a sound that is like nothing you have ever heard before. Much love, Life is Music TV.

                 

-Gillian_x3

Conor Maynard

(Album Review)

 Artist: Conor Maynard

Album: Contrast

Release Date: July 30^th 2012

Label: Parlophone

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Conor Maynard, he first rose to fame on YouTube in 2008/2009. He began by uploading cover songs of popular artists such as Chris Brown, Taio Cruz and Rihanna. Conor was discovered by singer/songwriter Ne-Yo after he watched Conor’s cover video of Ne-Yo’s song “Beautiful Monster”

Maynard is only 19, although he does look a little younger; some of the songs of the album are about the break up with his first girlfriend a year a go. He shows the youngster inside of himself by using the Looney Tunes theme song at the stat of “Mary Goes Round” and “Peel my banana” is about as explicit as he gets.

Maynard’s album is much more sophisticated and slicker than most other teen-marketed singers. His catchy number two hit from last April, “Can’t Say No”, may be about how much he likes girls – a lot like most teen pop songs – however fantastic his bass riff and minimal R&B beats go to places other acts wouldn’t dare to go with their music. “Vegas Girl”, is just as full of bass and is laced with urban sound topped off by a little a capella line about tequila.

This is Maynard’s debut album full of boasting collaborations with Ne-Yo, Rita Ora and the N.E.R.D man Pharrell Williams also produced the record. Pharrell even claimed that Maynard “Will change the face of pop music”, now that certainly is giving the 19 year-olds first album a lot to live up too.

Maynard’s vocal ability gives the impression that he is much older than he actually is, with far more range and depth than most other teenagers demonstrate. Contrast is definitely an album engineered for 2012 with the dubstep sounds frequently featured in the background.

This is a fantastic debut album from 19 year-old Conor Maynard and is definitely worth a listen and we recommend that if you haven’t heard of Conor before that you check him out.  

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