The MacDonlad Bros. // Three Cheers for Christmas

Download @ Amazon.co.uk

Love them or loathe them, there’s something almost lovable about the brothers from Ayr. The single, Three Cheers For Christmas, was written by the boys and has been now adopted by Cash For Kids as the official Christmas single.

It’s a fun little number that makes a change from the usual Christmas tracks that you here year after year and definately breaks up the monotony of the same tracks over and over and over again. The single also features Ravenwood Primary School choir who won a competition to sing with the boys on their Christmas single. Plus all monies raised from all the downloads is being donated to Cash For Kids.

The only issue is that there is no longevity. It’s not a song you could listen to for long periods but definitely one to slip in now and again.

Rating: 4/5

Red Hot Chilli Pipers // 100 Chilli Pipers

  
Buy @ Amazon.co.uk | Download @ Amazon.co.uk
Download @ iTunes

It’s not a misprint or misspelling. They’re the group who have made bagpipes fashionable and accessable. They’ve also managed to create a brand new genre of music: Bagrock

This four track EP brings the pipers into your home as they take you from Christmas to the New Year in 4 tracks but is also a great little introduction to the guys if you haven’t heard of them.

The opening track (100 Chilli Pipers) merges traditional (100 pipers) with rock (Rocking All Over The World) and basically engulfs you into the world of the Red Hot Chilli Pipers and what they do. There’s a special rendition of the Christmas track Little Drummer Boy (which was released last year as they’re attempt to get bagrock into the charts!) before ending the album with two great traditional Scottish tracks, Flower of Scotland and the Hogmany favourite Auld Lang Syne.

These guys prove that the bagpipes don’t have to be boring and don’t have to be resigned to the traditional songs heard on trips to Scotland but that they can be turned to almost any song and still make it sound great. A highly recommended release even if it’s just because you’re curious as to what’s the fuss is about them or because you want to see them take on the charts.

Rating: 4/5

Track listing:
100 Pipers
Little Drummer Boy
Flower of Scotland
Auld Lang Syne

Queen & The Muppets // Bohemian Rhapsody

Download @ Amazon.co.uk | Download @ iTunes

Take a musical institution and add a TV puppetry institution and what do you get? A version of a fantastic song like you’ve never heard it before.

Those that like their Queen songs intact, look away now. The Muppets have taken it had made their own version of it, to much hilarity! Featuring most of the characters that many will know and love (although I believe there are some that older fans may not recognise) they singing (in the best sense of the word) way through the classic with their own unique twists. After all, nothing the Muppets ever do is ever straight forward.

It’s a fun little number that no doubt will bring a smile to your face. It’s one that you wouldn’t mind hearing at Christmas to break up the mundane repeats of the Christmas songs you’ve been hearing since the end of November. Probably not a number one but one of those daft songs that come out at this time of year.

Rating: 4/5

Joe McElderrry // The Climb

Buy @ Amazon.co.uk | Download @ Amazon.co.uk
Download @ iTunes

With the exception of  the whole ‘Jedward’ fiasco, this years X-Factor has been hard to call with some song choices not being suited to the contestants voices and in-judge arguments. However, in the end the one contestant who has performed consistently well throughout the competition came out on top.

Joe appears to have taken the praise and the criticism each week and added to that which already to improve his performance, taking the songs and putting his own mark on them, accumulating in becoming the 2009 show winner.

The Climb is a cover of the Miley Cyrus track from the Hannah Montana movie soundtrack but when compared to the original, Joe brings more passion and emotion to the lyrics than Miley has. The lyrics also fit the situation that Joe has come through: the highs, the lows, the praise and the criticisms.

The CD version also features two songs recorded from the show; Queen track Somebody To Love and George Michael/Elton John track Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me, showcasing Joe’s ability to sing live as well as in the studio.

As with all X-factor winners, it’s hard to judge how well that he will be accepted by the British public and a future isn’t always certain. It may well be that this release will follow the same pattern as all X-factor releases: single release and then nothing for months until the time of the album release (currently set for October next year), but hopefully Joe will be one of those winners who will be around for a while and will prove that he deserved the title of X-factor winner

Rating: 4.5/5

Saint Vox // Saint Vox

Buy @ CD Japan (Regular) | Buy @ CD Japan (Limited)
Buy @ Yes Asia (Regular) | Buy @ Yes Asia (Limited)

What do you get if you take an upcoming young Japanese violinist and an ex-Sweetbox singer? Well this apparently. For Jade fans this is another name for them to look for her under and it may well be the first time that they have heard the name Emiri Miyamoto too (who, in her own right is a great violinist)

The album opens with the first single Don’t Leave Me This Way –Energy Flow- which is a great opening for the album and showcases what Jade, Emiri and Geo have planned for the album…sort of.  Merry Christmas Mr Lawerance –Rocket Girl- (which if you haven’t guessed from the title, features the well known song by pianist Ryuchi Sakamoto, who also wrote Energy Flow of which the first song is based). The chorus reminds you of Elton John’s Yellow Brick Road whilst the verse leave much to be desired singing wise.

No More Songs is a nice upbeat song that, once we get rid of digitalisation in the voice of the first verse is alright, only for it to turn up in the bridge again. It Won’t Matter -Kaze No Toorimichi- is a downbeat song sampling a song from the Studio Ghibili film My Neighbour Totoro (となりのトトロ, Tonari no Totoro). Electric -Jonetsu Tairiku- is just…well it’s hard to describe it. One thing is that it is the completely wrong style for Jade’s voice. We Fall is the next track and is along the same lines as Merry Christmas Mr Lawerance –Rocket Girl-.

Remember September is one of those lovely little ballads that Jade and Geo are great at composing. Sadly the chorus sounds as if there’s a record jumping with the repetition of “raining was falling”. Apart from that it has a nice little old country feeling to it.  Crashing Down -Mononoke Hime- is a fast paced song but again, in a style that doesn’t suit Jade’s voice. It also sample the theme from Princess Mononoke (もののけ姫, Mononoke-hime).

System Down is another little ballad which is the start of the end of the album. And finally is another little ballad called I’m There which could also have been titled I’ll Be There* Part 2.

Overall, this album doesn’t truly deliver. For it being a collaboration album with someone who is equally a great artist, it doesn’t feel like it. Emiri’s violin only really shines in endings, some bridges and ends, but is usually drowned out by the vocals. The singing styles don’t always suit and make it sound as if they are trying to diversify too much. Sadly more was expected of this album but it hasn’t lived up to expectations

*I’ll Be There featured on the Sweetbox album Adagio

Rating: 3/5

1. Don’t Leave Me This Way -Energy Flow-
2. Merry Christmas Mr.Lawrence –Rocket Girl-
3. No More Songs
4. It Won’t Matter -Kaze No Toorimichi-
5. Electric -Jonetsu Tairiku-
6. We Fall
7. Remember September
8. Killa -Sonata In Winter Saisho Kara Imamade-
9. Crashing Down -Mononoke Hime-
10.Take The Night Off
11. System Down
12. I’m There

P!nk // I Don’t Believe You

Download @ Amazon.co.uk | Download @ iTunes

The newest single to be lifted from the Funhouse album, I Don’t Believe You is a beautiful, emotional guitar driven ballad, so much so, you may be forgiven to think that it is P!ink. The reason; it’s completely different from what’s previously been released from this album.

Yes she’s released ballads before, but nothing quite like this. The lyrics are heart felt and may just drive you to tears! The second track on the single is a live acoustic version of the track, which just adds to the beauty of the vocals

Overall it’s a cracking wee track to be released from the album and one that everyone, fan or not, should check out

Rating: 5/5

Westlife // What About Now

Buy @ Amazon.co.uk | Download @ Amazon.co.uk
Download @ iTunes

It’s been 2 years since the Irish boy band released an album and this is the first single to lifted from it.  And if you think it sounds familiar, well here’s at least two reasons why:

• It’s a cover song. It was originally recorded by US band Daughtry.
• It’s was used in parts of the auditions and boot camp results on the current series of X Facto

Coincidence? Probably not. But what better promotion. Sadly though, while the song suits their voices, it’s just a straight cover, nothing done to really make it their own. And it would appear that the boys have fallen into a trend of releasing a cover song as a leading single with the last couple of albums.

But looking at as a single, it’s a great track to come back with. Long term fans will be pleased to see the boys backs and they may even entice a few new ones. Lets see what else the album brings…

Rating: 4/5

JLS // Everybody In Love

Buy @ Amazon.co uk | Download @ Amazon.co.uk
Download @ iTunes

After appearing on the last series of X Factor they wowed thousands…at least, enough so that when their debut single ‘Beat Again’ was released that it came out of no where to take the number one spot on the iTunes chart. Did we mention that they also won a MOBO this year?

Anyway, we digress from the point. Everybody In Love is the second single to be lifted from the forthcoming self titled album.  Sadly though, the song doesn’t pull you in like Beat Again. It’s repeated bassline and basic melody  of the down tempo ballad will soon become boring and have you reaching for something else. There’s no passion as felt from the debut making you think that this was probably an album track that should have been left for te album and not used as an album promotion.

The question is; has the bar been raised too high too quickly? The song is the opposite end of the first, from brilliant to nearly mediocre. Fans will flock to it, but the occassional listener will turn it off

Rating: 2/5

Nerina Pallot // Real Late Starter

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Real Late Starter is the first song to be lifted from Nerina Pallot’s newest album, The Graduate. The song is a brilliant little number that could basically sum up how those of who haven’t found their place in life see things if things did go right. Or another option is how people see life but carry on regardless. This mix (We Are The Chatterleys) only adds to the song

Also on this release is a previously digitally released track Peg, which in turn is a cover of the Steely Dan track. Of course, Nerina bring her unique vocal talents to this song to give it justice.

The final track on this release is My Last Tango, another previously released track, this time from her debut album, Dear Frustrated Superstar. However this is an acoustic version of the song, previously available on the Acoustic Sessions cd (that has been available to buy at her recent concerts)

Overall a nice little EP, assuming that you haven’t previously downloaded Track 2 or previously  bought the CD for track 3.

Rating: 4/5

Jordin Sparks // S.O.S (Let The Music Play)

Download @ Amazon.co.uk

S.O.S (Let The Music Play) is the second single to be lifted from Spark’s new album Battlefield. The song is a bit of a different direction for the singer into dancier music and away from the ballads that she’s become known for. From the electro sounding opening through to the thumping bass and dazzling synths, the song becomes one that’s instantly catchy so much so that you’ll find yourself singing and dancing a long in no time.

It’s a side of Jordin that’s not been seen and some may have difficulty in believing that the ballad-er could produce something like this, although the previous single (Battlefield) should have shown that she got a lot more to show than what we’ve seen so far.

The only problem is what will she use to follow up to the stomper of a track. Or has the bar been set too high?

Rating:4.5/5

Alexandra Burke // Bad Boys (feat. Flo Rida)

Download @ Amazon.co.uk | Download @ iTunes

X Factor’s 2008 winner finally releases a second single ! Although, sadly if given a choice between her version first single Hallelujah and this, Hallelujah wins hands down.

The song starts off promising. It sounds like something you’d expect the likes of Rhianna to be singing and good beat to the back of it. It’s when it reaches the chorus and you wonder if you’re still listening to the same song. The chorus feels as if it’s been some Eurovision cast off…actually, Eurovision has produced BETTER chorus, even the worse ones are better than this excuse of the song.

As the title says, it features Flo Rida although I’m still trying to work out the reasons behind this unless it’s just to make the song look good as him in the bridge is completely pointless.

As a whole, there are stronger songs on her forthcoming album, Overcome, that are ten times better than this and would do as brilliant singles. It can only be hoped that this one single doesn’t dash her career hopes

Rating:2/5

Nerina Pallot // The Graduate

Buy @ Amazon.co.uk | Download @ Amazon.co.uk
Buy @ Play.com | Download @ iTunes

It’s been a long three years since we last heard anything from this lovely woman, but finally, the new album has been released and it has been worth the wait. Teasing fans with possible tracks on her myspace and in the weeks running up to the release, showcasing acoustic versions of the final tracks.

Everything’s Illuminated! is a great opening track lulling you into a false sense of security that it’s a run of the mill pop song, but ultimately builds up to a powerful chorus. With gentle vocals on the verses and more powerful ones on the chorus, the track sets the stage for the rest of the album. Real Late Starter is a brilliant little number that could basically sum up how those of who haven’t found their place in life see things if things did go right.

The Right Side is another brilliant track with misdirecting lyrics (“How can we lose when we’re on the right side”) and would probably do well as a single. Human is a beautiful guitar driven ballad and a calm moment in the track listing.

After our moment of calm, the pace is brought back up with an easy going, rebelliously written song about going against what others are doing…partying! Coming home is an emotional song about the supportive family. The lyrics read what every parent thinks: “I’m all grown up now but I’m still your kid…and I know you’ll love me anyway.”

It Starts is this album’s Sophia. A beautiful piano driven ballad with the lyrics to match about love. Then comes the album shocker, When Did I Become Such A Bitch. Somehow you will find yourself singing along with it. It’s catchy, it sticks in your head and it realisation that you may be bitching when you don’t realise it and how it takes over. Cigarette is one of those little strange songs where each you listen to it, she seems to be singing something different. Works on so many levels. It Was Me is a beautiful little ballad which round the album off beautifully,

Overall a brilliant album that’s been well worth the teasing over and full of promising tracks that could do well as singles. The wait has been worth it and hopefully this will be the album that gets Nerina the attention she deserves

Rating: 5/5

The Saturdays // Forever Is Over

Download @ Amazon.co.uk | Download @ iTunes

The Saturdays seem to have gone from strength to strength since their first single Up. . Now they’re back with a new single and a pending new album, titled Wordshaker, from which the new single is taken.

Forever Is Over doesn’t sound like The Saturday’s, especially if you aren’t familiar with their work. When I first heard it, I thought it was some new artist but shocked to discover it was them. It feels like a modern but retro song and nothing like the elcotropop sound of the last album, heading more into the rock-pop. However, the question is whether or not it is a step too far for them at the moment and just jumping in at the deep end.

The chorus is strong however is likely that this will also be the downfall for the song as well, as by the second chorus, it becomes like nails on a chalk board.

If you’ve never heard of The Saturday’s then give this a go but don’t expect previous works to sound anything like this. Existing fans may find this song hard to swallow as a first single.

Rating: 3/5

Callaghan // Smile

Buy @ Amazon.co.uk

Smile is the second single to be released by this UK singer songwriter and is one of three tracks recorded with acclaimed US singer/songwriter Shawn Mullins.

The unsigned artist brings us this second helping with a beautiful upbeat ballad containing deep lyrics and beautiful melodies along with a passionate and stunning voice. It’s easy to see how this young lady has wowed audiences both sides of the Atlantic and yet hard to understand why someone like this hasn’t been snapped up.

One can hope that through her residency shows at Brioche in London plus the upcoming 2010 tour with Shawn Mullins in the US will give Callaghan the exposure she needs to show that she’s is one not to let away

Rating: 5/5

Shanna Crooks // Wakin’ Up To Love

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Wakin’ Up To Love is the first single from the Florida born singer/songwriter.  The song is one of those missed bright gem of a songs that has slipped unnoticed under the radar. her voice is unique, strong and full of confidence that breathes life into the vibrant lyrics of self penned songs.

This track is no different. With a simply and catchy melody and memorable lyrics, you’ll find yourself singing along to this long before it ends.  The song is alive with experience and character which is only empowered by the voice that sings them.

A toughly enjoyable little number that sets the standard for Shanna to beat with future records

Rating: 5/5

The Green Children // Life Was Beautiful

Life Was Beautiful is the second single to be released by Tom and Millia aka The Green Children.

The song, a beautiful ballad which, in their own words is about how love can strike us, shines through with powerful lyrics portrayed by a powerful yet emotionally engaging voice. Lyrically and melodically, there is no flaws with this single although it feels shorter than it actually is (which by no means is a bad thing)

The song is something different from the last single as well as previous material that some may have heard in the past. They’ve raised their own standard and hopefully this is a sign of things to come.

Rating: 5/5

Pixie Lott // Turn It Up

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Pixie Lott first came to our attention with her song Mama Do in June and three months later we get the 12 track debut album, titled Turn It Up.

There’s a couple of tracks that stick out from the album and it’s these that will probably be focused on. Opening track is the debut single Mama Do (which is basically about doing things that parents don’t know about) and a song we’re probably very familiar with.

Cry Me Out requires someone to translate the first verse before we get anywhere. It feels as if there are too many lyrics for the tempo resulting in what can only be a mumble jumble of words. Memorable chorus and an alright melody. Then seems to sort itself out. Band Aid is one of those nice little laid back summery pop tunes and that you can just relax and float away to.  Boys & Girls (track 5) is the current single and here comes in original album format. However can’t help feeling that there’s a bit of an Rhianna influence to it (try playing Shut Up & Drive and this side by side and you’ll see what I mean). Jack (track 8) feels like listening to a bad mash up of nursery rhymes.

Nothing Compares (track 9) is a beautiful slow ballad much better than the ballad attempt at track 2. Here We Go Again has feelings of another group that have come to light this year, The Noisettes. Reminders of their songs Never Forget You and Young Wild Hearts. The final track on the album, Hold Me In Your Arms, has a feeling of incompleteness, like they forget one of the tracks when they were putting the final version together and kind of just leaves the album hanging.

On looking at the whole album, there’s too much going on. It’s mixed box of styles which hasn’t particularly worked. There’s no doubting her voice but there’s a feeling of trying to showcase too much in such a small selection of tracks. It would probably have been best to showcase a couple of styles this album, a few the next etc etc etc.

Rating: 3.5/5

Eternity ∞ // Eternity [Korean Release]

Buy @ YesAsia

So as expected, we have a Korean release of the album released  at the start of June. And if anyone is familiar with Jade’s work and Korean releases, then you’ll already know what to expect; yes new tracks. Oh and there’s the possibility of Taiwanese and Hong Kong Versions following shortly too!

The album opens with the first single, Only Human which has been giving a slight change; shorter intro and clearer vocals on the bridge which, if you’re not familiar with the version on the Japanese version, then you won’t mind, but somehow the clearer vocals detract from the song. Wonderful World (the opening track on the Japanese version and has been referred to by some sites as the album title track) still has the extended opening with the vocals which in, to be honest, is more suited to it’s position on the Japanese release. From here it seems this part of the album is dedicated to the ballad [So Deep, Love, You Smile & I Will]

Track 7 indicates a change of direction. This is a new track especially for the Korean release called What You Want. Take Lady GaGa’s music in general, add Britney Spear’s Radar and add Jade in large quantities and you have What You Want, probably one of the best songs so far from the Eternity ∞ name.  Again we have another block of more upbeat songs [Change The World, Vanity, Damn & How Far]

The last few tracks things go a little pear shaped. Worth It All is another of the great songs from this project and really deserves to be in the first half of the album, rather than near the end. No Apologies is more of a dark ballad while the final track, an English translation of the Korean group Brown Eyed Girls of My Style…well, it’s sort of hard to described this song. It’s like some genetic malfunction between modern, retro and translation that just doesn’t seem to work, producing a musical mule.

So let’s look at the album as a whole; two new tracks, granted one is a bonus, one given a slight make over and a changed track listing. Does it make a difference? Well we’re in two minds about it:
No -  It contains the tracks from the Japanese release bar the two that were exclusives there (Hello Goodbye & Broken Lullaby) plus there’s two new tracks (granted one is a musical mule), who can argue with that?
Yes – The blocking of styles on the album doesn’t make it flow and a some points a little strange and nothing at all like the previous release.

If you don’t already own the Japanese version, then this is the one  for you. If you do, then you might get this for the two new tracks.

Rating: 4/5

1. Only Human
2. Wonderful World
3. So Deep
4. Love
5. You Smile
6. I Will
7. What You Want
8. Change The World
9. Vanity
10. Damn
11. How Far
12. Worth It All
13. No Apologies
14. My Style

Peter Andre // Behind Closed Doors

Download @ Amazon.co.uk | Download @ iTunes

Probably best known for the songs ‘Mysterious Girl’ and ‘Insania’, Peter Ander is back with his brand new single, Behind Closed Doors, the first to be lifted from the forthcoming album, The New Beginning.

Some may criticise that recent events would help publicise the release and that maybe it wasn’t the best time to release it. And while it may, the release should be viewed on it’s own merits although some of the lyrics might hint at recent events. It’s a great little rnb/rock number with strong,mature vocals. Nothing cheesy or pop sounding. It feels…raw…powerful. As said previously some of the lyrics hint at recent events but they’re strong, memorable and likely to have you singing along anytime you hear them.

For those of you with preconceived ideas of Pete’s previous work, cast them aside and imagine that you’re hearing him for the first time and see if you’re views of him change any.

Rating:4/5
Video:

Annie Lennox // The Annie Lennox Collection

Buy @ Amazon.co.uk | Buy @ Amazon.co.uk (2 Cd + DVD)
Download @ Amazon.co.uk | Download @ iTunes

*this review pertains to the 2cd/dvd release of the album*
Considering the length of time that Annie Lennox has been around, it’s surprising that this is the first collection to come out of her solo career (the collection from The Eurthymics came out a few years ago). It features songs all the albums released so far including the most recent album, Songs Of Mass Destruction.
As a collection, it brings together those songs that have been used as single (either retail or promotional) ranging from Little Bird to No More I love You’s, Love Song For A Vampire to the latest single Shining Light. It’s great to be able to listen to the songs and see that throughout the years that Annie has been able to maintain that distinct sound.
Disc 2 is a collection of rarer songs recorded by Annie for different projects including the award winning song from The Lord of The Rings: The Return of the King, ‘Into The West’. The DVD contains the videos to the songs on disk 1 as well as the videos for the songs ‘Something So Right’ and ‘Waiting In Vain’
Overall it’s a nice little collection for those who may not be familiar with Annie’s solo works or for those who have just dabbled in a couple of tracks. From a collectors point of view, well, if you own the albums, then there isn’t much here for you except a couple of new tracks and of course the DVD. My only complaint with the release is the presentation of it. It comes in a cardboard digipack with a disc in each panel. For a limited collection one may have expected something else more appropriate instead of making it look cheap.
Rating: 4.5/5
Track Listing:
Disc 1 1. Little Bird
2. Walking On Broken Glass
3. Why
4. No More "I Love You's"
5. Precious
6. A Whiter Shade Of Pale
7. A Thousand Beautiful Things
8. Sing
9. Pavement Cracks
10. Love Song For A Vampire
11. Cold
12. Dark Road
13. Pattern Of My Life
14. Shining Light
Disc 2 1. Into The West
2. Ladies Of The Canyon
3. Hush, Hush, Hush
4. Many Rivers To Cross (From Idol Gives Back)
5. Dream Angus
6. Mama
7. Every Time We Say Goodbye
8. Everybody Hurts (With Alicia Keys)
DVD Little Bird
Walking On Broken Glass
Why
No More "I Love You's"
Precious
A Whiter Shade Of Pale
A Thousand Beautiful Things
Sing
Pavement Cracks
Love Song For A Vampire
Cold
Dark Road
Pattern Of My Life
Shining Light
Something So Right (Bonus Video)
Waiting In Vain (Bonus Video)

Utada // This Is The One [US Version]

Buy @ Amazon.com | Download @ Amazon.com
Buy @ YesAsia | Download @ iTunes

So you may be wondering why I’m bothering to what is basically an identical album to a preview review (click here to read it). Well it’s because for the US release, the track listings had a bit of change. And that change throws the album. Track 1 (On & On) from the Japanese release has swapped positions with tracks 9 (Come Back To Me) & 10 (Me Muero).

So while the grand piano entrance of the albums first single may well suit the beginning on the album, the inclusion of Me Muero near the start doesn’t sound right. And On & On at the end makes you wonder where the rest of the album is. And thus the flow of the other tracks (who’s order still follows that of the Japanese release) just doesn’t sound right. It starts calm, climaxes around the middle, begins to calm again and then climaxes again. Not the best ending for an album.

But for this release it isn’t the end. No, the American market have been given three additional bonus tracks in the forum of the themes from the Kingdom Hearts series of games (both of which Utada sang in their English and Japanese forms respectively). For fans of the games, this marks the first time that the closing version of Sanctuary has been made available (as many fans had a game rip of the opening version). Having these songs included may well be enough to entice people to buy it by using this tactic.

Sadly for me though, it’s not enough to make me think that. If the track listing had remained the same then there might not have been a problem, but with changing it, everything seems thrown.

Rating: 3.5/5

NB Downloads DO NOT have bonus tracks. Amazon is normal 10 tracks whilst iTunes release has bonus video and digital booklet

Track Listing:
1. Come Back To Me
2. Me Muero
3. Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence
4. Apple And Cinnamon
5. Taking My Money Back
6. This One (Crying Like A Child)
7. Automatic Part II
8. Dirty Desire
9. Poppin'
10. On And on
CD ONLY
11. Simple and Clean (Bonus Track)
12. Sanctuary (Opening) (Bonus Track)
13. Sanctuary (Closing) (Bonus Track)

Mamma Mia! // The Movie Soundtrack

 Buy @ Amazon | Download @ iTunes

There’s something about watching grown women coming out of the cinema arm and arm, skipping down the street and singing Mamma Mia at the top of their voices that makes you say ‘ I’ll have whatever they’ve had.’
I’d never understood the phenomenon that is Mamma Mia, but with the stage version always guaranteed to sell out, people raving about it, it couldn’t be that bad could it?
Having now actually seen the film I can understand why people love it. If you’re not crying with tears of laughter and singing along by the end of it, there’s something wrong with you! After all, who can resist a good sing along to ABBA (don’t worry, the DVD comes with a sing along option!)?
I deviate from the point of this review. The album features the majority of the songs from the film (there’s one or two that have missed out sadly) in the order that they appear. And yes it is the cast singing.  Who knew that the likes of Meryl Streep and Colin Firth could sing? Sadly the same can’t be said for Pierce Brosnan and just about bearable if you can remember the scenes that the songs come from. Also on the soundtrack is the omitted song ‘ The Name Of The Game’ (which apparently is included within the deleted scenes section of the DVD or so I’ve discovered).
This is a must have if you want to enjoy the music of the film without having to sit through it. The cast pull it off wonderfully despite them not being familiar with recording in a studio. Make sure to let the last track (I Have A Dream) play in full in order to find the hidden track, Thank You For The Music, beautifully performed by Amanda Seyfried.
Rating: 5/5
Track listing:
1. Honey Honey
2. Money Money Money
3. Mamma Mia
4. Dancing Queen
5. Our Last Summer
6. Lay All Your Love On Me
7. Super Trouper
8. Gimme Gimme Gimme (A Man After Midnight)
9. Name Of The Game
10. Voulez Vous
11. SOS
12. Does Your Mother Know
13. Slipping Through My Fingers
14. Winner Takes It All
15. When All Is Said And Done
16. Take A Chance On Me
17. I Have A Dream/Thank You For The Music [hidden track]

Sandi Thom // The Best of Sandi Thom

 

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With only two album releases, you’d think maybe this was a premature release and that not much can be on it. Surprisingly, there’s 18 tracks on this release, which may be viewed as the ending of her time being constrained by what others want rather than herself before anything is heard of the third album (which Thom herself has made reference to be working on, on both her myspace and twitter)

This release is released via Camden Records after Thom parted ways with former record company Sony BMG over, what can only be deemed ‘creative differences’. The album features the tracks that were released as singles ( I Wish I Was A Punk Rocker (With Flowers In Hair), What If I’m Right, Lonely Girl and The Devil’s Beat), a selection of songs from the albums Smile…It Confuses People and The Pink & The Lily as well as the exclusive tracks that were previously released as mobile exclusives via various mobile phone providers in the UK.

Looking at the album as a whole, it brings together what is probably the best tracks from the last two albums. The addition of the exclusive tracks (Kiss From A Rose, It Must Be Love, Times Like These) as well makes this a nice little collection. So who will realistically buy this album? Well, there is of course the collectors either because they have every other release or because they’ve been looking for the elusive tracks found on the album (either because they were unable to buy them the first time around due to not being with the right provider or because they were on a service that they didn’t use (Lonely Girl [Live From The Basement] was released via online retailers such as iTunes and Napster]). This release may also appeal to those who may only be familiar with the one hit (that most likely being I Wish I Was A Punk Rocker (With Flowers In My Hair) which was probably her biggest, if only hit, to date) and may be curious into finding out what they’ve missed out on.

As previously said, a nice little collection that will probably be overlooked with other release around the same time.

Rating: 4/5

Track listing:

1. I Wish I Was A Punk Rocker (With Flowers In My Hair) (Radio Edit)
2. What If I'm Right (Radio Mix)
3. The Devil's Beat
4. Little Remedy
5. Saturday Night
6. When Horsepower Meant What It Said
7. The Last Picturehouse
8. The Human Jukebox
9. The Pink & The Lily
10. Sunset Borderline
11. My Ungrateful Heart
12. Lonely Girl (Live From The Basement)
13. Kiss From A Rose (Acoustic)
14. It Must Be Love (Acoustic)
15. May You Never
16. Times Like These (Acoustic)
17. No More Heroes
18. I Wish I Was A Punk Rocker (With Flowers In My Hair) (Mutiny's Rockers & Lovers Mix)

Lady GaGa // The Cherry Tree Sessions EP

 
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Lady GaGa first came to light with her song Just Dance, which some people did believe that her lyrics were simply influencing the young generation to a lifestyle that wasn’t exactly the best. But if you look back at the music throughout the years, there’s always been songs those lyrics haven’t exactly been…politically correct?

Anyway, that aside, The Cherry Tree Sessions is three tracks (Poker Face, Just Dance & Eh Eh (Nothing Else I Can Say)) in an acoustic or raw format. Poker Face is presented as a piano and vocal performance. It’s nice but somehow it doesn’t feel right at the slow tempo (maybe it’s because I’m so used to hearing it at faster speed on the radio).

Just Dance is just stripped down. It’s the raw elements of the back track plus GaGa’s vocals and it doesn’t sound too bad.

Eh Eh (Nothing Else I Can Say) came as a bit of a surprise. Because there is no tag at the end of this track (like with the previous songs) I thought that this was the version as featured on the album. It turns out that I was wrong and this version is sometimes known as Piano and Human Beatbox version. After hearing the album version though, I have to say that I prefer this version over the album one.

Looking at this little collection, it’s not half bad. It shows that even without the full production that GaGa can still perform the songs to album standard, which is always the proof of a good artist. An interesting little number but maybe only if you’re a true fan or looking for some alternative versions

Rating: 3.5/5

Cascada // Evacuate The Dancefloor [Album]

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2009 sees the return of Cascada to the charts with their third album release Evacuate The Dancefloor. The single of the same name was released just last week in the UK. For seasoned Cascada fans, this is just a walk in the park but here’s the shocker: there are NO COVER VERSIONS on the album!! Yep, all the tracks are original material….

The open track is the self titled Evacuate The Dancefloor which I’ve already covered in a previous posting so no need to go into this again. Track two (Hold On) lulls the listener into a false sense of belief by making the start sound like a cheesy pop song before heading into the dance side of things. Fever (Track 5) has your genetic dance song markings. And track 6 (Hold our Hands Up)…sorry, is this still a Cascada album?! An Acoustic poppy ballad?? Where did this come from?It’s brilliant!! Surprisingly for this album as well, Draw The Line (Track 11) is the only song to have the Candlelight treatment (the norm is usually the first track to be lifted from the album gets it…)

Lyrically, the album is sound. It’s musically that I have the main problem with. Some of the tracks you feel that you could easily go and lifted the previous albums and say ‘yep that this track, that’s that one…”. There’s only so many times that this the same track can be used. You can change the outside, but the inside will be the same. 

Overall, it’s goo to see that Team Cascada have finally managed to move away from the covers and have finally managed to produce an album of completely original material (lyrically). It will be interesting to see what the fans have to say about it and it will be interesting to see how this album fares without the covers to float it.

Rating: 4/5

Track listing:

1. Evacuate The Dancefloor
2. Hold On
3. Everytime I Hear Your Name
4. Ready Or Not
5. Fever
6. Hold Your Hands Up
7. Breathless
8. Dangerous
9. Why You Had To Leave
10. What About Me
11. Draw The Line (Yanou’s Candlelight mix)

Cascada // Evacuate The Dance Floor (Single)

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Evacuate The Dance Floor is the first track to be lifted from the album of the same name (Set for release next week).  The song follows the same Cascada pattern; Catchy lyrics and a catchy beat and if you’re familiar with previous works, then you already know what to expect.

It’s been met with criticism that it ‘ a total rip off’ of Lady GaGa’s Just Dance, and while it may sound like their elements of this, it is the Cascada sound. Besides, wouldn’t a comparision to Lady GaGa be more beneficial?

Sadly the UK CD release has been given only two tracks this time (the Radio Edit and the Extended version) while if you want the rest of the remix tracks you need to buy from online retailers such as iTunes, 7Digital or Amazon.co.uk. If there was ever a way to get people to part with their cash, this is it.

Will this be the number one song of the summer? It’s hard to say seeing as we’re just beginning, but it’s sounding good as a basis of what to expect from Team Cascada when the album is released.

Rating: 4/5

Track Listing:
1. Evacuate The Dance Floor (Radio Edit)
2. Evacuate The Dance Floor (Extended Version)

Video:

Sweetbox // The Next Generation (Japanese Release)

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The Next Generation is the 7th studio album from Sweetbox, while at the same time being the first album to feature the vocal talents of Jamie Pineda.

The album has a more an RnB feel compared to previous albums however, this release also maintains the groups signature musical style;  fusing modern sounds with classical sampling [We Can Work It Out, Crash Landed, Magic]. There’s also ballads [In A Heartbeat, With A Love Like You, When Will It Be Me], upbeat songs [Blue Angel, Everybody Come Out In The Sunshine] as well as some dancey sounding songs [Love Forgets, Crash Landed]. There is also a brand new version of the group’s signature song, Everything’s Gonna Be Alright as well as a remix of the same track by Yasutaka Nakata (a bonus for this version of the album)

As previously said, this album has a more RnB feel to it, making feel a little more ‘Western music’ feel. However, what should be remembered is that with every new singer, something new has been brought into the group. The one complaint that people seem to have is that Jamie has only co-wrote on the songs on the album, however, if we look at some of the more popular/successful artists out there, we may be surprised that to find that most of them have no input with their songs. And while yes, this is being used to compare Jamie to previous front woman, Jade Villalon, this is not to say that on future albums, Jamie won’t have more of a strong presence with writing.

Overall, given that this is a new combination of vocal talent and a new producer, the album is alright. The track order doesn’t produce a feeling of disjointedness and seems to contain the right mixture of styles. It will be interesting to see how the album is accepted by old and new fans alike

Rating: 4.5/5

Track Listing:

1. We Can Work It Out
2. You Don’t know What You’re Sorry For
3. In A Heartbeat
4. With A Love Like You
5. Everything Is Nothing
6. Crash Landed
7. Everything’s Gonna Be Alright (Next Generation 2009)
8. Blue Angel
9. Magic
10. Everybody Come Out Into The Sunshine
11. These Dayz
12. More Than You’ll Ever Know
13. When Will It Be Me
14. Coming Home To You
15. Love Forgets
16. Everything’s Gonna Be Alright (Next Generation 2009) [Yasutaka Nakata Remix]

Sweetbox // Rare Tracks

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Buy @ YesAsia.com (Taiwan Version)

What's in the title, Rare Tracks? Well, this little gem from the Sweetbox treasure trove is 22 tracks on previously unreleased or demo versions of songs which have appeared on the previous albums, from Classified to Addicted. In essence, this is the Japanese version of the previous European Exclusive, Raw Treasures Vol#1.

The main highlights for most fans will probably be the two different versions of Addicted that were used in Japan for the Subaru Legacy commercials as well as World Without Frontiers (altered version of Hate Without Frontiers of which the demo version is also featured on the album). Other highlights include a wedding arrangement of the classic Cinderella and a live piano version of For The Lonely.

This album as a whole is probably more suited to fans who know of the group as many of the tracks featured are demo equivalents of the versions that were eventually released. Overall though, the album makes for interesting listening.

Rating: 4.5/5

ETERNITY // Eternity

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Eternity is the new project from Jade Valerie and Geo, probably most well known previously as Sweetbox (which both left in 2007). This new project continues what they started with; taking classical songs and giving them a modern twist.

On first hearing the first track [Wonderful World] you may think you’ve picked up the wrong album, that it couldn’t possibly be something by Jade and Geo. But after a few listens, it does start to grow on you. And afterall, this is just the start. From here on in, the songs only get better.

There’s a mix of upbeat tracks [Only Human, You Smile], soulful ballads [Worth It All, Hello Goodbye], dark songs [Damn, How Far] , light Happy songs [Wonderful World, I Will] and a dig at generalised commercialism [Vanity].

The use of the classical pieces has been done tastefully as to incorporate it into the songs to a point where you could swear that the lyrics and additional music were meant for each other.

Overall, the album is well produced and the track order is brilliant mixing the different styles well without making the album sound disjointed or disorganised. A recommended listen to anyone who has been a previous fan of Jade and Geo’s work or for someone looking for something a little bit different from the usual ‘Pop’ sound

Rating: 4.5/5

Celine Dion // A WORLD TO BELIEVE IN -HIMIKO FANTASIA-

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This woman knows no bounds. Not only does she sing in French and English, but now French Canadian singer Celine Dion has recorded a full song in Japanese. Not that this should come as a surprise to many as at the start of the 2008 she released this song, A World To Believe In as a duet with Yuna Ito.
This version of the song was specially recorded for the film ‘Maboroshi no Yamataikoku’ and, although the language may have changed, the song still sounds as beautiful as the original. There is no disjointedness when Celine switches from Japanese to English (if only in the chorus sections) also there is no forced accent that sometimes occurs when singing in a foreign language, just Celine’s unmistakable vocals.

Also included on this single is the English album version of A World To Believe In, a live performance of My Love and a brand new song, There Comes A Time.

The single is a beautiful addition to any collection and once again this year, Celine proves that music is has no barriers, not even language.

Rating: 5/5

Sweetbox // Sweet Perfect Box

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The 6 studio albums from the group  (Sweetbox, Classified, Jade, Adagio, After The Lights & Addicted) come packaged together in a handy box, along side a beautifully illustrated booklet and an additional CD containing all the versions of what is probably the group's biggest single "Everything's Gonna Be Alright". It is seen as a summary of the success that Sweetbox have had in the past before new front woman Jamie Pineda takes the lead and does what every other frontwoman has done before her; brought something new into the mix.

The boxset itself would be perfect for anyone who wanted to get their hands on the main albums from the group or of course for the collector who just has to have it all. Either way, best get in quick as limited numbers mean that this release could be gone quicker than your favourite chocolates!

Rating: 5/5

Sweetbox // Sweet Reggae Mix

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Fans may groan that this is yet another pointless Sweetbox release, but in fact, this remix album is probably one of the better recent releases.

As the title suggests, the tracks have a reggae feel to them and you can't help but dance, tap or clap along to the infectious remix rhythms and vocals. Almost all 6 studio albums are represented on the album (although sadly no track representation from the JADE album) with what could be deemed highlight tracks. Unlike some remixes that take away from a song, these only add to it or in some cases, make it sound better than the original.

The album might not be everybody but the die hard collector or fan , but it is interesting to hear tracks that you wouldn't think would work with a reggae beat work and if that doesn't merit a listen to it, nothing will.

Rating: 5/5

Jade Valerie // Out Of The Box [Korean Version]

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Jade’s first solo release in Korea takes what could only be deemed as the best tracks from her two Japanese albums (Out Of The Box & Bittersweet Symphony) and brings them together on one album.

The tracks almost flow beautifully, that is, the tracks from each album, however at the cross over point, it does seem a little disjointed but it can be allowed to slip unnoticed. Also for this release are the new version of Like A Bird, titled Like A Bird (Geo’s Mix) (which if you have enjoyed previous Geo mixes of Sweetbox tracks, you are likely to love this as it only adds depth to the lyrics of the original version) and the duet version of You Don’t Know Me with Kim Dong Wan.

Sadly, having listened to the album, I have to say that the duet is the one thing that pulls the album down. It’s production seems hurried, as if it’s been a last minute thought and would probably sound much better if it had some resemblance to the previous duet with Korean singer Baek Ji Young, that being a mix of Korean and English.

If we ignore the last track, then the album is flawless and what the Japanese album, Bittersweet Symphony should have been.

Rating: 4/5

Celine Dion + Yuna Ito // A World To Believe In

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Before I begin, I have to admit that this is my first encounter with Ito Yuna, so really I didn’t know what to expect when combined with the voice that is Celine Dion.

The result? A beautiful ballad. The mix of English and Japanese languages works perfectly and I can see why this song was chosen as the duet. Unlike many foreign singers who switch languages mid way in a song, Ito Yuna seems to do it effortlessly and it in no way ruins the beauty of the song, nor is it painful to listen to. It’s also the exact same for Celine, who also seems to put no effort into jumping between languages.

Their voices are beautiful together in both languages and harmonise perfectly. I’ve even found listening to Ito Yuna solo version of the song very easy going, and although completely in Japanese, the beauty can still be heard. A recommended listen for fans of either artist.

Rating: 5/5

Various Artists // The World Sings Kubota

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You would think it wise that before buying a tribute album that you would know the work of the artist it is dedicated to. In this case, the album was purchased on the whim of the artists contributing to it before looking into the tribute artist.

In a way, there’s been no disadvantage in doing so as all the songs have been translated into English. The songs chosen blend almost perfectly and there’s no disjointed feeling that is sometimes felt when songs are translated from their native language. The songs are performed by some renown artist including Stevie B. (Missing), Jon Secada (Summer Eyes), Peabo Bryson (夜に抱かれて Lost Love) and Swing Out Sister (Be Wannabe) to name but a few.

So can we compare this to the original works? Well, yes as many of the artists who have contributed to this have almost stuck with the same or almost similar melody to the original, although bring their own distinct voice and style to it. The only track which seems to deviate from this is LA LA LA LOVE SONG (covered on the album by Jade Valerie) and which just seems to be slightly out of place and out of style of the album.

Overall, the album tracks appear to blend well and is a fitting tribute to the artist that is Toshinobu Kubota. Fans of Kubota’s works may be interested in this to hear what these songs sound like in English whilst fans of the contributing artists may be interested in having this to hear what their favourite artist has been up to.

Rating: 4/5

Jade Valerie // Bittersweet Symphony

After the release of Out Of The Box last year, hopes were high that the full studio album would be impressive. It's still obvious that there is a clinging to the sweetbox past with classicial sampling in two tracks (Unbreakable (moonlight Sonata) & Out In The Sea) but it's a combination that's worked well for Jade. The majority of the album is actually alright, but sadly there are the tracks that do pull the album down, mainly Undone & No You Don't. While Undone has a feel of Out Of The Box, you can help think it was an added extra with hurried production while No You Don't is sung in a style that just doesn't suit Jade's voice. Always Mine on the otherhand just seems to be completely out of place on the album, sounding as if it should have been released in time for Christmas as a single and probably left at that, or at least, added at the end of the album.

It's an album of two halves: the first half full of beautiful lyrics, wonderful melodies and the feel of a flowing theme, while the second half seems disjointed. The only rescuing song of the second half is the beautiful ballad that is Piece of Love (which if performed with piano only could be rather haunting).Sadly more was expected of this album than what we got and one can only hope that future releases are better.

Rating: 2.5/5

Jade Valerie // Out Of The Box

As the title suggests, this is the debut 'mini 'album from Jade Valerie. It's hard to listen to it and forget that this used to be the frontwoman of Sweetbox as it's completely different from what fans probably expected.

This album introduces us to almost a new Jade, almost like she's throwing the restraints of her former self and singing how she really wants. Fans might be surprised by the lyrics (Uh La La & Show Me come to mind) but this doesn't remove the beauty of the songs, but she still shows her softer side with the beautiful song that is Goodbye, the album's final track. Also included on this album is a full english version of the song CRUSH, originally a duet with Korean sing Baek Ji Young, which is simply a little fun song that's allowed her to let her hair down so to speak.

Overall, the album showcases what Jade truly is capable of and what is likely to be the norm as she embarks on her solo career. Hopefully previous fans of her will accept her in her solo status as well as finding new ones who previously didn't know who she was. Fantastic precursor to the highly anticipated full solo album.

Rating: 4/5