Kelly Clarkson // Heartbeat Song

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It’s been a few years since we’ve heard from Kelly Clarkson, but to be fair, in between, she’s got married and had a child so you can forgive. However, she’s back with a new track taken from her forthcoming album, Piece By Piece.

We think that maybe the song should be in the emergency room. With symptoms such as feeling numb, pins & needles on her tongue and a rising temperature, the verses of Heartbeat Song sound as if they’re a beat in atrial fibrillation (that, is racing) while the chorus is in sinus rhythm (that is, normal pace). It’s a nice change to hear from her, in comparison to some previous released singles.

Surely a top 10 for Miss Clarkson as radio listeners & streamers sing along with the infectious chorus…Will be interesting to see what else she’s going to offer on her forthcoming release.

Rating: 4/5

Meghan Trainor // Lips Are Movin

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Meghan Trainor made chart history last October when her song All About That Bass made it into the UK charts purely on airplay alone. Her follow up comes in the form of  Lips Are Movin.

Just as with the last, the latest offering has a theme and this time it the boyfriend cheating. Sadly for us, we’re hot hearing anything here that we didn’t hear with All About That Bass and feels a bit like a re-hash of it. And then you think back to Christmas when that lovely track I’ll Be Home popped up.

It’s a shame that such a similar song has been chosen next when we’re pretty sure that there’s more to Meghan than we’ve heard at present.

Rating: 2/5

Various Artists // The Lion King Legacy Collection

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Celebrating the 20th anniversary (has it really been 20 years already?) and the first in the new Legacy Collection, is the 1994 film The Lion King. Split across 2 discs this is probably as close to a complete soundtrack as we are going to get (when you compare it to the original & the special edition).

Disc 1 is essentially the film with familiar vocal tracks of Circle of Life, Just Can’t Wait To Be King etc. all here but interspaced with Hans Zimmer’s score which beautifully accompanied the film but that we didn’t, in parts, really get to appreciate at the time. Disc 2 contains demo tracks of score segments, two songs omitted from the original film (The Morning Report, which later made an appearance in the re-release and of course, in the stage version of the show and Warthog Rhapsody, the song that Hakuna Matata replaced), an instrumental version of Circle Of Life and of course, Elton John’s versions of Circle of Life, Just Can’t Wait To Be King & Can You Feel The Love Tonight.

As we said, this is probably as close to a complete soundtrack as we’re going to get. It’s a big improvement on the original release as well as the re-release special edition. But who will it apply to? That is the question. For us we could see those who grew up with the film originally or those that have an interest in the lesser heard score. We love the idea of having the score and vocal tracks mixed meaning, in essence and assuming you know the film well enough, you could just stick this on, close your eyes and you’d be there in the film. Now…why can’t all soundtracks be like this?

Rating: 4/5

Alex Cornish // Beyond The Serenade

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It’s been 3 years since we’ve had an album from Alex Cornish (we had a little release in the Play Your Part EP back in 2013) but now he’s back with album no. 4, Beyond The Serenade

Opening track, Footnotes on the Page opens softly but as if progresses it builds to a crescendo before heading back down to close just as softly as it opened. Easy going verses and attention demanding choruses & bridges make up the DNA of First & Last. Everywhere I Go again seems to use building blocks, introducing each instrument on a new layer before reaching a crashing chorus and then going uphill from there (for some reason we're imaging a crazy car tour for a video...)

Work the Fields uses the first minute & a half as an instrumental, layering the instruments which, for us, conjures images of busy city life before Cornish's smooth vocals come in with piano, with a reminder of that busy feeling kept by the quick intermittent beat, before giving way to rising strings and a calmer, gentler feel of getting away from it all.

Something a bit calmer and sedate in the form of Downstream with a similar theme continuing in How I'm Meant To Be. A bit of sombreness creeps into the album in the form of I'll Never Learn. The Pine & The Birch brings a little rock to the proceedings and took us by a bit of a surprised when we first heard it on a well known streaming service but after that initial entrance, it's not too far from what we know of Alex's work. After that wake up call, things are taken down for a bit with Drives Me On.

We're not entirely sure if Cornish is channelling his inner Billy Joel with a piano driven track Again & Again that reminds us a little of Always A Woman & The Piano Man but this gives way to Give Me Time, a track similar in style to Everywhere I Go in terms of how it's built, from gentle to a demanding roar. Closing the album is Nothing In Return which a song of two half, the first with vocals while the second is an instrumental with some interesting sounds at the end of it.

For fans, there is a little bit of everything from Alex's past releases as well but at the same time, it feels as if he's experimenting without deviating from what he knows works. This would be the album that we'd recommend for anyone not familiar with Alex's previous releases...and it makes for a good show live too!

Rating: 4/5

Symphobia // What’s Done Is Done

 
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You may not have heard of Symphobia but they came to our attention in the closing months of 2014. It is the latest project from producer Geo with singer Adeesha taking on vocals. The first 2 singles (Brand New Day & I Do, I Do, I Do) never really caught our attention, but the latest one, What's Done is Done perked our interest.

Compared to the past two singles, which were based on classical themes, this is a completely original track. Joining Adeesha on vocals are Jade Valerie (who has worked with Geo previously) and Marinoux. All three vocals work well with two distinct styles, Adeesha's hip-hop/rnb while Jade & Marinoux bring more of a pop feel to it. Add to that Marinoux also sings in French, which does come across as a little odd, but yet doesn't seem to distract from the track at all.

One worry we did have, reading the comments, was with Jade featuring, were people jumping on because of her? Time will tell as the album (titled Noc-Turn, slated for a release in February) with the next track (We Are) apparently next up single wise.

Rating: 4/5

The Veronicas // You Ruin Me

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Somewhere in the back of our minds, we seem to recall The Veronicas a number of years ago…so long that actually, we don’t remember the music just the name. However now we have the lead single from their forthcoming self-titled album, and it goes by the name of You Ruin Me.

Melodically, it’s a piano driven track with strings entering just as the vocals start with the chorus. Vocally, it’s full of heartfelt emotion and feel very much like a break-up song with opening lyrics Job well done/ standing ovation. Yeah you got what you wanted/ I guess you won. Looking at it as a whole, the song is minimalistic but that lends to the vulnerability that runs through it.

The question is in a music scene that seems, at time, saturated with ballads, will this stand out? Only time will tell but apart from that, it’s not a bad wee track.

Rating: 5/5

Bentley Jones // Defying Gravity

(Deluxe Edition mp3 cover)
Standard
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Deluxe
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It’s been 2 years since Bentley Jones last album release but between then and now we’ve had a sprinkling of single & EPs. And now it finally time to get our hands on the album release that has been teased for months.

The album opens with the first single Evolve before heading into Follow You Down to maintain the pace before we slow things for two uptempo ballads in the form of
Without You (Come Back) & I Have Loved.

Next we have 夢のしずく or the Japanese version of the single Nothing. Everything. Next we make a return to a sound that shows that there is still the naughty streak there (R1D31T) before taking a punt of the title track of the album, a cover of a song from the Wicked musical,  Defying Gravity which we can’t help think sums up Bentley and his career to a t.

Once again we slow it down for One Too Many Goodbyes before it’s back to the more uptemponess with Talk 2 U.  Axiomatis is a bit of an odd track given that it was actually composed between Jones and his fans (known as The TruthST4LK3RZ) and also features them on instruments, backing vocals…pretty much this is their anthem and it’s a bit of feat to have pulled off in what some might determine as a short timeframe.

As almost a reward for buying the physical release we have an additional track.Devil's Cry (Shall Never Surrender) is Bentley take on the theme from Devil May Cry 4, originally planned from a now scrapped project, the song has been given a spit & polish to bring it into line with the rest of the album. The One on the standard edition (read downloadable from other sites) brings the album full circle and end it’s off perfectly.

However, if you’re like us and opted for the deluxe physical edition, then you’ve still got a few tracks to go. 残酷な天使のテーゼ (Theme from "Neon Genesis Evangelion") is a modern taken on the 90s anime theme. Next we’re given the English version of a tracks a few back. Yes we are talking about Nothing.Everything, a track that if we’re honest, we weren’t keen on until hearing the Japanese version. And in closing we have the Japanese version of the album title track Defying Gravity, known here as 自由を求めて.

The accompanying DVD of the deluxe comes with videos for Evolve, I Have Loved, Nothing.Everything, Axiomatis and two tracks previous released on an EP, What Now…? and The Place Where Dreaming Ends. Live ukulele versions of Evolve & Nothing.Everything, a track by track and message from Ben wrap the DVD up.

Looking at the release, there is probably more falsetto here than we were expecting and sometimes it does feel as if he is reaching the top end of his range for it. However, it is probably because it’s not something that we are entirely familiar in hearing from Jones, except in the occasional track. That aside, it feels a very personal album from him but that the imagery constructed from the lyrics may resonate with those listening.

Rating: 4/5

Various Artists // BBC Radio 2 Presents Sounds Of the 80’s

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It was probably only a matter of time before an album was released in…celebration of the revival of BBC Radio 2 show. But this is not the original tracks…as you might have guessed given the tag line: Unique covers of classic hits.

Now when it comes to covers, for us, we like to hear a song respect the original but at the same time be given something that make it’s their. There’s a few example of this with the likes of the The Script’s take on Drive, Ed Sheeran’s Atlantic City, Caro Emerald’s Walk Like An Egyptian, James Blunt’s I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues, The Pierces Don’t Give Up.

Then you’ve got the tracks that sound a bit more samey as the original but work for the vocalist like Arthur’s Theme (The Best That You Can) by Rummer, Smalltown Boy by Dido, Train’s Holding Back The Years & The Overtones take on the Wham! classic Wake Me Up Before You Go. And then at the other end of the scale, you have the tracks that either sound too similar and no imagination like Kian Egan’s Run To You, Boyzone’s Whole Of The Moon & Level 42’s Need You Tonight or you have to wonder what they were thinking at the time (Christina Perri’s Turn Back Time, Birdie’s Lucky Star)

Overall, it’s a bit of mixed bag but the better tracks outweigh what in our opinion is some of the weaker tracks on the double cd release. On the most part, the covers are done well, but some need a good looking at whilst some just need someone to plug them into the National Grid to give them a bit of a jump start.

Rating: 3/5

Peter Hollens // Peter Hollens

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Frequent visitors to this blog will know that we’ve featured some of Hollens’ singles. Well, now he’s only gone and got an album released on a major label!

Opening the album is I See Fire (of Ed Sheeran fame) which automatically reminds you that, for the majority if not all the tracks on this album are made using only voices. Next is a take on The Elder Scroll’s Skyrim theme fearuring another of this blogs favs, Lindsey Stirling, which is for one track features over 100 seperate tracks to produce the sound. A take on Jason Mraz’s song I Won’t Give Up, delivered with the same passion as heard in the original.

Next we head to Broadway for a Les Miserables Medley featuring Hollens’ wife Evynne before another collaboration, this time with Sabrina Carpenter in the form of the U2 classic, I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For. Things take a tender moment with the American folk song, Shenandoah before changing location for another folk song, this time from Ireland in the form of She Moved Through The Fair.

Hallelujah comes next and is a duet with Jackie Evancho (you might know her name if you watch America’s Got Talent) and leads into a duet with Brian Wilson (of Beach Boys fame) in Our Special Love. Back to the folk songs and first we have The Parting Glass that we’ve previously reviewed before he have Black Is The Colour of My True Love’s Hair featuring Avi Kaplan (of Pentatonix) on vocal duties as well.

Ashland’s Song is Peter’s own composition, written for his recent newborn son, and is a track that parents will no doubt be able to relate to. The final track on the album is Misty Mountains (as heard The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey) and for us, we feel it leaves you waiting for more.

Overall, we find difficulty in finding fault with the album when you consider that it is all recorded using, for a number of them, just one voice. It would be easy to say ‘oh but he’s already released some tracks individually’ (which he has and the majority can be bought over on Loudr) but ignoring that fact, this album is quite a nice introduction into Peter’s world particularly for those who may not be as familiar with his works. That said, it’s also a nice collection for fans as some of the songs featured are from the fan favourite videos. We, meanwhile wait to see what next in store.

Rating: 5/5

Brian Wilson & Various Artists // God Only Knows

 
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It’s not long until that time of the year again, and yes, we are talking about Children In Need, so it’s time to cue the singles to aid in the fundraising effort.

The track (a cover of the Beach Boys classic, God Only Knows) isn’t only a fundraising single but also launching BBC Music. In similar tone to the 1997 single, Perfect Day, this single features a plethora of performers with the likes of Emeli Sande, Lorde, Elton John, Chris Martin (of Coldplay), Florance (without her Machines), Kylie, Pharrell and more, each taking a line of the track as well as having Brian Wilson shown playing the piano and singing two of the lines (one being the final of the track which seems appropriate)

This isn’t a bad track and considering the number of different voices on the single, it does work well and is one that will probably appeal to all ages. And it’s for charity too so it’s doing some good too.

Rating: 5/5

Jedward // Ferocious

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It’s been a few years since we’ve crossed paths with Jedward (our last outing being just before the 2011 Eurovision song contest) but we’ve just come across the newest single from their fourth album (titled Free Spirit) called Ferocious.

It’s in the streams of pop and dance. But the vocals sound more mature than our last crossing. And maybe that’s in part that the song was inspired by fans who letters about their problems. And in true agony…uncle(?) style, the following lyrics are found: Life is never easy/Don’t ever pack it in/Deal with all the highs and lows/ Don’t let them say you can’t.

To be honest, it actually a decent track although we do have a small issue with the repetitive nature of part of the chorus (Ferocious/Ferocious/I will be ferocious) which does fell a wee bit like they couldn’t think of anything else to put here.

Maybe the boys have turned a new leaf. Only time will tell.

Rating: 3.5/5

Jonathan Antoine // Tenore

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It’s just been short of a year since Jonathan’s last outing with then partner in music, Charlotte (who herself released her own album this year too) but now it’s time for Jonathan to take centre stage with his own solo outing in the form of Tenore.

The opening tracks do sort of set the tone & style for the album, that being quite operatic and it shows with the likes of La donna è mobile from Rigoletto, followed by
Torna a Surriento & Nel blu, dipinto di blu (Volare) (though we’re used to hearing this at a slightly quicker tempo!)

Be My Love is the first track that we get to hear Antoine put that voice through English before head back into Italian with Parla Più Piano  followed by Panis Angelicus
& Una furtiva lagrima from L'elisir d'amore

So Deep is the Night (Arranged from Chopin's Tristesse, Etude Op. 10/3) brings things back to a slightly lighter tone before to head into a little bouncy track with Arrivederci, Roma. Fanfare is called for with Core 'ngrato as well as with Granada before ending the album on a high with Love Changes Everything from Aspects of Love with a simple piano accompaniment leading in.

Overall, this album seems to suit Jonathan and feels much more natural than what we’ve heard in previous outings. Once again we can hear him growing in confidence and utilising that powerful voice. There are still some moments where he is a little rough but these are few and far between and just shows that he still has some things to learn. But that aside, the arrangement of the tracks have been sympathetic to his voice with neither drowning the other at any point.

Some may see the tracks as safe but to us, this album says, this is me. We look forward to seeing where or maybe what Jonathan gets up to in the future

Rating: 4/5