Sep 30, 2009

Girls Can't Catch - Keep Your Head Up




Girls Can't Catch is a new pop trio from the UK. The three members are Daizy, Jess, and Phoebe. Phoebe is an amazing singer, and was on the X-Factor two seasons ago in the girl band Hope. While Hope didn't win the competition, Phoebe always delivered.

Their single, "Keep Your Head Up" is one of my favorites at the moment. The beat and rhythm are very interesting, they keep changing tempo and is all over the place, but it still works. It's a really fast paced song, but still really slow. The chorus is brilliant - it's simple, catchy and fun. The bridge is also very good. It's a great moment in the song, and again, Phoebe delivers. I also really like the dance elements.

This is a great song to sing along and dance to while driving to work in the morning.

And here's the music video:



And an acoustic performace:




And here are two songs from the band Hope from X-Factor two years ago.

"Back To Black" (Originally by Amy Winehouse)


"Hurt" (originally by Christina Aguilera):


And "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)" (Originally by Abba):

Glee - New Songs! from "Rhodes Not Taken" (Episode 4)



Here are three songs from tonight's episode. All three have guest star and Broadway superstar Kristin Chenoweth. "Alone" and "Maybe This Time" will be on "The Music of Glee, Season 1, Volume One" which hits stores on the 3rd of November.


"Alone" sung by Matthew Morrison and guest star Kristin Chenoweth (originally by Heart):



"Maybe This Time" sung by Lea Michele and guest star Kristin Chenoweth (originally by Liza Minnelli):


"Last Name" sung by Kristin Chenoweth (originally by Carrie Underwood):


I really like "Alone" as sung by Kristin Chenoweth and Matthew Morrison and can't wait to see the scene. While I like Kristen Chenoweth and adore Lea Michele, I'm not to into "Maybe This Time" or "Last Name".

Let me know what you think of Glee and the three songs.

And come back tonight with your favorite quotes from the episode. Enjoy!

Cheryl Cole - Fight For This Love



As far as I'm concerned, Cheryl Cole can do no wrong. She has a beautiful voice, a sexy accent, and is absolutly stunning. She is also one fifth of Girls Aloud, UK's most successful all girl band. She is also a judge on The X-Factor (a singing competition, similar to American Idol.)

Have a listen to "Fight For This Love", Cheryl's first solo venture. The single is released in the UK on October 19th, while the Album, "Three Words" is released in the UK a week later, October 26th.

I personally think it's pop music at it's greatest. I cannot get it out of my head, and honestly, I don't want it to. I'm such a big fan of Girls Aloud and Cheryl, and this song is amazing. I can't wait for the album.

Did I mention, she is insanely gorgeous?




What are you thoughts on the song? What about the video?

And yes, there will be more clips from Cheryl, Girls Aloud, and X-Factor here. Stay tuned and subscribe.

Sep 29, 2009

OneRepublic - All The Right Moves




Here is OneRepublic's new single, "All The Right Moves".




(Earlier I posted an acoustic and live version of this song)

Glee - Sneak Peak: Kristin Chenoweth rehearsing "Maybe This Time"

I know this isn't exactly music, but I do love me some Glee! And there's plenty of great music on Glee.

Here's a sneak peak at tomorrow's episode with guest star Kristin Chenoweth. Enjoy.

"Working with Kristen is what I can imagine… what a priest would go through if they worked with Jesus" - Chris Colfer (Kurt Hummel on Glee


 

(Taken from LA Times website)

Sharon Corr with Alex Ubago - "Amarrado a Ti"




I don't know much about Alex Ubago beyond the fact that he is a Spanish Singer who recently recorded a duet with Sharon Corr. But I do know how Sharon Corr is and can't wait to hear her new album. For now, I will have to settle for this duet, and some classic hits by The Corrs.

I'm also not sure what "Amarrado a Ti" means, but I do like the song. It sounds like what I'd imagine a great Spanish pop/rock love song would sound like. If you know who Alex Ubago is, or have an opinion on the song, please chime in. Anyway, here is the video:

Anyway, here is the music video:



This is not the first time Sharon has released a song in Spanish. The Corrs and Alejando Sanz teamed up for two duets. The first is called "Una Noche" which is the Spanish version of the Corrs' hit "One Night". They also did a duet of "Hardest Day", an English version of Alejandro Sanz song, "Me Ire".

"Una Noche"


"One Night"



"The Hardest Day" (Live)


"Me Ire" (Live)

OneRepublic - All The Right Moves


OneRepublic can do no wrong at the moment. The bands first album, Dreaming Out Loud, has sold 1.8 million albums in the world, and four great singles, "Apologize", "Stop and Stare", "Say (All I Need)" and "Come Home". Dreaming Out Loud is an album you can listen to from beginning to end without having to skip a song. It is great all the way through.

Ryan Tedder, the lead singer, is an excellent songwriter and record producer. He co-wrote Leona Lewis' smash hit "Bleeding Love". He has worked with Backstreet Boys, Hillary Duff, Lupe Fiasco, Chris Cornell, Shayne Ward, Jennifer Hudson, Rihanna, Daughtry, Westlife, Natasha Bedingfield. He has written some big songs, including "Halo" for Beyonce (although it was intended for Leona Lewis), "Already Gone" for Kelly Clarkson, and "Battlefield" for Jordin Sparks.

OneRepublic is getting ready to release their follow up album, Waking Up, which is scheduled for release on the 17th of November. The lead single is called "All The Right Moves" and is scheduled to impact radio stations on the 29th of September.

This song is massive. It has OneRepublic all over it and is an instant classic. The production is very slick and the song is very catchy and radio friendly. I can and have been listening the the song nonstop. When you mix Ryan Tedder's writing, production and vocals, you can always expect good things. The leas single is really good, and I can't wait for Waking Up to be released.

"All the Right Moves" (Live Performance):




"All The Right Moves" Acoustic Performance:


What do you think? Will you buy Waking Up? Is "All The Right Moves" a hit?

Alicia Keys - Keep A Child Alive




As you may know, Alicia Keys is one of my heroes. She is a Global Ambassador and Co-Founder of an amazing organization called "Keep A Child Alive" and here's a message from her:


Alicia Keys from keepachildalive on Vimeo.

(Taken from http://keepachildalive.org/)


Be sure to check out her new single, "Doesn't Mean Anything".

Florence and the Machine - "Dark Days Are Over" and "Hardest of Hearts"



Florence and The Machine is a great band from the UK. It is difficult to describe their music - there are elements of rock, pop, folk, and dance throughout the album. It's a mixture of everything, and it works. Their album, Lungs, was released in the UK in July, and spent 5 weeks at #2, behind Michael Jackson. The album is going to be released in the US on the 27th of October, and I highly recommend it.

There are two tracks that stand out for me. The first is the super catchy "Dog Days Are Over". It's very catchy and has a great dance beat. It's very radio friendly and will be stuck in your head upon first listen. I think this would be a great single to release in the States. Take a listen.

Here is an acoustic version:


Another track that is great is called "Hardest of Hearts" and is only on the UK Deluxe Edition. It's really eerie and I love the beginning. I like that it starts of almost acoustic, and the beat kicks in, and it turns into a great rock ballad, with some elements of dance/trance music. It is insane how there are so many genres in it. It's brilliant, and is my favorite track by Florence and the Machine. I wish it were on the regular version of the album, as it should be heard by the fans.



What do you think of Florence and the Machine? Which track do you prefer, "Dog Days Are Over" or "Hardest Of Hearts"

Britney Spears - 3



It's new Britney, BITCH!

Britney Spears is back (again), with a new single, called "3". She is releasing a collection of her singles, called "Singles " on the 27th of October. There is also a "Deluxe Edition" of the album! Of course, this is for everyone who missed her "Greatest Hits" albums in 2004, or wants another copy just in case there is a natural disaster.

Here's her new single, "3"



While I'm not a fan of Britney Spears, she does have great producers and engineers that make her sound decent, if not good. I do enjoy some of her music - it is catchy unadulterated pop music. I really liked "Circus" and thought that was a great song, but this song doesn't do it for me. It actually hurt my ears, and I actually like pop music. Britney's doesn't even sound like her old self, they should stick with one voice, and always tweak her real voice to the same produced voice, keep it consistent people! And the song is very repetitive, but annoyingly so. It's got a disco feel, but with a lot of stop and go, the tempo is all over the place.

I can't say I was excited to hear it, nor was I waiting for it to leak, but I sure was excited when it was over. If this is the only new track on the Singles Collection, I hope they make enough money to pay the engineers and producers that worked countless hours to make this song suck less than it would have without their efforts.

That was my two cents, What do you all think of "3"?

Sep 28, 2009

Alicia Keys - Doesn't Mean Anything



Alicia Keys is one of my personal heroes. She is a talented musician, lyricist, singer and composer, and has remained gracious, humble and grounded. She has won 5 American Music Awards, 4 BET Music Awards, 10 Billboard Music Awards, 3 World Music Awards, 13 NAACP Image Awards, and 12 Grammy Awards. She has sold 14 million albums in the US, and another 16 million worldwide. And she is only 28!

Alicia Keys is also a great philanthropist and is an ambassador and co-founder of "Keep A Child Alive", which aims to provide for children in Africa that have been affected by HIV/AIDS. In 2009, she received  the BET Humanitarian Award.

I could go on and on about how much I love Alicia and how gracious she is to her fans, but let's stick to the music for now..

On December 1st, Alicia Keys will be releasing her 4th studio album, called "The Element of Freedom". About two weeks ago, she posted audio from the lead single, "Doesn't Mean Anything" and today is day 2 of the music video shoot.

Here are two pictures of Alicia at the music video shoot (originally posted on Twitter by @AliciaKeys)







Take a listen and share your thoughts on the song:




My thoughts: I am a huge fan of Alicia, but this song falls short for me. The lyrics are great, but it sounds like "If I Ain't Got You" part 2. The music and arrangement are lacking. It sounds very similar to "No One" but without the power! It sounds like an unfinished demo. Her vocals are better than but it's missing something - it sounds empty. This will not be a classic Alicia hit. Sorry Alicia, I still think you are amazing, brilliant and talented, but this is not a strong first single. It's alright, but not strong enough for a single.

What do you all think?

Alexandra Burke - X-Factor Journey




I absolutely LOVE Alexandra Burke. She is phenomenal. She is going to be as big as Leona Lewis. She is not only a brilliant singer, she is genuine and real. She is also humble and hardworking. Remember her name: Alexandra Burke. She is already storming the charts in the UK and will be dominating the US in a year or so. Her debut album, Overcome, will be released in the UK on the 19th of October. Remember: Alexandra Burke.

She was the last year's X-Factor winner, and as you will see in the clips below, she is AMAZING. Here is her audition story and video:

Alexandra Burke - 2008 X-Factor Audition



During the 2008 X-Factor Season, Alexandra made it known that Beyonce was her role model and someone she looked up to. Well, during the show's Finale, Alexandra had her dream come true: A duet with Ms. Beyonce. Two things I love about this clip, the first being the look of sheer joy and terror on Alexandra's face as she gazes at Beyonce, and the composure and vocals she maintains while crying and shaking. Now, THAT is a professional.

Alexandra Burke and Beyonce - "Listen"




And here is the crowning moment:




Oh my! I've seen this clip many many times. I remember how excited and nervous I was watching it the day of, and how I was hoping for Alexandra to win over JLS and Eoghan. And that clip is just as exciting and powerful every time. There is so much genuine emotion and sheer happiness. Amazing!


And here is the music video for "Hallelujah":



So, now that you've been introduced to Alexandra Burke, what do you think? Share your thoughts.

(I will be posting her brand spanking new single and video, "Bad Boys" very soon)

Who Sang it Better: Wild Horses

Here's the deal: Same song, three different artists and renditions.... Who Sang It Better??


Contestant Number 1: The Rolling Stones




Contestant Number 2: Alicia Keys and Adam Levine



Contestant Number 3: Susan Boyle



So, Who Sang it Better? The Rolling Stones? Alicia Keys and Adam Levine? Susan Boyle?

Leave your votes in the comments. And thank you for playing!

Spice Girls - Viva Forever



There are certain songs that you know are special on the first listen. "Viva Forever" by the Spice Girls was one of those songs for me. I remember hearing it for the first time; I was probably in middle school, I was sitting on the couch in the living room, with my walkman cd player. I had the song on repeat for days. There was something about it. That was the day I became a fan of the girls, and still am.

And to this day, the song has a special sentiment. Whenever I have a crappy day or things don't go my way, "Viva Forever" always consoles me. I know it might sound ridiculous, but it does and it has helped me through some tough times.

I really like the lyrics, and the harmony at the end, with both Melanies. Again, it might be a super cheesy horrible pop song for some, but again, there's emotion and vulnerability, and hope in the song, which I find very powerful. Here are some of the lyrics:

"Viva forever, I'll be waiting
Everlasting, like the sun
Live forever,
For the moment
Ever searching for the one

Yes I still remember,
Every whispered word
The touch of your skin, giving life from within
Like a love song that I'd heard
Slipping through our fingers,
Like the sands of time
Promises made, every memory saved
Has reflections in my mind

Hasta Manana,
Always be mine"


The music video was really cheesy, and I didn't think it fit the sentiment of the song at all, but here it is anyway:



And here are two live performances, the first one is from 1998, while the second is from 2007:



Jesca Hoop - Dreams In The Hollow



Jesca Hoop is a singer/songwriter from California and her debut album, Kismet, is very unique and a joy to listen to. Kismet was released in 2007, and her new album, "Hunting My Dress" will be released in the UK on the 16th of November, and sometime in 2010 in the US.

I really enjoy her music, but cannot really describe it. I guess I would say it's one of a kind. There are elements of pop and folk, but it's plain odd and weird, but in a good way. There are some great songs, including: "Love Is All We Have", "Summertime", "Silverscreen" and my favorite, "Dreams in the Hollow".

Her song, "Dreams in the Hollow" is a standout. It always captures my attention every time I hear it. I love the background and the innocence, while the lyrics are dark and haunting. It's also very quirky, which I guess is a great way to describe Jesca, and the album.

Here are some of the lyrics:

"Why do we

Want to be
Ballerinas when we grow up
When we grow up
Little boys dream the night away
With fighting fires
When we grow up
Torlege releve rondejambe
And found and up
Found and up
Firemen slide on
Down the pole and sound
The siren
Everybody up

All is well in my sorrow
Isn't she a beauty
Burning hall
Ash and shadow
Here comes the hero"



I don't know what the video is of, but take a listen:



What do you think of the song?

U2 - A Man And A Women




U2 is one of my favorite bands. They never cease to push boundaries, both in their vision and music, creating epic masterpieces, and sometimes pure crap. They have had countless hit singles and albums, but more importantly, their songs have a meaning and speak to the public. Their songs are classics and define a generation (Joshua Tree) and also define moments in our collective history, ("Sunday, Blood Sunday", "Pride (In The Name of Love)", "One", and "The Saints Are Coming").

Their album, How to Dismantle An Atomic Bomb, was released in 2004 and sold over 10 million copies worldwide. It also had some great commercial singles, but there was one song on the album that I absolutely love. It's track number 7, and is called "A Man and A Women".




The song has a great beat. Bono's lyrics come across as powerful, protective and sincere. The song is very comforting. I love the upbeat tempo of the song, it's adds a different quality. It's not a ballad, but a mid-tempo song. I think is a hidden gem in the album and I'm glad it wasn't a single, as it still has it's integrity and is my little secret song (that I'm sharing with you all).

I love the opening line: "Little Sister, Don't you worry about a thing today", there is something comforting and parental in it. And the lines, "But you can't be numb for love/The only pain is to feel nothing at all/How can I hurt when I'm holding you?". Genius!

Below are some more lyrics:

"Little sister don't you worry about a thing today

Take the heat from the sun
Little sister
I know that everything is not ok
But you're like honey on my tongue

True love never can be rent
But only true love can keep beauty innocent
I could never take a chance
Of losing love to find romance
In the mysterious distance
Between a man and a woman
No I could never take a chance
'Cause I could never understand
The mysterious distance
Between a man and a woman"


"How Can I Hurt When I'm Holding You?" Beautiful. Well done U2, well done.
 
What do you think?

Jamelia Meets Linkin Park's "Numb"



Jamelia is an RnB singer from the UK who has had three successful studio albums. For me, it is her cover of Linkin Park's "Numb" on Radio 1's Live Lounge that caught my attention. I really like Linkin Park's version, but Jamelia adds her flare and takes the song to another level. This is one of the best covers I've ever heard. Check out the original and Jamelia's version below:


Jamelia - Numb:



Linkin Park - Numb:

Embrace Meets D12's "How Come"

I can't tell you much about the British rock band Embrace, except that they did an amazing cover of D12's "How Come" on Radio 1's Live Lounge.

I am a fan of the original, but I prefer the cover. It's got more raw emotion, and I love the arrangement.

Here's the original by D12:


And Embrace's rendition:


Which do you prefer? The original by D12 or Embrace's cover?

Susan Boyle - Wild Horses



Susan Boyle is amazing for so many reasons. She is very talented and determined. It is evident that Susan Boyle has not had an ideal nor typical life, but that hasn't stopped her. She auditioned at the age of 47, was living with her cats, never been married nor kissed. She had a dream and decided to go for it.

As she said when she auditioned, she had never been given a chance. And when she took the stage, people laughed and rolled their eyes. Even the judges had written her off. And then she sang, and it was brilliant. The clip of her audition was THE most watched clip on youtube... and there are a lot of people wasting their time on youtube (myself included).

Here are the lyrics to "I Dreamed A Dream" from Les Miserables, the song she auditioned with:

"There was a time, when men were kind
And their voices were soft
And their words were inviting
There was a time, when love was blind
And the world was a song
And the song was exciting
There was a time it all went wrong

I dreamed a dream in time gone by
When hope was high and life worth living
I dreamed that love would never die
I dreamed that God would be forgiving

Then I was young and unafraid
And dreams were made and used and wasted
There was no ransom to be paid
No song unsung, no wine untasted

But the tigers come at night
With their voices soft as thunder
As they turn your hope apart
As they turn your dreams to shame

He slept a summer by my side
He filled my dreams with endless wonder
He took my childhood in his stride
But he was gone when autumn came

And still I dream he'd come to me
That we would live the years together
But there are dreams that cannot be
And there are storms we cannot weather

I had a dream my life would be
So different from the hell I'm living
So different now from what it seemed
Now life has killed the dream I dreamed.
"

And although she didn't win the title, she has won over millions of people and fans. She is a true inspiration, and proof that if you are talented and determined, you will achieve your goal. It may not be today, it may not be tomorrow, but it will happen. She is a source of inspiration to everyone.



And now, Susan Boyle is an international superstar. She is set to release her debut album, "I Dreamed A Dream" on the 23rd in the UK, and the 24th in the US. It is one of the most anticipated albums, and will most likely go in at Number 1 on the charts. I know I am looking forward to listening to the album, especially after hearing her rendition of "Wild Horses", the first single. Take a listen:



Here's a live version from the America's Got Talent Finale:



"Wild Horses" is such a well written and beautiful love song written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. Although I've heard the Rolling Stones version, it was versions done by Alicia Keys and Adam Lavine, and a live recording of Andrea Corr and Mick Jagger that made me appreciate the song and lyrics.

And now, Susan Boyle's rendition has taken it to a different level. I love the darkness of the song. It almost feels like a stalker professing their forbidden love, it's reminds me of "Every Breath You Take" by The Police. Susan Boyle's version is also haunting, there's a feeling of desperation and depair, that adds depth to the song. When I first heard it a few weeks ago, I had it on repeat for two days, and when I listen to it now, it still has that eerie quality to it. I love it! Well done Susan Boyle, well done!

Sep 27, 2009

Diana Vickers - Live at Park 2009





As you know, I think Diana Vickers is stunning and uber unique and talented. I really love her taste in music and the songs she chooses to perform. I also love the way she changes the songs and adapts them to her voice and singing style. I can't wait to hear her own material.



On August 30th, Diana did a 5 song set at "Live In The Park 2009 Crewe" (BIG Thanks to Drew Kirk Productions for the video)



Watch, Listen & Enjoy:





Man In The Mirror - Originally by Michael Jackson:







With Or Without You - Originally by U2:









Halo - Originally by Beyonce:







Run - Originally by Snow Patrol:









White Flag - Originally by Dido:









Which cover did you enjoy the most? Which one did you like the least? And which song would you like to hear as a studio track?

Who Sang it Better: Take A Bow

Here's the deal: Same song, two different artists and renditions.... Who Sang It Better??







Contestant Number 1: Rihanna









Contestant Number 2: Lea Michele (from Glee)









So, Who Sang it Better? Rihanna or Lea Michele?



Leave your votes in the comments. And thank you for playing!



Diana Vickers Meets Beyonce's "Halo"


As you will soon discover, I am very impressed by Diana Vickers and cannot wait for her to finish and release her new album. In the meantime, I will have to settle on the covers. Here is an amazing cover of "Halo" originally done by Beyonce.






While I really enjoy the original, I think I may prefer Diana Vickers' version over the original. Beyonce's version is very strong and powerful, while Diana's has a different vibe, it's softer and has a sense of vulnerability that I enjoy. The vocals are also not perfect, which adds to the vulnerability and appeal.

(Want more Diana Vickers, check out her new single, "Jumping Into Rivers" )

Ah... Diana Vickers... you are amazing.

Diana Vickers - Jumping Into Rivers


Diana Vickers was a contestant on last season's X-Factor (singing competition in the UK - similar to American Idol). She blew the judges away during the first audition where she sang a Damien Rice song (video below). She has a unique singing style that people either love or hate.


Diana Vickers - "The Blower's Daughter" (originally by Damien Rice)




And I love it. Diana is quirky and I very much enjoy it; check out 0:50 in that clip to see what I mean. I was blown away by her performances, week after week. She has a way of reinterpreting songs and making them work for her voice and her quirks. Check out the videos of her performing "With Or Without You" by U2 and "Man In The Mirror" by Michael Jackson on the X-Factor live shows, week 1 and week 2.

Diana Vickers - "With Or Without You" (Originally by U2)





Diana Vickers - "Man In The Mirror " (Originally by Michael Jackson)





In the middle of the season, Diana suffered from a severe case of laryngitis, which forced her to miss an episode. It was decided that she would stay on the show and not be eliminated on the count of her illness, but the laryngitis took a hit on her self esteem and nerves, and she never fully recovered, causing her to be eliminated 4 weeks before the finale.

Since X-Factor last year, Diana has been busy. She is currently working on a production called "Little Voices" set to open at the West End (like Broadway in New York) and is also working on her debut album, which will be released in 2010. Here is a clip of an original song called "Jumping Into Rivers" that leaked onto the Internet.

Diana Vickers - "Jumping Into Rivers"





What do you all think about Diana Vickers? Do you like her reinterpretation of the songs? How do you feel about "Jumping Into Rivers"?

Leona Lewis - Illusion


Two years after releasing "Spirit", Leona will be releasing her new album "Echo" in November (16th for the UK, 17th for the US).

So far, only a few songs have been confirmed to appear on the album, including the lead single, Happy, although several songs have been leaked to the internet. One of the songs is called "Illusion" and is as good, if not better than "Happy".

I remember hearing "Illusion" a few months ago and was instantly hooked. I really love the way the song starts slow and builds. Leona's vocals are insane, she is very talented. This what every current songstress should be singing (Take note Mariah). The song is super catchy and I hope it is released as a future single.





I cannot wait until Echo is released, but until then, these two tracks will have to suffice.

What do you think of "Illusion" and will you be buying "Echo" in Novemeber?

Mr. Hudson - White Lies


"White Lies" by Mr. Hudson is the second single off their second album, "Straight No Chaser" which will be released on the 19th of October in the UK and on the 1st of December in the US.

The tune is simply wicked. I can't get it out of my head. I love the beat and energy of the song. But it's only when you listen to the lyrics that the creepiness of the song becomes apparent. It's a dark song and is very haunting, but very honest and real. I really enjoy the darkness of the lyrics juxtaposed with the beat and production. The video is really creepy and eerie as well.

The album is one of the most anticipated albums in the UK, and is produced by Kanye "Jackass" West. I'm sure there will be more singles and great tunes on the albums. Until then, take a listen to "White Lies" and see if you can get it out of your head.



Sep 26, 2009

Sharon Corr - It's Not A Dream



Sharon Corr's new single, "It's Not A Dream" is Sharon Corr at her greatest. While this is her first solo album and single, Sharon Corr is no stranger to music. She is singer/violintist/composer/lyricist and sister in the widely successful band, The Corrs.

The Corrs (you will be seeing/hearing A LOT about them on this here blog) are a Rock/Pop/Folk band from Dundulk Ireland, consisting of three sisters, Andrea (vocals/tin whistle), Caroline (drums/percussion/bodhran/vocals), Sharon (vocals/violin) and brother Jim (guitar/vocals/piano). They have 5 amazing studio albums, three live albums, and three compilation albums. Their second album, Talk On Corners, is the 20th biggest selling album in the UK in the past 50 years, making it THE biggest selling Irish album in the UK in the past 50 years. Take that U2! (Bono has worked with The Corrs many times, professionally and for philanthropy).

At any rate, back to Sharon Corr - the band took a hiatus in 2006, to focus on their families and personal lives. In 2007, the youngest sibling, Andrea Corr released her solo record, "Ten Feet High". And now, it's time for big sister to follow.

I am extremely excited to hear that Sharon Corr is working on a solo record. She sounds amazing in the band's cover of "No Frontier". If the first single is any indication of what is to come, we are in for a great treat. Sharon Corr is a lyrical genius; she has written many of The Corrs greatest songs, including "So Young", "Radio", "Long Night" and "Goodbye". So we know she is a talented song writer. She has also composed the bands instrumental hits, "Silver Stand" and my personal favorite, "Rebel Heart". She has a great voice, she can write and compose great songs... and she is beautiful!

Being a huge fan of the Corrs for the past 10+ years, I've seen many videos and interviews with the band and Sharon Corr, and Sharon is always genuine and sincere. She is very composed, gracious, and classically beautiful, both in looks and personality, and this quality is carried into her music.

What I really love about Sharon is the passion and romance in her music. Along with "Long Night", "It's Not A Dream" is all about love and romance, but it is authentic, filled with emotions, and vulnerability. Most love songs are cheesy, cliche and lose the sentimental qualities, but Sharon Corr manages to capture the essence of love and romance. And the violin solos; simply beautiful.

I can see this song played at weddings for the first dance, reducing the audience to tears.





Want to hear more from the album? Check out her offical website for the Electronic Press Kit and audio clips ("Smalltown Boy" [which is a cover] sounds haunting, amazing and very different than the original, while the instrumental "Cooley's Reel" is a fun Irish jig).


Laura White - You Should Have Known




Laura White was one of the front runners in last year's X-Factor competition. She did a killer version of "Fallin'" by Alicia Keys on the first live show. During the fifth week of the show, controversy struck when she was eliminated.

I am not surprised that she has a record deal and is now releasing her first single and video. While I think she has amazing vocal talent, the lead single doesn't do her justice. She has a great soulful and raspy voice, yet her single is pop/rnb. I'd like to see her play to her strengths as opposed to appealing to the masses. The song is great, and catchy, but from Laura White, I expect and want more. Hopefully she can release a current jazz/soul record, replacing the gap left by Amy Winehouse.

What do you think?

Sep 25, 2009

Bridget Kelly Meets King of Leon's "Use Somebody"

"Use Somebody" is one of the hottest songs of the moment. There are so many great acts out there covering it, adding their own sound.

Earlier I posted two clips. The first was a cover of "Use Somebody" by Paramore. The second relevant post was Jay-Z and Bridget Kelly doing "Empire State of Mind" on the Jonathan Ross show.

Combine the two and BAM! You get this great video:




She turns this great rock song into a super sexy ballad. I love it! It is amazing! Her voice is so smooth and seductive. And I also love the way the video was shot - the lighting, the piano off in the background. I see a lot more of Bridget Kelly in our musical future.

I think I may be in love....

Jay Z (Ft Bridget Kelly) - Empire State of Mind



While I am a fan of Jay-Z, I'm a mega huge fan of Alicia Keys. I was super excited to hear that they were doing a duet for Jay-Z's last album. And I was not wrong, the song "Empire State of Mind" is amazing, as I'm sure you all have heard.

But I was pleasantly surprised by Bridget Kelly. She is on tour with Jay-Z and does Alicia's parts in the song at a talk show in the UK called Friday Night with Jonathan Ross. Like I said, I'm a big fan of Alicia Keys, but whoa! Bridget Kelly is amazing! I mean, if Jay-Z asks you to fill in for Alicia Keys, you've got to be good, right?

What do you all think of Bridget Kelly?

Girls Aloud Meets James Morrison's "Broken Strings"

Girls Aloud are one of the UK's most popular girl band. They have had 20 consecutive top 10 singles. They are not only beautiful, but they are talented. They can really sing. Some might call them a guilty pleasure, but not so for me. I am a fan, no guilt about it. Did I mention they are insanely gorgeous?!

During their last tour, supporting their brilliant album Out Of Control, the girls did a cover of "Broken Stings", originally done by James Morrison and Nelly Furtado. The Out Of Control Tour DVD is being released in the UK on the 5th of October.

Here is the video for "Broken Strings"




What do you all think?

And how awesome is Nadine's accent? (She is from Ireland and introduces the song).


Paramore Meets Kings Of Leon's "Use Somebody"

I must say that I am not a huge fan of Paramore. Although I like two of their radio friendly singles, I wouldn't consider myself a fan. But I have to give credit where it is due, and Hayley sounds amazing on this cover track.

"Only By The Night" by Kings of Leon, on the other hand, is a brilliant record. The band has had a string of hits in Europe, but this was the album that put the band on the map in the US. They are finally getting their dues and respect, and rightfully so. The album is filled with great songs, including the new single, Use Somebody.

Paramore did a cover of it for Radio 1s Live Lounge, and I must say that I am actually really impressed by the vocals and actually like this tune. It isn't as good as Kings of Leon, but it's good.

What do you think?

The Veronicas Meet The Muse - "The Uprising"

The Veronicas are one of Austrailia's most successful pop duo/band. Their music tends to sway on the pop side of the spectrum, and they have taken some criticism for that. But they do write their own lyrics and have written for several other artists. And they are brilliant singers, pulling off some great notes, and they can hold their own performing live. Their latest album, Hook Me Up, is one of my favorites.

Speaking of favorites, Radio 1's Live Lounge never dissappoints. You've got live music, great acts and amazing covers/renditions.

Case in point: The Veronicas doing "The Uprising", the new smash hit single from The Muse and their latest album, The Resistance.


"When You Have Music, You Have Friends"

Miro's Musings: