first up
Paramore "Brand New Eyes"
boy i tell you, after coming across this band years ago, i have not been disappointed with each of their Cd's that they have released, and their newest effort, "Brand New Eyes" is no exception !
the album starts off with a killer track 'Careful' and its all about taking chances, "you cant be too careful anymore when all that is waiting for you wont come any closer you've got to reach a little more" are the lines to insanely catchy hook on the opener, and it doesn't let up from there.
diving into the smash first single "ignorance" as track number 2 the album keeps up the hard punching drum beats and guitar riff's that we all love from Paramore, combining excellent song writing and killer vocals from Hayley Williams. but is this the Paramore we're all used to ? in some aspects, yes, but in others , we're treated to a whole new side of Paramore that we've never seen (nor heard) before.
the album is harder, darker, moodier, (not to be confused with emo) and its got all the fixings of another hit album for them.
there were rumors floating around the net a year or so ago that there was tension within the band, all of which is put right in front of our faces on this album, showing a personal side to the group that we haven't heard yet. we're used to the heartbreak songs from Hayley but for the most part the group has stayed hush hush on their inner dealings.
tracks 1-5 are stellar...6 has the potential to grow on me as well as track 7, 8 and 9 seem to be there strictly for filler material, as they both sound similar, and have sort of a recycled Paramore sound about them. then we move onto one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard Paramore record, the song is called 'Misguided Ghosts' and it is a stripped back effort, one that sounds like it was almost recorded in one take.
the acoustic guitar, combined with Hayley's delicate vocals on this track easily make it one of my favorites, only to be followed by probably my favorite cut from the whole album.
its a failed love anthem titled 'All I Wanted' and it features some of the most soaring vocals I've ever heard from miss Williams, who with this CD , really feels like she's coming into her own as the front-woman for this band, offering up some of her best vocal work to date.
"Brand New Eyes" out Sept. 29Th is not to be missed for any Paramore fan, and new ones alike.
Next up i want to talk about Mariah Carey's "Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel", the singers 12Th studio album, and one I've talked about on here previously.
the album opens with the track "Betcha Gon' Know" and if the title doesn't make it clear, we gon' know Mariah by the time this CD is done. it should also serve as a hint that this album is a little more ghetto than Mariah has been in the past.
mixing slow jam beats with her sultry vocals, Mariah has created one hell of a record to jam out to. i found myself listening to this more than the Paramore CD yesterday believe it or not, i was certainly surprised by this!, Mariahs last effort "E=mc2" didn't do a whole lot for me. there were hits and a lot of misses on that album... as well as some cheap production work.
well all of that is out the window with 'memoirs..'
with the exception of 'obsessed' the albums lead single, the first 6 songs are pure R N'B hip hop gold, Mariah provides us with some sexy ass beats, all of which make me wanna grind on the first hot guy i see. tracks like 'betcha gon know' , 'H.A.T.E.U.' and 'Candy Bling' are all slow jams in their own rite, followed by track 5 ' Ribbon ' which I think could easily be a single and a huge one at that.
track 7 'Standing O' is a diss track on some level. . to who, i think we all know. its one of the weaker tracks on the album, but still very listenable , which should give you an idea of how good this CD is. track 8 'its a wrap' sounds like it came right out of a jazz bar , smoke filled, liquor flowing.
'up out my face' has a reggae , island, hip hop feeling to it, and i think it is hot hot hot, and could also be another single.
the last stretch of the CD seems to be dedicated to the love songs , tracks like 'more than just friends' , and 'the impossible' both speak to relationship turmoil and the brightest parts of relationships.
the last two tracks on the album (not including the reprises, inter and preludes) are titled 'Angels Cry' and ' I Want to Know What Love Is' ... which is the albums closer and the perfect fit for that position.
'Angels Cry' has the potential to be a massive hit for Mariah, and I hope she takes advantage of it !.
over all 'memoirs..' is leaps and BOUNDS better than last years effort "E=mc2" and i think should put Mariah slowly, but surely back on top. i sense possible Grammy nominations for her with this record. . . time will only tell if I'm right!
"Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel" is due out Sept.29Th (same as Paramore) check it out !!
well i know i promised my thoughts on two other Cd's with this entry, but i have been so engrossed with these two albums that i haven't had time to properly form an opinion yet on Melanie Fiona and Mika...both of which ARE sounding good so far...they'll be the topic for my next blog! i swear!!
well i hope you enjoyed my take on these albums!! i have sure enjoyed listening to them, and i of course enjoy keeping up this blog, so let me know what your thoughts are!!
MisterTom <3
No comments:
Post a Comment