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Showing posts with label alternative. Show all posts
Showing posts with label alternative. Show all posts

Sunday, 12 November 2023

Top 10 My Chemical Romance songs

OK so I swear that I made this list years ago? I could not find it (damn you Mandala effect) so I have made this anew. If you were so kind to join me in the marching band to join the black parade, I would welcome it very much! 

My Chemical Romance (often abbreviated as MCR) is an American rock band that gained widespread recognition and popularity in the early to mid-2000s. The band is known for its unique blend of punk, emo, and alternative rock, and their music often incorporates dark and theatrical elements.

The Ghost of You
A melancholic and emotionally charged song with a music video set during World War II. This song explores themes of loss, heartbreak, and the emotional impact of war. The music video, set during World War II, enhances the sense of loss and tragedy.

Mama
A track known for its dramatic and theatrical elements, often performed with a lot of energy during live shows. It touches on themes of chaos, rebellion, and survival in a turbulent world.

Na, Na, Na
A high-energy, punk-inspired song with a rebellious and catchy chorus. This high-energy track expresses feelings of rebellion, independence, and a refusal to conform to societal norms.

Bulletproof Heart
 A song featuring a blend of rock and pop elements, known for its upbeat and melodic sound. The song has an upbeat and optimistic sound, conveying the idea of resilience and not giving up in the face of challenges.

Disenchanted
A heartfelt and introspective song with emotionally resonant lyrics. "Disenchanted" explores feelings of disillusionment and the emotional aftermath of a failed relationship.

I'm Not Okay (I Promise)
One of My Chemical Romance's most iconic tracks, known for its anthemic and energetic sound. 

Teenagers
A song that addresses teenage angst and rebellion, known for its catchy chorus. 

I Don't Love You
A heartfelt and emotional ballad with a softer and more melodic sound.

Famous Last Words
A track with an anthemic sound and lyrics that convey a sense of determination.

Welcome to the Black Parade
One of, If not the band's most famous and recognizable songs, characterized by its epic and orchestral sound, and often considered a rock anthem.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog; your support and engagement mean the world to me!

Tuesday, 31 October 2023

Poppy - ZIG album Review

Poppy is back once again with more new music and this time she drops a brand-new album akin to I Disagree onto our laps. A few songs on here I heard prior to the album's drop as they were released as singles. Zig is the fifth studio album by American singer-songwriter Poppy, released on October 27, 2023, through Sumerian Records.
Church Outfit
Kicks off the album with its synthy bass followed by aggressive vocals from Poppy. Interesting start to the album maybe more synth, bass like instrumentals to follow. Poppy has explored and experimented with many genre's maybe this album will be metal/electronica.

Knockoff
Once again another catchy synthy club bass song. I love the chorus of this and how Poppy sings it and the accompanying vocals "I want to know" is so good. It's such a catchy one, it got stuck in my head and was played on repeat when this dropped as a single.

Hard
The most recent released single from the album, follows the tune of the last few with some more of the industrial, synth instrumental with poppy's soft sing-song voice. Quite a catchy chorus too. Oh, dear lord we get aggressive around the 1:45 mark before calming back down.

What It Becomes
This one starts off with the strong violin and then Poppy sings with silence which echoes and whirs as the instruments swell and build up. Around the 2min mark we get this distorted slowed voice before Poppy comes back with her softly sung lines.

Flicker
This kicks off with sort of electronic drum and bass along with Poppy's soft vocals, and we get some more violins to close it out.

1S + OS
Electronic and synthy as Poppy commands the track with her confident vocals following the chorus I feel. I dig this one.

Zig
The album's title track plays now, and it's quite a synthy electro pop song to kick off. This is damn catchy! Ooof them synthy breakdowns and then we get a chugging riff and some booming kick drums as we build up to the chorus and boom "when you zig, i zag, when you zig, i zag, i zig zag." Oh yeah this feels like something The Matrix films would use in the soundtrack or John Wick films in a club fight scene.

Linger
A slow acoustic stripped back start with this one until 1min mark where we get the electro feel back into this track. It's a nice one.

The Attic
Its soft, but we quickly get caught up in the fast-paced drum and bass. It's a lot to take it in, and I do feel the fast drum bass is a bit much but when the chorus swells and erupts it's a nice addition which ends with a few lovely piano tones.

Motorbike
Alright get on, we got a robotic lady walking us into the track before Poppy swiftly takes over as the robot accompanies as some back up vocals at points. The chorus is so fast and catchy, and it's good. I admit when I first heard this when it dropped as a single I was not into it but now after hearing all of the album to now and hearing this again in my headphones, I am moving and singing along best I can to it haha.

Prove It
Time for the last song on this album, almost distorted vocals and piano keys kick off this track before the vocals get more sharp and distorted as the drum and bass pounds. The chorus and vocals are quite stunning. Around 1:21 in the song we get more distorted and synth and drum and bassy. All before the track slows back down with its chorus and fades out with electronic static, that's it folks.

Although the album clocks in with 11 tracks which only lasts around 30 mins total for the album, she covers a lot of ground with tracks capturing different emotions and feels. Poppy said it best "when you zig, I zag" as she continues to branch out and explore the different musical genre's and styles of instruments to accompany her wonderful voice and creative talents. Poppy is ever evolving and creating, and I love how she does it. The themes of the album are that of love and disconnection and also a sense of empowerment, that's what I am taking away from this album. Although "I Disagree" is still my fave album from Poppy, this one is a nice entry onto her album catalogue and I will always recommend Poppy to people searching for new music because she has something for everyone and I feel she is so overlooked and underrated.

7/10

Wednesday, 20 September 2023

Thirty Seconds To Mars: It's The End Of The World, BUT It's A Beautiful Day (REVIEW!)

Thirty Seconds To Mars are one of my all-time fave bands and safe to say after the last album being a total dud, I can happily shout out that THEY ARE BACK!!!!! It's the End of the World, but It's a Beautiful Day is the sixth studio album by American rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars, released on September 15, 2023, through Concord. It is the first album after their debut without guitarist Tomo Miličević who left the band in June 2018. So going into the album prior to any song release I was sceptical because the last album America, frankly sucked in my opinion, and it really let me down. However, following Stuck's single release I was taken back hearing a new pop synth rock track from Mars which was also so very catchy.
From there I binged the track relentlessly until they dropped their next single, Life Is Beautiful, and again it was another chill and beautiful track I binged, and you won't believe what happened next? Well I pre-ordered the Deluxe album from HMV and then oh yes I loved their next two single's they dropped prior to the album release Get Up Kid and World On Fire. Catchy and beautiful tracks the boys dropped and so here comes me listening to this new album religiously since it dropped or rather arrived in my hands. The album I ordered got delayed a few days as this was supposed to arrive on September 15th which was the same day as my CFM2 CD and honestly this time round Corey Taylor new album was disappointing and 30STM's was phenomenal.

1: Stuck
The lead single from the album and a very funky, catchy, high energy track which Jared said celebrates the arts.

2: Life Is Beautiful
Dramatic beats with upbeat empowering lyrics that are chill and catchy.

3: Seasons
Acoustic and very chill vibes with this song as it's stripped back with again catchy and relatable lyrics. 
I have been singing along to this quite a bit in the car, well that also applies to the whole album.

4: Get Up Kid
Piano in this is stunning and so is its catchy whoa's and empowering soft chorus.

5: Love These Days
An absolute truth in a song. As with other tracks I find this relatable and catchy. 
It's a beautiful and apt song.

6: World On Fire
It feels like a song about coming out of depression as you feel your drive again and things will be better now. Nice message and it's very electronic.

7:1
Got to channel our inner Freddie Mercury with the ayy-oh's in this one haha, it's catchy and again electronic.

8: Never Not Love You 
A soft and powerful emotional songs that I feel is so relatable. I love this one, no it's more of an adore. 
I adore this song, it's very personal.

9: Midnight Prayer
The first time I heard this song I was confused because it did not sound like Jared Leto singing to me, and I was an idiot to not realize sooner that it's Shannon Leto singing this one. HOWEVER! It has quickly become one of my most repeated songs from the album. Electronic and synthy. Another very relatable song for me with this one though.

10: Lost These Days
This one is another stripped back acoustic track and feels like a follow up to Never Not Love You or rather another alternative way of telling that story of the relationship breakdow and I also relate and feel this song. It gets very electronic towards the end.

11: Avalanche
Another one of my most played tracks is Avalanche it feels like a song that was a perfect fit for the Love, lust, faith and dreams album. First time I heard this song I felt it, it hit me and it made me smile.

The deluxe edition of the album features a slowed down version of Stuck and an Alt version of Never Not Love You. Both are you know good as to be expected. I could not hear any differences in the alt version of Love.

So yes, I love this album, and it feels really special and personal to me with how I can relate and feel all the emotions from the songs and how Jared expresses the lyrics. Softer, chill, emotional and catchy is what this album is, and it's full of the human spirit and experiences of life. Honestly this album is phenomenal in my opinion and I love it to bits.
10/10

Friday, 20 January 2023

IVY WHY - Burn This City

Ivy Why was originally a Dutch artist but has now expanded their horizons to band status whose genre can be hard to pinpoint considering their diverse catalogue. Unparalleled vocals, heavy guitar riffs, angelic melodies and a mix of trap style and hard hitting drums, you can see why it's hard to determine an overall genre. Ivy has multiple co-writers that have been a core element to the live ensemble and recording sessions for some time now. Most of them also have significant roles in the recent release rock/mockumentary style film; Burn This City. 

Ivy also has an integral part in We Are Going Nowhere, a platform in which Ivy writes and creates comedy sketches, podcasts and now movies, alongside two extremely talented individuals; Jamal and Devante, who also play crucial and extremely entertaining parts in the film Burn This City.
The film titled "Burn This City" follows musicians Rob and Lew who show us the insight's into their band and lives together as they scurry to get big. They first have to make music and publish it and to try and get a manager and chaos follows along the way from dramatic outbursts within the band to behind the scenes troubles from record labels. Follow Ivy Why to get their music out there, to get signed, to get more members and to finally, play some gigs!
This was funny, wacky, crude and full of love and heart about the highs and lows of a band and the industry quite frankly. Its actors are fantastic and standout for me was Devon Tate, he stole the scenes anytime he was in one, and I found him very captivating, I could not take my eyes away from him and his wit and problematic ways.
The lighting and camera direction and how it was made and how it all looks is also brilliant. It's the new low budget Spinal Tap mixed with Twin Town. A job well done lads and congrats to you all and all involved! I can't wait for more of this and more music from Ivy Why in the future.
CHECK OUT & SUPPORT THEM VIA THE FOLLOWING LINKS:


Thanks for reading support local music and local films and support IVY WHY.
Stay Shiny!

(Credit to Ivy Why, Lewis Griffiths & We Are Going Nowhere)

Thursday, 19 January 2023

Top 10 Twenty One Pilots Songs

Now then, it is no secret at all, I LOVE TWENTY ONE PILOTS! 
Seriously! Their music is out of this world to me and a great source of happiness, fascination and inspiration. I love all of their albums, SERIOUSLY ALL OF THEIR SONGS TOO! BLURRYFACE is a masterpiece of an album for me.

Vessel recently hit 10 years old so what better time to do this list. 
This will be a tough task, BUT I am shocked that I have not already made a 21P list before, 
SO HERE WE GO!
Twenty One Pilots are an American musical duo from Columbus, Ohio. Initially a band, the group was formed in 2009 by lead vocalist Tyler Joseph along with Nick Thomas and Chris Salih, who both left in 2011. Since their departure, the line-up has consisted of Joseph and drummer Josh Dun.

#10 - Chlorine
Already at number 10 on my list, I am struggling to pick songs. Chlorine I am placing here because it's a strong catchy song with very memorable flow and instrumentals. This one is very much Tyler speaking out on his battles with mental health and with anxiety/depression/ocd. 

#9 - The Outside
OK we are on Scaled & Icy album now and man that album has some underrated bangers that need to be widely discussed more and this is one of them. This is pretty much a catchy chill but dance kinda vibe to it. The lyrics talk about being tired and taping one's eyes on a long drive because they don't want to sleep while driving. Maybe it's about the party lifestyle since when it breaks down into the rap part of the song maybe that's the trip happening and obviously this song sings about people nodding their heads and moving up and down and taking hits to join the club because you want to be part of the gang and not on The Outside as it were. Also not long after the rap part it seems like the lyrics no longer care because the person in question is happy vibin' on their own and nothing can stop them. 

#8 - Legend
Back to Trench with this absolute beautiful song dedicated to Tyler's grandad. I resonate strongly with the lyrics, this does and has made me cry as I think about my grandparents and basically putting myself in Tyler's shoes. It's a sad one but has a Cherie undertones because Tyler has accepted the grief and just know he will meet his Grandad in the future at the pearly gates. 

#7 - Guns For Hands
It's time to go to Vessel with Guns For Hands, beautiful and catchy and damn powerful. On the commentary for this track Tyler had this to say; "Guns for Hands is talking about I want to tell you that I know you have the ability to hurt yourself. You do. You have that ability. I feel like a lot of the older generation when they hear about someone struggling with it, their first reaction is like, “No, you’re not, you’re not struggling with that. Don’t think about that, you know, think about something else, you know, you’re just trying to get attention.” But this song was really trying to say like; “Listen, I know you have the ability to hurt yourself. I recognize that, but let’s take that energy and let’s point it at something else, let’s divert that, lets kind of shift that momentum and look at something like art, or something like this music specifically, or even point it at me, you know, just point it anywhere, but don’t point it at yourself.” And so that’s what that song’s saying and that song will always be important to me. And I’m not a professional when it comes to this topic, but I write songs, and I feel like someone should say something about it."

#6 - Fake You Out
Another Vessel track with this synth poppy sound with quiet gentle piano played in because this is Fake You Out. Again it's a great catchy song, and you can't help yourself join in with the "fake,fake,fake,fake" parts haha. Tyler said this about the track; "I was really excited about this one when I first started writing it. I think that the melody inside the verses is one of my favourite melodies where it goes to falsetto. I think that a lot of times I feel like writers slack on verses when it comes to melody. I feel like it’s like “these are my verses, this is kind of the part where people wait for the chorus.” And I’ve always felt like why not have the verses—the melody of the verses be just as infectious as the chorus? So I’m proud of this song in that way. Also, you know, it does the whole, you know, mash-up genre thing that everyone is freaking out about. Truly, I just didn’t know that there were rules to songwriting and, you know, so I just worked on transitioning from one genre to the next. I wanted to hear a song that did that. I’ve never heard a song do that before, I want to hear that, so I made that."

#5 - Shy Away
Fun fact this was my ringtone for the majority of 2021 haha. This was the first single released from SAI, and it delivered a new laid-back like sound to us fans which we were not really expecting after Trench but hey WE ATE IT UP AND LOVED IT AND DEMANDED MORE! The song was written by Tyler Joseph and mainly produced on his home studio as a form of tutorial for his younger brother, Jay Joseph, on how to operate all stages of a song during the recording process (writing, composing, producing). Tyler also explored elements of the electric guitar for the song, which was a barely used instrument by him, previously first used on "Level of Concern". When Tyler was first working on the voice memo of the song, his one-year daughter, Rosie Joseph, made a cooing noise in the background, which Joseph decided to keep in the very beginning of the track, for loving her being a part of the creative process in some way. The song was created while communicating virtually as the COVID-19 pandemic limited interaction between the band members. Specifically, this was the first time Josh Dun recorded his drums takes all on his own, with no sound engineers to help him or any studio assistance.

#4 - Mulberry Street
Ah-ah-ah yeah! Here we go with a chill laid back and catchy song which I adore. I always enjoy a sing and dance to this one. Tyler said this about the song; "There was a street in New York City where Little Italy is, and the first time that I ever kind of left Ohio. My manager, at the time, we had some meetings with like, record labels and stuff, and it was just a classic kid going to the big city moment. I took Josh and I, and a couple of friends to Little Italy, and we had this, you know, it was just like this, ‘I've never felt more out of place in my life being in New York City.’ Eat at some, you know, like we're going to go get some pizza. ‘This isn't the pizza I’m used to.’ You know, just something that simple, kind of really reminding you that you're not home any more. And so, this song to me was like, very, I wanted to imagine that feeling again."

#3 - Lane Boy
Alright top 3 time bay-bay and so my top 3 are from the same album *SPOILER ALERT* hehe. I cannot help myself this album is a masterpiece, I own 3 copies of the album because I have played 2 cd's to hell and they are so scratched up it is insane! Alright Blurryface so which one will take number 3? Well don't trust a perfect person and don't trust a song that's flawless. LANE BOY! Tyler is having none of it if you think 21P are going to stay in the same lane. Tyler & Josh attempt to explain a musical style that seems to change with every Blurryface single. The songs are intense and interesting, and this one, musically especially, is supercharged, a good match for the aggressive lyrics. The song describes the band's break from the direction of the music industry as well as a commitment to an entrepreneurship that doesn't focus on money. As you can hear, "Lane Boy" is unique among Twenty-One Pilots songs. The drums are still intense and, at times, a driving, reggae-style off-beat continues to come out strong. But otherwise, the BPM is faster than most of their songs, the vocal effects are fairly new, and the lyrics are some of the most pointed and aggressive they've written. The music in "Lane Boy" is unique, and so is the message.

#2 - Ride
Alright so I cannot state enough on how TOUGH this is for me to make but taking my 2nd place is Ride. The theme with this one even though it is pretty upbeat is that this about that time in your life where you feel down and out and like nothing matters, you have suicidal thoughts and anxiety and depression riddles your mind that is why the lines of "I've been thinking too much (help me)" repeats. I have been there. This song also about taking your time on this ride we call life.

#1 - Stressed Out
My name's Blurryface and I care what you think. Of course, I am going to put what is possibly my most listened to song of 21P as my number 1. The lyrics hit and connect strongly with me and I love the instrumentals, it's a chill song but has nostalgia sprinkled in along with a feeling of longing of that sadness of how far away we have come from being children and having that vast imagination and just knowing how good those old days were compared to adult life.

Alright and that's my list, it was incredibly difficult to put together given how much I freaking love 21P BUT hey what can I say? Right now these blurryface'd tunes are my current top 10 BUT this list will no doubt always revolve and change as we get new songs from the lads.

Thanks for reading, give it a share and feel free to follow or bookmark my blog to see more content!
Stay Blurry!

Tuesday, 26 April 2022

The Sophie Lancaster Story & The Sophie Lancaster Foundation

Sophie Lancaster was a young woman who was murdered for being different. She and her boyfriend Rob were creative, artistic people who dressed in their own unique way which was more accustomed to the alternative music scene. They were sadly attacked by a gang of five boys in a park in Lancashire on 11 August 2007. The gang attacked Sophie’s boyfriend first and then turned on her, carrying out a brutal and sustained attack. Sophie remained in hospital for 13 days, before her family following medical advice agreed to life support being switched off.
Sophie died on 24 August 2007; she was just 20 years old. There was a heart breaking program made by the BBC titled "Murdered for being different" back in 2017 and it followed Sophie's story and was made to honour Sophie and raise awareness.

I first discovered the Sophie Lancaster Foundation and about Sophie and her story through this BBC program and I was shocked, devastated and filled with anger, because it's a story that hits close to home with myself and I can resonate with, as I'm very much apart of the alternative music scene and have been bullied and beaten up in school for the music tastes I have and for the way I have looked. I felt so angry because these five boys could have just left things be and walked away done nothing and everyone would have walked away just fine but they went too far and no one especially Sophie deserved that attack and it makes my blood boil to this day that this would happen and has happened to Sophie and to others too.

Sophie’s mother, Sylvia had decided during the long hours at hospital when Sophie was better, they would go into schools and talk to young people about difference, and how it is ok to be who you are and express yourself in your own way. Sadly, Sylvia never got a chance to do this with Sophie. Sylvia was determined that she would carry on this work and The Sophie Lancaster Foundation was established as a lasting legacy to a beautiful life cut short by violence.

THE SOPHIE LANCASTER FOUNDATION
STAMP OUT PREJUDICE, HATRED AND INTOLERANCE EVERYWHERE.
The Sophie Lancaster charity works to promote tolerance and acceptance for others however different. The Foundation’s mission is to stamp out prejudice hatred and intolerance everywhere. When news of the attack broke donations was sent to Sophie's home and many events, concerts got set up and raised money for the foundation and to also raise awareness. The foundation also notably worked with Coronation Street for a recent storyline on the tv program. 

The Foundation was registered as a charity in 2009, their goals are as follows; To create a lasting legacy to Sophie. To provide educational group-works that will challenge the prejudice and intolerance towards people from alternative subcultures. To campaign to have the UK Hate Crime legislation extended to include people from alternative subcultures.

In 2013, Greater Manchester Police became the first police force in the country to monitor hate crimes and incidents against alternative people. It is a huge achievement for the charity that a total of 18 police forces in England and Wales now do so. The charity regularly participates in conferences, events and schools and even prisons to spread Sophie's word and legacy to teach others the devastating impact of their negative words and violence towards others and to share Sophie's story. In hopes to educate others to do better and to be kind.
R. I. P Sophie Lancaster
R. I. P. Sylvia Lancaster 
(Sylvia recently passed away as I was writing this blog post. She will be very much missed. She was a truly remarkable woman. She made a difference in this world. Rest in Peace Sylvia.)
Please share and raise awareness
Please be kind and gentle to everyone out there.
Thanks for reading,
Stay Shiny!

Tuesday, 23 March 2021

Top 10 First To Eleven Covers

 Hello everyone welcome back to my blog and so today's top 10 is very special. It's by a band I discovered on youtube late 2020 and whom I fell in love with immediately with their covers and I wanted to do a top 10 list on their covers I love best and I would love for you all to see and hear these guys and would love for the band to see my list and I hope they are all well. 

So First To Eleven are an American band made up of Audra Miller, Matt Yost, Ryan Krysiak, and Sam Gilman whose YouTube channel sees them play covers of existing songs aswell as original songs and you can find them on all good streaming sites and go check out their website for merch. These guys are seriously so talented I have purchased a handful of their covers and downloaded them onto my phone and I enjoy listening to them whilst walking and exercising and whilst chilling but enough chatter let's get into the list! 

10: Gives You Hell - All American Rejects

9: Death Bed - Powfu

8: Say So - Doja Cat

7: In Too Deep - Sum 41

6: Sucker - Jonas Brothers 

5: Sweet But Psycho - Ava Max

4: Dream On - Aerosmith 

3: Drivers Licence -  Olivia Rodrigo

2: Welcome Home - Coheed & Cambria

1: Lover - Taylor Swift

And that is today's list all wrapped up and prettied into a nice bow. I hope you enjoyed this list and enjoy the band as much as I do and I can't wait for more music from First To Eleven and I can't wait to see you my dear reader back here for another list or random blog post.
Stay Shiny!

Thursday, 4 February 2021

Merry Go (original lyrics metal song)

 I'm so tired of your paranoid worries, You wont even let me live my own life, you just try to control and lose all sense of reality when your told no.

AROUND AND AROUND AND AROUND WE GO
HERE WE GO
MERRY GO
AROUND AND AROUND AND AROUND WE GO

Wanting me to be on a schedule thinking its best for me when really you think I'm up all hours visiting others, Won't listen to my reasons or point of view, you'd rather go stir the hornets to come and kill me over and over again.

AROUND AND AROUND AND AROUND WE GO
HERE WE GO
MERRY GO
AROUND AND AROUND AND AROUND WE GO

Can't break this cycle of negative thought, blaming all the problems on me and not saying sorry, why do you think your higher, who picked you out of their nose in the first place?, you worry and call me constantly to check I'm still alive, is the torture on my voodoo doll not enough for you?, 

AROUND AND AROUND AND AROUND WE GO
HERE WE GO
MERRY GO
AROUND AND AROUND AND AROUND WE GO
MERRY GO
HERE WE GO!

Circles are never ending infinite symbols, can't break the negativity, you throw my help against the wall like glass it shatters and you use the shard to stab away at me, some help you are you say, do you even know me? Why are you lying to me? What aren't you telling me?, 

I'm not good enough, I thought I was not good enough for you and you felt not good enough for me, you won't let go of the pain and insecurity and now you've killed me, double standards are here in this industry, why can't you get the help that you need, why can't you trust me, why won't you listen to me?,

AROUND AND AROUND AND AROUND WE GO
HERE WE GO
MERRY GO
HERE WE GO
MERRY GO, MERRY GO
AROUND AND AROUND AND AROUND WE GO
MERRY GO
HERE WE GO
MERRY GO
THERE WE GO

Sunday, 13 December 2020

Taylor Swift Evermore Album Thoughts

 So I must say that I cannot believe that I am writing this again so soon BUT, 

*breathes in* 
TAYLOR SWIFT HAS DROPPED ANOTHER NEW ALBUM!
*Exhales out!*

Phew that was a lot to get out there. Evermore is Taylor Swift's NINTH studio album and is the continuation of Folklore era with this sister album to Folklore. So Taylor could not stop creating and writing more wonderful sounds for our blessed ears and here we are once again to sit down and chill with Taylor with her new work, so without further ado let's get into this!

ALSO HAPPY BIRTHDAY TAYLOR!!!!
It's mine and my girlfriend's birthday tomorrow!

THE OFFICIAL ALBUM RELEASES 18TH December 2020 with the deluxe editions harbouring 2 extra songs which we will hear when the full album drops but for now we have been blessed with Willow music video and of course the full lyric video album of EVERMORE.


1: Willow
The video is very enchanting and mysterious I felt, a soft start continuing the folklore vibes of course and its your typical Taylor but folklore version too and the chorus is catchy, the instrumentals run by the lyrics like a sweet lullaby. 

2: Champagne Problems
The piano which starts this song feels very sombre but also festive? Hmm continuing the soft trend here, Taylor sounds very resentful when she sings the words "Champagne Problems". So a kinda heartbreaky song i would imagine this being. The harmony section around 2 mins in is nice and compliments the track well i felt. 

3: Gold Rush
Here's one I can imagine getting some airplay on the radio quite a bit, it's soft, catchy with the repetition of gold rush but then it kinda changes tempo and gains a bit more speed and momentum as Taylor goes with it and then she puts a brake on and the song slows down but also she get's back into that rhythm of getting faster. This is a welcome surprise. Already for me my stand out because it is unique and it is actually nice and oh hey she said the thing FOLKLORE. She has such a soft and beautiful take on some of her lines in this song and WHAT?! IT'S JUST ENDED HUH!? 

4: Tis The Damn Season
So on first glance I imagined this to be a sassy christmas song but this is a story and like much of this album again like Folklore, Taylor has made up some characters and her own tales and stories within these songs and is taking us on a journey of these characters. I'm not entirely sure what to think of this song yet or even what to write about it, I guess the chorus is catchy or one which could become a earworm.

5: Tolerate It
So already got some dodgy vibes from the title before the song has played and I am imagining Taylor writing about a bad relationship and tolerating something she does not have to or of course it's about a character and their story tolerating something. It is definitely about what i thought it was about let me just say that. It is quite a depressing song and you feel sorry for who this song is about because no one ever deserves that. I'm not teary eyed, you are! *sniffs* Seriously I did feel down listening to this, I can feel the sadness, the frustration coming across from Taylors voice and in her lyrics and with the instrumentals it chimes it in perfectly.  

6: No Body, No Crime
No body no crime? So someone has witnessed a murder but yet is telling us "hey if there's no body you cant charge me for the crime" Oh damn yes the country vibes oh shit yeah, i like this, i'm moving side to side right now typing this out and by god the chorus. OH MY GOD TAYLOR WHAT A COLLAB THIS IS!!!! HAIM i have never heard of you til now but thanks for working with Taylor and Taylor thank you for this one, i am really grooving to this one. I THINK HE DID IT BUT I JUST CAN'T PROOOVE IIIIIT!!!! Til the day i die OH MY GOD!!!! I think this is my fave on the album!!! We are almost half way through and BAM, I BEEN SHOT, THIS SONG! I ENJOY! CAN I HAS MORE?!

7: Happiness
Ok so this does not sound like happiness but of course do not always take things on face value and apparently this was the last song Taylor wrote for the album. Potential Great Gatsby comments here perhaps and we have had some other vibes in other songs from Taylor regarding Great Gatsby i feel. So another kinda end of a relationship closure song.

8: Dorothea
Oh this has an interesting sound i kinda like already and so i believe this is one much like betty, it's written form a male perspective about Dorothea. Oh this is lovely! I like the chorus, it's making me sway slowly and i'm getting bit teary too? What? This is nice! The "woooo-oh" is nice too. The chorus yes! It's lovely and quite charming in a silly way too with some lines example is the "pissing off your mom" bit. I can imagine a guy playing the guitar on the porch to a woman singing this to win her back, its touching. Lovely liked this one! 

9: Coney Island
Oh the drums here are quite the interesting start to this song. Hello is this a sneaky nod to Delicate or am i reading too much into it just because Delicate was name dropped hehe. Sombre sounding country-esque song i feel. 

10: Ivy
From the title my thoughts at first said "oh this maybe a tricky song and not a good story for one of her characters." I feel this is apart of the collection of songs from this and the last album of a troubled relationship. I'm not too sure of what i feel for this song to be plainly honest. 

11: Cowboy Like Me
Hoooo-weeee is this here another western sounding wicked song like Track 6, let me just listen and see what's happening in the song of this saloon. This is potentially about Bonnie & Clyde two crime partners who fall in love. The solo is brilliant and its a nice flowing soft song. I likey!

12: Long Story Short
To cut a long story short we are nearing the end of the album and WOAH that fast rhythm beat going on caught me straight away. Long story short this has to be about her finding the wrong guy but then finding the right one with Joe. Taylor deserves the best kinda man and it does feel like Joe is the one and seems like she has found peace so aww that's precious and blessed. Evermore was mentioned ok people she said the thing, we can all drink and go home now haha. :) 

13: Marjorie
My glorious girlfriend gave me a warning about this one prior to listening to the album as this one is one that will hit me close to home. Fun fact i kept this to the very last song i heard on the album. On evermore, track 13 eulogizes her grandmother Marjorie Finlay, who was an opera singer. Aww i felt this song. Lump in my throat and all aw bless. 

14: Closure
Woah what is the industrial beat going on in this song it has just made me fascinated and raised my eyebrow , i'm so curious about the arcadial noises in the song. Oh and arcadial may not be a word but i am making it up to describe arcade like noises. Don't say i did not give you something new and surprise drop new content on you hahaha, i think i'm getting distracted and carried away now and not listening to the lyrics properly so in lou of that, allow me to press repeat on this one. Taylor or whoever she has written this about clearly does not need their closure, she's done move on basically haha. 

15: Evermore
Ohhhh Tay Tay you teaming up with Bon Iver again huh? Well let's see if this is another smash hit collab! Another sombre sounding song at the moment with how it's flowing. Writing letters addressed to the fire is this a nod to the Scooter Braun dispute? Taylor don't worry you will win and get your masters back it will just take some time is all but you will win, trust me. The part where Bon Iver pops in very much reminded me of the stylings of Simon Neil of Biffy Clyro? Some nice falsetto going on here and a nice sombre piano. Sombre is the word of the album. 

Bonus songs 
(TO BE RELEASED 18TH DECEMBER!)
Right Where You Left Me
It's Time To Go

So that is Evermore and my thought's upon my first playthrough of the album and I will come back again to this album and I will let my thoughts be known of the bonus material as soon as I am able to once they are released. I wonder what they will be like, from first glance i am imagining some more sombre tales in the form of these songs but we shall wait and see what happens there when the tracks are released.

So yes the continuation of the Folklore era, EVERMORE, in one word to describe the album it has to be for me Sombre. It's very good, I got my faves and i got ones which i will probably have to listen to a few more times to get into or to understand more of but yes TRACK 6, LET'S GO BAY BEEEE!!!! 

Thanks for checking out my thoughts and my blog, I worked hard and fast to get this done and I really appreciate you visiting and reading this!

Dear reader, please have a lovely day and a lovely holiday season, wherever you are!

Thursday, 3 October 2019

Top 10 Shinedown Songs

Hola! Welcome to my blog and today i have a list dedicated to my 10 fave Shinedown songs so tuck in and come enjoy and devour this list if you dare! 
I'll give you a bit of everything and background to the songs :) 

10: Second Chance
Brent mentioned this was one of the toughest songs he's ever written because it's about him saying goodbye to his parents... having to move on with his own life and become a man, to live out his dreams. Powerful song.

9: Adrenaline
 This is about when all of your energy is gone and you need to find that little bit more to keep going. This can relate to playing sports or just going through a tough time in life.

8: State Of My Head
Shinedown vocalist Brent Smith: "'State Of My Head' was actually built around its rhythm, inspired by the bounce of the song and the way the track moves. Usually I write with a melody in mind, but this time, it was more about the flow. We really didn't have the other instrumentation down - I pretty much wrote it to a drum track." "We will always be 'rock and roll' to the bone, but this song is a prime example of how we refused to limit ourselves on this album."

7: Monsters
Vocalist Brett Smith says this deals with the battle of addiction (alcoholism & drug abuse) that he still struggles with even today. That's the sentiment in the song he says, when I sing that my monsters are real and they're trained to kill.

6: Cut The Cord
As said by Brent Smith: "...and in your truest moment of weakness...When everyone and everything has betrayed you and evil and hatred has wrapped itself around your mind, body and soul...This is the song that you play...This is the statement to the world that you will not give up, you will not give in, and you refuse to fail!!! Now is your time...to "CUT THE CORD". Also; "'Cut The Cord' is a wake up call reminding us all that we can control our own destiny by finding the courage and tenacity to destroy whatever it is that's holding us back. The process may not be pretty or perfect or even easy, but absolutely necessary. The song is brutally honest and unapologetic, which is what Shinedown has always been."

5: Devour 
Frontman Brent Smith tells The Pulse of Radio what the track is about: "This was a song that was totally representative of the men and women of the United States of America in the military and all the armed forces and what they do for us. But in all reality it's a hat's off to them and all they do for us. But it's also me looking into the eye of the person I'm supposed to look at as the leader of the free world and this is my opinion towards you for what you've done in those years."

4: Bully
The meaning is pretty clear cut,but it's still a very powerful song. The line that really gets me every time is, "It seems I've crossed the line again for being nothing more than who I am."

3: Diamond Eyes
 I think it's basically a metaphor for going out an taking a risk instead of holding back and regretting it. By "Diamond Eyes", I'm thinking that he's saying he's able to see more clearly (really good diamonds are known for being clear with no colour, etc).

2: Sound Of Madness
The entire song is a rant by lead vocalist Brent Smith about people complaining about their problems. Smith touches on in a not so subtle way how he is annoyed with people who have a victim mentality and blame life's issues on everyone else but themselves. Smith belts out with a melodic annoyance how he wishes people would stand up and fight for themselves instead of shrinking back down. He cries out that their problems may have something to do with the fact that they complain so much, which is evident in the line where he says their lives are a self-fulfilling prophecy. The chorus reflects that the source of the rant is because the vocalist has been through much drama and pain. In fact he says he wrote the book on it and he is still standing because he fought for where he is at. He sarcastically tells the listener to stop complaining and take your medicine. 

1: Enemies 
Great song. This song is about when there is that one person in your life that is always bringing you and the ones you love down. This is just pretty much saying to get out of my life.

So that's my list, what do you think? Got a list for me to do well give it to me :D 
For now Stay Shiny and thanks for visiting and checking this list out :)