Dancehall Riddim of the Moment: “Overproof” (2011)
December 8, 2011 § Leave a comment
2011 has been an amazing year for Dancehall music, so I always get excited whenever a new riddim drops. The “Overproof” riddim has been on constant replay for me ever since it was released in August.
The riddim has a fun and flirty vibe that is perfect for those last steamy nights of summer, yet it had the staying quality to last throughout the rest of the due to the many solid tracks on the riddim.
“Overproof Riddim”, produced by JA Production, has a massive selection of Dancehall, Reggae, Soca and Pop songs which makes it suitable for everyone.
It’s difficult to choose, but my favorite tracks on the riddim are:
1. Mavado – “Settle Down”
2. Aidonia – “Caribbean Girl”
3. Navino – “Chilling Time”
Read on after the jump to listen to the full riddim and get the tracklist!
Rihanna To Release 6th Album in November: Is It Too Soon?
September 23, 2011 § 2 Comments
On November 12, 2010 Pop sensation Rihanna released Loud, an incredibly successful album that dominated the charts for almost an entire year! Boosting seven chart-topping singles, with Cheers still holding its position at number 8 on Billboard, this album proved itself to be a force in the music industry. Skip to eight months later, and Rihanna has already dropped a new single We Found Love from her 6th upcoming album! While I am an avid fan of Rihanna and support her musical venture, I have to ask: Is it too soon?
I always hope for my favorite artists to create quality music and not rush into things without thinking, so I questioned Rihanna’s sudden release of a new album. I still have Loud on repeat; I wasn’t expecting a new record yet! I know dozens of artists (Rihanna included) who find inspiration on tour and create some amazing music that could potentially give birth to a new album. But after listening to We Found Love about 12 times back to back, I don’t think it was necessary for Rihanna to drop another record.
Lady Gaga- Born This Way: Album Review
May 25, 2011 § 3 Comments
On May 23rd, 2011, Mother Monster unleashed to the world a record intent on shattering musical taboos and praising uniqueness. That record is Born This Way. An album created solely for her fans, Lady Gaga poured her soul into making a solid Pop album. Before the album release, Lady Gaga flooded our ears with 5 singles that gave us an insight to her supposed masterpiece. Interestingly enough, the strongest songs on the album are the ones that have not been released to the public. Don’t let the Photoshop 101 album cover deceive you, Born This Way is a decent record.
The album opens with the stunning “Marry The Night”, a true dedication to Pop music. Gaga’s voice is clear and confident, with a hint of glam metal flair. With its thumping bass and ecstatic electric guitar, the track is ready for the dance floor. “Born This Way” released in February 2011, is a song that I never enjoyed. The “Gay Anthem” concept is over-thought and over-used; many people felt that it was too Madonna circa “Express Yourself”, which I completely agree with.
Nevertheless, the songs on Born This Way highlight topics that only Gaga would be brave enough to speak about. “Government Hooker”, a story about a girl who lives the life of a prostitute, sounds like it would be a tragic ballad. But remember, this is Lady Gaga we are talking about. This song, which I’ve been dying to listen to since I heard the title back in March, is a sex-filled tease. With its references to the late JFK and Gaga’s raunchy wails, this song will make you want to do naughty things.
“Judas”, another song that touches on controversy, is solid track off the album. When the song was released last month, I couldn’t bring myself to like it. But this song grew on me like no other; I even found myself humming the rhythm in the shower. What captivated me the most was that damn electronic synth; I’ve never heard something more energizing in my life. That distinct sound, combined with Gaga’s accented dictation, makes “Judas” a showstopper. “Scheibe” is one of the weirder songs on the album, but it in the best way possible. Never has the German language sounded so sexy. The song is pure Euro-trash, and it works.
Song of the Moment: “Up N’ Down”
May 9, 2011 § 1 Comment
If you follow this blog, it should come as no surprise that I am a HUGE Britney Spears fan. I listen to all of her albums religiously, and there are always certain songs that are on constant rotation. This time, the chosen song is off the pop star’s current album Femme Fatale. The deluxe edition track, titled “Up N’ Down”, is steadily becoming one of my favorite songs of the moment! Every year there are a handful of songs that I normally choose as “Songs of the Summer”, and this bumping dance track is definitely holding on strong.
“Up N’ Down” is so incredibly catchy; it makes you want to give it your all on the dancefloor. The track opens with some intense 90’s-feeling techno chords which completely electrifies the body & soul, gearing it up to fist pump, shake your booty, break dance, etc. The lyrics, while a bit cheesy (“I know you want me like kids want candy”), are effective, taunting, to the point, and seductive in a way that only Britney Spears could master. Combine that with a great techno-driven rhythm, and you have a perfect Pop formula for a hit. In short, it’s a freaking SOLID dance-pop track. Why it didn’t make the official Femme Fatale album beats me. But look out for “Up n’ Down” in the upcoming summer months, it’ll become your new go-to party song!
Jennifer Lopez- Love? Album Review
May 4, 2011 § Leave a comment
After being pushed back for over a year, Jennifer Lopez’s Love? finally dropped this Tuesday to much anticipation. Shifting to a new record label, Island Records, the Pop Diva found herself playing around with new Euro-driven sounds and fun lyrics. With the birth of her twins and her busy job as judge on American Idol, Jennifer Lopez’s presence within the music scene was minute. But with Love?, Lopez wanted to come back with a bang. But the album is more of a sizzle.
Love? is based on Euro-dance Pop, a sound that we are all used to in the year 2011. Instead of setting herself apart from the sea of female Pop artists dominating the industry, Lopez sinks with a robotic fervor. “Good Hit” transforms the 41-year old entertainer into a try-hard tween, with its screeching auto-tune and standard rhythmic production. Lopez returns back to her Latin roots with “Papi”, a bass-thumping dance track that gets you into the mood to shake what you got.
The singer isn’t known for her powerful ballads, yet they are still present on Love? “Until It Beats No More” is a dull record about heartbreak and resurrection. Unfortunately, the production is too high for Lopez’s tight vocal range; the singer strains to reach notes that she cannot pull off. Lopez’s vocal range is pushed into the Justin Bieber category with “One Love”, a mid-tempo ballad that would be better suited for the 17-year old popstar. “Villian”, a track that oozes sensuality and mystery is quite strong. But once again, the breathy vocals and edgy-techn0 beat would fit Britney Spears, not Jennifer Lopez.