Welcome to
Madonna Week. With the imminent and official release of the “Rebel Heart”
album, it’s time to celebrate all things Madonna related and have a week where
every post, one a day, is all about our Queen. There will be lots of little
countdowns, highlighting her amazing body of work but first I wanted to write a
little essay with a simple title, why Madonna?
"Tonight I'm not looking to change your life, I'm just trying to be a part of it," and so began the first live performance from megastar Drake in Melbourne. Drake is a likable guy, his charisma is evident from the beginning. And even better, he is a consummate performer who sounds incredible live.
"Style" was one of my favourite tracks when I first heard Taylor Swift's "1989" album, but it has been in this last week that the song went from like to absolute love! A switch somehow flipped in my brain and I just haven't been able to get it out of my head and it has certainly been on repeat all week.
Ever since I fell in love with the sharp humour and great beat of the single "Secret", I've been hanging with baited breath for the release of Mary Lambert's album. The US got it in October, now Australia finally gets a chance to hear the beautiful vocals on "Heart On My Sleeve". It seems surprising we had to wait so long when "Secret" went Top 40 here in Oz and "Same Love" hit number one in Australia before anywhere else.
As I listen to an album for the first time I write a few notes about each song, and looking down at my notes it seems like I've used the word beautiful more times than I thought humanly possible. And it's the best way to sum up this album, it's beautiful. Beautiful melodies, music, vocals, lyrics and Mary Lambert is pretty God damn beautiful.
Besides sharing my love of pop music on this blog, I am a playwright and have been working on a new play set in Sydney in 1993. "The Girlie Show" is the story of five people who meet in line for Madonna's first ever concert. I'm almost finished my first draft and it got me thinking about how much I enjoy concerts. I used to go to a lot when I was younger but then they got more expensive and most of my money was going into rent and theatre. But I have made a recent decision that I need to go to see more live music. I am seeing Drake this week and I'm excited, now to see more people.
So what is the best concert you've been to? The list is wide and varied for me. There's a number of gigs I could pick, I'm going to highlight a few later, but first here's a few gigs I've loved:
Last week, without any warning or promotion, Drake released a new album, "If You're Reading This It's Too Late". It could be seen as an attempt to do a "Beyonce", but in fact it's probably more likely he's trying to burn through his contract with Cash Money Records. But the question remains, is this a new album or just a new mixtape? I'm not sure I'm "qualified" to make the distinction. But enough of that, I was keen to hear the album, I'm seeing Drake perform in Melbourne next week and wanted to hear his new stuff.
Let's get it out there, this is solid work, a good album, not his best, but certainly a good album. There's nothing here as strong as "Marvin's Room" or "Hold On, We're Going Home", in fact there's nothing here that's really a single - but pieced together as a whole, it's great album.
This has almost been single of the week for a number of weeks, but with it hitting number one on the Australian charts this week, it seemed the perfect time. This is a very strong song from three musical powerhouses, the type of collaboration that wouldn't have seemed real or possible a few years ago.
Now this song is a definite grower. The laid back track didn't grab me when I first heard it, and I thought it was a strange first single for Rihanna's new album - especially after she released a new album every year for a few years and then suddenly stopped. But after a few listens you truly begin to appreciate the beautiful ease of this great folk like ballad.
For me this is all about Rihanna's almost breathless vocals. A Rihanna ballad is something I've always loved and she has never sounded better, her vocals, like the song, have a beautiful ease. Kanye West sounds great here too, sure, he's using his trademark auto-tune but it's not over used. McCartney clearly had a big hand in the writing and producing as it feels more like a song of his and not the other two.
Lyrically it's an interesting one, it seems to be about heartbreak, loss and self destructive behaviour. It's the kind of track that will get stuck into your head, I certainly have been walking around for a few weeks singing it.
I for one am now very intrigued to hear the upcoming album from Rihanna and see what direction she'll be taking this time. This track is introducing a more adult sounding Rihanna and I'm ready for more.
Now as for the latest Kanye controversy with him and his hatred of anyone but Beyonce winning major awards, I take it with a grain of salt. He's a polarising figure and guess what, he likes it like that. He is entitled to his opinion, and all this bullshit with people now bagging out Beyonce has to stop. You don't win an album of the year because you play a million instruments, it's about a lot more than that - it's voice, songs, production, critical reception. Did Beyonce deserve to win? Maybe, I personally was hoping for Sam Smith to win. The thing that is interesting is that people are so angry about Kanye having an opinion and then ridicule him with their opinion - seems a double standard to me.
Time to forget it and just enjoy this great song and it's simple clip again. Long live double denim!
What do you think about "FourFiveSeconds"? Tell me in the comments section below.
Happy Valentines Day! Today is also the 30th anniversary of one the best debut albums of all time, Whitney Houston's self titled album. I was going to do a classic album review but remembering this was my first album, I thought this would be a fun blog instead.
So I'll ask you, what was your first album bought? Tell me in the comments sections below. It's funny whenever you ask someone this question they are either really proud of their first album, or totally embarrassed. I guess those people probably got Nikki Webster for their first album.
So I would have been 9, and I don't even know how I had the money saved but I did and spent that money on this cassette. Best decision ever. Before I became a lifelong dedicated Madonna fan, Whitney was my favourite. In fact I had a massive poster that I used to have above my bed. Then when Madonna started taking over the walls I tried to put my Whitney poster on the roof but it fell down in the middle of the night and tried to smother me.
So Happy Birthday to an incredible album. The singles here are amazing, and iconic. Single two was the one that really introduced everyone to Whitney, "Saving All My Love". This is still one of my favourite tracks. What a wonderful showcase of her amazing and sadly missed vocals. Second big hit, "How Will I Know" showed Whitney could also have fun with a damn perfect pop song. Final single and her biggest hit from the album was the iconic "The Greatest Love Of All". Wow 10 year old Wayne loved this song, and 39 year old Wayne is still a massive fan. It's a truly beautiful and inspiring song.
Okay folks, your turn, what's your first album? Tell me in the comments section below.
I loved watching Fifth Harmony form on the US version of X-Factor. From their first auditions as solo acts, to their formation as a girl group and finally their third place finish, I was watching and supporting them. Their performance of "Anything Could Happen" was a defining moment for the girls and proved they had a future. Now with the release of their debut album "Reflection", the evolution continues. And continues in the right direction.
Let's get this out there to start with, this is a bloody good album. A very strong debut from five very talented young women. I was not as sold when they released the "Better Together" E.P , but from the release of this album's first single, "Bo$$", it was clear the girls meant business. They have surrounded themselves with amazing songwriters and producers such as Dr Luke, Julian Bunetta and current it girl, Megan Trainor and their vocals are sounding wonderful together.
There are no bad songs on this album, they all are strong, but naturally there are some tracks which really shine (more on those later). The 90's sound is back in a big way, and this album is a celebration of that. The girls with vocal sounds and themes are sounding like early Destiny's Child - another reason to celebrate. I was expecting to like this album, but I was blown away by how much I actually did like it!
Let's talk about the singles. First single "Bo$$" is a great intro to the album. This fierce sounding track is all about empowerment with it's tribal beats, flawless vocals and brilliant lyrics. It's a call to arms for women, and every time I hear it I walk around for ages just singing "Michelle Obama". It should have been a bigger hit!
Single number two, "Sledgehammer" is my favourite on the album. This is more pop than a lot of the album, which borders on urban and R&B. Co-written by Megan Trainor, this is catchy pop at it's best. Heavily influenced by the synth, this track is infectious. I dare you not to have "If you could feel my pulse right now, it would feel just like a sledgehammer" stuck in your head after a few listens. Early on in X-Factor they were criticised for singing together and not harmonising, well here their harmonies are flawless. Just like "Bo$$", this should have been a bigger hit!
Third and current single, "Worth It" is another great track, and is beautifully different to the previous two singles. Featuring Kid Ink, this saxophone driven track is a little reminiscent of Ariana Grande's monster track, "Problem". This is a sassy little track where the girls declare they are worthy of all the attention. With attitude a plenty, this is another track that should be a hit. Would someone please let them have a massive hit?!
As I stated, the rest of the album is also strong. The best non-single is "Like a Mariah" which should be single number four. Sampling Mariah's, "Always Be My Baby" and with a rap by Tyga, this a special track. The 90's beat is amazing and the vocals are spot on. The Dr Luke produced "This Is How We Roll" is a great party anthem that really highlights the amazing vocals of these five ladies. Other highlights include opener "Top Down", a cruisy and instantly likable track, the message driven title track "Reflection", stunning ballad "We Know" and the great dance track "Body Rock" with its exceptional verses and dirty beat.
This is a stunning debut. Pop music is a truly underrated art form and this album should receive more attention. I am now squarely in the column of Fifth Harmony fans. Loving these girls!
I hate to finish this blog with a negative, but I was very disappointed it was difficult to find this album here in Australia. I went to the Elizabeth St store of JB Hi Fi in the Melbourne CBD a day after the album's release. They didn't have it, they only received one copy of the album and it had already been sold - very disappointing!
What's your favourite track on "Reflection"? Tell me in the comments section below.
I've been wanting to have this as my single of the week since just before Christmas but I was waiting for a clip, and we just got it and it is everything. Just like the song, "Living for Love". Everything. Madonna is spectacularly back in form, now if radio would just add this to high rotation everything would be right with the world again!
Let's talk about why this song is so damn good. Firstly, it's a brilliant pop anthem. Madonna knows how to write a wonderful pop tune, and this is no exception. There's some brilliant production by Diplo, it's a little 90's house with those luscious synths and beautiful piano over the track. There's some great vocals here, Madonna has never sounded better and some stunning backing vocals by co-writer and major star in her own right, Alicia Keys - this has all the winning factors.
Lyrically Madonna is on point again. What started out as a break up song, turned into a beautiful song of hope. When she sings, "I'm not giving up, I'm gonna carry on", you have to wonder if that's also directed at her many critics. With a song so strong, you have to wonder how people could ever doubt the undeniable Queen of Pop.
Such a strong first first single, buy it people - it's all kinds of awesome.
Now let's talk about that amazing film clip. Because with Madonna you get the whole package, single and amazing clip. Over the years she's produced some of the most iconic film clips around, from the controversy and religious iconography of "Like a Prayer" to the old Hollywood glamour and style of "Vogue". This is another clip to add to her list of brilliant short films. Centre stage, Madonna is the beautiful bull fighter taking on some pretty buff minotaurs. The choreography is flawless and Madonna proves again that age is unimportant. It's stylish, the costume design is wonderful and the colour grade is amazing. Other pop hopefuls wish they could make something half as wonderful.
Just wanted to also add the awe inspiring clip from Madonna's performance at this week's Grammys. Can't wait for the rest of the album! All hail the Queen!
P.S I haven't heard the whole album, I am waiting, I won't be hearing leaks, Madonna doesn't want me to, and I'm going to be a good fan and wait - as hard as that is!
I've often said that 1989 is my favourite year in music, and here's another reason why, Debbie Gibson's poptastic "Electric Youth", her strongest ever and most successful album. I have very fond memories of sitting in my Dad's car listening to this cassette while my parents were at my school at parent teacher night (I was a good student who needed to spend more time studying, less time talking - story of my life).
The most impressive thing about this album is something I didn't realise until I revisited it this weekend, Debbie Gibson single handedly wrote every track on this album - not bad for a 19 year old. It's a very 80's sound, which let's face it, is reason to celebrate. The album topped the US charts, went to 8 in the UK and 10 here in my native Australia. In 1989 Debbie Gibson was a true pop phenomenon, even launching her own "Electric Youth" fragrance. This blog recently had a diva off between Rihanna and Beyonce, back then it would have been between Debbie Gibson and Tiffany. Sorry Tiff, I always liked you, but I was and will always be Team Gibson!
So let's talk about the album, having a listen again this morning I could do nothing but smile. Such great memories in all of those great pop sounds. And it's funny hearing the album now, so many of the songs could do well in today's charts - the retro sounds are current again, especially the use of sax, which is very on trend.
First single, "Lost in Your Eyes" is not only my favourite song on the album, but my favourite song ever of Gibson's. This US number one single is a beautiful piano ballad. Gibson's vocals sound flawless, her voice soars and her lyrics are pretty special. "I get weak in a glance, isn't this what's called romance?" - gets me every time. The instrumentation on this song is pretty special. Surprised this hasn't been covered or at least done on American Idol - certainly a standing "o" kind of track. Still listen to this one all the time.
The second single was the brilliant title track, "Electric Youth". This is late 80's pop at its best, you've got to love those classic synth sounds. This anthem for a generation used to get me dancing around my bedroom singing loudly. Not sure why this isn't considered more of a classic, other 80's songs are still massive and this song is so much better. Again Gibson sounds amazing and the lyrics are pretty damn cool, "Don't underestimate the power of a life time ahead". Then there's the epic film clip, it's totally iconic, and you have to love all that denim. Think I need to put this song on my playlist for my 40th birthday party this year.
The other two singles from the album aren't as strong as the leading two singles but are still great. "No More Rhyme" is another great pop ballad from Gibson, she certainly know how to write them, and even more, play and sing them! Fourth single, "We Could Be Together" is pretty great. It's a catchy mid tempo pop song with a great flow and some perfect sing along moments, "If you said jump I'd say how high" - I was singing along with it very loudly this morning. Also, check out the film clip, gotta love that leather jacket!
As for the albums tracks, some solid stuff here, my favourite is the last track on the album, "Shades of the Past", another beautiful ballad. This is a great album from a period in music that will be always be my favourite! Got to love Debbie Gibson.
So what's your favourite track on "Electric Youth"? Tell me in the comments section below.
Time for a single of the week and this time it's by a 74 year old, I didn't see that coming! Famous disco producer Giorgio Moroder is back, and back in a big way. Best known for his work in the 70's and 80's, Moroder is famous for producing Blondie's "Call Me", Irene Cara's "What a Feeling" and pretty much anything good from Donna Summer. In fact Moroder is often credited with pioneering electronic disco music.
Then there's Kylie, well we all know her. Australia's pop princess with countless hit singles and a true music icon. So what's their collaboration like? Pretty damn awesome I'd say. In fact, after Kylie's underwhelming "Kiss Me Once", it's nice to see her back in form - this is the best song she's released in years.
Let's talk about the amazing and fun "Right Here, Right Now". Disco has made a major comeback of late, and seems to have had quite the stylish makeover. From the great sound of the synth opening, you know you're about to experience something pretty special. Featuring great string sounds, heavy clap beats and a euphoric sound, this is a complete dance floor anthem. Then there's Kylie's stunning vocals. She sounds flawless here, and shows an incredible range. This is a catchy tune I've already found myself dancing too and singing very loudly.
On paper Moroder and Minogue seem like a perfect combination and they don't disappoint. It's just a shame that radio hasn't jumped onto this song and put it onto heavy rotation. This deserves to be a hit!
What do you think of the new Giorgio Moroder and Kylie Minogue track? Tell me in the comments section below.
Been a while since a classic album review and the awesome old school Black Box songs from "Dreamland" keep following me this year. I hear them and remember how much I loved this album when it came out. Listening to the songs again this afternoon literally made me smile - these are some great songs.
This Australian number one album (only place in the world it went to number one) is not without some major controversies. The face of Black Box, French model Katrin Quinol was less a lead singer and more the female equivalent of Milli Vanilli. In fact all the vocals, bar "Ride on Time" were actually from Weather Girls veteran and music icon, Martha Wash, hired as a session singer to lay down demos. "Ride on Time" used an original sample and just kept the voice. They have had the hell sued out of them and the rightful people are now getting royalties so I don't feel guilty telling people to revisit or check out this great album.
This album came out in 1990 and was at the forefront of the massive Italian House movement. I was in year 10 at high school in Western Sydney and Black Box were a favourite to blare from my ghetto blaster, it was red, it was cool. I got this on cassette for my birthday and played it to death. And most of these songs are recognisable, because this is an album of nine tracks, seven of which were released as singles. Here in Australia, five of those songs charted quite highly.
Listening to the album now, yes, most of the tracks sound similar, but that's not new for dance acts and still happens today. It was an amazing sound for the time and then, was highly original. Though they did mix it up with some great instrumentals, "Ghost Box" is a haunting song. I remember the film group I was a member of, bought the rights to this song and used it over the closing credit of our award winning short film.
Let's talk those singles, those great singles. "Ride on Time" was our intro to Black Box, and probably their best known song, reaching number two in Oz and one in the UK (becoming the highest selling song of that year). It sampled Loleatta Holloway's 1980 disco hit "Love Sensation". Hilariously, as Black Box ripped off this hook of the song, they thought she was singing, "Cause you ride on time", not "Cause you're right on time", hence the tracks name. It's a catchy song that is easy to sing along with as you dance enthusiastically on the dance floor.
The next two singles are my favourites, they are also quite similar. "I Don't Know Anybody Else" and "Everybody, Everybody" are perfect dancefloor anthems, with amazing hooks and catchy lyrics. I have some wonderful memories of these songs. "I Don't Know Anybody Else" has an amazingly strong start, the build under the lyrics, "Tell me what you want and nothing else" is my favourite part of the whole song. As for "Everybody, Everybody", this is my favourite of all their songs. The clip is great and the lyrics are really strong. "When I said it was over you aimed at my heart" - love it. This song sits proudly in my iTunes top 25 most played songs.
Black Box's other huge hit in Australia is their cover of the Earth, Wind and Fire classic, "Fantasy" which got to three in the singles chart. It's a little different from their other tracks, almost a house ballad. Still to this day, whenever this comes on my iPod at work, people sing along happily, it's iconic and a damn fine track. This is the perfect example of a great cover, changing a song enough to make it yours but still keeping what made it such a great song in the first place.
"Strike it Up" was the band's biggest hit in the US, reaching eight on the singles chart. It's another corker from the Italians. The thumping horn sound is a winner and the added male vocals really adds to the feel of the song, and gives them a slightly different sound. Another track I was obsessed with in 1990-91.
The one thing these songs, bar "Ride on Time", have that makes them so good is the amazing and effortless vocal talents of Martha Wash, who also did secret vocals for C&C Music Factory and Snap at the time. Her lungs sound incredible over a dance beat and are always flawless. It's fantastic she finally has the credit she so rightfully deserves for these awesome songs.
So obviously I love this album, how about you? What's your favourite song from Dreamland? Tell me in the comments section below.
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