Carrie Underwood - Missed Opportunities

Carrie Underwood is hands down one of my favourite vocalists of all time. She has the power I look for and the country tone that takes me back to Nashville (I have never been to Nashville physically). She alone takes up most of my iPhone playlist; I have 372 songs that have all been meticulously chosen and Carrie is 39 of them! May not sound like a grand statement - but it is! She holds a very dear place in my heart, I can relate to a lot of her music and also it supplies the one thing I find necessary when listening to music - can I mime to it and pretend I am in a dramatic music video, and yes I can, she delivers like no one else.

However a lot of her songs do not got any attention and I find that incredibly sad, not just for the population, but for me aswell! I want to be able to watch live performances and see music videos for all of her songs; but just like the rest of the music world she only chooses to release around 5-6 of the songs from each album! I WANT MORE!

So as I do, I have a problem and I have found a solution. The missed opportunities compilation album. This can purely be a selection of her greatest non hits or even (and I type this with shaking excitement) a video album! I have selected the 10 songs for the album so Carrie doesn't have to - you're welcome. Also I have named the album 'Relapse' after one of my chosen songs. Also the latin definition for relapse is to 'slip back' - kind of perfect for this style of album don't you think. 

So let us get this track list underway.

1. Relapse - From the album 'Storyteller'

I may be jumping the gun here because this song is on her most current album so there may still be time, however this may be the push she needs to release this single! I can't lose. 

2. Lessons Learned - From the album 'Some Hearts'

An amazing motivational song. Basically every knock you get in life you should appreciate them, because they are (wait for it...) lessons learned.

3. Flat On The Floor - From the album 'Carnival Ride'

This is a toe tapper if I ever heard one! It is about trying to get out of a terrible relationship. Although if you want to get deep it could possibly be about trying to escape an abusive relationship - but I might be reading too much in to it, I do that sometimes. 

4. Forever Changed - From the album 'Blown Away'

This a tear jerker. Emotional doesn't come close to how this song will make you feel. It is a song about a loved one losing their memory as they gets older. I want to assume dementia but it doesn't mention anything. So sad, so beautifully sung.

5. Change - From the album 'Play On'

A nice song to make you feel guilty for not giving to charity. A real thinker to make you evaluate your life choices.  

6. Cupid's Got A Shotgun - From the album 'Blown Away'

A fun country ditty about avoiding Cupid basically. Love that she sings about shooting Cupid herself, that pure nugget just wants love in this world!

7. We're Young and Beautiful - From the album 'Some Hearts'

A beautiful little love song about enjoying life whilst they are young and beautiful basically. It is just a nice, easy listening, sweet song; and we don't get much of them these days.

8. Get Out of This Town - From the album 'Carnival Ride'

One of my favourite type of songs are ones about escape. I love the idea of one day packing my bag and just running. Not in a depressing way, more just to see what else is out there. This song hits that feeling on the head.

9. Starts With Goodbye - From the album 'Some Hearts'

A song about the pain of having to say goodbye, having to leave something behind or even been left behind. So sad, but uplifting at the same time - something Carrie is an expert at doing.

10. Someday When I Stop Loving You - From the album 'Play On'

A very typical country song (that isn't a bad thing), a nice simple music track with some beautiful vocals. Quite heartbreaking to hear her singing about trying get over a break up.

 

Bonus Track

Mexico - From the album 'Storyteller'

I just really love this song right now, up there with 'Relapse' as one my favourites from the new album. Made it a bonus track because she needs to release it as a single yesterday! She could also re-record it and release it as a sequel to 'Something Bad' with fellow country goddess Miranda Lambert. 

There you go Carrie, Carrie's management and Carrie's Record label; I have done all the hard work for you. You have your cover and your tracklist. You already own the songs so just put them together, make me 11 music videos and I will move on. I need to move on. 

Stressed out, Stone Cold but Here - What I am currently listening to

I know, I know you have all been asking 'what the frick is Craig listening to lately?!'. Well despair no more as I am here to share would could possibly the best music taste of all time (I may be biased). Also you may be shocked there is no country music on my list this time, I haven't turned my back on my southern cousins it's just a lot more has caught my attention lately. So, let us get this underway.

Twenty One Pilots - Stressed Out

Twenty One Pilots have been on my radar for a long time now, not that I would choose to listen to them but I was aware that they were there. Their cover of the Elvis classic 'Can't Help Falling In Love' really perked my ears up. The singer's (Tyler Joseph) voice is so so so good, it has a strained quality that I really like. However, back to this song. I don't honestly know what is that I like about it, it isn't like anything else on my playlist. I think I really respond to the lyrics and anyone that feels out of pace with life. I really love the lyric 'Used to dream of outer space but now they're laughing at our face, Saying, "Wake up, you need to make money."' It really resonates with me because right now I am wising up to the fact that we may not be able to pursue what we love, we just need to make those pennies and pounds. 

Selena Gomez - Hands To Myself

I have been a fan of Selena since back in the Wizard days, I have also enjoyed a lot of her music. She has truly matured hasn't she? Especially with this new album. One thing I love about the new album is that it seems Selena has finally realised her vocal limits. So instead of pushing out notes; we have now got a more mellow, low tempo vibe. 'Hands To Myself' might just be my favourite songs on the album. We start off with a slow shoulder roll beat and finish on a full body shimmy. I absolutely love the bit where she sings 'I mean I could but why would I want to', I will sit and wait for it and try my best every-damn-time to Drag Race style mime to it. Instead of the video, I have posted a live performance of it. I think this shows Selena's personality a lot more because she is just having fun with it. I highly recommend you watch the official video though - for the guy alone if nothing else.

Alessa Cara - Here

I am obsessed with this song. It perfectly describes my thoughts when entering a party (that is until the Jacky D kicks in). For 19, her songwriting skills are impressive. I don't really know what to say about this song. Just give it a listen and you will see what I am talking about. She really knows how to write for someone with social anxiety. Without sounding simple, I am really impressed with the mature language she uses in this song, and the way she packs it in. This song is heavy with lyrics and I hope one day to be able to conquer them all. So far I have the first two lines down (three if you count that weird male vocal at the beginning). 

Demi Lovato - Stone Cold

I don't think there is a single song she has released that I haven't been taken to higher place whilst playing. You know how Oprah has her love for Tina Turner - like Tina is her number one, I think Demi might be mine. I just realised this whilst typing. Feels good to finally admit this to myself. I can listen to all of Demi's albums and rarely have to skip a single song. Her voice kills me (or as the kids might say - slays). I have put up a live version of my fave Demi song right now, lay some cushions on the floor when before you listen to it, it will knock you out. 'Stone Cold' is about trying to be happy for a lost love who is moving on, we have all had some degree of that. Her gut wrenching vocals emphasize the pain of that, the quiet moments resemble the moments of quiet reflection someone would have when dealing with loss. I may be babbling now, I just adore this song.

Ariana Grande - Zero To Hero

Okay, stay with me. There wasn't a single kid who didn't love the Muses in 'Hercules'. Their gospel style singing of Hercules' trials were special - a light hearted break from the drama of the movie. So, when I heard that Disney were releasing an album of covers by today's artists I was intrigued. Then I saw that Ariana was singing 'Zero To Hero' - one of the best Disney songs of all time - I had to give it a listen. Boy am I glad I did. It is beautiful, fun and makes me want to be better person. Okay maybe scratch that last bit, but this song is special and Ariana's voice is undeniably special - combine the two and we got a whole lot of special. Sit back, plug those earphones in if you don't want anyone else to hear and judge you, and just enjoy this Disney magic. And maybe, just maybe one day I can find my fellow four Muses and travel the world enlightening the youth of today. 

Three New Shows You Need In Your Life

Dear friend, once again I am here to help you in ways you never knew you needed. I have discovered three new television shows, I have watched them and now I shall review them - so you don't have to. First of all I must admit for all three of the TV shows I am about to mention, the main reason I watched them is because of the leading ladies. Step forward Jane Lynch, America Ferrera and Eva Longoria, also known as Sue Sylvester, Betty Suarez and Gabrielle Solis. These three ladies were responsible for some of the best TV characters this millennium. So lets get this underway, there are three new shows I need to talk about. 

Angel From Hell

The description of this show could be an eye roller. It doesn't have a very modern or really enticing premise - I didn't even watch it until its second week out. I am so glad that I did watch it though. I'll try and quickly describe what it's about in 140 characters or less. Basically Jane Lynch plays a guardian angel, like a legit one (not just someone who looks out for someone, she is an angel!), who has a slight issue with the old booze. She has been tasked with looking after a dermatologist called Allison as she struggles with balancing work life, love life and a social life. It is a light hearted comedy with some great one liners and the impeccable comedy timing of Ms Lynch. The supporting cast really sell this show for me aswell, mainly Allison's brother Brad - he is hilarious. This is a smartly written show, and at the end of the day when did you last watch a 22 minute comedy show with a supernatural element that was good since 'Mork and Mindy'?!

Superstore

I am a major fan of the show 'Trollied' on SkyOne in the UK, so of course you point out to me that there is an american version starring America Ferrera I am there. America is one of those actresses that come once in a hundred shows - she is pure talent. She gets to my heart with a simple facial expression, she can go from making me laugh out loud to straight up sobbing. My first memory of her affecting me was in the pilot episode of 'Ugly Betty' where she is asked to stand in for a model during a photoshoot in a latex outfit and they all take the piss out of her, I cried so hard. Anyway this isn't an America Ferrera appreciation post (not to self: future post idea - America the Beautiful? Think of a better title), I am here to talk about 'Superstore'.
It is a very similar premise to 'Trollied' where it is a sitcom based in a, wait for it, superstore. With the ability to include many different character types it is the perfect setting, where the lazy meet the headstrong, where the smart meet the dumb and where the slackers meet the hard workers.  The supporting cast is stellar, my favourite been Dina. I have met many a Dina in my retail experience, the woman who cares to much about the rules and protecting the integrity of the business she works for - but she is hilarious. I hope this doesn't fall for the one season curse that a lot of comedies are these days, this has room to grow and expand with never ending storylines. I am going to say it - this could be our new 'The Office US'.

Telenovela

Having never watched a real telenovela in my entire life, I was a bit apprehensive to watch this. Would I get the references? Turns out it doesn't matter. What I understand about telenovelas are that they are very over the top, dramatic, spanish speaking soap operas, this show hits the nail on the head then when it comes to mocking that. It stars Eva as a telenovela actress, it is a behind the scenes comedy -  much in the same way as '30 Rock' mocked the behind the scenes of a variety show.
It is a silly comedy, and I mean that in the best way possible. The comedy is very simple and almost slap stick, you can see some jokes coming a mile away but you still chuckle when the cast expertly executes them. It is packed with embarrassing moments and I am a huge fan of awkward comedy.
The cast has delivered in every episode, some of the moments can seem ripped from a Disney Channel comedy and really juvenile but that is isn't a bad thing necessarily. I think over time it will mature, it will find its feet and I am honestly really happy to see a latino led comedy on prime time TV. And Eva is back!! Always the underrated actress on 'Desperate Housewives'/