Back On Team Bey

I have been the biggest Beyoncé fan for almost 20 years now, from the second I heard 'Boy I know you want me, I can see it in your eyes' on the amazing single 'No No No' right through to 'Y'all haters corny with that illuminati mess' on the stand up and be counted anthem that is 'Formation'. She has had a very prominent position on my playlist for as long as I have been able to buy music. For me she is The Idol, as a non religious person she is probably as close I will get to having Jesus in my life. Through her professional and personal life she has taught me a lot, she has encouraged individuality, she speaks for those who can't get a word in and she has achieved a standard that can never be beaten - can you even imagine living in a world with a performer that rivals Beyoncé? No, me neither.

As hard as it would be to imagine a time my head hasn't been up her arse, there was. I am shocked aswell. It happened around the time of the self titled 'Beyoncé' album two years ago. Beyoncé kind of changed. We had glimpses of this change on 'Four', but she kind of flipped the script and introduced the world to Yoncé in 2014. Yoncé was much more of a free spirit, she cursed on her songs, she sang about sex and we lost the family friendly songs. A few years ago it would have been unimaginable to conceive Beyoncé 'on her knees' - as a lifelong fan it made me take a step back. I am not a prude by any stretch of the imagination but it was just a little shocking for me to hear her this way. I may have given her the side eye and thought that she was trying too hard. However I don't think ever in music the genres have blended as much, or people have experimented the way they are now. I applaud Beyoncé for the growth in her music, but I just held on to the old days too much. Don't get me wrong I have some favourites on the album - special shout out to 'Heaven' (I will be seriously pissed if someone doesn't suggest this song to be played at my funeral), just as an overall it wasn't my favourite collection she has released.

One week ago the world was suddenly aware of 'Lemonade' in a way we have never experienced it before, what once was a sugary citrus beverage now had a whole other meaning. 'Lemonade' will forever be synonymous with Beyoncé. I FREAKING LOVE THIS ALBUM! Maybe I have grown into a more mature listener, but something about it ticks all the boxes for me. I need a depressing song - check. I need a sad song - check. I need an angry song - check. I need a happy song - check. I need a dance song - check. This album has it all for me. The range of genres on this album is phenomenal, I wouldn't be surprised if she was nominated for a country music award for the song 'Daddy Lessons'. She is playing with her voice more than ever, she even sounds like she is attempting to rap in 'Hold Up'. My favourite song has to be 'Freedom' which features Kendrick Lamar, and one could argue some of her other songs are inspired by Lamar's previous work. Favourite line has to be 'Imma keep  running, cus a winner don't quit on themselves' - put that on a t shirt and I will hand over my notes.

The short film that accompanied the album was just stunning, I had to watch it in two sittings because it was a bit overwhelming. There is a lot going on. I applaud Beyoncé for shining a light on women of colour, they don't get the attention and admiration they deserve in popular culture. It is an emotional experience, I do feel like I want to sit her down and ask her if everything is good. Did Jay Z cheat or is this a whole story concocted for the album. On one hand if it's true then she has harnessed the emotions into a positive outcome and we have been gifted an incredible album. If it isn't true then my days what a story teller Beyoncé is, she has fooled the world in to believing her through words and images.

I Love The Veronicas

It is very rare for a band to come out and for me to fall for them, sure I will love a song or even love an album - but with this band I love them. Everything they do. It isn't even biased, I genuinely love everything they have put out. Step forward The Veronicas. 

I just did a quick wiki search on the girls and it kind of shocked me - I have been a fan of their's for 9 years. NINE YEARS! I fell for them the second I heard '4ever'. There was these twins rocking out and driving their Mini Cooper around, taking polaroids and having fun. I was hooked, had to know everything about them (when I join a fandom, I join a fandom hard). I got their CD imported from Australia and never looked back. This band has everything I look for - they are fun, yet deep, they are happy, yet emotional. They write all their own stuff, play instruments and know how to put on a show. Plus for some strange reason (maybe because I am a twin) I love that they are twins, I love seeing twins work together and be successful. 

As a Veronica fan there has been quite a lull in my life, they disappeared for 5 years. The music just stopped, they were on top and they went away. Their single 'Untouched' was a smash the world over (top 10 in the Uk and top 20 in the US) and then we heard nothing. We kept getting promises of new material but that never happened. Last year they graced us with a one off single which they only released in Australia and then they bowed out again leaving us wanting more. I have heard there was issues with the record company so all can be forgiven. 

Now as I type though they are officially back!!! They have a killer new song called 'You Ruin Me'. It is a beautiful haunting ballad that you can tell comes from the heart of these beautiful brunet aussies. Really showcases their talents as singers and song writers. It makes you stop in your tracks and listen. And we also have news of a new album, simply called 'The Veronicas'. I seriously can't wait. I can't wait for them to come back to the UK for a tour, I can't wait for new music, new music videos, more performances, more everything. 

I love you Jess and Lisa and I cannot wait.

Buy their new single here - The Veronicas - You Ruin Me

The Saturdays - My Finest Selection

Incase you haven't read my blog before I should let you in on something - I have a huge love for girlbands. There is something so amazing when a group of girls/women get together, belt out a tune, maybe pop a few moves and in some cases wear cohesive outfits. Arguably the biggest girlband in England today is The Saturdays. Una, Rochelle, Frankie, Mollie and Vanessa have been constant fixtures on the UK Top 40 for the last 6 years. Over this time they have amassed 19 top 40 singles, 5 top 10 albums and had 4 sellout tours. The Saturdays definitely have their own sound, there is no denying it is them when you hear one of their tunes, they are fun, exciting and gorgeous. So as I do I have created a short list as a favour from me to you of my top 10 favourite The Saturdays songs - lets go -

10. Missing You (Headlines!, 2010)
This was the first single released from their 3rd album, Headlines! A slower song then what we are used to but pushed along by the amazing vocals of Vanessa belting out those top notes and ad libs. It reached number 3.

9. Work (Chasing Lights, 2009)
The final release from their debut album, and in my opinion a seriously overlooked song. It is one of their worst performing songs only peaking at 22. This song gave Mollie a chance to shine as she had the first verse. It is such a power song and really was top 10 worthy.

8. Forever Is Over (Wordshaker, 2009)
This was the first single from the EP Wordshaker. After a disappointing chart position with 'Work' this rode high in the charts peaking at number 2. Una for me really dominates this song, her raspiness sells it - love the bridge aswell when they all take a line each. These girls can sing.

7. Issues (Chasing Lights, 2009)
Their first foray in to ballads - and they nailed it. This song spoke to a lot of us who were feeling mistreated and yet couldn't explain our feelings. This song is beautiful and an anthem for a lot of people 'Me and my heart we have issues'. Peaked at number 4.

6. All Fired Up (On Your Radar, 2011)
If there is one thing this group can do it is fill a dance floor. This song is one of many to get people up and knocking heels. A proper fist pumping, miming till you strain your mouth song. You can't help but feel energised when hearing this song, and England liked it aswell - it charted at number 3. Also fashion wise probably one of my favourite videos.

5. Ego (Wordshaker!, 2010)
This song just has so many killer lines that many of us want to shout at that one obnoxious person who needs to be put in their place. Plus the video is hella cool, who doesn't love 5 beautiful girls in superhero spandex? This song charted at number 9 - should have been a number 1 in my eyes.

4. Notorious (On Your Radar, 2011)
If I was a girl (some may argue I already am) this would definitely be my anthem. I would have it as my alarm, my running song, my getting ready song and my first request at the club. 'I'm a outlaw. I'm the big boss. I'm a gangster on the dancefloor. (N-n-notorious) I'm a outlaw. I'm the big boss. I'm a gangster on the dancefloor' I mean what girl doesn't wanna scream this!?

3. What About Us (Living For The Weekend, 2013)
THIER FIRST NUMBER 1!! And it was well passed due! They have had many a killer song but this is the one that got the attention, and I couldn't be more happy for them. It is pure pop perfection. Did it need Sean Paul? No, I don't think it did but I got why - it got the song a lot more heed. Still slays me how Rochelle sings 'suffocating', and if you say you sing it in your own accent then you are lying (fyi Jesus hates liars).

2. Up (Chasing Lights, 2008)
It was their second ever single and I fell in love instantly. I was once even told it was wrote in a genius way as it only uses 4 notes or something - I could be completely wrong but someone did say something (I have no music knowledge). This video still tried to use the whole one colour for each girl thing, and it is extremely cute. A very empowering song for the ladies of the world. Reached number 5.

Unfortunately for some reason YouTube won't let me put this video on the blog - so search for it, and thank me later

1. Here it is, my favourite Saturday's song. It came out in 2010. There are two versions of it, one with Flo Rida and then a better version without Flo Rida. It reached number 10 in the charts, we all agree it should have been number 1!! The video is shot on a fake New York street. It is from the album 'Headlines!'. You know which song I mean, it is of course

HIGHER

Una's voice kills me when she reaches the top note.

I always shout Vanessa's first line 'I'm doing nothing'.

All the girls get a solo line.

They all look gorgeous in the video, styling is on point.

There we have it, my top 10 (arguably the definitive top 10 if you will). The Saturdays have delighted our ears for a few years now and I sincerely hope this isn't the end of them. Sad to say a Greatest Hits album normally signals the beginning of the end. I myself can't wait to go see them live again and shake my ass off. Before I do however I just wanted to give one last shout out to another Saturday's song. It is an unreleased track, but I think it was possibly the best song on their first album. So check it out below, it's called 'Fall'.

My Go-To Albums

I am one of those people that get incredibly bored with music very quickly, I can love a song one day and instantly turn it over when it comes on the music channels the next day. However, there are some that break this rule. These are my go to albums right now, when I'm on the train or walking places and I can't choose anything to listen to, I will go to my old faith-fulls.

Little Mix - Salute

Quite a new addition to my go-to albums. When I first heard it I was a bit erm about it. I can flick past one or two songs but some really stuck with me. 'Boy' is my absolute favourite on the album, think old school Destiny's Child with a bit of Dream's "He Loves You Not' and Jesy's amazing vocal intro and you have a great track. Also with the album you will notice you start to walk in a different way, you march! They have perfected the art of marching music - if you don't agree listen to 'A Different Beat', 'Move' and 'Salute'. This type of music just makes my head bop and there ain't nothing wrong with that.

Natalia Kills - Trouble

I will always be thankful for Spotify for this treat to the ears. Its an amazing album. It has attitude filled songs, mixed with some beautiful ballads and some throw back tunes that are reminiscent of the 90's. Particular favourites include 'Devil Don't Fly' and 'Saturday Night' - I am a huge sucker for a ballad. If you need a song to help you stomp the street like a boss ass bitch then you got 'Problem' for that - this album has something for everyone.

Taylor Swift - Red 
If you know me then you know my love for Taylor is deep and its real. She is an amazing writer and every song she gifts us with seems like we are having a peek in to her world. I have to say my favourite album of hers will always be 'Fearless' (it was perfect), but the reason this album is on my go-to list is because it is so varied. No two songs sound similar, no two songs cover the same topic and lets face it her voice is like a fine wine - its only getting better with age. Favourite songs include 'Red', 'The Lucky One' and 'Holy Ground' - but for me its like picking my favourite food, its all good.

Miranda Lambert - Four The Record
This album is country perfection, she has the twang down and there is no shortage of guitars and banjos. This is the epitome of country for me, every song is a story whether happy or sad. It takes a lot for a song to make me cry just by listening and not having a video for it - 'Over You' had me bawling, ugly snotty kind of crying. This album is perfect for journeys, you can just look out the window and the scenery fits the songs and you can create your own music videos (just be aware of fellow passengers judging you as you place your hand against the rain splattered window and mime). This album does also have its great up tempo songs aswell. Favourite tracks include 'All Kinds Of Kinds', 'Look At Miss Ohio' and 'Mama's Broken Heart'.

Demi Lovato - Demi 
If I could have any one's singing voice it would be heres, her range is awesome and she can hold a note like nobodies business. Each album of hers gets better and better. This one definitely shows a growth and maturity. She has now got a clubby vibe to her sound on some songs and I'm not mad about it, her ballads are what you expect - perfect, and she still hasn't forgotten her pop routes. If you ever want to mime and feel like a diva (which we all do at some point of the day) then pop this on. Some favourites include 'Neon Lights', 'Warrior' and of course 'Heart attack'. I also very much recommend her last album - 'Unbroken'.

The Band Perry - Pioneer 
I fell in love with this band the second after I heard 'If I Die Young' - it was depressing, country perfection, which is what I ask from my music a lot. When they released this second album I was afraid they wouldn't live upto the high bar I set them. Then they released 'Better Dig Two', yes another death related song, but my god its so good. The whole album is great - they haven't stepped away from their country roots, but why should they, you don't fix something that isn't broken. I am also listening to them on replay a lot lately because I am going to see them on Sunday and I am balls to wall excited.

#TeamApplause Vs. #TeamRoar

As a huge fan of pop music it was hard to ignore the battle that raged between Little Monsters and Katy Kats. Both Katy Perry and Lady Gaga's comeback singles were leaked on the same week. Lady Gaga introduced us to 'Applause' her first single from her new album 'ArtPop' and Katy Perry introduced us to 'Roar' her first single from her new album 'Prism'. Whilst no harsh words were exchanged between the two stars, instead opting to acknowledge their joint frustration with hackers, there has been huge competition between fans and it has widely been reported by media. Unfortunately for the Little Monster's of the world, the Katy Kat's came out in force and took the cherished higher position (neither one beating 'Blurred Lines' by Robin Thicke). To date 'Roar' has sold 557,000 copies in America and 'Applause' has sold a very respectable 218,000 units.

So as a fan I thought I would quickly review the singles and give my very 'important' opinion.

'Applause' - Lady Gaga

I have to admit I wasn't in love at the first listen. After all the build up for 'ArtPop' I was expecting a more artistic and alternative song to be debuted. Of course it is different to past hits like 'Bad Romance' and 'Poker Face' but it doesn't show a big detachment. There is an electro-dance beat that will keep the club lovers happy. This song will be very easy to dance to, as an amateur shape maker I could imagine myself getting down with my bad self with this song. However, for an artist so set on pushing boundaries she has come out with quite a generic pop song. A lot of the lyrics also don't make sense - almost as if she took influence from David Bowie's 'cut-up technique' in which he cut up a newspaper and picked his lyrics from that.
After listening to it more I am starting to love it. It seems to be quite a personal song and definitely says something that other people wouldn't say 'I live for the applause'. It is a statement a celebrity would not say as they don't want to appear shallow - Gaga doesn't care. I am looking forward to her album, if it follows this song then we can expect a great dance album, and at the end of the day music is supposed to move you, physically or emotionally.

'Roar' - Katy Perry

When I first heard this song I was one of those people - isn't this 'Brave' by Sara Bareilles? The theme and the sound are uncanny. I am going to trust that it wasn't plagiarism and just a weird coincidence. Sara can't be too angry as the comparison has seen an 80% rise in sales for her single in the past week. Anyway back to the review, I am a sucker for an anthem that promotes being proud of who you are and being strong. I really like this song - a whole lot. Katy's vocals are great. This song is definitely personal as it is highlighting her moving on from quite a lot of personal turmoil. However, we can all relate to it. We all have had our shit and we need a good song to remind us that we can still be a champion.
Just like for Gaga, I was expecting a detachment from the type of music we were already used to. All the promotion for 'Prism' seemed to show a darker and more deeper Perry. But why fix something that isn't broken? She broke records with 'Teenage Dream' and she has a fan base she know she can please. If I hear this song when I am out and about (and drunk) I will for sure be fist pumping along, screaming the lyrics with pride.

Conclusion

I like both songs. They are crowd pleasing and catchy. I for one will most definitely know all the lyrics to both of them whether its voluntary or not. They both give us a glimpse into what could be a couple of great albums. If I had to pick one I would have to pick Perry. It's just more my kind of taste, this isn't a loss for Gaga as I am yet to purchase either single (and I can't see me buying either).

Ellie Goulding's Halcyon - My Review

The plan was to reveal my Top 10 Most Played on my iTunes. There were two major flaws to this plan; 

1. I mostly use Spotify, so the numbers aren't correct anymore

2. When I did look at my Top 10 Most Played Ellie Goulding's Halycon had 8 songs on it.

So, the plan has changed, what I am going to do now is talk about one of my favourite albums of all time. I will talk a little bit about each song. I will warn you now, I am in no way musical expert so you will have to go with me when I make up words for effects.

1. Don't Stay A Word

A great start to the album, they way it builds up really drags you in to the album. 

Favourite lyric 'I'm more alive I've ever been, So now I give you all my sins, I've chosen you, I've chosen you, But don't say a word'

2. My Blood 

A very sad song about her emotions after a break up. Beautifully done and her voice is flawless

Favourite Lyric 'And I'm thrown in the gunfire of empty bullets. And my blood is all I see. As you steal my soul from me'

3. Anything Could Happen

The lead single from the album. The 'I know it's gonna be' bit just floored me. Her voice ...

Favourite Lyric 'I'll give you everything you need But I don't think I need you'

4. Only You

Her voice is the instrument in the background. A sad song about being trapped in a relationship - I think. Love the high pitched singing in the background.

Favourite Lyric 'Only you can be the aching in my heart. My enemy, the only animal I couldn't fight'

5. Halcyon

The album's title track (still not 100% sure how to pronounce it). Another sad song about being trapped in a dead relationship. Some heartbreaking lyrics.

Favourite Lyric 'When it's just us. You show me what it feels like to be lonely. You show me what it feels like to be lost'

6. Figure 8

A song about breaking up with someone but still being in love with them. There's definitely a theme to this album. Once again her voice slays me.

Favourite Lyric 'Still not too old to die young, But lovers hold on to everything, And lovers hold on to anything'

7. Joy

A song about accepting a relationship is over. Beautiful and haunting. One of my favourites from the album.

Favourite Lyric 'I've figured out that joy is not in your arms. I know I'll always ache with an empty heart. I think it's time to run cause I'm seeing stars. I'm seeing stars watch me fall apart'

8. Hanging on

Basically about hanging on to a lost love. Shows off how beautifully she can get her vocal range.

Favourite Lyric 'Touch me and then turn away. And put your hands into the flame. Tell me if you feel this pain. Cause I don't want to be a ball and chain'

9. Explosions

I fell in love with this song instantly. The opera element at the beginning is majestic, coupled with her voice and you have one stunning track.

Favourite Lyric 'Cause it's simple darling, I gave you a warning. Now everything you own is falling from the sky in pieces. So watch them fall with you, in slow motion. I pray that you will find peace of mind. And I'll find you another time. I'll love you, another time'

10. I Know You Care

A haunting, simple and stunning ballad. A song about knowing someone is still there, even if they aren't aren't with you.

Favourite Lyric 'Cause this is how things ought to have been. And I know the worst of it wasn't all that it seemed. Why can't I dream'

11. Atlantis

Once again showcasing her high vocal range. A song (I think) about meeting someone knew after a bad relationship, afraid to love again.

Favourite Lyric 'I'm exhausted with loving. No fight in me- I'm defeated. I know I'm fooled, I can't help it. You make my heart so helpless'

12. Dead In The Water

Another haunting song and absolutely one of my favourites. I love how there is barely any instruments in the beginning. A song about being lost after a relationship has ended.

Favourite Lyric 'I'm there in the water. Still looking for ya. I'm there in the water. Can't you see, can't you see?'

13. I Need Your Love (w/ Calvin Harris)

One of the more up tempo songs. A song about still craving your ex. If this was written with someone in mind then she is being extremely honest and open.

Favorite Lyric 'And I feel so helpless here. Watch my eyes are filled with fear. Tell me do you feel the same.Hold me in your arms again'

14. Hanging On (Full length version with Tinie Tempah)

I am not usually a fan of Tinie's work but I absolutely love his verse on this.

Favourite Lyric 'She broke my heart, I took some Gaviscon'

15. In My City

A song about finding confidence and moving on. Quite a positive song, considering the rest of the album.

Favourite Lyric 'Shoulders ache for wanted wings. My city shakes the fear in me'

16. Ritual

I am not entirely sure what this song is about. My first thought was sex, but that could be my crude imagination. Still, a great song.

Favourite Lyric 'From highway seas and thunder skies. We see our fate, you hear our cries'

17. Without your love

This song definitely seems like a 'fuck you' to her ex. She does say 'Without your love I'm getting somewhere' 33 times

Favourite Lyric  'Without your love I'm getting somewhere'

So, overall I love this album. Its dark and depressing in places, but if you know then you know thats what I like. I have easily listened to this album 50 times and I never get bored of it. Perfect for train journeys, also bath time which I found out. 

I cannot wait for the re-release which is rumoured to have 7 new songs on it. I have already heard 2 of them and I instantly loved them.