SINGLE REVIEW: “Anything Could Happen” – Ellie Goulding

After an eventful July, I’ve finally been able to catch my breath and relax. And so, I thought I’d write a post on Ellie Goulding’s single, titled “Anything Could Happen”, for her upcoming album “Halcyon”. Ellie Goulding is awesome. It is still a mystery to me why it took almost two years for “Lights” to finally reach the U.S. But no matter, that track is ruling the airwaves.

A few weeks earlier, Goulding released buzz single Hanging On feat. Tinie Tempah, which sounds more like something you would find on her first album. “Anything Could Happen” takes on a slightly different sound – something a bit more upbeat and “Alphabeat”-like. I think this might be one of those songs that takes awhile to grow on me – the chorus is without lyrics and is a bit repetitive for me. I do like the bridge though – she reveals this sexy/sultry quality to her voice that I’ve never heard before. What do you guys think?

MUSIC VIDEO REVIEWS: Maroon 5 – ‘One More Night’ & B.o.B. feat. Taylor Swift – ‘Both of Us’

Two new videos for you today: In ‘One More Night’ Adam Levine takes to the ring and gets his ‘Fightclub’ on. (Is it it just me, or does Adam Levine like getting beat up in his videos? Misery, Payphone, now this…). Anyways, I really liked ‘One More Night’, a lot more than I did ‘Payphone’. That being said, the video is…okay.

We also have Taylor Swift and B.o.B. – nothing special, the song’s better than the video. Taylor Swift looks pretty in it though. What do you guys think? Leave a comment below!

SINGLE REVIEW: Owl City & Carly Rae Jepsen – ‘Good Time’

Seems like Carly Rae Jepsen has made a great first impression, but if any of you thought she’d be a one hit wonder, think again. The song, ‘Good Time’ is a fun summer track with a catchy chorus. Think happy people wearing pastels on a beach. Or at least that’s what I think of.

In any case, this song seems like it has all the right ingredients to land a solid position on the radio waves over the next few months. This song is confirmed as Owl City’s lead single from his next album, although it is unclear if it will appear on Carly Rae Jepsen’s debut album. Will you be listening to this on your road trip to Florida? Or will you trade it in for something heavier?

SINGLE REVIEW: Calvin Harris feat Example – ‘We’ll Be Coming Back’

Summer’s here! And here’s a great tune for you – whether for your walk to work, or your drive to Big Sur. Yes, despite my lukewarm reviews of Calvin Harris in previous posts (See ‘Call My Name’), I think this song is killer. What’s not to love about it? great buildup to those -everything-goes-off- moments (not sure how to describe it, but you know what I’m talking about), and Example doing his “I’m a British dude, you know you love me” thing (not sure what that means either – but if you know Example, you know what I mean…I think). This song will be released July 29 (I think, but not sure). Not the most descriptive/coherent post in hindsight, but whatever, just … listen to the song.

 

SINGLE REVIEW: Ben Howard – ‘Only Love’

Lately, I’ve been letting myself fall into moments where I don’t think about the practical goals I have set before me. I refer to just brief moments when I let the world around me slow down and speed up at the same time. In this blur of a pause, I look back at the past 5 months (can you believe it’s already May?) and I’m often surprised at where I am now. There is a lot I’ve enjoyed and there is even more I am grateful for: I have met new, amazing people; I have explored and strengthened some unbelievable, existing friendships; I have learned so much about myself and my goals at my current job; I have had the freedom to explore my passion and interests- and now it is time to begin a new chapter as I move back to New York.

Sometimes when you strip away the gilded details, you realize what is worthy of appreciation. It took me 3 and a half years to discover the beauty of Chicago, and to see the people who really mattered, and to do the things I wanted to do – yes, overwhelming, but I needed this.

On this note, I present to you a song by English Singer-Songwriter Ben Howard – ‘Only Love’ from his album ‘Every Kingdom’. The single was released May 4. It is a simple song – conveying a simple message with simple words and, well, a simple melody. Perhaps you can fill in the gaps with thoughts of your own memories and images from past, present, or future relationships. For me, this track resonates with my sentiments at this moment – life doesn’t have to be filled with unnecessary complications. Allow yourself to embrace a dose of the primal and the quiet once in awhile.

MUSIC VIDEO REVIEW: Kelly Clarkson – ‘Dark Side’

It’s here! Kelly Clarkson’s new music video for her latest single ‘Dark Side’ to be released June 5, 2012. I am crazy about this song (and the album and Kelly Clarkson for that matter) – her vocals are slamming, it’s catchy, and it’s a mid-tempo ballad. Done deal for me. There’s no story line in this video, just clips of Kelly singing interspersed with clips of people going through difficult times. And at the end of the video, she hugs all these people (I want a hug from Kelly Clarkson!). It’s a fitting video, one that isn’t over the top or dramatic. Also – how good does Kelly look?

So, without further ado, here it is. What do you guys think? Leave a comment!

SINGLE REVIEW: Milla Jovovich – ‘Electric Sky’

Yes. Apparently when she’s not killing zombies, she sings too…and hey her voice is pretty nice. She debuted the song at the 2012 Life Ball AIDS charity event (video’s on youtube). It’s a cool electro track, doesn’t try to be anything bigger than what it is, which I appreciate. It has a cool vibe. Think male fragrance ad.

Single Review: David Cook – ‘The Last Song I’ll Write For You’

For those of you who still watch Idol (I do not), he appeared and performed his latest single ‘The Last Song I’ll Write For You’. I’ve always thought that he’s had a really great voice, so curiosity led me to Youtube. The song song is all right. But, it isn’t terribly memorable: It wants to go somewhere, but doesn’t build enough momentum. Think Nickelback, but less melodramatic. What are your thoughts? Leave a comment!

SINGLE REVIEW: Florence + the Machine – Breath of Life

I’ve been anticipating the new Snow White movie (‘Snow White & the Huntsman’, not the one with Julia Roberts). If you haven’t seen the trailer, you should check it out! If the movie is just as cool as the trailer makes it out to be, it should be a hit in the theaters. What’s more exciting is that Florence + the Machine have created a single titled ‘Breath of Life’ for the soundtrack. Apparently inspired by Charlize Theron’s character in the movie, the song is epic and ceremonial sounding, complete with orchestra and Gothic sound effects. So check it out, and leave your thoughts below!

VIDEO REVIEW: Cheryl – Call My Name

Cheryl!!! I was so excited to see this video….and it kind of lived up to my expectations. She looks AMAZING and I love that it was filmed at the same place as Grease. The mirror scenes are awesome and she has a great energy when she dances. But I really wish she had a different choreographer – this song has so much more potential than just doing the shuffle in twenty different directions. I do still love the song though and I hope it helps get her more attention around the world! She seriously just oozes star quality and I’m excited to see her perform the song.