| |
Special Event: atrlcritic | Ed Sheeran's new songs after the upgrade
Member Since: 9/4/2012
Posts: 23,263
|
Azealia Banks - Heavy Metal & Reflective
I didn't really know what to expect before listening to this, but I was certainly impressed. Lyrically, it's nothing groundbreaking, but Azealia's flow here is great, although her annunciation suffers a bit under the production. The heavy clapping/thumping can distract, but it isn't overpowering and it makes you want to move. The song also has a dark sound which I love. Azealia's rapping sounds outright ominous and the production takes it to a new level. The spoken word parts add character to it, and it's certainly a very atmospheric song. Other than annunciation, the only problem is the length. It's far too short and leaves me wanting more when it finishes. This song just shows that Azealia is miles above her contemporaries. Though sometimes I wish she would try to be more commercial.
(8.5/10)
Jessie J - Bang Bang (feat. Ariana Grande & Nicki Minaj)
Conversely, I had very, very low expectations for this one. Jessie J has never made a good song, and it doesn't look like she intends to start doing that anytime soon. The song is loud. Very loud. In fact, most of the song is just Ariana and Jessie having a shouting match, and Jessie is determined to win. I don't think I've ever been so uncomfortable listening to someone sing before. The chorus is a monotonous non-event too, it's supposed to be exciting but all it really does is annoy. As for Nicki, I don't know how Jessie got enough money for a verse, but it was clearly a waste as her verse is weak and lasts for about a second, with most of it spent spelling out the song's title. I was looking forward to Nicki, so I'm quite disappointed at this. Lady Marmalade it isn't. Ari's verse is a little enjoyable though, especially the quiet parts (which Jessie could learn a thing or two about). However, overall it's just a cacophonous mess. Neither Ari or Nicki bring their best here and it seems like Jessie just brought a leftover from the "Who You Are" sessions.
(1/10)
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 8/16/2012
Posts: 14,988
|
Bang Bang - Jessie J ft. Ariana Grande & Nicki Minaj
(A messy journey filled with many down's and one up.)
The surprise collab that somehow happened. We all know how hard Jessie's latest effort "Alive" flopped and we all thought she is going to fade, heck we thought she's over, but somehow she managed to get two big artists on her new single "Bang Bang" And let me tell you this, I love these girls, but this song a huge no. I hate how Ariana & Jessie try to outscream each other, I just hate it, I can't at them servin me PussyCat doll's perfomance at ama's of "Buttons" this felt the same just it was done in studio and produced. One part that saves the whole song is definitely Nicki's part, the flow she gave was just great, she sounded confident, and actually nailed everything she had to do, but that still doesn't help this poor song, no offence, but I don't understand why did they joined Jessie for this ride, just not feeling this at all, as I said the only positive thing in here is Nicki, otherwise they can keep this sort of gospel/pop trying to out screem each other track.
5/10
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 5/14/2011
Posts: 14,089
|
Can We add FKA Twigs' LP1 to the schedule?????
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 12,760
|
"Bang Bang" - Jessie J (feat. Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj)
3
Jessie J is not famous for her sublety. She has a good voice and surely loves the sound of it! Many a song has been ruined by her oversinging, and this is no exception. When you pair her with pint-sized, power house vocalist Ariana Grande you have a loud song. The song is clearly a desperate attempt for Jessie to get a hit, it lacks originality and has some pretty terrible lyrics: "She got a booty like a cadillac" (???) Nicki Minaj arrives late in the song as the rent-a-rapper with a pretty good verse, but unfortunately it does nothing to save this dreadful song. The GP is clearly here for this though, and if Bang Bang is what it takes to ignite the dying embers of Jessie and Nicki's careers then so be it.
Azealia Banks - "Heavy Metal and Reflective"
7
Heavy Metal and Reflective is the much anticipated comeback single from Azealia Banks, newly free of Intrescope's clutches. It certainly doesn't strike me as a single, more like an album track. It lacks the instant infectiousness of songs such as 'Liquorice' and '212' and is more of a grower, with a subtle and cold beat. Not to mention that it lasts barely two and half minutes. Not to say this is a bad song, Banks could have easily gone down the more commercial route after 'ATM Jam' but instead chose to move away from the mainstream and make music she wants. The lyrics are very on-point and snappy as usual. Do I want to listen to this on repeat? No. Does this make me excited for 'Broke With Expensive Taste'? Definitely.
Bet you pressed bitch/ I be looking very heave metal and reflective'
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 4/22/2012
Posts: 33,490
|
Quote:
Originally posted by Auraeolux
Can We add FKA Twigs' LP1 to the schedule?????
|
I second this 
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 8/16/2012
Posts: 14,988
|
Quote:
Originally posted by Auraeolux
Can We add FKA Twigs' LP1 to the schedule?????
|
But isn't it coming August 12th? A few more weeks. Can we do Pixie Lott first, she's coming with new album this friday on ireland, and monday 4th august in UK. 10 tracks only tho..
|
|
|
|
ATRL Senior Member
Member Since: 6/15/2007
Posts: 29,795
|
~24 HOUR NOTICE
You have roughly 24 hours to get in any last minute reviews.
The final score for Azealia Banks - "Heavy Metal and Reflective" will be tabulated and posted tomorrow.
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 55
|
Hilary Duff - "Chasing the Sun"
| Chasing the Sun - Hilary Duff
Hilary Duff | RCA | Release Date: July 29, 2014
|  | dddddddddd
37 | Member Score
Generally unfavorable reviews
based on 33 Ratings | dddddd
2.4 | Modscore
TBD
based on 6 Mods |
| | dddddddddddddd | Summary: The lead single from the singer's long-
awaited fifth studio album produced by Toby Gad. | Record Label: RCA
Genre(s): Pop, Folk-Pop |
|
| Member Reviews | | d | .iPositive: ███████ 7 | | d | ....iMixed: ████████████ 11 | | d | Negative: ████████████████ 15 |
|
| | Mod Reviews | | d | .iPositive: 0 | | d | ....iMixed: ███ 1 | | d | Negative: ████████████████ 5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 8/16/2012
Posts: 14,988
|
Chasing The Sun - Hilary Duff
Been a long time since we've heard something from Miss Hilary, her old music was so fantastic, memorable, and just overall good, and I was waiting for her comeback. SO she came back, and a lot of people seem to hate it, but I love it (don't judge me) This is definitely a Colbie song, but I'm glad she gave it to Hilary, because it's just so damn good, and gives me such a good summer vibe, Toby Gad did a great job on this. I adore how simple and beautiful this song is, it might be a bit basic, but at the same time it's good and refreshing, a bit too short to be honest, but not a problem, I can always replay it, overall it's a fantastic song is my opinion just lacks some more time, and well video is also very fun and light hearted, l love it.
9/10
|
|
|
|
Banned
Member Since: 6/25/2011
Posts: 37,192
|
Hillary Duff - Chasing The Sun
No Sis
Basic. Corny. Forgettable. Dated. Boring. Cheesy. No bueno. Hillary attempts to make a comeback and completely, utterly fails with this one. It sounds like a rejected, deformed little sister of Paris Hilton's Stars Are Blind, except without any of the guilty pleasure qualities, or any pleasurable qualities at all. The cheap production and cheesy lyrics compete to see who can make you stop playing the song first. No redeeming factors. This is why people don't respect pop music. Why do these former Disney girls have such a hard time making anything but the most basic **** possible?
Verdict: 0.5/10
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 8,995
|
Hilary Duff - "Chasing the Sun"
5.5/10
When I first heard this song I really liked it and it's feeling. However, as I listened to it a second and third time it got dull and boring. With her new record label RCA, I can see why Hilary chose to release this as it's safe and cool. Though this song is just okay. I find it lacking in instrumental and the lyrics ae very cliché. I really hope the rest of the album is much better than this.
|
|
|
|
Banned
Member Since: 3/15/2013
Posts: 2,539
|
BANG banG 10/10
JESsie gave Adele a good reason to keep delaying her album !!!
Ariana was very cute thanks for coming.
Nicki served!! Her verse probably caused a couple cases of immaculate conceptions that's the level!
And the song is flawless and already iconic. I love that there are handclaps because it sounds very trap so Jessie went back to her urban roots (Do it like a dude was very trap too) and i can't wait for the video + the VMAs
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 12,760
|
Hillary Duff - 'Chasing the Sun'
4/10
(says it all)
In 'Chasing the Sun', Hillary Duff's moderately anticipated comeback single, we find her singing over a Colbie Caillat demo with as little enthusiasm as Britney (?) on Alien. The chorus is repetitive, (simply her singing the title a few times), and the lyrics are the standard clichés of recent pop; living while you're young, having fun etc.. it's a summery lilt, but the song has no backbone. It's short at less than 3 minutes and lacks any memorability, anyone could be singing this. Try harder Hilary.
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 8/22/2007
Posts: 8,800
|
Quote:
Originally posted by Jameson Teqkilla
Hillary Duff - Chasing The Sun
No Sis
Basic. Corny. Forgettable. Dated. Boring. Cheesy. No bueno. Hillary attempts to make a comeback and completely, utterly fails with this one. It sounds like a rejected, deformed little sister of Paris Hilton's Stars Are Blind, except without any of the guilty pleasure qualities, or any pleasurable qualities at all. The cheap production and cheesy lyrics compete to see who can make you stop playing the song first. No redeeming factors. This is why people don't respect pop music. Why do these former Disney girls have such a hard time making anything but the most basic **** possible?
Verdict: 0.5/10
|
I ****ing gagged @ the verdict 
|
|
|
|
Banned
Member Since: 6/25/2011
Posts: 37,192
|
Quote:
Originally posted by RADAR
BANG banG 10/10
JESsie gave Adele a good reason to keep delaying her album !!!
Ariana was very cute thanks for coming.
Nicki served!! Her verse probably caused a couple cases of immaculate conceptions that's the level!
And the song is flawless and already iconic. I love that there are handclaps because it sounds very trap so Jessie went back to her urban roots (Do it like a dude was very trap too) and i can't wait for the video + the VMAs
|
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 12/21/2010
Posts: 51,088
|
Quote:
Originally posted by RADAR
BANG banG 10/10
JESsie gave Adele a good reason to keep delaying her album !!!
Ariana was very cute thanks for coming.
Nicki served!! Her verse probably caused a couple cases of immaculate conceptions that's the level!
And the song is flawless and already iconic. I love that there are handclaps because it sounds very trap so Jessie went back to her urban roots (Do it like a dude was very trap too) and i can't wait for the video + the VMAs
|
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 12/9/2007
Posts: 9,007
|
CHASING THE SUN
Have you ever wondered what a song written by Katy Perry (ha) for Colbie Caillat would sound like? Apparently Hilary Duff has, as her comeback single rehashes the former's unfortunate use of clichés and the latter's make-Jack-Johnson-sound-like-Radiohead instrumentation. Thankfully, the song clocks in at a breezy 2:50, but even that somehow feels excessive. And Duff's vocals are nowhere near capable of saving this song. During the chorus, her vocals are especially grating and monotonous, making me wonder what could she have possibly been seeking with this type of comeback? As far as comeback singles go, "Sun" makes "Triumphant" looks like a career defining masterstroke.
1|10
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 8/16/2012
Posts: 14,988
|
Quote:
Originally posted by RADAR
BANG banG 10/10
JESsie gave Adele a good reason to keep delaying her album !!!
Ariana was very cute thanks for coming.
Nicki served!! Her verse probably caused a couple cases of immaculate conceptions that's the level!
And the song is flawless and already iconic. I love that there are handclaps because it sounds very trap so Jessie went back to her urban roots (Do it like a dude was very trap too) and i can't wait for the video + the VMAs
|
whet?
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 11/16/2011
Posts: 32,177
|
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 8/17/2013
Posts: 20,654
|
Hilary Duff - Chasing The Sun
Wooo lord I have some love hate going on with this song, because the overall expression of "Chasing The Sun" is simply dull.
So what is it that keeps me from stopping the repeat button ?
In the end the song is pretty catchy, light and has a pleasant feeling surrounding it.
Hilary's comeback surly is far from being tragic but the song is just way to uneventful to be taken seriously and definitely far from the vocal performance of a lifetime .
Overall the single remains me of "Roar", fun and uplifting but in the end just a desperate try to take over the top 40 once again.
Score:
4.7/ 10
---------------------------------------
Reviews:
Sia - 1000 Forms Of Fear, Drake - 0 to 100, La Roux - Trouble In Paradise
Jessie J - Bang Bang, Azealia Banks - Heavy Matel & Reflection , Hilary Duff - Chasing The Sun
|
|
|
|
|
|
