Special Event: atrlcritic | Ed Sheeran's new songs after the upgrade - Page 184

lhdang2000

Quote:

Originally posted by alexanderao

Ok well we've definitely got enough for CftS so this is your 1 day notice. Get your reviews in by tomorrow night, and then we'll see what the final score is.

We're not gonna count the troll ones right ?

alexanderao

Quote:

Originally posted by lhdang2000

We're not gonna count the troll ones right ?

I will choose to count reviews at my own discretion. As it has been in the past, reviews written from a clearly biased standpoint with no reasoning behind them will not be counted (see: 45S)

HazelHyphen

How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful

How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful opens with a “Wreck” that instantly pulls you to dwell in Welch’s artistic fantasy. Through the album, Welch takes listeners through a variation of mysterious adventures that come off weirdly peaceful.

Florence + The Machine whirls into an emotional spur in songs like, “What Kind of Man” and “Third Eye” but balances it off with the calmness of the title track and “St Jude”.

As the mystical track “Mother” closes the standard edition of this album, expect to only want more. Through this journey, Welch stuns with “Big” productions, calm and “Blue” hymns and her “Beautiful” vocals.

Sonically, How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful is one of the largest sounds of 2015 and definitely makes a statement sitting atop the Billboard 200. Although some fans were disappointed with the direction Florence + The Machines were headed for, the album proved to be worth its 4-year wait.

Songs
45/50

Durability
42/50

Variation
42/50

Cohesion
40/50

Yooorsh

Hope I can make the cut.

Demi Lovato - Cool For The Summer

Definetely Cool for The Summer is the 2015's summer bop. It is perfect from start to finish. Talking about the production, the flawless intro with that piano melody combined with the dramatic beat makes the song so promising and giving the replay value; the song explodes in that orgasmic chorus with the guitars and (lyrically-wise) the anthemic "take me there into your paradise, don't be scared 'cause I'm your body ty-aaahpe". As I said earlier, the perfection continues until the end with those flawless vocals in the last chorus.

10of10

Revel

My first review I hope it isn't too bad lol.

Demi Lovato - Cool For Summer

Demi returns with a bang in a bid to steal the title of 'Song Of Summer' with a track specifically about Summer. 'Cool For The Summer' sees Lovato return back to pop rock roots of her second album 'Here We Go Again'. The song starts with a cheery piano loop with a dark dramatic beat which automatically intrigues the listener to wonder what's next to come. The song continues with Lovato making her vocals more sultry and seductive than ever before. The chorus explodes into a huge electric guitar layed production with grungy beats. Lovato confidently states 'Take Me Down to your paradise, don't be scared cause I am your body type" . Telling the listener that she's in control and you are going to like the song. The song is definitely Lovato's best to date.

9.5/10

havefaithrestart

Cool For The Summer - Demi Lovato

I have always liked Demi Lovato's music, especially her first two albums, this song surprised me. It is a good surprise because she is going back to her Pop/Rock roots but she is staying true to her mainstream sound that gives her hits like Heart Attack and Give Your Heart A Break. It is like we are getting a taste of her Here We Go Again/Don't Forget days but with the popularity she has now, she is getting the recognition those songs should have had back in the days.

Her voice shines in the song, the lesbian inspired lyrics make the song even more interesting and the live performances are really good, she can pull it off, this look and kind of sound fit her so well and I am here for it, I hope it continues for the rest of the era.

Max Martin never fails to amaze me when he gives artists material like this and Demi's involvement makes it even better.

9/10

heckinglovato

If I post a CFTS one now, would it count?

alexanderao

^ Yes, I am not updating until late tonight (12am?)

heckinglovato

I think it's beyond outstanding that a young adult like Demi Lovato, who is part of the Disney Channel alumni, is able to outshine all of her peers so effortlessly and transition to a sexy, mature and eye-catching woman who certainly appeals to the masses at the same time.

Cool for the Summer starts with a mysterious yet iconic piano instrumental that carries out a simple scale, a kind of scale that can force you to turn the radio volume up in your car unconsciously, as you wait impatiently for Lovato's very first vocals in the song; and as you hear the phrase "tell me what you want", you know exactly what you want — an endless repetition of this pop masterpiece.

The first verse of this musical phenomenon talks about a secret that Demi's keeping, probably a homosexual encounter as implied by the lyrics, you may never know a precise explanation breaking down what this song exactly talks about, but it's a no-brainer that this record will mentally flourish you and give you a feeling of summer satisfaction.

Demi sings Cool for the Summer's chorus in her favorite range, and you can, by then, notice how she carries out belty phrases far better than mixed-voice and/or falsetto notes; Demi takes the chorus of this song somewhere else, and you feel the enthusiasm through her technique, but it doesn't end there.

The most dynamic part of the song is arguably the Rock/Pop instrumental break after each chorus, a legit certified bop. It's almost impossible not to nod your head, shake a hip or move a shoulder when that guitar breakdown happens, it's a true musical interpretation of summer vibe that Max Martin brought to life so professionally.

Demi debuts a new way of pronouncing some of her vowels, embracing her inner indie-pop. Vocally, the song's verses have a very faultless combination of chest, mixed and head voice. The chorus, as vaguely noted before, is a chesty vigorous spectacle that we won't see again anytime soon in the pop music scene, just like everything else about this sensational record.

Rico Shameless v2

Demi Lovato's biggest flaw for me has always been having an edgy lifestyle/background, but lifeless music. From self harm to rehab stays, Lovato, freshly 23, has stayed far away from truly putting her life into the music. The often praised "Skyscraper" reads on paper like a formulaic ballad about overcoming struggles, not raw self-reflection. We have Toby Gad to thank for that, not Lovato herself who merely felt connected to the song.

But now she's turning things up with new single "Cool For The Summer," admittedly a guilty pleasure. From its unapologetic production, lyrics drowned in innuendo and (an attempt at) sultry vocal delivery, "Cool" is more than a notch above "make him bounce like a basketball". She teams up with Max Martin to get her best Spears on but it only half way works.

Why? The music and Lovato still don't sync. Much in the way we can't take Spears seriously when she sings about being in the club and getting to work "bitch," when she's a self proclaimed stay at home mom (now), Lovato says she's a badass and a role model all in one. Which isn't impossible to be, but she doesn't embody either organically.

Thus, "Cool" went from a decent comeback to a turn off. Shaking up your image is Pop Girl 101 for younger girls. You either go balls to the walls like Miley or own your sexuality without force like Selena, known Demi competition. Instead, she wants to kiss the girl and like it, and be the ongoing victim all at the same time. Unfortunately, it's hard to buy that from her.

Rating: 5/10

alexanderao

Demi Lovato - Cool For The Summer

Members
Score 63
15 reviews (9 positive, 1 mixed, 5 negative)

Top Critics
Score 91
1 review (1 positive)

Overall Score
64.3 (16 reviews)

thatsmydemi

some tried, some failed

alexanderao

Now starting:
Carly Rae Jepsen - E•MO•TION (August 25 - September 6)

alexanderao

Unofficial Results
Miguel - Wildheart

Members
Score 80

Top Critics
N/A

Overall Score
80.0 (1 review)

Daddy

So this is It. My first review in this thread. I've been lurking but never felt like writing one by myself. I'm glad that my first one is about the best pop albums of the last 5 years.

E•MO•TION by Carly Rae Jepsen came out of nowhere for me. I didn't get the CMM hype even though It was a brilliant pop track. A worldwide smash hit. Hard to top. But Carly worked hard on her new material and you can hear that. In fact she released something magical. A wild ride filled with hooks and melodies the other girls only can dream of.

The horns in the opener "Run Away With Me" set the mood for what's coming next. An epic song with pretty much the best build up ever. The hard-hitting chorus seals the deal and you can't run away from all the catchy-ness.

Literally every song on E•MO•TION is a win. There is no filler and the legendary 1-2-3 punch that is "LA Hallucinations" - "Warm Blood" - "When I Needed You" is something so incredible special that I won't get tired of this record anytime soon. In fact E•MO•TION gets better and better with every spin.

The production is top notch and you will always find something new. It's the small things like these perfectly placed claps in the funky "Boy Problems" or the hypnotic bass in "When I Needed You" that make the big picture so addictive.

Latter is by the way one of the best 80's inspired track I've ever heard. She got that production on lock and the breakdown is as cheesy as It could be. Perfection!

Also the quiet moments are on point. "All That" - a Prince-inspired ballad - works as great as the dancefloor anthem "I Didn't Just Come Here To Dance" which is sadly just a bonus track.

Since I couldn't find any flaw after countless spins I will give E•MO•TION a 10/10

sychung4650

"Stuck in my head, stuck in my heart, stuck in my body, body" -- the opening lines to Carly Rae Jepsen's deliciously 80's album, E•MO•TION, and the beginning of a collection of fifteen songs that will certainly stay in any listener's head and heart for long.

The album's opener, Run Away With Me is one of the stand-out tracks. What starts off as a quiet and sentimental song soon opens up into an inescapable chorus with Jepsen demanding her listeners to run away with her.

Three tracks later comes Gimmie Love, a gorgeous track in which Jepsen sings on top of an undeniably 80's production.

Before Carly would have otherwise exhausted her exaltation of young love, Boy Problems appears. It has a sunny melody despite the subject, losing a boyfriend. But Carly doesn't care: she's got worse problems, and we can hear her smiling as she sings the track.

E•MO•TION reaches its absolute best at Warm Blood, a sultry and subtle mid-tempo celebration of her lover. For a singer known for her wholesome image and whose lyrics often stop short of anything more than an innocent peck on the cheek, Jepsen lets us into her cavern of secrets, and asks where her secrets could find a room. This is Jepsen at her best -- mature and desirous.

"I Didn't Just Come Here to Dance," which makes us want to do just that: dance to the infectious beat, is followed by the last track, Favourite Colour. While Jepsen starts the album with a command to run, in this song, she implores the other person to slow down, because this is getting kind of serious.

And by serious, she means seriously good, because that is what E•MO•TION is -- a brilliantly crafted 80's pop masterpiece that sees Jepsen reach even greater, and sugary, heights, all the while displaying a more mature side, if only for a few-second peek.

8.5/10

Chris▲

The only way I can describe this album is, emotion. Every song makes me feel good but in different ways. I'm always in a joyous mood while listening to the album. This is one of the best pop albums I've heard in awhile. The production is on point and the album flows very well.

My favorite tracks:

Emotion: *This is my favorite song on the album hands down. Surprising because normally the title track is not the best on the album, but not with Emotion. I hope this is the third single for the album.

I Really Like You: This should've been the song of the summer. It's fun, catchy, and Carly just skips over the synths like a pro. The chorus may be repetitive, but it's a good repetitive and it pretty much makes the song.

Gimme Love: This one is definitely a grower. If we were going to do a comparison, this is like the 'Gimme More' of the album' Low-key and soothing to my ears.

Warm Blood: I love her vocals on this track and the production just makes it even better. A definite standout. The songs' deep synths really make the title stand out even more, it fits so well.

I Didn't Just Come Here to Dance: This is the type of song I would play at every party if I were a DJ. This song is addicting and giving a bit of 90's production. I Love. It.

9/10

Ronaldista

Carly Rae Jepsen - E•MO•TION: 9/10

The best albums are made when the artist has nothing in mind but simply expressing themselves. Albums that aren't tailored to a particular audience, that don't have to cater to a certain image or the latest trend. Unfortunately, in our times, it's rare to find such albums in mainstream music, as it has mostly turned into a race for the perfect success formula and who can get the most sales - resulting in generic releases that are soulless and forgettable.

Considering that, it's not that much of a surprise that it's Carly Rae Jepsen, of “Call Me Maybe” fame, who has now managed to deliver what so many other starlets have failed to create: an album that effortlessly embodies pop music. As sad as it is, most people see her as a one hit wonder, so there are practically no expectations she has to fulfill from the general public; unlike her peers, tabloids aren't following her every move, so she doesn't have to prove anything to anyone or maintain a certain persona to please her fans.

This freedom has now resulted in her presenting us with a record of unashamed, refreshing pop music that is not only well-executed, but most of all authentic: It's what Carly has been doing since we first heard of her, it's not some gimmick or a case of her suddenly changing her sound to gain success. This album is a natural progression from Kiss, and I'm pleased to say that she didn't fall into the trap of re-hashing her signature sound. Instead she took the essence – catchy melodies, relatable lyrics and irresistible beats – and elevated it to the next level.

Carly has figured out just how to pay homage to the 80s while still sounding contemporary, adding the occasional saxophone in between pumping beats with a production that is impeccable, but never sterile. The album also manages to cover a variety of moods – whether you want to chill by the pool, have a girls' night in with your bestie or dance the heartbreak away, there's something for everyone. Take for example “Making the Most of the Night”, a soaring tune that is bound to put a smile on your face and while you shake off the sadness on the floor.

Ever had to get over an unreciprocated love? Then tune into “Your Type”, a bittersweet ode to a love interest that decided to go with someone else. The melody is bound to get stuck in your head, and the use of synths here is pure genius. Penultimate song “Warm Blood” takes it down a notch, mysteriously floating along until the chorus kicks in with pumping beats. With the right remix, this could be turned into a full on dance floor banger.

Sure, the themes are nothing new or groundbreaking, but I do think that Carly has some interesting approaches here. Look at “When I Needed You”, where at first she seemingly wants to change to make a relationship work but then picks herself up and realises the other person's not worth it. Similarly, bonus track “Love Again” is an adorable encouragement that all is not lost and there is life after a break-up. “Favourite Colour” demonstrates that Carly can do down tempos as well, presenting an emotional declaration of love to a significant other. Lead single “I Really Like You” is the only song that falls a bit flat, but that doesn't mean it's not fun to sing along to, not to mention the genius video with Tom Hanks.

So all in all, this album is one to put on if you want a little break from the daily grind, dream a little and let your imagination carry you away, back to the 80s or wherever's your happy place. The songs flow great together, and thanks to its sophisticated production, the album can be enjoyed by anyone, whether you're 7 or 70, which shows Carly's development since Kiss. It's a celebration of pop music and it's genuine, light and carefree, which is what every pop album should be.

LAHouK

E•MO•TION Review - by LAHouK

It's no surprise that this collection of songs has taken over the pop universe cause of how good they are. I was a fan of Kiss and I can tell you that this album knocks Kiss out of the ring; if Kiss was all sugary and pastel colours, E•MO•TION is the edgier, more sophisticated, high quality and neon-ish side of it. It's astonishing how cohesive this album is because there were a handful of producers for many of these songs, showing how involved Carly was in this Project.
Although the album is cohesive in its nature, each one these songs has it's uniqueness to them and I must say the amount of little details for each one of these songs are spectacular and so well done, like you're bound to discover layers and layers of sounds everytime you play a track.

Track by track review:

Run Away With Me is the perfect opener with its sax synth that pulls you in this album for a ride of emotions and you can't help but to stay in! The sound of euphoria and the pulsing synth in the chorus gives you this urgency too drop it all and just run away with your lover capturing all the intense feelings of falling in love.

The melody on the tittle track is a lot 80s, and the opening line "Be tormented by me babe" is such a winner.

I Really Like You: perfect first single, I remember the first time I got to listen to it and it was such a ride, it made me happy, yearning those feelings I once felt for someone for the first time ... you can't help but go fast even when you want to take it slow cause things are so perfect. The chorus really embodies the rush of falling for someone.

Gimmie Love: insanely catchy chorus and I love the production on this, feels kinda minimalistic but it sure has many layers of synths and vocal. The last chorus is amazing.

All That: the slowest song on the record and full of 80s blitz, feels like a prom-slow-dance. The middle 8 is one her best moments ever, really yearning, nostalgic and bittersweet.

Boy Problems: Didn't like it at first but it was sure a grower for me. Fun, poppy, bright and retro.
"I think I broke up with my boyfriend today and I don't really care, I've got worse problems (I broke up with my boyfriend¨(na na na na na))" is such a good moment.

Making the Most of the Night: The lyrics here are the highlight of this uplifting song. The chorus can get a bit tiring cause it's feels really repetitive. This song has a beautiful middle 8 that goes like:
Baby take my hand now, don't you cry
I won't let you sleep, I won't let you hide
No more tears, don't waste another day
Go on and fight, don't lay down to die
Come on get up, you'll make it through okay
Come on get up, don't waste another day

Your Type: Early favorite. Relatable enough (unrequited love) and it has a brilliant kinda-desperate pre-chorus that introduces you to a powerful chorus.

Let's Get Lost: Anyone want more sax? This song is tremendously delicious, it will surely make you smile with no reason. There's a sax underneath that comes into fruition starting at the 2min mark that gives this song a good vibe and empowers the new jack swingy chorus of it.

LA Hallucinations: The synths in the verses and Carly's voice make this song the cockiest and sassiest of the record; the chorus gives me an early 2000s vibe and the middle 8 here... woof amazing; also I love how the last post-chorus combines with the middle 8 to make an amazing outro.

Warm Blood: The most lef-field song on the record, it's breathy, dark, sexy and the chorus synths and bass are explosive! (listen with headphones or with good speakers+bass recommended).

When I Needed You: FUN! HEYS! I'll be honest here, It took me time to get into this song, now it's one of my favorites. It has great replay value imo and Carly sounds really sassy here giving her so much personality. The production sounds busy but it works, really 80s indeed with lots of bits and vocals thrown around; Ariel did a good job here!

Black Heart: A song with an 8-bit instrumental that make it sound video-gamish also one of the weakest track of the record but I won't deny I have got my life from this.

I Didn't Just Come Here to Dance: This one sounds 90s and the music is really catchy and sexy in a flirting way. Reminds me of Walking On Air.

Favourite Colour: Cute and sweet balladry song with a lighters-in-the-air chorus. (They say it works better when you'e in listening to it while you're at your bedroom alone wanting to cuddle with that special someone). The middle 8 (and outro or postchorus) is life giving.

Never Get To Hold You: MY FAVORITE TRACK HERE. Not enough words to describe this perfection... it's ethereal, magical and I feel like this is the most emotional track of the record, also the production is pure bliss. Personal fact: it has teared me up cause when I got to listen to it I was going through a phase in my life I was missing someone so much.

Love Again: Perfect closer lyrically. This is such a colorful and uplifting song! the chorus is super catchy and the synths towrds the end of the song are fantastic. I really like it, ending the álbum in a positive note.

Score: 10/10

Bloomers

Are we scheduled to do the Weeknds album? If not, can I suggest it?