| |
Special Event: atrlcritic | Ed Sheeran's new songs after the upgrade
Member Since: 5/22/2011
Posts: 21,227
|
I'll be doing Gwen's review soon.
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,331
|
Jessie Ware - Tough Love AND Gwen Stefani - Baby Don't Lie - 24 HOUR NOTICE
You have approximately 24 hours to review Tough Love and Baby Don't Lie if you have not already.
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 27,248
|
holyground: music in review 
8.3
"sleek and gorgeous"
highlights
say you love me
you & i (forever)
want your feeling
champagne kisses
| Tough Love
Jessie Ware
Admittedly, I have never heard a single Jessie Ware song before, and the first one I ever did was Say You Love Me, which is clearly an outlier among her R&B-driven pop discography. But it was what that got me to listen to her album, and despite the sonic disparity, it was still very pleasing. Tough Love is a coherent and smooth album that is pleasant to listen to from start to end.
The combination of well-written lyrics, smooth, understated production and Jessie's lush vocals are what makes this album a stunning body of work. Mainly a pop album, it magically weaves in R&B and some dashes of electronic, creating an album that sounds so classic yet so modern, with her beautiful, low-key vocals that never go over the top further pushing the timelessness of the album. Despite there being stuff like guitars and a choir in Say You Love Me, and poppy disco in Want Your Feeling, it is the way that Jessie blends her vocals and the immaculate lyrics together that drive the point home for every song.
One major gripe I have is probably how this album mainly only works as an album. Apart from a few couple of tracks, the rest don't sound magnificent alone. Each song lacks enough unique quality that sets each other apart enough such that it has enough merit on it's own, instead of it only being able to shine when placed in the context on an album.
Nevertheless, the album is a triumphant piece, especially ending off with the glorious combination of Champagne Kisses and Desire. The album is sleek and charming, making it a terrific listen that leaves you mesmerised by everything Jessie.
PS: Is it just me or does she look like an older Becky G?
|
previous reviews
archives
...
little machines - lights - 7.8
queen of the clouds - tove lo - 7.4
hozier - hozier - 9.0
aquarius - tinashe - 7.3
kings of suburbia - tokio hotel - 6.8
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 8/18/2013
Posts: 15,244
|
Iggy Szn and Beg for It please
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 27,248
|
holyground: music in review 
6.0
"tame and non-evocative"
highlights
"baby don't, baby don't, baby don't lie
I don't wanna cry no longer"
| Baby Don't Lie
Gwen Stefani
Is 2014 is the year of disappointing comebacks? From Hilary Duff, Fergie and now Gwen Stefani, all their comeback singles after almost a decade of absence seem to evoke dissatisfaction among fans and critics. Maybe it's the wait that caused our expectation to skyrocket, or that their past materials were immaculate pop staples, but at the end of the day, Baby Don't Lie doesn't feel anything more than an okay song.
This track perhaps show a little more maturity for Gwen as it sounds more like a No Doubt track than a Gwen Stefani solo effort. It's less playful and the reggae influenced beat gives it a more earthly feel. The chorus is slightly catchy and the production could maybe make this song be a cool stadium anthem.
Everything else though, is disappointing. For both the verses in the song, they're the same lyrics. The song overall, just doesn't push the boundaries in anything. It's not clearly innovative, it doesn't show off Gwen's personality is any way, and even at the least, it's doesn't have a massive hook that's insanely catchy to cover up everything else. It doesn't really make me feel anything, other than perhaps for a slight moment, being a tribal man or something.
With this song, it is unclear what Gwen has up her sleeves, surely a comeback must entail some sort of grand plan in terms of music right? But this doesn't make us feel excited for anything or gives us a teaser of what is to come. It just feels like an okay song that belongs as filler on an album.
|
previous reviews
archives
...
queen of the clouds - tove lo - 7.4
hozier - hozier - 9.0
aquarius - tinashe - 7.3
kings of suburbia - tokio hotel - 6.8
tough love - jessie ware - 8.3
|
|
|
|
ATRL Contributor
Member Since: 11/5/2011
Posts: 100,491
|
Gwen Stefani - Baby Don't Lie
Gwen Stefani's "Baby Don't Lie" is a wonderful fusion of sounds while, vocally, keeping true to the Gwen that we all know and love. You can hear influences of Ellie Goulding's "Burn" and Maroon 5's "Maps" (probably thanks to the team of Ryan Tedder and Benny Blanco). The inflections in her voice ("know whyyEEEE!" "something behind those eeYYEEESS") is a great uplift to the song and keeps the listener intrigued throughout.
The songs leaves you wanting a bit more - as demonstrated by the lack of a stronger bridge. Also, the ending chorus doesn't provide a solid outro to the track. She did not fail to provide us with a catchy tune, but this isn't lead single material. Stacking up to her previous leads - "What You Waiting For" and "Wind It Up" - this one kinda gets washed away by those two.
6.5/10
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 7/9/2010
Posts: 42,506
|
"Baby Don't Lie" is the lead single off of Gwen's first solo album in over 7 years. The track has a very fresh sound to it with an extremely catchy chorus that punches hard. The production and Gwen's distinct voice go together very well. I think this is a great effort by Gwen to connect herself with the newer audience that may not be so familiar with her work. The way her vocals have a certain twang to them at the end of lines such as "but there's something behind those eyes" is something that I enjoy throughout this song.
Rating: 8.5/10
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,973
|
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,331
|
Reviews still coming in for Gwen and not enough for Jessie. I have extended them 1 more day. Take this as your 24hr notice.
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 1/1/2013
Posts: 13,978
|
I'll do both tomorrow if I don't forget.
|
|
|
|
ATRL Administrator
Member Since: 6/29/2002
Posts: 77,601
|
Gwen Stefani's new single "Baby Don't Lie" is a wonderfully produced pop gem that reminds the listener of a tribal dance party in a tropical paradise. It's reminiscent of Rihanna's "Te Amo" but it definitely adds its own flavor, making it more catchy and addictive. Obviously it's not the most original thing Gwen has ever recorded, and her voice is almost unrecognizable, but she seems hungry for a pop smash and the result is amazing. The psychedelic video puts an unexpected spin on the song, making it even more refreshing and entertaining. Truly a fantastic effort.
98/100
The impact of Lana Del Rey and Lorde was felt very strongly this year with a seemingly endless amount of moody women moaning over melancholic beats. It's difficult to stand out in this dreamy soundscape, but Jessie Ware's latest effort definitely rises far above the others. I didn't think much of her previous album, so Tough Love comes as a very pleasant surprise. The production is beautiful and laid-back as can be expected, but it keeps you on your toes and draws you in. Jessie doesn't have a very unique tone, but she uses her voice very well, often layering it with the music and with itself. There are many gorgeous moments on this album, and the only song that overstays its welcome is "Say You Love Me", a more traditional ballad that simply doesn't work. But other than this stinker, the album is a glorious effort, easily one of the best albums of the year.
92/100
|
|
|
|
ATRL Contributor
Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 46,848
|
Nice review kworb 
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 39,572
|
Baby Don't Lie is a very weird song indeed. It doesn't have the catchy ska influences of No Doubt; it's not quite as catchy as, say, LAMB; it doesn't really follow many trends. What it does do brilliantly, however, is use brute force and incessant repetition to get its message across. Whilst listening to this song I didn't actually expect to remember it - 3 days later and I still have the chorus in my head. It may not be quite as good as What You Waiting For, but let's all be thankful it's not a Wind It Up sized mess.
7.3/10
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 8/4/2012
Posts: 6,823
|
"Baby Don't Lie" 10/10
So President of Pop, Gwen Stefani is finally back! In contrast to the timeless " What you waiting For?" and the exotic "Wind It Up", her previous leads , this time her label she decided to deliver something that isn't experimental or ahead of its time, but which instantly captures your interest. The song is as catchy as a song can be and it still manages to get stuck in people's heads without being "basic". One can hear influences by Rihanna, No Doubt ,Shakira, a Swedish Singer etc, yet it still sounds very Gwen-ish. What is amazing about this song is that it is an instant smash and a grower at the same time! You will probably like it from second 1and still discover something new after each listen.
I'm glad she released this instead of her self-tribute called "Spark The Fire" . Definitely one of the catchiest lead singles by a Pop Gurl in a long time. 10/10
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 39,572
|
Can I presume we will be reviewing 1989 soon? 
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 3/4/2014
Posts: 4,777
|
Baby don't lie by Gwen Stefani is a great song, one of the best comebacks of the last years in pop music. Perfect fusion between Gwen's solo work and No Doubt's. Great production, great ambient, great lyrics. Not the most original song but it's one of the best pop songs of 2014. The bridge is the weakest part but the rest of the song makes up for it. I wish they played a bit more with the synth (?) sound at 1:00,but overall great record  It will obviously be a hit and will introduce new generations into the great artist that is Gwen Stefani.
9/10
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 8/4/2012
Posts: 6,823
|
Quote:
Originally posted by bastille
Baby don't lie is a great song, one of the best comebacks of the last years. Perfect fusion between Gwen's solo work and No Doubt's. Great production, great ambient. The bridge is the weakest part but the rest of the song makes up for it. I wish they played a bit more with the synth (?) sound at 1:00. but overall great record
9/10 |
Hmm you need an additional 17 words for your review to be counted 
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,331
|
Quote:
Originally posted by bastille
Baby don't lie is a great song, one of the best comebacks of the last years. Perfect fusion between Gwen's solo work and No Doubt's. Great production, great ambient. The bridge is the weakest part but the rest of the song makes up for it. I wish they played a bit more with the synth (?) sound at 1:00. but overall great record
9/10 |
This review will not count because it is not long enough. Please lengthen it to at least 80 words. It is currently 62 words.
Thank you for your participation.
|
|
|
|
Banned
Member Since: 4/13/2011
Posts: 18,738
|
SINGLE REVIEW
Baby Don't Snatch My Edges
A Baby Don't Lie Review
Gwen Stefani rises from the dead with what has to be one of the best musical progressions from 00's radio to current trends, Baby Don't Lie. Baby Don't Lie is a radio ready infusion of genre that is true to both Gwen and No Doubt's ska and urban tinged pop roots that were so common to bands that got their starts in the early 90's.
The wonderful thing about the single is that, even though it's well positioned to hop on the waning anthemic record trend at radio, it still manages to be Gwen. The urban loving, fun, 45 year old mom, that everyone loves in America.
It's a great, solid, hit. Let's just hope the follow up's allow her impending album to come even close to the impact of 2004's Love. Angel. Music. Baby..
VERDICT
19
This Knocks
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 1/1/2013
Posts: 13,978
|
I've been a casual fan of Jessie Ware for a while now since Devotion was released, with the incredible singles Wildest Moments and 110% being some of my favorite songs of this decade. With the release of the title track, a very minimalistic beautiful ballad, and follow up singles like Say You Love Me and Want Your Feeling I started to become incredibly excited for the album, and for good reason. The album is a great mix of R&B, electronics, pop, disco, and soul, while still having a very cohesive end result. Some of my favorites besides the title track include: the slightly more commercial Say You Love Me, which has one of Jessie's best vocal performances to date, the catchy disco infused Want Your Feeling, the smooth bonus track All on You, and the Miguel assisted Kind of...Sometimes...Maybe. Although there are a few moments that leave a lot to be desired (the forgettable Desire, the too cookie cutter You & I (Forever), and the vocally unpleasant slightly cheesy Champagne Kisses) and it can be weak in some moments lyrically (Keep on Lying), it is in incredible listen by an extremely talented artist, and one of my favorites this year.
8.4/10
|
|
|
|
|
|
