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Special Event: atrlcritic | Ed Sheeran's new songs after the upgrade
Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,331
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The Lowdown: Uninspired lyrics and vocals buoyed by solid melodies and a nice instrumental.
I was not anticipating Nick Jonas to have a hit single anytime soon. My interest was piqued when I saw Jealous shooting up the pop radio chart, and I was surprised when I first heard the song. The production is not original and definitely inspired by Do What U Want, but the soft synth line is catchy nonetheless. The song opens with snaps and a high-pitched synth before the beat drops. Jonas' vocals are very smooth but quite unremarkable and take a backseat for most of the song.
Thankfully, the verses are short as they feel like filler and I definitely prefer the hook, which is catchy and has a warm, inviting feeling to it. The line "you're too sexy, beautiful" is cheesy enough that it detracts from my enjoyment of the chorus, but I still like the hook and its melodies. The bridge, however, just might be the best part of the song. The instrumental slowly quiets until Jonas delivers the hook in falsetto over just one keyboard-like synth.
The two most notable downsides to the song are the uninspired production and tryhard lyrics. Nothing in the production is original, and the lyrics range from laughably cheesy clichés to rhymes that could be used as mediocre pickup lines.
All in all, however, I was pleasantly surprised by Jealous and it has quietly accumulated a few dozen plays from me over the last two months or so. It's a good song, and certainly the antithesis of what I expected from Nick Jonas.
Reviews:
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Member Since: 3/15/2013
Posts: 13,055
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Jealous by Nick Jonas
It is a great example of what the first single from a new solo artist should sound like. My favorite thing about this track is that he incorporated elements from old school tracks. I like that he managed to prove he is a really good singer by showing his range and falsettos. The production was really well executed. The track is extremely catchy but the lyrics could have been better. I am really pleased that he decided to change his sound, show his soulful voice and embrace his past music influences.
10/10
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,973
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,973
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New year, new banner 
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Member Since: 2/8/2014
Posts: 9,232
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Meghan Trainor - Title
Born in December 22, 1993, Meghan Elizabeth Trainor or MeghanTrainor finally made a breakthrough in music industry. After blasting with her debut single, All About That Bass with susprisingly a huge success, she moves forward by releasing her first EP, Title which grabbed attention of general public. And to conclude her phenomenal appearance, 21 years old singer finally comes out with her awaited LP with the same title.
This is a record that has a lot to say and give the listeners to hear it. The albums heavily influenced by 1950s-1960s doo-wop sounds which something unique from any pop record outhere. All About That Bass, her novelty smash also the lead single is undeniable the highlight of the album. Meghan successfully bring the genius lyrics and earworm hook into the song. The catchy beats are irresistable and it's not a susprise that the song managed to atop Billboard Hot 100 for 8 consecutives weeks and became a major worldwide success. The message on promoting a positive body image without a doubt turn the song a work of art and fully meaningful.
Every single one of the tracks in the album is catchy but it can't be denied that some tracks didn't do justice to the material. Personally, the EP is better than the whole album which looks like the singer reserved the best songs in the EP as to get first good impressions from people . However, instead of the lead single, Dear Future Husband and Title also one of the gems in the album and susprisingly from the EP as well. It's a shame that such exurberant tracks should grab attention and do very little with it.
Some new tracks that worth to listen and enjoy such as 3am which having a slight R&B influence proved her credibility in delivery her songswriting skills in the lyrics. Like I'm Gonna Love You featuring John Legend is a beautiful and lovely song. Honestly, I got to hear them at their best. Overall, the album provides a different style that you can rarely find but there's still a lot of work to do. Some tracks are good while the rest just to be fit in the album. Nevertheless, she managed to prove her potential with this record and really good to see her upcoming album then.
Smash : All About That Bass, Dear Future Husband, 3am, Like I'm Gonna Love You Trash : Lips Are Movin, Credits
Score : 6.2 (Smash)
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Member Since: 2/20/2012
Posts: 24,225
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Nick Jonas - "Jealous"
Here we find one of the Jonas bros branching out and trying his hand at R&B-influenced pop. Over a moderate beat, finger snaps, and slick synths, Nick sings about feeling threatened by another man who is interested in his girl. The lyrics are cliche and the track's production sounds stuck in 2005. Despite this, "Jealous" allows Nick some room to show off his vocal skills, and it proves that at least one Jonas brother can still be a threat on pop radio.
3/5
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Let's do Kelly's Heartbeat Song and Fall Out Boy's American Beauty/American Psycho. Idk what the rule is for when they're allowed, but Fall Out Boy are streaming their album. 
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,331
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^ As long as it is available to listen to legally, it is reviewable.
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,331
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1 Day Notice for Jealous.
So far, we have 5 reviews for Jealous. Let's get a few more within the next 24 hours! 
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 8,890
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 Full ReviewMeghan Trainor’s major label debut, Title, opens with the lines “the best part of being a singer at all / is singing to the world my songs.” This is an appropriate introduction for the young songstress, as it is clear that she had no higher aim with Title than to share her songs with the world, and there’s nothing wrong with that. After making her purpose as a musician clear in “The Best Part (Interlude),” the album explodes into the worldwide megahit “All About That Bass.” “Bass” perfectly sets the tone for the album with its spunky lyrics and its 1950s throwback production. It also seems fitting that Trainor decided to open her album with the song that sparked so much controversy upon release. Many people have called out Trainor for appearing arrogant on “Bass,” but in reality this arrogance is just an outspoken confidence that can be found throughout the album. The album’s second track, “Dear Future Husband,” continues the confident, 1950s-inspired sound of “Bass” but trades lyrics of self-acceptance for one of female empowerment. The album then segues into a trio of ballads, “Close Your Eyes,” “3am,” and “Like I’m Gonna Lose You (featuring John Legend).” “Close Your Eyes” builds on the message of “Bass” and further shows that Trainor really has nothing against “skinny bitches.” “3am” is perhaps one of the most relatable songs on the album, with Trainor singing about texting an old flame while a little tipsy at three in the morning. “Like I’m Gonna Lose You,” is the standout ballad on Title, with Trainor and guest vocalist John Legend singing about the feeling that you have after waking up from a dream where you lose someone important to you. The album then picks up with the explosive “Bang Dem Sticks,” which is sonically different from the rest of the offerings on Title. “Sticks,” may be an outlier on the album, but it still finds its place with its funky throwback sound and Trainor singing of her love for drummers. The next track, “Walkashame,” is the perfect song for college students, with Trainor describing the embarrassing walk home after a late night at a party. The album’s title track follows this sassy jam and is one of the highlights on the album. “Title” finds Trainor demanding her love interest to commit to their relationship and finally give her the title of his girlfriend. The last ballad on the standard edition of the album, “What If I,” finds Trainor asking a date how he would feel if she said she wanted to kiss him tomorrow. The standard edition of the album closes just as confidently as it opens, with Trainor exposing a cheating boyfriend on “Lips Are Movin.” The deluxe edition adds more to an already solid album. “No Good For You,” the first bonus track, brings a Caribbean flair to the album and has Trainor warning a friend to leave her cheating boyfriend. “Mr. Almost” describes the almost perfect guy and “My Selfish Heart” finds Trainor asking a former love interest to keep in touch even though she knows he can do better. The last track on the album, “Credit,” is perhaps the track that best highlights the 1950s feel of the album and has Trainor telling her ex’s new girlfriend to give her credit for crafting her new boyfriend into the perfect man.
Bottom Line: Trainor’s debut effort has all of the components of a great album: strong vocals, catchy songwriting, and a unique sound. Title is a cohesive album, and while some may accuse Trainor of doing more of the same, each track on Title manages to have its own personality and flair while still feeling like part of the overall package. Trainor has been accused of stealing from too many genres and not fully understanding any of them, but her decision to draw inspiration from a plethora of different genres simply helps her to create her own sound and create her own niche in a cramped genre. It would be more inauthentic for her to neglect the genres that she grew up with in order to appear more politically correct and, if she decided to abandon the doo-wop and Caribbean sounds that have become her trademark, her music would lose the spark that sets it apart from the music of every other pop star. Also, while pop stars like Taylor Swift and Katy Perry are writing songs about their celebrity boyfriends and the beautiful beaches of California, things most people can only fantasize about, Trainor instead chooses to write about things everyone can relate to, whether it be drunk texting at three in the morning or walking home the morning after a crazy party. Meghan Trainor is an easy artist to misunderstand, which is why Title is perhaps the best title for her debut effort. Trainor is still finding her place in the industry and trying to find a title for herself among an elite group of established pop girls, but Title shows that she is on the right track to making a name, and title, for herself in the music industry.
Favorite Five
(In No Particular Order)
1. Dear Future Husband
2. Credit
3. Bang Dem Sticks
4. Title
5. Lips Are Movin
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Banned
Member Since: 10/28/2011
Posts: 21,283
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Nick Jonas - "Jealous"
I used to hate this song; everytime the debut solo single from the ex. Jonas Brother would pop up on my radio, the thin, nasal sound of his voice singing that corny "you're so sexy beautifowl" line would make me angry - well, not really. I'd pretend to be very perturbed by the song just for the sake of entertaining whomever was riding in the car and listening to the radio with me at the time. I did truly find it cringeworthy, however, and the Gospel choir rendition of the song was painfully awkward. White folk think they can slap the praise&worship team from any random Black church on the track and suddenly it's an R&B song LMAO
Upon giving the single a proper listen, I found it to be rather enjoyable. It's a catchy Pop jingle; a slow-burning mid-tempo with a pulsing beat and breezy synth chords. Instantly memorable chorus and frustration-filled lyrics about being an over-protective boyfriend. His voice is indeed thin and nasal, yet youthful and bright-sounding with trace amounts of soul in it. The song is really no worse than any other of its kind. No better or no different either.
7/10
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Member Since: 2/20/2012
Posts: 24,225
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Meghan Trainor - Title
Meghan Trainor's "All About That Bass" has been overplayed and unavoidable for the public for the last eight-ish months. Her first full-length release is finally here, and much of the same is present on the album. Through her lyrics, she gives us insight into her own life; in interviews, the singer stated that the album is "very honest," so we can assume that most of these stories come straight from her experiences. Second single "Lips are Movin" has her rapping over a doo-wop beat to an boyfriend who is cheating on her, while deluxe track highlight "Mr. Almost" finds her telling her lover that she reluctantly needs to let him slip away.
Luckily, Trainor favors classic doo-wop and 50s pop to her contemporaries, such as Katy Perry and Rihanna, which lets her stand out from the rest and provide a refreshing feel for pop radio. In fact, the music here can be a bit adventurous for a debut; for example, on "Bang Dem Sticks," she admits that she has a thing for drummer guys while rapping over a beat that is reminiscent of Jason Derulo's "Talk Dirty." Her sexual innuendo isn't very nuanced ("I'll be sleeping on the left side of the bed/Open doors for me and you might get some... kisses"), but it's entertaining enough.
Unfortunately, on the slower material, she falters a bit. On the dull ballad "Close Your Eyes," her vocals are so drowned in studio work and layering that any emotion is sucked out of it. "What If I" is equally boring and faceless. Luckily, "Like I'm Gonna Lose You," her duet with John Legend fares a bit better. There's such a big difference in quality between Trainor's ballads and uptempos that it's concerning.
On "3am," she gets wasted and texts her love interest something she regrets; the writing is beyond cliche here. The track's sequel "Walkashame" has Meghan waking up four hours later ("Don't act like you haven't been there/7 a.m. with the bed head") like a mess. However, this hungover mess is much more interesting and charming than the drunk mess texting her lover at 3 a.m. Trainor is better off sticking to uptempo doo-wop, where she can properly let her sassy personality shine and achieve radio hits.
Skip to: Bang Dem Sticks, Walkashame, Lips are Movin, Mr. Almost
Skip: Close Your Eyes, 3am
3/5
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Member Since: 8/11/2012
Posts: 4,202
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Jealous by Nick Jonas
The first single from Nick Jonas's self-titled album is one of the best 2014 song. 'Jealous' is a great example of mix R&B and POP with some soul influences in radio-friendly form. Moderate tempo beat based on strong percussion line(kicks, stereo claps), sidechaining hi-hats, piano and electronic synth fits Nick's sexy, crunchy voice perfectly. Repetition of title and using melody based on high falsetto notes is great example of strong, memorable hook which keeps listener's attention to the end of the song.
10/10
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Member Since: 3/15/2013
Posts: 13,055
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Meghan Trainor - Title
After listening to the singles, I wasn't expecting a good album. Both hits were enojayble but not songs I fell in love with. I decided to give it a try because I thought she was a really talented girl and I was so surprised when I found out the album was nothing like the singles. "Title" has the same vibe in every single track but it doesn't bore you because she adds clever lyrics and that peculiar voice that she has. The mix between rapping and singing makes it even better. I enjoy that she wasn't trying to "prove herself" with the lyrics, she was just having fun, not taking herself seriously in some songs, which is really entertaining. A really solid debut by Ms. Trainor.
Meghan proves that she is not only bringing "bass" back like she claims but also old school music that I personally love and enjoy and she's doing it right.
Favorite songs: Like I'm Gonna Lose You, Title, Credit & 3am.
Bad Songs: Couldn't find one, the album has it lows but if I had to choose I'd go with the singles.
8/10
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Member Since: 2/5/2014
Posts: 29,111
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Nick Jonas - Jealous
Who ever wouId have thought that JeaIous wouId become the hit that it did? The track itseIf is kind of a hot mess. With a chorus of "I turn my chin music up / And I’m puffing my chest / I’m getting red in the face / You can call me obsessed / It’s not your fault that they hover / I mean no disrespect / It’s my right to be hellish / I still get jealous," It's such an interesting cIash of passion and seIf-consciousness you're Ieft wondering whether Nick Jonas is in a reIationship to get jeaIous over in the first pIace and he's not just imagining. It's not IikeIy an irrationaI red-in-the-face jeaIous boyfriend wouId often their condoIences over a Iack of respect whiIe puffing out his chest whiIe stiII turning "heIIish."
But, cIunky hard-to-beIieve Iyrics have never ruined a good pop song, a good pop song can get by on charm, charisma, and a good hook. UnfortunateIy there is not much in the way of charisma on "JeaIous." The song tries to be a smooth R&B-Iite track, but Nick's voice is too nasiIy and shriII especiaIIy on his pronounciation of "jeaIIIIIIAAAAAAAAAAAAAssssssss" to make the track smooth or position him as a pop force. Where the track succeeds though (ignoring the marketing of him as head-attached-to-body) is the exceIIent production that is a convincing haIf-brother of "HoId On We're Going Home and Nick's GoofIiIy awkward and endearing adherence to his roIe as tough guy which has a certain charm. It's this charm and earnestness that makes it hard not to kind of Iike "JeaIous" despite yourseIf.
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Grade: B-
My Reviews
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,331
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Jealous ends tonight- get your last-minute reviews in!
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 37,384
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Meghan Trainor- Title
____________________________
Meghan Trainor had a whirlwind 2014. Just a few weeks after the release of her debut single All About That Bass in June, the song shot into the top ten of iTunes, where it remains 6 months later. The song even had the power to block Taylor Swift’s Shake It Off from the top spot for 8 consecutive weeks. All this by a newcomer that doesn’t fit the traditional pop mold by any means. In fact, Trainor never even intended to sing “Bass” herself. Ironically, her past as a songwriter as opposed to a singer actually made her a better artist than her peers. Although she had previously written country, among other genres, for other artists, her true talent lies in the pure pop of Title. The album plays off the recent trends of horns and pop/rap, while incorporating Trainor’s signature faux doo-wop to create her own authentic, yet commercial sound. Despite her young sound, she isn’t afraid to tackle more adult topics such as those found on songs like Walkashame and 3AM. She even busts out a flow any female rapper could be jealous of on Bang Dem Sticks. The record isn’t a blaring success, however. The doo-wop sound feels tired by the time Credit rolls around, and her rapping skills aren’t always top notch, such as on the first verse of Lips Are Movin. Even the collaborations fall flat a bit, especially Shy Carter’s verse on the otherwise brilliant Mr. Almost. In addition, her vocals seem overproduced and corrected at times, taking away from the retro sound of the record. In the end, the record is more success than failure and is sure to set up Trainor for an enormous 2015. I’m not worried about the 20 year old’s ability for growth. She’s already proved to the world she’s more than just the Carly Rae Jepson of 2014. Trainor has the world at her feet, and this album is the perfect first step.
7.6/10
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Other Reviews
SINGLES
Jessie J, Ariana Grande, and Nicki Minaj - Bang Bang 9/10
Carrie Underwood - Something In the Water 10/10
One Direction - Steal My Girl 4/10
Gwen Stefani - Baby Don't Lie 6/10
Iggy Azalea feat. MØ - Beg For It 9/10
Imagine Dragons - I Bet My Life 10/10
Ariana Grande feat. The Weeknd - Love Me Harder 8/10
Selena Gomez - The Heart Wants What It Wants 8/10
Beyonce - 7/11 3/10
ALBUMS
Tove Lo - Queen of the Clouds 8.5/10
Tinashe - Aquarius 9.5/10
Hozier - Hozier 6.8/10
Jessie Ware - Tough Love 8.7/10
Taylord Swift - 1989 6.3/10
Calvin Harris - Motion 6.0/10
Azalea Banks - Broke With Expensive Taste 7.3/10
Nicki Minaj - The PinkPrint 9.3
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Member Since: 8/28/2012
Posts: 34,863
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Nick Jonas - "Jealous"
Nick Jonas is not exactly someone anyone has expected a year ago to have a hit. More importantly, he's not someone we expected to deliver a quality single. However, he just proved everyone wrong.
Jealous is a Pop/R&B magic with good production, good vocals and good lyrics. Upon first listen, I knew Jealous would become one of my favorite songs of 2014 that I would overplay till I hate it. 3 months later, and after overplaying it, it still sounds as fresh as ever. I guess that's a perfect example of a song with a big replay value.
Oh, and this reminds me that I wanted to download his album because I liked everything I heard so far. Let me get on it.
9/10
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,331
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You have around 3 hours to sneak in a Jealous review. 
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 13,761
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i would give jealous a bad review but i really cba to listen to it for the second time
e: actually ew @ all these good reviews lemme get on this
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,331
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Quote:
Originally posted by bluth
i would give jealous a bad review but i really cba to listen to it for the second time
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I remember writing my Chasing The Sun review after only one listen. 
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