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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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Quote:
Originally posted by Mezik
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I'll check to see how many requests it has. I still have to fit Rebel Heart in the schedule.
EDIT: You're the third for Froot. We'll do it.
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,331
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| Smoke + Mirrors - Imagine Dragons
Imagine Dragons | Interscope | Release Date: February 17, 2015 | Review Period: March 13, 2015 - March 25, 2015
|  | dddddddddd
66 | Member Score
Generally Favorable Reviews
based on 5 Reviews | ddddd. | dddddd
8.0 | Experimental Top Critic Score
Universal Acclaim
based on 1 Top Critic |
| | dddddddddddddd | Summary: The second album from the Las Vegas-based band features lead single "I Bet My Life" and was produced by Dan Reynolds and Alex da Kid. | Record Label: Interscope
Genre(s): Pop, Alternative, Rock |
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| Member Reviews | | d | .iPositive: ████████████████ 3 | | d | ....iMixed: ███████████ 2 | | d | Negative: 0 |
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| | Top Critic Reviews | | d | .iPositive: ████████████████ 1 | | d | ....iMixed: 0 | | d | Negative: 0 |
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Smoke + Mirrors results.
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,331
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Latest schedule:
Ongoing
Upcoming
Special
Kelly Clarkson - 'Piece By Piece' [March 15, 2015 - March 27, 2015]
Florence + The Machine - 'What Kind Of Man' [March 20, 2015 - March 27, 2015]
Kendrick Lamar - 'To Pimp A Butterfly' [March 26, 2015 - April 6, 2015]
Madonna - 'Rebel Heart' [March 26, 2015 - April 6, 2015]
Marina & The Diamonds - 'Froot' [March 26, 2015 - April 6, 2015]
Voting for Throwback Albums 3 and 4 [April 1, 2015 - April 5, 2015]
Throwback Albums 3 and 4 [April 5 - April 20, 2015]
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Member Since: 3/14/2013
Posts: 37,294
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Let me start working on my PBP review
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Member Since: 2/20/2012
Posts: 24,225
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^ Looks good. I'll try to get reviews in for Madonna and Marina asap, and maybe I'll do one for Florence.
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Member Since: 2/20/2012
Posts: 24,225
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Marina and the Diamonds - Froot
Following the convoluted concept and big-label pop of 2012's Electra Heart, Marina and the Diamonds is back with Froot. This time around, the work is simplified: Marina wrote all the songs on here and produced them with David Kosten. Furthermore, the entire album was recorded with a live band. It's a substantial change from the electronic flourishes that producers Dr. Luke, Greg Kurstin, and StarGate added to Electra Heart, but does it work?
The album opens with "Happy," a piano ballad that lets us know right off the bat that Marina isn't down in the dumps anymore. The following track, lead single "Froot," is all the evidence that we needed, though; here, Marina accepts her inner disco diva by dancing gracefully around an electric guitar progression that is understated by electronic beeps and boops. Her flawless vocal performance that highlights her upper register sells the disco sleaze of the song and makes it a bona fide hit. It's all rooted in a formula that doesn't sound too distant from Daft Punk's "Get Lucky" from a couple years earlier, and it still works like a charm. The similarly funky and danceable "Blue" is another highlight, one that features an earworm of a prechorus.
During the second half of the album, Marina tinkers with some different sounds. On "Gold," she attempts to make something out of a confused island groove, while "Solitaire" tries out a more minimalist approach. Both songs fall flat. Most of the second half feels this way. "Better Than That" features guitar stabs and drums that wouldn't sound out-of-place on a Kelly Clarkson or P!nk record, while "Weeds" features a dated drum beat and light acoustic and electric guitars that couldn't be more boring. Furthermore, the production feels jumbled on some of these tracks. "Better Than That" has a synthline in its chorus that is completely unnecessary, and the bridge of "Weeds" abruptly introduces electronic keyboard effects. The only saving grace this deep in the album is "Savages," a surprisingly fresh slice of electropop that features a crisp drumbeat and production in which Diamandis confesses, "I'm not afraid of God, I am afraid of man."
One interesting bit of Marina's music is her lyricism. Her writing contains a poetic charm that is absent from most Top 40 radio pop. It can be found throughout the album: on "Happy," she sings "I sang a hymn to bring me peace/And then it came, a melody," while she admits on "I'm a Ruin" that "When it comes to love, you’re an easy fight/A flower in a gun, a bird in flight." But that doesn't keep her from playful lyricism that would let her dabble in the radio field with the Katy Perrys and Ellie Gouldings of the world. On "Froot," she teases, "I’m your deadly nightshade, I’m your cherry tree/You’re my one true love, I’m your destiny," while on "Forget" she offers genuine empowerment: "'Cause in the end, the road is long/But only 'cause it makes you strong." On the swirling bridge of "Better Than That," she gets involved in some girl drama that sounds like it's right out of Kesha's "Backstabber": "I'm not passing judgment on her sexual life/I'm passing judgment on the way she always stuck her knife/In my back ever since we were starting out."
Sometimes, Diamandis gets too far into her own mind to the point where the songs suffer. "Gold" feels confusing and "Solitaire" and "Immortal" feel too distant and unusual, especially for those casually listening to the album. Either way, it's obvious that Marina has a lot to say. If she wants her voice heard, she just needs to play up her strengths and realize that people will only listen to the songs that stick.
Skip to: "Happy," "Froot," "Blue," "Savages"
Skip: "Gold," "Solitaire," "Weeds"
3/5
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,331
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I can't start the 3 albums officially until later, but go ahead and post reviews if you want to like the one above.
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Member Since: 8/27/2011
Posts: 13,026
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Froot
Where "Electra Heart" gave an exploration of the broader female psyche, "Froot" hones in on just one woman. Marina's most personal work to date is a fabulous collection of diary excerpts that ranges from uplifting (Happy and Froot at the start of the album) to a lot more poignant (Savages, Immortal at the end). Writing by herself, Marina utilises the full extent of her charm with honesty, wit and playful introspection. My personal favourite of all the tracks is "I'm A Ruin", the beautifully crafted midtempo ode to responsibility & owning your mistakes in a breakup. While I prefer the slower tracks like "Solitaire" and "Savages" there are certainly uptemo highlights: The faultless "Forget" is an earworm driven by hard guitars, accompanied by its snarky little sister "Better Than That".
A step forward for Marina artistically, "Froot" is her best work yet. I've no shame in giving this one a perfect score as every song is guaranteed to grab you and speak to you on some level courtesy of the brilliant writing.
10/10
Rebel Heart
This is the album Madonna fans have been waiting for since 2008. The spiritual successor to "American Life", Rebel brings M back to her best with her most personal lyrics since Confessions in 2005 - but this time stripping back the glossy disco sheen in favour of more acoustic guitars. Never a dull moment beginning with the 1-2-3 punch opener Living For Love, Devil Pray & Ghosttown, Madonna has crafted an eclectic but enthralling collection of pop songs that reflect her mentality in her current phase of life. Standouts Joan of Arc and HeartBreakCity hit long-time fans hard, showing a vulnerability that's been missing from Madonna's studio albums for the best part of a decade.
Of course, it wouldn't be a Madonna album unless she brought the bops. Unapologetic Bitch, Inside Out and Hold Tight are formulaic but stunning, proving that even "basic" pop sounds golden with Madonna's midas touch. Bitch I'm Madonna, Illuminati and Iconic wouldn't sound out of place straight off the album in the club & help mix up the tracklist with harder hitting beats. Kanye West's reworked Holy Water is signature Madonna tongue-in-cheek approach to sex (Something she also hits on in S.E.X. coincidentally, no pun intended) and keeps up the fun following "Body Shop": A fluffy, flirty anthem about aging.
As with her previous 2 albums, and many of her earlier work, Madonna loves to finish with a ballad and "Wash All Over Me" is the perfect ending to a refreshingly personal insight into Madonna the artist, taking stock of how far she's come and how she's proud of all that she's achieved. Although dizzying in length with bountiful bonus tracks, every single song is worthy of its place on the album and I'd highly recommend picking up the super deluxe for the nearly lost masterpieces "Rebel Heart", "Borrowed Time" and "Beautiful Scars".
9/10
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Member Since: 3/14/2013
Posts: 37,294
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Can you extend the PBP review time just with a day or two? 
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Member Since: 11/16/2011
Posts: 32,177
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I NEVER SUBMITTED MY REVIEW FOR THE PINKPRINT. I AM DISGUSTED WITH MYSELF.
Anyway, I'm gonna start my reviews of Froot & Rebel Heart.
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Member Since: 9/1/2013
Posts: 17,161
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Rebel Heart
I became i stan in 2012 and since than i loved her previous album MDNA and i've been waiting 2 years for this album.The album has five highlights for me and i will elaborate down.
The opener of the album- Living For Love-is a very personal track for me since i can refer to the song deeply.I was betrayed and this song helped me when i needed an advice.I love the intro and its definitely one of her most inspiring and beautiful songs.
Devil Pray on the other hand is a pure masterpiece.The beginning of the chorus is exhilarating.Her vocals at the end of the chorus are a bit annoying tho.Anyways its one of the best songs on the album
When i first heard Ghosttown it was my favourite song from the album,even more than LFL.The chorus is realy amazing but the the bridge is much much stronger.
Unapologetic Bitch is/was my favourite song from the album.The intro is one of the best things she has ever done since COADF.That's one of he highlits on the album
On the other hand Illuminati's intro too is just outstanding.As a whole,the song is pretty bland.The only good parts are between the choruses.
Bitch Im Madonna is the second highlight from the album.The song is really fun,its a club song and its something new for her.It would have been much better if the bass was bigger or idk how to call it.Nicki's part is perfect for the song.
Hold Tight is the third best thing on the album.The chorus is really empowering.The whole song is really catchy.
Meanwhile Joan of Arc is really overrated but the others,and disliked by me.I am not slow songs.I skip the song but if i dont,i only listen to the chorus.
Iconic is a cute song and the 'i can icon' thing is really smart
Heartbreak City is pretty bland.Not a lot to rate since the chorus is the only good part.
Body Shop is boring,one of the worst on the album.
Now Holy Water.One of the catchiest songs.The Vogue sample during the bridge is genius.'Bitch get off my pole' are my favourite parts in the song,
Inside Out is an amazing song but the bass could've been better.
Wash All Over Me was one of the screwed songs on the album.The demo was much much listenable and enjoyable.Now its just an usual song with quiet melody.I still use the demo instead of the album version.
Beautiful Scars is nothing special.
Best Night is the 4th highlight on the album.It's addictive,the whole theme is magical and erotical.Best Night and S.E.X. are the songs that are finally something like Justify My Love.These 3 can make a godly set on the tour.
Veni Vidi Vici's chorus reminds me of Rihanna's Fly and i love it.
Rebel Heart's demo was much better but i like this version too unlike WAOM.
Messiah is really bland and not interesting.Not my type of songs.
Auto-Tune Baby is underrated and its a really different,risky track from Madge
Addicted is in Top 5 on the album and it gives me a specific feeling which i adore.
Borrowed Time is nice ( i ran out of adjectives  )
And Graffititi Heart which is the blandest and most basic of them all.
I expected much more from Madge and the album.It's probably because she cant top her old stuff like COADF and LAV ( my two favourite albums)
Score:7.5/10
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Member Since: 11/16/2011
Posts: 32,177
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B
8.5/10
“Rebel Heart" is the thirteenth album that Madonna has gifted the world. With her maintaining her Madonna-ness whilst blending with current trends, she has done a wonderful job creating this album. Her 11th and 12th albums felt personally very sub-par, so this album feels very refreshing and I'm glad to see her back in the swing of things!
 Song by song
7.5
+ 1 point for being light years better than Hard Candy and MDNA.
Living For Love - 4/10
Unfortunately this album starts off on a bad note. Living For Love is just a really ugly song. Nothing about it is good. No replay value. I think I've given it 3 solid listens and I always immediately skip it.
Devil Pray - 10/10
Probably my favorite song on the album. Everything about this track is FIRE. The production is flawless all around. The deep throbbing voice in the breakdown gives me goosebumps every time. I wish both breakdowns featured more of the computer voice, but I'll take one!
Ghosttown - 9/10
This song was my favorite when the first singles got released. I love the production and the lyrics are awesome. There isn't much to the song, but it still manages to be an awesome piece of work.
Unapologetic Bitch - 6/10
Honestly this song just screams "try hard". It doesn't really sound cool and it isn't very interesting. The highlight of the song is the dancehall intro, but after that the song is very bland.
Illuminati - 7.5/10
She gets points for trying something so stark compared to what gets released today. The instrumental and chorus are great, but the verses are just kinda there, but I love the name drops. Feels kinda forced at times, but it's aight.
Bitch I'm Madonna (featuring Nicki Minaj) - 9.5/10
This song was a grower for sure. I didn't like it until like my 5th listen, and now I'm obsessed. Loved the Sophie production and how the song kind of has 4 songs within it. I really like it. It has a better cocky vibe than Track 4. Nicki's verse is sad to think about cause she had so much to work with. It could have been light years better, but it wasn't, oh well. And I love the weird outro. Bet she could do some amazing stuff for that in concert.
Hold Tight - 8/10
Sometimes this song just feels like a watered down and more ADHD version of Ghosttown. It's still a great song, IMO. But it just holds a lot of similarities in my head. Feel like it could have spent more time in the mastering stage, but it's still good.
Joan of Arc - 8.5/10
A really cute song showing introspective into how Madonna really feels and her emotions. It's a great change of pace for her, and I really like this side of her. It almost feels weird. Haha
Iconic (featuring Chance The Rapper & Mike Tyson) - 5/10
This song is so boring. Could have done without the intro and the beat is kinda basic. The song feels like filler that people are overhyping.
HeartBreakCity - 4/10
How this made the cut before "Queen" or "Borrowed Time" I'll never understand. This song is a headache.
Body Shop - 8/10
I feel like this song gets too much hate. Yeah, it's a weird song for Madonna, but it's so catchy I love it. It's a definitely "bop-your-head-to" song for me. Love listening and singing along to it in the car.
Holy Water - 8.5/10
Love this song in the same vain that I love "Bitch I'm Madonna" because it feels like 3 songs in one. It has all these different sections and each one is better than the next. It's like a gift that keeps on giving.
Inside Out - 9/10
Awesome song. Everything about this is flawlessly executed, but... those awkward silences between the chorus and verse are unbearable. I cringe every time. Killer instrumental work and one of the catchiest choruses of 2015. Love this song.
Wash All Over Me - 6/10
I am not a fan of this song. It's kind of annoying to listen to. It always just puts me on my toes and I have to skip it until I get back to "Devil Pray". I don't know why Madonna put this song on the album, better yet it's closer.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Devil Pray, Bitch I'm Madonna, Inside Out
LOWLIGHTS:
Living For Love, Iconic, HeartBreakCity
THE SINGLES
THE ALBUMS
Ariana Grande - My Everything
Maroon 5 - V
LIGHTS - Little Machines
Future ****ing reference:
A++, A+, A = 10, 9.750, 9.5
A- = 9.250
B++, B+ = 9, 8.750
B = 8.5
B- 8.250
C++, C+ = 8, 7.50
C = 7.5
C- = 7.250
D++, D+ = 7, 6.750
D = 6.5
D- = 6.250
F = 6 - 0.250
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,331
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I will officially start the three albums now. Thanks to everyone who posted their reviews early!
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,331
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*Unofficial*
| To Pimp A Butterfly - Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar | Interscope | Release Date: March 16, 2015 | Review Period: March 27, 2015 - April 25, 2015
|  | dddddddddd
94 | Member Score
Universal Acclaim
based on 2 Reviews | ddddd. | dddddd
10. | Experimental Top Critic Score
Universal Acclaim
based on 1 Top Critic |
| | dddddddddddddd | Summary: The third studio album from the Compton rapper was supported by Grammy-winning lead single i. | Record Label: Interscope
Genre(s): Hip-Hop, Rap |
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| Member Reviews | | d | .iPositive: ████████████████ 2 | | d | ....iMixed: 0 | | d | Negative: 0 |
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| | Top Critic Reviews | | d | .iPositive: ████████████████ 1 | | d | ....iMixed: 0 | | d | Negative: 0 |
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,331
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| Rebel Heart - Madonna
Madonna | Interscope | Release Date: March 6, 2015 | Review Period: March 27, 2015 - April 6, 2015
|  | dddddddddd
77 | Member Score
Generally Favorable Reviews
based on 7 Reviews | ddddd. | dddddd
5.4 | Experimental Top Critic Score
Mixed Reviews
based on 2 Top Critics |
| | dddddddddddddd | Summary: The thirteenth album from the pop legend has a star-studded list of producers, including Avicii, Ryan Tedder, and Diplo. | Record Label: Interscope
Genre(s): Pop |
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| Member Reviews | | d | .iPositive: ████████████████ 7 | | d | ....iMixed: 0 | | d | Negative: 0 |
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| | Top Critic Reviews | | d | .iPositive: 0 | | d | ....iMixed: ████████████████ 2 | | d | Negative: 0 |
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,331
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*Unofficial*
| Froot - Marina And The Diamonds
Marina And The Diamonds | Atlantic | Release Date: March 13, 2015 | Review Period: March 27, 2015 - April 25, 2015
|  | dddddddddd
93 | Member Score
Universal Acclaim
based on 2 Reviews | ddddd. | dddddd
}-- | Experimental Top Critic Score
N/A
based on 0 Top Critics |
| | dddddddddddddd | Summary: The third album from the Welsh singer was entirely written by her. | Record Label: Atlantic
Genre(s): Pop |
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| Member Reviews | | d | .iPositive: ████████████████ 2 | | d | ....iMixed: 0 | | d | Negative: 0 |
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| | Top Critic Reviews | | d | .iPositive: 0 | | d | ....iMixed: 0 | | d | Negative: 0 |
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,331
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Latest schedule:
Ongoing
Upcoming
Special
Kelly Clarkson - 'Piece By Piece' [March 15, 2015 - March 27, 2015]
Florence + The Machine - 'What Kind Of Man' [March 20, 2015 - March 27, 2015]
Kendrick Lamar - 'To Pimp A Butterfly' [March 26, 2015 - April 6, 2015]
Madonna - 'Rebel Heart' [March 26, 2015 - April 6, 2015]
Marina & The Diamonds - 'Froot' [March 26, 2015 - April 6, 2015]
Voting for Throwback Albums 3 and 4 [April 1, 2015 - April 5, 2015]
Throwback Albums 3 and 4 [April 5 - April 20, 2015]
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Member Since: 3/14/2013
Posts: 37,294
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The album I would like to review is Piece By Piece, Kelly Clarkson's newest album, out March 3rd 2015. The new material is produced by Greg Kurstin, Jason Halbert, Jesse Shatkin, Eric Olson & Chris DeStefano and it also features five songs written by the singer herself.
"Piece By Piece" came as Kelly's sixth pop album, only after the 2011-released "Stronger". The album approaches themes of love, empowerment and the whole piece feels like a soundtrack. We can also see John Legend's name mentioned on one of the tracks: "Run Run Run"
Track-by-track review:
"Heartbeat Song"
The lead single of the album was used like "a bridge from Stronger to Piece By Piece". The song is written by Kara DioGuardi and Jason Evigan among others. It is a cute, intro song, but nothing more than that.
"Invincible"
The uptempo song, penned by the one and only Sia and described by Clarkson as "Stronger on steroids", refers to similar themes and it is generally an amazing empowerment anthem. The most notable parts are the very high notes that Kelly gives us.
"Someone"
A beautiful ballad,, written by Matthew Koma, pretty good lyrically too. I would personally describe it as one of her best songs as it builds up into something amazing. A track to listen to for sure.
"Take You High"
Probably the most experimental song of her entire career, Take You High, just has an universe of its own. Going from orchestra to EDM...you rarely hear that. A potential future smash, I'd say, if Kelly considers managing this era fairly, unlike she did so far.
"Piece By Piece"
One of the most emotional songs out of her career, Piece By Piece describes the story with her father, her husband and her daughter, all in one. She describes how her husband, Brandon Blackstock, will take more care of their daughter, River Rose, than Kelly's father did to her. I wanted this to be a ballad though considering the lyrics and not to have that "happy" melody.
"Run Run Run"
After collaborating on "Duets", Kelly and John Legend joined forces to make one of the best tracks on the album - Run Run Run. Even though there was a bit of a controversy about stealing credits, Kelly clearly didn't do that and some clarification has been done. Thank God Kelly recorded this song.
"I Had a Dream"
Another lyrically controversial song. People are commenting over the fact that Kelly just said that the women are "spreading their legs instead of using their words", instead of saying something about men too. I personally think she referred to the fact that it's not fair how some people achieve their things and that should be the global theme of the song.
"Let Your Tears Fall"
The second Sia-penned song is another beautiful masterpiece, I'd even say a good one if you have someone to rely on. This song just talks about acceptance in general and how we shouldn't judge each other. Her vocals are shining a lot.
"Tightrope"
The most underrated song on the album, Tightrope, is an incredibly good written ballad dedicated to her husband.
"War Paint"
Now, what is one of the worst songs on the album, War Paint is basically a Demi leftover track, very similar to "Never Been Hurt" and it just seems bland compared to the rest of the album.
"Dance With Me"
The amazing David Bowie-ish song is, as I feel from the interviews, one of Kelly's favourite tracks from the album. Pretty good, but also a bit generic too.
"Nostalgic"
Another song to remind us of the good old times, Nostalgic, makes the dance part of the album a bit better. Great rhythm and especially the intro.
"Good Goes The Bye"
Probably the filler of the album. Not good, but not bad either.
"Bad Reputation"
A throwback to the good old days again! Reminding us of some Christina Aguilera's "Back To Basics" music, Bad Reputation is a great track which just uses that type of music to make it even more unique in Kelly's discography.
"In The Blue"
Pretty good vocals, but nothing more than that. Good-ish track.
"Second Wind"
A great album closer track! Such a feel good song and a reminiscent of "Mr. Know It All"/"You Can't Win" in themes.
I'd say the album features amazing productions, a bit experimental too (especially for Kelly). It has both slow and fast songs so it could be good for everyone.
I would recommend this album to anyone who loves Kelly and is not afraid to listen to something new from her. Of course, I miss the pop rock days, but she is free to let her creative juices flow and make amazing music.
Score: 9/10
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Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 27,248
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holyground: music in review 
75
"poppier, understated"
highlights
invincible
piece by piece
run run run (feat. john legend)
good goes the bye
second wind
| Piece By Piece
Kelly Clarkson
I think it's safe to say that the general reception towards lead single Heartbeat Song was a disappointing one. Somewhat like Mr. Know It All (though I actually like that song a whole lot more), it's simply not a very strong or interesting song. Even so, Piece By Piece actually flows in the same vein as Heartbeat Song, but it works.
The other songs are better constructed compared to the half-baked chorus of Heartbeat Song. The hooks are more subtle and understated, complimenting the lush pop sound of this record, which is somewhat a departure from Kelly's usual pop-rock anthemic music. Invincible, a Sia-penned track, is a soaring ballad that climaxes at the last chorus with her high notes. The title track features a more restrained chorus. Despite that, the hooks are still compelling, as well as the story of the song.
The main winning point of this album is the mood. Kelly herself said that she wanted each song to sound like it's part of a soundtrack, and I think she did it. When you think of soundtracks for all these romantic movies, these are the kind of songs you would imagine. Timelessness and nostalgia is the feeling I get from these songs. And I'm quite a sucker for it. Good Goes the Bye, the album's low-key closer, encapsulates all these feelings perfectly.
The only problem with the album is a problem that has been running throughout her entire career. Her music is still mostly rather pedestrian quality. At the lowest level, they're not really interesting or boundary-pushing. Perhaps the EDM-leaning Take You High is significantly different relative to her discography, but it's really not radical in any sense. Give this to another singer and it might be a really boring album. But well, it's a problem I'm willing to overlook. Kelly herself is what gives the songs life. Whenever she belts it all out, or when she reins it in, she elevates these ordinary songs to a new level.
So, what's next for Kelly? Heartbeat Song is a flop (of all songs, she HAD to pick that as the lead single?), her music these days aren't exactly "career defining". Could she depend on her godly voice for the rest of her life? Right now, it seems like that's what she's dependent on, but it's unlikely to be sustainable. Should she revisit her punky sassy Breakaway days? Can she still stay relevant? I don't have a single clue as to how her career could go on from here, but I'm rather pleased to be pleased by this album, so let's leave it as that for now.
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ATRL Contributor
Member Since: 9/2/2011
Posts: 21,728
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Madonna - Rebel Heart - 7.0 / 10
When you're over 30 years into your career, and notable for having once said that you don't intend to ever repeat yourself, its clear the pressure is on. Madonna doesn't have anything left to prove and yet Rebel Heart accomplishes a commentary that many of us have longed for. The songs are seemingly randomly placed, perhaps to accentuate the very fact that she by nature is one who can't really be boxed in.
Beginning with the anthemic lead single "Living For Love", Madonna keeps it clear that she is here to certify her status in the pop world. A blissful joyous track that starts things off on the right foot easily erasing any of the bad thoughts one MDNA might have incurred. But as soon as it ends and the tracks transition into "Devil Pray" and "Ghosttown" it becomes clear that Madonna has the intention not only to bring out the hits but to discuss the woman beyond. This pattern continues throughout the album, sometimes more successfully than others.
For one, the Kanye produced track "Illuminati" feels as though its a darker banger from the album but ultimately falters between feeling a little unnecessary and repetitive. Other tracks, namely closer to the end, feel as though they drag on and might not really affect the album if they were excluded - "Messiah", "Wash All Over Me" and a handful of the Super Deluxe tracks.
Without a doubt the album's highlights are the reflective tracks that avoid falling into that late-career trope of being "emotional" and "self-discovering". "Joan Of Arc" is an incredible guitar driven ballad that focuses on the negativity Madonna has been faced with over the years and provides a nurturing human quality to her. "Rebel Heart" is a perfect example of why Madonna is who she is - because she simply can't be anybody else. In contention with these the sexual tracks are also a good look at Madonna as a person. "Holy Water" and "Body Shop" are driven with such perfect tongue-in-cheek manner with silly metaphors that show her sense of humour well. Ultimately, perhaps as with most pop albums, there's the good and the bad.
Its because of this that I feel as though this could be a divisive album. For me at least, there were a number of times where I was left underwhelmed only to be lifted back up by the following track. That sort of emotional roller-coaster works in some cases but not when you're pairing a mediocre track with a brilliant one.
At the end it seems unclear as to what the full intentions may have been. There could very well have been a strategy to include a huge number of tracks and to allow the listener to pick and choose their own album (as I have done by condensing it to a perfect run of 13). But I also wonder whether or not this album might have fared a lot better if it was just shorter or followed a conceptual idea that was well thought out. That being said, I think that is what embodies the "Rebel Heart" persona - she's not playing by traditional rules and nor does she intend to! Its a comeback of sorts even if her last album was just 3 years ago, and its powerful and thoughtful and in the end a strong reminder that she does still have it.
Favourite tracks: Body Shop, Veni Vidi Vici, Living For Love, Ghosttown, Joan Of Arc, Rebel Heart
Sidenote - I like the medieval themes that she uses for some of the imagery!
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