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Special Event: atrlcritic | Ed Sheeran's new songs after the upgrade
Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 68,548
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Ellie Goulding
Delirium
6/10
Ellie's new album 'Delirium' is an improvement from her completely flat previous work, 'Halcyon Days'. Despite keeping following trends, 'Delirium' is a much more solid electronic record that doesn't sound like the same song repeated for 80 minutes.
'Delirium' features 22 songs on its deluxe edition. Ellie was generous indeed, but several of these tracks are just plain filler that leave you with nothing. The main problem of the album is how much it sounds like a broken record on most songs: the choruses consist of repeating the same words all over (9 out of the 16 standard edition songs follow this pattern, it's a bit too much).
Another aspect of the album that let me down were the vocals. Ellie sounds bored on some songs, and her heavenly high notes can be heard very rarely.
![](http://dhgkpqsiufwl2.cloudfront.net/media/ArticleSharedImage/imageFull/.fx4-uS_U/ArticleSharedImage-55605.jpg) | 1. Intro (Delirium)
This intro is completely useless. It sounds like the music for a commercial for a water brand we have here in Italy. 1/10
2. Aftertaste
A good song that could've been produced much better. Ellie's voice was edited too much, and the excessive background vocals just make it sound kinda off. 7/10
3. Something in the Way You Move
Kinda reminescent of Taylor Swift's "Style" in the chorus, this song is completely carefree and it effortlessly delivers to the listener the emotions it intends to convey. 9/10
4. Keep On Dancin'
A completely flat track we've heard a thousand times before, and in better forms. Leave the whistle sounds in 2012, girl. 2.5/10
5. On My Mind
A good uptempo lead single. Certainly not among the top songs on the album, but definitely single material. The rhythm is faster than anything you hear on pop radio, and I love that. 8.5/10
6. Around U
This one doesn't even have a rhythm and by the time it's over, it's going to leave you with nothing. You won't remember how it goes even after ten plays. 3/10
7. Codes
The best lyrics of the album, and finally a song that's not about the overused subjects of the songs so far. The chorus is really catchy, and the song has smash potential. 8.5/10
8. Holding On for Life
Another broken record song. The music is badly produced, the song is too noisy, and Ellie sounds like she recorded this while having a flu. 1/10
9. Love Me Like You Do
The only song Ellie didn't write on the album, and the most famous one. We all agree that this song is just flawless and that it's Max Martin's best effort of the year. 10/10
10. Don't Need Nobody
The broken record thing goes on, but it's slightly better on this song. The chorus is really catchy, and the robotic voice fits very well. 6.5/10
11. Don't Panic
A fun pop song with a good chorus. Its only problem is that it just sounds like a replica of the previous songs in the tracklist. 7/10
12. We Can't Move to This
What is that chorus? Who is singing? The song would be bareable if Ellie sang its main part. The 3.5 points I gave it all go to the pre-chorus. 3.5/10
13. Army
They clearly tried to replicate "Love Me Like You Do", but they didn't create a chlone. Everything about this song is great. How it starts slow, and how it explodes towards the end. Easily the best track of the album. Deservedly a single. 10/10
14. Lost and Found
Another great Max Martin production. Unlike most songs of the album, "Lost and Found" sounds complete, polished, and not noisy at all. 7.5/10
15. Devotion
A completely different sound from the other songs, but the overall result is meh. They just threw a bunch of electronic sounds together and tried to make a song out of them. 5/10
16. Scream It Out
Perfect closing track for the standard edition. A triumphant song with a strong, anthemic chorus, and a base that's not too loud. 8.5/10
17. The Greatest
The deluxe edition opens with a song that's better than most standard tracks. A carefree love song with a strong chorus. 9.5/10
18. I Do What I Love
We can't exactly call this a good song, but it's the typical song that's so weird that you end up either loving it or hating it. It doesn't exactly fit in the album, though. 5.5/10
19. Paradise
There's really nothing special or "paradisiacal" about this song. It's just there, and I can see why it was thrown at the end of the tracklist. 5/10
20. Winner
A very sweet and soft song with an emotional chorus. I love how she used the piano rather than a fully electronic base. 9.5/10
21. Heal
Rather forgettable. It's that typical song that lasts 5 minutes but that should've ended after 3. 4/10
22. Outside
Generic Calvin Harris production that we've heard a thousand times before this one was released. He isn't even trying to make listenable breakdowns anymore here. 3.5/10 |
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,331
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3 hours left for Hello, Every Open Eye, and Storyteller!
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,331
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The first impression that Adele chose to give us for her latest project, 25, is familiar yet captivating. Hello works well as a reintroduction of her style to the music-listening public because of its straightforward execution and intensely emotional subject matter. Sound familiar? That's exactly what all four singles from 21 possessed. She picks up where she left off effectively, but does not seem nearly as impressive now that we've heard it many times from her.
The song begins with her recounting a phone conversation she supposedly had with her estranged father, attempting to reconcile with him. The absence of non-piano instruments brings a tense, emotional feeling to the first verse, and her voice is once again the main focus. Each word is sung deliberately, each line at a carefully chosen speed, simulating a real-life conversation and making the song seem much less derivative and generic than many current mainstream hits. The pre-chorus is excellent; it is concise, consisting of two short lines, and smoothly bridges the quieter, contemplative verses with the booming, powerful chorus. Who didn't expect Adele to come through with yet another tremendous chorus? Her talent for power ballad choruses is spotlighted again here.
It was a smart move to have the second verse be a little bit shorter than the first; following the first chorus, the song only gains momentum. She deftly moves through gorgeous high notes in the bridge before finishing with a dramatic chorus, complete with backing vocalists and booming drums. I was fully engrossed by the end of the song, and despite clocking in at 4 minutes and 58 seconds, I felt as if barely three and a half minutes had passed. As evidence that I am not the only one that feels this way, the vast majority of radio stations are not editing Hello for length -- it's extremely rare for a five-minute song to be played in entirety, but a radio edit for this song would take away from the edge-of-your-seat feel it provides for many listeners.
Although the song is well emoted, I have noticed that it has quite a low replay value for me. The song feels quite heavy; a lot of the time when I am happy I don't really want to listen to a song with such a pensive tone. Additionally, the song isn't groundbreaking and is very well within her comfort zone; she simply gave the public what it wanted (though it was smart of her not to go full Someone Like You and strip away everything but a piano and her voice) with this song.
Hello has done its job of elevating my curiosity level in 25, and it is technically very good. It is not particularly inspirational, addictive, or innovative, but sometimes a pop song doesn't need those traits to work well.
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Member Since: 3/26/2012
Posts: 37,592
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oops i forgot to do hello and storyteller
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,331
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Quote:
Originally posted by Tylerbv
oops i forgot to do hello and storyteller
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You've got some more time now ![:)](http://www.atrl.net/forums/images/smilies/images/smilies/smile.gif)
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 31,895
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I wrote a review for Delirium for something on ATRL coming out on 11/11. Can I still submit mine here after that date? And is it okay if that's my first review for atrlcritic?
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,331
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Quote:
Originally posted by Element
I wrote a review for Delirium for something on ATRL coming out on 11/11. Can I still submit mine here after that date? And is it okay if that's my first review for atrlcritic?
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Yeah, Delirium isn't ending anytime soon so you can post it then.
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 31,895
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Quote:
Originally posted by alexanderao
Yeah, Delirium isn't ending anytime soon so you can post it then.
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Thanks!
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Member Since: 3/26/2012
Posts: 37,592
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Quote:
Originally posted by alexanderao
You've got some more time now ![:)](http://www.atrl.net/forums/images/smilies/images/smilies/smile.gif)
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Let me get Storyteller out of the way then:
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Carrie Underwood is a unique and indescribable artist. In her home life, she's the sweet Christian goody two shoes mother and wife that stays out of drama and loves to exercise. In her music, she always paints vivid pictures of stories of murder, cheating, regret, and hatred. Storyteller is no exception to that.
Like all her other albums, Carrie showcases her amazing and versatile voice on each and every song. Her songwriting has yet again improved as we see some new sides of her own personality many times throughout the album. However, she evolves her sound as she always does by changing up her producers from the familiar Mark Bright to some fresh faces. This gives us many different types of sound on the album that somehow all work together easily.
The album starts with the expected Renegade Runaway. The song is probably the most bombastic and "loud" on the album, but what else could be expected from the opener? Renegade Runaway is fun lyrically and impossible vocally. It's a quick and anthemic song that serves as a good opener even though it is not even close to being the greatest song.
Dirty Laundry is a laid-back and almost R&B-inspired tune that gives us another great story of cheating and betrayal. However, this time, Carrie chooses to simply let his actions speak for himself. Her vocals on this song are laid back and calm which helps the message seem realistic.
Church Bells is a definite highlight of the album. The opening instrumental caught my attention from the very first listen and it still gives me chills. This story on the album is the second best, and Carrie's vocals and the production work beautifully together to create an amazing tune.
Heartbeat is a new area for Carrie. She doesn't usually involve herself with love songs since she finds them too gushy (I agree usually). However, this one is incredibly well done. Heartbeat tries to stay away from sounding unpersonalized and does a great job at doing this. It's a fun and cute song that I could see being played on long drives for years to come. This is my personal choice for single #2.
Smoke Break is the lead single of the album, and I'm sure most people are not happy with it. There's nothing wrong with Smoke Break - it has fun lyrics, a good story, and her perfect vocals. However, there's something that it's missing. I still like the song and don't skip it, but since it is one of the weakest on the album, I'm surprised it was a single at all.
Choctaw County Affair is unlike anything else I've ever heard. Often described as "swamp rock", the story on this quick-paced jam is very unique and well done. It's almost like something you would see in a movie. The song is very polarizing, and even though I like it, I see how it's not what people would expect.
Like I'll Never Love You Again is another love song for Carrie. Again, the song is not too cheesy and has great vocals. It's a definite highlight for me since we never get to hear Carrie's softer side unless she's ready to give us the best of it.
Chaser is another highlight of the album. The opening instrumental is completely new for Carrie and reminds me of a stormy night. Her vocals on this song are among the strongest of the album and the lyrics are incredibly expressive and great. Her phrasing has improved since her American Idol days and it is very apparent on this song. It's a new area for Carrie and almost sounds like a country version of a P!nk or Kelly Clarkson song, but in a good way.
Relapse is my personal favourite of the album so far. Again, her vocals are great and the instrumental is new territory. It is one of the more pop-leaning songs on the album but when she does pop, she does it right.The lyrics are heartbreaking but strong and the bridge is so emotive that you can almost feel her pain on the song. Everything about Relapse is perfect and I would love to see it as a future single.
Clock Don't Stop starts to slow down the album a bit. Her vocals on this in the chorus are amazing and beautiful, but the song's message is a little weak to me. The song is still good and is pretty catchy, but compared to 10 or 12 other beasts on this album, it ends up being a little forgettable.
The Girl You Think I Am is Carrie's own love letter to her father. Mama's Song from 2009's Play On was a cute way of honouring her mother, and I guess Carrie decided everyone in the family gets their own song. The Girl You Think I Am has a message that has made many girls I personally know tear up. It will be a future wedding anthem for sure. This is another example of Carrie doing lovey-songs the right way, even if they are a little corny.
Mexico came out of nowhere for me. It has it all: murder, a car chase, a Bonnie and Clyde romance, bombastic vocals, Spanish, fun instrumentals, and a string of high and long notes. A definite favourite of mine, Mexico is probably the hidden gem of the album.
What I Never Knew I Always Wanted closes out the album on a personal note. Carrie had her baby boy Isaiah less than a year ago and her undying love for him helped her write this song to both him and Mike. It's Carrie's strongest album closer and her beautiful vocals on it leave a good note on the listener.
Storyteller is an album full of many different topics, so no matter what kind of lyrics you like, there's something on there for you. With no major missteps, the album is one of Carrie's finest and deserves all the success it is already getting. I can't wait to see what she has next for us fans!
Storyteller: 9.6/10
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Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 19,167
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"DELIRIUM"
ELLIE GOULDING
“Delirium” is Ellie Goulding’s third studio album, following the success of “Halcyon / Halcyon Days”, which was her best album but also has such high and low. Can this top it and be her best album ?
. 1. Intro: Although it gives me a dark vibe, I don’t think this can introduce much about the whole album. And isn’t it too long for an intro ? 8/10
. 2. Aftertaste: The opening suits very well with the intro and I love it, it gives me a really nice connection. Also, I love her voice in this song. 10/10
. 3. Something In The Way You Move : One of the few promo tracks that I actually love it, “Move” really gives me a dance vibe which is something Ellie can do best. 9.5/10
. 4. Keep On Dancin’ : Definitely one of the best tracks Ellie has ever produced and one of the tracks of 2015. 10/10
. 5. On My Mind: I don’t know why many people don’t like this, it’s a really nice lead single which can tell about the whole album. The lyrics and production are also really strong. 10/10
. 6. Around U : Even though it’s a little forgettable, I love how it gives me a magically dreamy scene and Ellie’s voice sounds like an angel in this song. 9/10
. 7. Codes :I like the lyric so much, but I feel like this sounds so similar to “On My Mind” but at a slower rhythm. 9/10
. 8. Holding on for Life: I love this. The beat just keeps non-stop going without slowing down. 10/10
. 9. Love Me Like You Do : Why this didn’t go #1 is a question that’s always in my head. 10/10
. 10. Don’t Need Nobody :This is amazing. I don’t think Ellie could pull this off because this is so not like her with the urban vibe, but her voice makes the song so worth it. 10/10
. 11. Don’t Panic : I mean, it’s not bad, but it sounds like a filler. There are songs sound like this and also better than this. 8.5/10
. 12. We Can’t Move To This: As much as I love it, who sings that chorus ? Her voice doesn’t fit in Ellie’s at all. Beside that, it’s a great track. 8.5/10
. 13. Army: “Love Me Like You Do” has a sister right here. I like it but it just doesn’t belong here, it should’ve been the last song to show how Ellie has improved and overcome everything. 10/10
. 14. Lost and Found : Another cute but forgettable track, Ellie sounds uninteresting in this track also. 8/10
. 15. Devotion : This sounds kinda different with other tracks and I kinda enjoy it, however, I’m not a fan of the EDM breakdown. 8.5/10
. 16. Scream it Out : I like that it’s not so loud so it can close the album beautifully, but personally, I don’t like this. It sounds so normal and uncreative. 7.5/10
. 17. The Greatest : It’s cute, but it just is, it can’t stand out from an album with such huge amount of tracks. 8/10
. 18. I Do What I Love : Talking about memorable, this is the one. It’s so different with other songs, somehow giving me Asian type of songs, and I do love it. 10/10
. 19. Paradise : It’s a normal track, nothing special to talk about it. 7/10
. 20. Winner : I find this so impressive, very emotional track. 10/10
. 21. Heal : A great track that is unnecessarily long. 8.5/10
. 22. Outside : Such a perfect song. I just can’t. The beat, the breakdown. Ellie & Calvin is a perfect couple for EDM music. 10/10
. 23. Powerful : This has proved me that although Ellie isn’t a big vocalist, but her voice is perfectly made for EDM and this is something that she can keep investing. 10/10
. 24. Let It Die : I really can’t explain why does she choose to include acoustic songs since it doesn’t fit the theme of the whole album at all. On the brightside, I like the claps at the background. 8/10
. 25. Two Years Ago : Although it’s a little bit long, it’s a nice way to end the album with how beautiful the vocal blends with the instrument, I’m also interested in how she sounds alive in this song too. 9.5/10
So, it’s official to me that “Delirium” is Ellie’s best piece of work. I think she’s really smart for putting the weaker songs in the middle and gives an explosion at last.
__________________________
9.1/10
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ATRL Contributor
Member Since: 4/24/2011
Posts: 8,547
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Mess @ none of you reviewing 'Every Open Eye'.
Honestly, TRF.
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Member Since: 8/17/2013
Posts: 15,103
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Little Mix - Get Weird
Black Magic - The album begins with this song that is, not only as lead single, but as overall track a big dissapointment. The strange&cheesy lyrics and production 4.2/10
Love me Like you- the second track on the album is everything what Black Magic was supposed to be. Cool 'old-school' sounds and great vocals 7.5/10
Weird People - The lyrics ruin this song, and this feels like a weird anthem. The robot voice and strange production really ruins the song. 3.5/10
Secret Love Song - This track actually begins great, and has the most potential of all the songs so far... however, Jason Derülo completely ruins the song. This could have at least been an 8, but now it's more a 6.2/10
Hair - This track is strangely addicting, super catchy. The chorus feels kinda flat, but this definitely has replay value 6.8/10
Grown - this feels all over the place, and sounds like a mess, the humming voice tho 4.4/10
I Love You - A great track, a little bit basic but I'll take it 7.8/10
OMG - The track begins a bit childish, but once the beat kicks in it became a guilty pleasure 7.4/10
Lightning - The follow up from DNA, comes nowhere close near that pop masterpiece.. but it's an okay track, and the chorus and bridges are great. The only down point is the 'but I do' part 7.5/10
A.D.I.D.A.S.- This song really doesn't do it for me.. really nothing special 5.6/10
Love Me or Leave Me - An amazing and emotional track, the best track so far 9/10
The End - Almost no production, so mostly vocals... it becomes a great song 8.1/10
I Won't - The album is on a roll now ![Katie 2](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/korn0818/ATRL_Smilies_All/atrlers/katie2_zpsbc053685.gif) .. LOVE the production 8.8/10
Secret Love Song Pt. II - This should have been the only version on the album. Amazing, and it shows that almost all the ballads on the album are amazing, my favorite track of the album. 9.5/10
Clued up - This track is actually pretty boring 6/10
The Beginning - The best lyrics of the album, so meaningful 8.2/10
conclusion: This album is their worst work, but it still offers some nice tracks.
Final Score6.9/10
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Member Since: 8/17/2013
Posts: 15,103
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Ellie Goulding - Delirium
Intro (Delirium) - Wow I am in love with this, it's so pleasing for the ears, an amazing intro for the album 10/10
Aftertaste - This is a great choice for the follow up from the intro, catchy and great vocals. Love the production! 10/10
Something in The Way You Move - What a great club banger ![Katie 2](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/korn0818/ATRL_Smilies_All/atrlers/katie2_zpsbc053685.gif) , can't really add a lot because this is flawless 10/10
Keep On Dancin': I've seen a lot of negative reactions, so I was kind of worried.. but this might be one of my favorite Ellie tracks, the unique production, the great vocals and it still fitting in perfectly 10/10
On My Mind - this is a great club banger and definitely a grower. Not the best track on the album, but still enjoyable 9.5/10
Around U - This is such a cool and unique production ![:-*](images/smilies/images/smilies/kiss.gif) , The verses aren't as good as the amazing and dreamy chorus, but I'll take it 9.5/10
Codes - this is the biggest bop so far 10/10
Holding on for life - The album is so amazing, can't spot a single flaw 10/10
Love Me Like You Do - One of my favorite singles of this year, the only thing that itches me is that it's for 50SOG.. But i can live with that 10/10
Don't Need Nobody - I need this as next single please 10/10
Don't Panic - The intro is so cool and then it shifts into catchy tunes, my favorite of the album so far 10/10
We Can't Move To This - This is an okay track, the verses are great but the chorus is just meh ![Doc](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/korn0818/ATRL_Smilies_All/atrlers/doc_zpsc886535c.gif) , she could've left this out 7/10
Army - This really feels like an 'Ellie' track, a great song 10/10
Lost And Found - A great follow-up from army in my opinion, this could work well for the final single of the album to be honest 10/10
Devotion - This is such a guilty pleasure, the EDM is a little bit overused but I'll live with it because of the amazing chorus 9.3/10
Scream It Out - This is a good track but it feels a bit like a filler 7.8/10
The Greatest - a great track, I really love the lyrics 8.5/10
I Do What I Love - This track was probably the most hated track by other people, but I love it.. it's really unique and a standout from the album 10/10
Paradise - I love this, it's not a stand out, but this is great and it fits perfectly on the album 8.3/10
Winner - My favorite ballad of the album, I love that it still fits 'Delirium' so good. 10/10
Heal - I love this, it's a bit too long but it's an amazing track 9.8/10
Outside - Calvin and Ellie are so amazing together>>>> , and the fact that this fits the album perfectly>>> 10/10
Powerful - This is a great track, but the guy singing kind of ruins it for me ![Doc](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/korn0818/ATRL_Smilies_All/atrlers/doc_zpsc886535c.gif) , 8/10
Let it die - This is a good track, nothing too special but definitely not bad 8.2/10
Two Years Ago - An amazing album closer 10/10
Conclusion: Ellie keeps on delivering every album, this comes very close to Halcyon and is definitely worth buying.
Final Score: 9.4/10
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,331
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Adele - Hello
Members
Score 87
6 reviews (6 positive)
Top Critics
Score 68
3 reviews (2 positive, 1 mixed)
Overall Score
80.6
9 reviews (8 positive, 1 mixed)
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Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 68,548
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,331
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Quote:
Originally posted by KillingYourCareer
When are we doing Focus?
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When it gets 3 requests.
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Storyteller and CHVRCHES results tonight.
Delirium and Get Weird are up for review.
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,331
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Carrie Underwood - Storyteller
Members
Score 87
5 reviews (5 positive)
Top Critics
N/A
0 reviews
Overall Score
87.0
5 reviews (5 positive)
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Member Since: 3/26/2012
Posts: 37,592
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Quote:
Originally posted by alexanderao
Carrie Underwood - Storyteller
Members
Score 87
5 reviews (5 positive)
Top Critics
N/A
0 reviews
Overall Score
87.0
5 reviews (5 positive)
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Legend ![heart2](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/korn0818/a3fdf692.gif)
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Member Since: 1/3/2014
Posts: 18,157
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Quote:
Originally posted by alexanderao
Carrie Underwood - Storyteller
Members
Score 87
5 reviews (5 positive)
Top Critics
N/A
0 reviews
Overall Score
87.0
5 reviews (5 positive)
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Now if only her Metacritic score could do this.
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Member Since: 4/4/2014
Posts: 17,141
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Ok y'all have to give me 2 more listens to Delirium before I can do it. I do all my reviews after 3 listens but its so damn long
Get Weird coming v soon. Just need to copy and paste and format ![chick1](images/smilies/images/smilies/chick1.gif)
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