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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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Views, DW, and Thank You will end on Friday, which is when 7/27 will start.
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Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 19,167
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"DANGEROUS WOMAN"
ARIANA GRANDE
Ariana Grande has always been looked as the upper one from her peers, and this year, she officially returns to the music industry with her new album, "Dangerous Woman". Even though it can't continue her #1 streak, but that doesn't mean it is a bad album, isn't it ?
1. Moonlight : Ariana opens with a slow, romantic and violin-enriched. However, it is a little bit dreamy that might be boring for the start. 6.5/10
2. Dangerous Woman : Now this is the start. The guitar, the rock vibe and her vocal just blend so well in this track. 9/10
3. Be Alright : A little bit different from her discography. However, Ariana once again nails this Pop House track. 9.5/10
4. Into You : Definitely this is the best track coming from the album. This uptempo, sexy, flirty track is all Ariana needs and it's one of the best songs coming from her 11/10
5. Side to Side (featuring. Nicki Minaj) : I wasn't a fan of "Get On Your Knee" and the idea of Ari & Nicki at first but this completely changes my mind. A reggae-infused track that is sexy and hot. 8/10
6. Let Me Love You (featuring. Lil' Wayne) : This song kinda kills the whole vibe of the last tracks with its slow, dark beat. Although it brings a steamy vibe but a little bit hypnotizing. Also, the contrast between Lil's and Ari's voice does not work. 7/10
7. Greedy : I can see this is an Uptown Funk-influenced track with the pop/funk production. But anyway, Ari nails this because it fits her style 100%. 10/10
8. Leave Me Lonely (featuring. Macy Gray) : I didn't have any expectation for this. But it shook me. Not only the sound and the vocal of Ari is a huge point but the big surprise also comes from Macy as their voice blends so well. 10/10
9. Everyday (featuring. Future) : I really like the build-up to the chorus of this track, and adding Future is a big bonus to this song cause it somehow makes the song really catchy. 10/10
10. Sometimes : The "la - la - la" part works out really well for this cute and catchy track. Defintely a track that has repeat value. 9.5/10
11. I Don't Care : Ariana used to say that this sultry R&B track is the last track she recorded for the album. Even though it is a careless statement, she shouldn't have added this into the album at all. 5/10
12. Bad Decisions : And the streak of great tracks returns. This track is where her voice sounds the most comfortable yet being so underrated. 10/10
13. Touch It : The production of this track is so cool. However, it sounds a little bit boring and doesn't stand out between the former tracks. However, not a bad song, just slightly weaker. 8/10
14. Knew Better / Forever Boy : I don't like the idea of mixing two songs together, it just sounds like two independent tracks that were forced to put together. Also, both of the tracks are not good and kinda bland. 5.5/10
15. Thinking Bout You : A dreamy but not sleepy track. This time Ariana makes a great effort in this track with her emotion. 10/10
16. Step On Up : A fun, upbeat track that should have been added to the main version of the album. 9.5/10
17. Jason's Song (Gave It Away) : A broadway-influenced track that is a bit bland. However, I love the lyrics so much as it sounds like a clapback to the press & media. 8.5/10
18. Focus : This song is so overlooked by every people. Personally, I really really love this track as an elevated Problem and Problem is already amazing. 10/10
To sum up, this is definitely Ariana's best effort. She is brave enough to experience Pop, R&B, Urban, House, Raggae. It's very risky and not many artists would want to do that, especially young artists like her. With this album, she continues to maintain her place to be a critic darling while also receive love from the GP. Bravo !!
__________________________
8.7/10
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Member Since: 5/27/2016
Posts: 2,948
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Ariana Grande - Dangerous Woman
8/10
If anything should come out of Ariana's 3rd album is that there is no doubt that Ariana came to play in 2016 and there should be no doubt that if she continues to produce albums at this standard then she will a major player in the music business.
1. Moonlight - 7.5/10
The beginning of the album and a nice way for the album to beginning. Perhaps the most beautiful start to an album akin to the beginning bars of Madonna's Borderline. The chorus is a standout also, but the song overall lacks the punch that most songs on this album deliver.
2. Dangerous Woman - 6/10
Something about this song lacks. As a launch single and a song that the album is named after I was expecting more
3. Be Alright - 8/10
Underrated
4. Into You - 10/10
A pop masterpiece. Easily the best song off this album, it should have been the first single.
5. Side to Side (feat. Nicki Minaj) - 7.5/10
This song is mainly strong because it is a quick detour by Ariana genre wise, and Nicki's rap is good as usual. The song is not as much of a standout that would be expected from these two though.
6. Let Me Love You (feat. Lil Wayne) - 6/10
The start of the song sounds like a BEYONCE album track. This song is generally OK, Lil Wayne is slightly pointless. It is one of the most forgettable songs off the album.
7. Greedy - 10/10
Perhaps the most infectious chorus of 2016, so pop and so catchy its impossible to love this song and dance along to it.
8. Leave Me Lonely (feat. Macy Gray) - 6/10
It's OK. I prefer to see this song as an interlude because it feels so out of place in the middle of the album.
9. Everyday - 8/10
A very good songs that sounds like something that was plucked off the Rebel Heart album. I could have done with the chorus being longer though, it makes the song seem a tad lazy.
10. Sometimes - 10/10
An underrated gem off Dangerous Woman. It is a rare song that is powerful with just Ariana's vocals because the music is technically very chill.
11. I Don't Care - 8/10
Lovely song albeit being a tad forgettable.
12. Bad Decisions - 10/10
A flawless song, Ariana clearly came to play this album. The build from the verses to the chorus and then THAT chorus is genius.
13. Touch It - 10/10
Ariana did this song little justice by just making it a bonus track. It should technically be the next single but I'm doubtful.
14. Knew Better / Forever Boy - 7.5/10
The most intriguing song off Dangerous Woman. Forever Boy easily eclipses Knew Better though.
15. Thinking Bout You - 8/10
A cute song that naturally ends the deluxe CD. It's nice to hear Ariana's power vocals shine on the bridge.
16. Step on Up - 7.5/10
A nice bonus track and the chorus is one of the best off the album, I can see why this was only placed as Target exclusive though.
17. Jason's Song - 5/10
I view Jason's Song as the most polarising songs off Dangerous Woman. Personally I don't fits the album's theme well and sounds like a reject from Ariana's first album.
18. Focus - 8.5/10
Perhaps one of the most infectious and underrated tracks this decade. While this is seen and rejected as an ugly sister in the Dangerous Woman era, it is still one of the best songs off this album and one of the best singles in 2015.
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,331
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I'm going to be updating at around 6pm.
In the meantime,
Now starting:
Fifth Harmony - 7/27
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,331
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Meghan Trainor - Thank You
Members
Score 71
6 reviews (4 positive, 2 mixed)
Top Critics
No score
Overall Score
70.5
6 reviews (4 positive, 2 mixed)
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,331
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Ariana Grande - Dangerous Woman
Members
Score 85
5 reviews (5 positive)
Top Critics
Score 80
1 review (1 positive)
Overall Score
84.5
6 reviews (6 positive)
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Views ends with 0 reviews. ![skull](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/korn0818/ATRL_Smilies_All/faces/skull_zpsksni5fmm.gif) I was in the process of writing one but I've been busy finishing up school so I didn't have time to post it.
I'm open to some more requests now that we only have one album going on.
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ATRL Contributor
Member Since: 1/3/2014
Posts: 11,976
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Last Year Was Complicated (I'll do if it you guys do it)
Skin - Flume (I really wanna do this one)
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Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 19,167
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I request Last Year Was Complicated [2] ![Duca](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/korn0818/ATRL_Smilies_All/atrlers/duca_zps480ab501.gif)
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ATRL Contributor
Member Since: 5/27/2016
Posts: 2,518
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"7/27"
FIFTH HARMONY
Fifth Harmony's sophomore effort, "7/27" explores the EDM and Tropical House inspired pop that vibes perfectly with the summer of 2016. While some groups don't even get to their 2nd (technically 3rd release, if we count their EP) release, Fifth Harmony shuts down the break-up rumors and rides over the sophomore slump with this album. Basically hitching a ride with Justin Bieber's "Purpose," the island-inspired songs could potentially be the song s of the summer.
1. That's My Girl: The album opens with the Tinashe-penned club-ready banger, 'That's My Girl.' The song rides off of the sounds that made the group's 2015 hit 'Worth It' such a success – the overused, but okay in this case, horn samples. The song is an inspiring and uplifting message to all the girls who are "knocked down" by a relationship or other hardship in their life. "You've been down before / You've been hurt before / You've got up before / You'll be good to go, good to go" urges these girls to get back up and the nods to Destiny's Child ("Destiny said it, you gotta get up and get it / Get mad independent and don't you ever forget it") are a sure-fire indication that this song is a hit.
2. Work from Home f/ Ty Dolla $ign: Lead single and #4 smash hit, Work from Home, is what the girls do best. Urban pop. Although being a lead single, it gives no taste of what the album is like at all. This has synthy, relaxed, DJ Mustard inspired beats and finger snaps, along with a feature from R&B star, Ty Dolla $ign, while being surrounded by Tropical House bops. Nevertheless, it's still one of the album highlights and clearly one of the groups' highlights as well.
3. The Life: Yet another Tinashe-penned song, The Life showcases the glamour that the girls get to experience on their journey as a modern girl group. The vocal sample throughout the chorus and intro of the song are similar to songs like Lean On and Sorry, giving it that perfect radio sound. This is the type of song you'd roll down the windows and scream on the highway in the middle of summer with your friends, and it's all-in-all a cute bop!
4. Write On Me: The first of the slower songs on the album, Write On Me, showcases the girls vulnerability*– something we haven't seen since the Better Together EP in 2013. The song is about letting a significant other make their mark on you (not in a nasty way ![rolleyes](http://www.atrl.net/forums/images/smilies/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif) ) and being like a blank page, letting them be the pen. It's super metaphorical and kinda makes you wanna throw up when you think about it, but the song itself is cute and has one of the best bridges from a pop song I've heard all year. Kygo and Stargate really give that fun Tropical House vibe a nice little play in the song, as well.
5. I Lied: Produced by The Monsters and The Strangerz, I Lied is certainly a future hit. From it's EDM breakdown to it's relatable lyrics, the song tells a story of experiencing a love so good, it makes you think you were lying all the other times you've said "I love you" to someone. This track also showcases vocal abilities from the girls that have been hidden before. Normani takes a huge high note in the chorus, which would usually go to Dinah or Ally, and she nails it. The standout part of this song is definitely the bridge, which is sung by Dinah. "You've got that real love / That text in the morning, that real love / How Mary J. call it that real love / We got real love" repeated two times, it's sure to get stuck in your head.
6. All In My Head (Flex) f/ Fetty Wap: Fleeeeex, time to impreeeessss ![jamming](images/smilies/images/smilies/jamming.gif) this is truly the song of the summer. The reggae-inspired guitar, the synths, Fetty's verse, the chorus – everything is just pop perfection. Dinah also leads this one, so you know it's good. Flex is the second single from the album, and just in time for summer, too. I can see everyone jamming to this with the windows down or at the beach, just singing their hearts out. Such a great song.
7. Squeeze: Another slow one, but my personal favorite from the album – and all time Fifth Harmony song. This is about when the night ends and it's just you and your significant other. "Dim the lights / Here in the dark / Goin' by feel / Only the moon to guide" it's clearly a very intimate song. The girls are showing that they can be vulnerable once again, and it's honestly just a cute song. The chorus is lead by Dinah and it's all about wanting them to put their arms around you and squeeze. A cute concept, if you ask me.
8. Gonna Get Better: Track 8 is Ally's favorite song and is also a sample / cover of Vybz Kartel's, 'Gon Get Better.' The song opens with a soft guitar and Ally leading the chorus, "I'm not gonna leave you now / Oh, I know it's gon' get better..." Essentially, it's about not leaving your S.O. for someone with more money or more power. It's about working together to become even better than you are now, but in this case, it sounds like the partner doesn't trust that these girls won't leave him for someone "better." The girls, specifically Normani and Camila, put on some fake island accents for this one, and pull it off quite well without being distasteful. A beautiful song.
9. Scared of Happy: The third and final Tinashe-penned song, Scared of Happy, is sort of like Sorry's little sister. While also being produced by Bloodpop (and Stargate, who also does tracks 4, 6, 7, 8, and 9) it has the same vocal-sampled breakdown with an island flare. The song is a story of the girls' asking themselves, "Why am I scared of happy?" and how they "used to be fearless." It's a song about overcoming your past and not being afraid to be happy and experience life again after a dark period. Even if it is accompanied by a banging beat, it truly has one of the album's most beautiful messages.
10. Not That Kinda Girl f/ Missy Elliott: Not That Kinda Girl is a throwback nod to Prince and Janet Jackson, as well as the featured artist, Missy Elliott. The song is a total 80s anthem and honestly could've served as the new female-lead Ghostbuster's theme song, much better than an all male group, but I'm not bitter!. This is the first of two explicit songs on the album, containing the lyrics "Tryna talk sh*t" and "Don't get f**ked up / I'm not that kinda girl" – which is a bold move for Fifth Harmony, seeing as a lot of their fanbase are younger girls. But, the actual song is so fun and sassy, a typical 5H move. Putting together a confident track about how they know they're hot and boys shouldn't touch "it" unless they have a death wish, plus a Missy Elliott verse – it's just perfect for the girls and a perfect way to end the standard album.
11. Dope: The first deluxe, but second explicit song, Dope, is nothing short of it's name. Produced by Jack Antonoff and written by himself, Julia Michaels, and Justin Tranter, the song is extremely "dope." It's a mid-tempo, 1989-styled song about a girl who is at a loss for words about how much she likes a guy. Eventually she just ends up saying, "I don't know what else to say, but you're pretty f**kin' dope" The bridge is a total Out of the Wood's experience and I couldn't love it any more than I already do. Chill, electro-R&B is Fifth Harmony's second calling, and they murdered this song completely. A flawless effort from the girls.
12. No Way: Originally for their debut album, No Way closes the US deluxe edition in a haunting way. The song is very melancholy, with a deep vocal sample serving as the beat the entire way through as Lauren leads about 1:30 out of the 2:56 with her brooding vocals. "Everyone comes with scars / But you can love them away / I told you that I wasn't perfect / You told me the same" – the song is about a relationship that is, from the outside, toxic and people are confused as to why the two are still together, but the people in the relationship know they can make it work and know they love each other. Truly a perfect way to end this album and also a very haunting way, at that.
13. Big Bad Wolf: Another urban banger, Big Bad Wolf opens up the Japanese deluxe edition of the album, and it's soooo sexy. A laid-back, sexy song about inviting someone to bite like a big bad wolf and being drunk off the girls' bodies, it truly shows that 5H has matured before our eyes. It's so good, I don't have any idea why it was left off the standard, but that's Epic Records for you, I guess. The beat and the production of the song are incredible and you'll more than likely replay this song about 10-15 times a day.
14. 1000 Hands: The final song on the album and the only piano-led ballad (and only ballad since 2013, technically), 1000 Hands is a beautiful masterpiece of a song. The track is entirely a piano and the girls' voices, no runs or show-off notes from anyone in the group. It's about wanting to feel all the support and love from someone, and that being the only thing you want. Just for them to give you their touch. The song is so pretty, and honestly I cry every time I listen to it. Another perfect end to the album, aside from No Way.
9.7/10
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Member Since: 8/17/2013
Posts: 18,151
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6/10
The 5 chanteuses formed by Simon Cowell and his once alive singing competition The X Factor US have surely come a long way from 2012. Their debut album, Reflection, showcased them as a sassy, confident, and strong minded girl group. Now the group just released their sophomore effort in 7/27 (name being referenced to the date they were formed if you were confused), hoping to break the ever prevalent girl group barrier in the US, and more importantly, evolve. Let's see if they did.
1. That's My Girl | 5.5/10
I really don't understand the hype coming from this song. Sure, I appreciate the uplifting feminist motives here, but the extremely outdated production with C-class lyrics as the intro to this album is really dissatisfying. At least the horns kept me awake.
2. Work from Home (feat. Ty Dolla $ign) | 9/10
When I first heard this song, I knew it was going to be a worldwide phenomenon on the charts. And non-surprisingly, I was right. Between the perfect minimal, rugrats-theme like production, the now expected rapper inclusion, and the hard-hitting/radio candy chorus ( work work work work work work work), this song proves to be the stand out record from 7/27. As a lead single should be.
3. The Life | 5.5/10
So the theme to this song is about being cool, rich and having fun in the summer sun! The production is cool, but the rest? Lol. Camila's inclusion on this song's chorus was a bad idea. This song being right after a great song was a bad idea.
4. Write On Me | 6.5/10
In all honesty, this song is cute. A cute, vulnerable song about being in love. Out of that theme, it really doesn't go anywhere. Lauren's verse is the highlight.
5. I Lied | 6/10
And we hit the third filler on this album. This song really could've went somewhere if it wasn't for the annoying chorus production.
6. All In My Head (Flex) [feat. Fetty Wap] | 8/10
I wanna flex for you babeh. This is such a feel good, summery song. The chorus is instant with Dinah and Normani leading, and the verses blend in perfectly. And Fetty's verse gives the song the right amount of Urban flavor it needs. Should be another hit for the girls.
7. Squeeze | 6/10
Dinah leading the chorus for this song was such a great decision. Her tone sets the falling in love theme perfectly. But once again, the awkward production in the chorus sets me off. The soothing sounds in the background settled me down however.
8. Gonna Get Better | 6/10
The chorus isn't satisfying me here, I feel like they could've re-worked it around those verses. The acoustic guitar in the production was a cute inclusion.
9. Scared of Happy | 6/10
A nice rebound after the last average song. Not saying this song isn't, but this has something those don't. Well placed production. Plus, the message here is nice to put at the lower end of the album.
10. Not That Kinda Girl (feat. Missy Elliot) | 6.5/10
This sounds like it should be on Reflection, but it's decent. The production quality is great seeing the verses are kinda average. Missy's inclusion at the end kind of saved this song.
11. Dope | 6.5/10
I'm actually surprised the label let them use profanity like this, but it's not unnecessary at all.Lauren tells her man how she feels about him by telling him: You're pretty ****ing dope, which is not broad at all.
12. No Way | 5.5/10
As a standard outro, I wanted something hard-hitting. This is an generic ballad that goes no where. I commend them for the effort though.
13. Big Bad Wolf | 5/10
I understand now why this was a Japanese exclusive. All bad songs/album cuts get put on deluxe there. The theme has literally no correlation to the overall album, and the lyrics are an abomination. I wasn't really excited to hear this either when I saw the cringy title.
14. 1000 Hands | 7/10
I really connected to this one for some reason, it should've been on the standard to replace one of the many filers. The lyrics are beautiful, while corresponding with the dark, haunting production. Well done Japanese deluxe outro 5H.
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,973
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Quote:
Originally posted by lhdang2000
I request Last Year Was Complicated [2] ![Duca](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/korn0818/ATRL_Smilies_All/atrlers/duca_zps480ab501.gif)
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Make that 3!
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,973
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Fifth Harmony 7/27
1. "That's My Girl"
Yikes! Weak opening. Trying to sound like a 90s girl group and the chorus is awful 4
2. "Work From Home" feat. Ty Dolla $ign
if you didn't like this song when it came out, keep listening 9
3. "The Life"
Not much to say about this one
4. "Write On Me"
This is chill. It's cute 6
5. "I Lied"
This one is a little all over the place but it's weirdly a bop but not enough to save it 6
6. "All In My Head" feat. Fetty Wap
Catchy as ****, and very on trend with the tropical house notes and the Caribbean flavor. I don't care about Fetty 8
7. "Squeeze"
Great, can smash 6.5
8. "Gonna Get Better" (Acoustic)
I feel like this is everything Squeeze wanted to be, simple, vulnerable and heartfelt 8
9. "Scared Of Happy"
Reminds me of Scared Of Lonely. I love the instrumental during the chorus and the pre chorus. Those are definitely the highlights of this track 6
10. "Not That Kinda Girl" feat. Missy Elliott
There's something MJesque about this song (gasp!) I like Missy's verse too, fire. A hit in the making 8
11. "Dope"
Meh 5
12. "No Way"
I love this one. Love the vocals and emotions and the beat is amazing 8
I mean, this is a nice collection of songs about everything a teenager is going through from flames to betrayal, to promiscuity to partying. Some of it is surprisingly very empowering and I love all the confidence the girls exude, that's the selling point. But are these songs memorable enough that I will want to hear them outside of the club? Probably not.
Overall: 6.5/10
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,331
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Now starting:
Nick Jonas - Last Year Was Complicated
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,973
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Last Year Was Complicated by Nick Jonas
Voodoo
This sounds dated and is a little harsh to hear as the first song. He went right in without foreplay. It's a bop tho, made for radio 7
Champagne Problems
I was going to praise Nick because he really excels at these electro R&B songs but then he sang "we are the opposite of breaking up" A mess but still a very good bop 7
Close
This perfectly sums up my feelings about most Nick Jonas songs. They don't offend me, I bop to them but they are far from blowing my mind. 6
Chainsaw
This bops too and the lyrics aren't stupid.
Kudos to the production so far, excellent pop songs so far. All these songs so far can be singles. 8
Touch
pop perfection 10
Bacon
Ugh another bop. It's really hard to be cynical when all these songs are certified bangers. Love $ verse too 10
Good Girls
See above 8
The Difference
Hmm kinda uneventful 5
Don't Make Me Choose
6.5
Under You
The production is tight. A+ level. Not crazy about the lyrics once again 6.5
Unhinged
Here comes the obligatory pop ballad. So cheesy. The ballad itself isn't stellar or nothing we haven't heard before but it's enjoyable 6
Comfortable
This sounds a lot like British pop. The spoken words elevated it and it's a good album closer 7
Overall, a great album, amazing production but the lyrics sometimes are lackluster. If you don't mind generic Pop music, you should be able to enjoy this. I like it but it's not very satisfying. overall score: 7.5/10
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Member Since: 5/27/2016
Posts: 6,521
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Quote:
Originally posted by alexanderao
Ariana Grande - Dangerous Woman
Members
Score 85
5 reviews (5 positive)
Top Critics
Score 80
1 review (1 positive)
Overall Score
84.5
6 reviews (6 positive)
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Views ends with 0 reviews. ![skull](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/korn0818/ATRL_Smilies_All/faces/skull_zpsksni5fmm.gif) I was in the process of writing one but I've been busy finishing up school so I didn't have time to post it.
I'm open to some more requests now that we only have one album going on.
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The acclaim. ![worship2](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/korn0818/310230f4.gif)
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Member Since: 8/7/2015
Posts: 9,301
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Nick Jonas - 'Last Year Was Complicated'
1. Voodoo
Catchy urban pop song with huge african/caribbean influences. Nothing spectacular here but Nick offers a great dancey opening..
8/10
2. Campagne Problems
Another amazing dance number with loud beats, electroclashy synths... And melancholic lyrics!!! A bittersweet cocktail to taste without moderation.
9/10
3. Close
This is the lead single. Nick starts another era with an urban sensual midtempo. The duet with Tove Lo doesn't sound really cohesive but the all track is a nice treat for the ears.
6/10
4. Chainsaw
It sounds like a more slowly version of "Jealous". No high moment here... Everything remains "flat". Not bad, but not memorable.
5/10
5. Touch
A surprising guitar driven naughty pop tune. Think of a male version of "Hands To Myself".
7/10
6. Bacon
Despite some awkward lines, we have here one of the highlights of the album! Nick delivers a catchy uptempo pop/rnb anthem.
10/10
7. Good Girls
Maybe worst moment of LYWC... The only good point here is the funky rhythm, the rest of the track makes me think of bad straight club music.
4/10
8. The Difference
A simple-but-great upbeat song.
8/10
9. Don't Make Me Choose
Sensual ballads are definitely Nick's thing... DMMC brings a lot confliting feelings up with a sweet melody.
8/10
10. Under You
That's what I call a banger! The neo classic Max Martin recipe : mixing sadness with disco beats, nostalgia with 80's synths... And adding a BIG chorus!!! Indeed that's not the most groundbreaking Nick J's moment, but it's definitely his most powerful track yet.
10/10
11. Unhinged
A deep downtempo ballad, with a little gospel influence on the chorus.
8/10
12. Comfortable
Instead of closing his album with a ballad, Nick hits with one last upbeat (and loungy) moment. It sounds a bit cheesy, the drum'n'base style immerses us in the early 2000's again. The speech sample breaks the beat but the all song remains decent.
7/10
In conclusion : No surprises, LYWC is exactly what you can expect from a Nick album: pop tunes with urban and funky flavours, a lot of sensuality and some darkest sides. I personally prefer it to his previous work for many reasons : deepest melody, catchier beat.... So, i give it...
7,5/10
(PS : Sorry for my poor English... I tried to be quite clear but not too basic ![:D](http://www.atrl.net/forums/images/smilies/images/smilies/biggrin.gif) Hope you will understand my review)
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Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 19,167
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"7/27"
FIFTH HARMONY
Comparing to Meghan or Ariana, Fifth Harmony is definitely the weakest link in terms of success and expectation. But they have one thing to prove, they are not one-hit-wonder and they can top "Worth It". Can they do it ?
1. That's My Girl : I understand the idea of an empowering female anthem and 5H encourage the girls to be independent and strong. But this is a really weak opening even though the horns saved it a bit. The fact that the intro already strong and the chorus just sounds exactly the same kinda disappoints me. 7.5/10
2. Work From Home (ft. Ty Dolla $ign) : This is how you describe a grower. You might hate it at first, but then, it just keeps growing. 9.5/10
3. The Life : I like the production of this song so much until 5H kills it with their voice. Had they not sung the "Give it up for the kids..." part and let the production shine on its own, this could have been a perfect 10 for them. 9/10
4. Write On Me : A much more chilled song after the first three songs. Once again, I adore the production as Kygo is a genius when it comes to Tropical House. However, to me, it just doesn't fit with this song. 7.5/10
5. I Lied : This is a true bop for the summer, once again, the production saves this from a mess to a catchy track. 9/10
6. All In My Head (Flex) (featuring. Fetty Wap) : As much as this is a guaranteed hit for them, I just don't like it. The combination of urban and chill is just now work. And also, I can't believe over 20 people are credited as writers for this. 6/10
7. Squeeze : I'm starting to see 5H overuses the production too much. Even in this song, the production and the lyrics are nothing matched. 6.5/10
8. Gonna Get Better : This just sounds like a demo. Although there's something about this is really vulnerable, honest, but I just can't feel it. 6/10
9. Scared of Happy : Definitely a highlight of the album. As much as the production saves them, I can see their effort in this track. 8.5/10
10. Not That Kinda Girl (featuring. Missy Elliot) : I usually don't like Missy, but she saved this song. A fire hit in the making. 9/10
11. Dope : I don't feel the need of swearing at all and this song lacks personality so much. 5.5/10
12. No Way : I wish it could've gone harder, for this, it just sounds all-over-the-place. 4/10
13. Big Bad Wolf : I like this. For the first time they just fit in the production, having fun and not trying to hard. 9/10
14. 1000 Hands : This could've replaced a lot of songs in the standard version. It's dark, haunting and beautiful. 8/10
Overall, I just feel like Fifth Harmony failed at their second album. Half of the album sounds like demo and almost all of the songs they have to rely so much on the production in order to make their voice shines.
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7.5/10
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Member Since: 8/7/2015
Posts: 9,301
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@OT : We can review previous album? Like DW ?
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Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 19,167
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Quote:
Originally posted by Bencharmer
@OT : We can review previous album? Like DW ?
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I don't think we can anymore since the deadline for it has passed.
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Member Since: 5/27/2016
Posts: 13,482
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"7/27" by Fifth Harmony
I only gave this album a chance because I've always disliked 5H for their singles but I've never actually listened to their albums. So when I heard they were coming out with an album I was like, okay, I'll stream it when it comes out. And so I did. And so I hated it.
I feel like none of the songs on this album have any actual personality to them. Like they're all… boring to me. Stale. I could barely get through "I Lied".
The songs on this album that have more of an EDM approach with the whole general EDM structure (verses, buildup, drop, repeat…) have some of the most boring beats I've heard in a while. Some of the drops are anticlimactic and the drop in "I Lied" is ear-grating. The drop in that song is far too high-pitched for me to be able to get through it. I couldn't really finish that track, the only way I could finish that track was to turn the volume down so it wouldn't sound so loud.
Certain songs like Squeeze, Dope (which honestly has pretty ****ing unnecessary swearing), Work From Home, and The Life are totally anaemic. I feel like the whole album could do without those songs. Gonna Get Better sounds like an extra track from one of their EPs. No Way goes nowhere. When I was listening to it I totally forgot that I was still listening to the album because that's how lost it is to me.
I listened to the Japanese deluxe tracks and I can understand why they ship away these deluxe tracks to only one market. They're terrible. 1000 Hands is probably the best out of those two Japan deluxes.
Rating based on track-by-track average: 2.9/10. I honestly wished I liked this album more but… I don't know.
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