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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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3 for Cool Girl.
Now starting:
Tove Lo - Cool Girl
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Member Since: 5/27/2016
Posts: 5,091
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TOVE LO - COOL GIRL
After becoming what seemed like the ‘it “ft.” girl’ for a while, Tove has finally released a song of her own entitled “Cool Girl”. This song is in a similar vein to that of “Influence”, a demo that she gifted fans for Christmas. In one word, Tove’s latest single is a grower. It did not totally floor me when I first heard it, but it has been stuck in my brain ever since. The song is, for lack of a better word, just so cool. The production is quite minimal, but that minimalism (especially that in the chorus) just adds to the cool vibe of the song. The lyrics are catchy, and her voice sounds rather dark and foreshadowing in the verses. But it’s only foreshadowing a quite sarcastic and upbeat chorus. The highlight for me is the outro of the song, which has had electronic manipulation added and it just sounds awesome. While I hope “Lady Wood” is not full of these songs, the marked departure from the sound of “Queen Of The Clouds” is a great step in the direction of evolution for Tove, and I cannot wait to hear what she gives us next.
SCORE: 9.2/10
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Member Since: 8/17/2013
Posts: 15,103
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''Cool Girl'' in one word is: adequate
It's been quite some time since Tove Lo released her hit single Habits (Stay High), one of my favorite songs of the 10's. Now she is back with the lead single for her new album Lady Wood. Lyrically Cool Girl is quite interesting, but the repitiveness in the song is getting tiring towards the end. The alternate voices at the end don't do much good for the song either. Nonetheless, Cool Girl is still a very good song, clearly not as good as Habits, but it's still a song I wouldn't mind listening to on radio.
Cool Girl is an interesting approach to start a new era, but it shows how strong lyrically Tove Lo is. The song isn't flawless, but I can accept the flaws it has.
SCORE: 8/10
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Member Since: 8/17/2013
Posts: 15,103
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oh btw I'm about to post my Glory review. I know there have to be 3 requests, but let's just do this straight out of the gate, cause hopefully it will bring some reviewers to the thread
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Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 19,167
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Can we do EMOTION (Side B) and Glory ?
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Member Since: 8/17/2013
Posts: 15,103
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Glory in 3 words is: A rocky road
1. Invitation - The opener of the album starts of very good, with a very mysterious feel to it, however as soon as we get to the chorus of the song, the song doesn't do anything for me anymore. In the chorus Britney sings with very glitchy and high vocals and the song just loses its touch.
6/10
2. Make Me (feat. G-Eazy) - A very good comeback song, not flawless, not very innovative, but very enjoyable.
8.5/10
3. Private Show - Oh my. This show should've stayed private. Britneys vocals are just not really pleasant for (my) ears. It sounds rude, but it's almost froglike. The song also has a horrible chorus with the Work It, work it part. Private Show is saved from the lowest mark because of its somewhat okay production, but even that is nothing to write home about.
2/10
4. Man On The Moon - It's an okay song, but I don't see myself coming back to it. It's a cute song that strongly reminds me of the 00's, but the nostalgia doesn't make the song amazing.
6/10
5. Just Luv Me - The song is very GFY like. Sadly the song is a lesser version of Selena's hit song. However, it's a song that is very replay-worthy, and even though it's not as good as GFY, it's still a good song on its own.
7.5/10
6. Clumsy - Clumsy is very.. polarizing. Britneys singing parts are almost a recipe for a flawless pop song, but the song is just so cheaply mastered, with a breakdown that is just.. very bad. A flawless song was so close, but was ruined so easily.
7/10
7. Do You Wanna Come Over? - This song is very outspoken, but I can't say I'm particularly fond of it. It's very mess, the background audio in combination with the guitar and Brits vocals give it a very noisy feel.
5.5/10
8. Slumber Party - It's a good song, but it doesn't blow me away, it's also very forgettable.
6.5/10
9. Just Like Me - This song attracts me in a way I can't explain. I just really like it.
9/10
10. Love Me Down - This and Just Like Me, are songs that aren't songs you haven't heard in a way. The tropical house influences from artists like Justin Bieber are clearly noticeable. But maybe it's for the best, because this song is also one of the better songs from the album.
8/10
11. Hard To Forget Ya - This feels like a filler, but idk. It doesn't do anything for me. It's chorus (and Pre-Chorus) are just very weak and ruin the feel of the song.
5/10
12. What You Need - This song kind of emphasizes on the lack of strong vocals of Britney. Not having strong vocals isn't a problem anymore, but with a song like this, the vocal experimentation isn't anything to applaud to me. It's rather unpleasant to listen. With vocals like the vocals on Make Me or Just Like Me this song could've been a bop. Now it's a song that is trying for something it can't achieve.
3/10
13. Better - It sounds like it could've been on Purpose, or a Major Lazer collab. And honestly I think this style is just very boring and over. Britneys vocals are very pleasant, and big parts of the song are very enjoyable, but it also has very weak parts.
5.5/10
14. Change Your Mind - A song where you would think the emotion is overflowing, sadly this, is like many songs on this album, not the case. It's so flat and 14 tracks in this, it's getting quite tiring. I like the chorus, but overall the song is lacking.
6/10
15. Liar - I am living, best song on the album so far. A BOP
9.5/10
16. If I'm Dancing - I am not sure what to think about it. It's just a very messy song, and it doesn't really do anything for me.
5/10
17. Coupure Électrique - Her accent in pronounciation is very, very bad. Looking further than that, the song is actually quite good and enjoyable. And it's one of the song where you can feel the emotion.
7.3/10
Conclusion: All in all Glory, is very.. overglorified. In my opinion it isn't as good as some people made it out to be, but at the end of the day, I think we should all be very content that she didn't deliver another BJ. Let's hope the next album is even better, and a bit more diverse, because listening to 17 tracks were some were kind of bland, was kind of tiring. (and full of songs as amazing as Liar)
Score: 5.5/10
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Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 19,167
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"GLORY"
BRITNEY SPEARS
After "Britney Jean" brings a lot of disappointment, last year, Britney released "Pretty Girls" hoping that'd change people' views for her, yet it received a lot of backlash. Immediately, she scrapped the whole album, and started working on "Glory", her ninth album. Is it better than "Britney Jean" ? Is it a way for Britney to finally say she's the "Princess of Pop" ?
1. Invitation : "Invitation" brings a mysterious vibe to the album, however, the fact that it's too long makes it repetitive, thus, might make people not anymore interested in the album. 6/10
2. Make Me (featuring. G-Eazy) : A pretty good effort for Britney with this single. Personally, this is one of the best singles coming from Britney. It's sexy, seductive yet classy. 10/10
3. Private Show : I will give this a plus mark for Britney to try and experiment new sound for the album. And apperrently, it works really well. It's been a long time since I last heard so much Britney's vocal in her song. However, she should just sing, not rap or speak in the track, it's cringeworthy. 8.5/10
4. Man On The Moon : I'd say that it's a cute song. But it's lacking something, it sounds exactly like an unfinished demo. 6.5/10
5. Just Luv Me : I'm in love with this. It's simple, straight-forward, yet able to captivate my whole attention. 8/10
6. Clumsy : This is probably one of the best songs by Britney. The breakdown is explosive, Britney's voice is flawless. A whole bop that should be released as a single. 10/10
7. Do You Wanna Come Over : A smart move by adding a male vocal in the chorus, I don't know who is that, but Britney should be thankful because he saves the whole track. Also, the production outshines Britney in this track which is something she probably doesn't want to. 7/10
8. Slumber Party : This works perfectly as a mid-track, nothing special, yet listenable. 6.5/10
9. Just Like Me : Jealousy. Ambitious. But, she couldn't nail this song. 6/10
10. Love Me Down : I'd say that it's not a special nor spectacular song. But there's something about it that is very addictive and has a replay value. 8.5/10
11. Hard To Forget Ya : I'm amazed. She instantly catches my attention with this track. It's very Britney and it's amazing. The production and the vocal mixes pretty well that creates a flawless dance bop, 11/10
12. What You Need : This is what I expect from Britney when she releases this album, and she manages to reach my expectation. A little bitchy, a little rock-ish, a pretty nice production. However, the ending part kills a bit of my excitement. However, a pretty nice effort. 9.5/10
13. Better : You might think that this breakdown is familiar, yes, it sounds like a Major Lazor one, but who cares ? It works with this song and with Brit's voice like a charm and that's what matters. 8.5/10
14. Change Your Mind : It's not a bad song, but I'm pretty tired from listening to the same track, you can clearly see that it's nothing new with the upper 13 songs. 4.5/10
15. Liar : I don't know who in her team comes up with this idea, but I'll say that this is perfect. The verse might be tiring, however, it's a perfect build-up to a flawless chorus. 10/10
16. If I'm Dancing : If this is the effort that Britney tries to make people buy the deluxe version, no thanks. It's unspiring, tiring and messy. 3/10
17. Coupure Electrique : You can clearly tell this is meant to be an album closer, no more producing, just her, emotion and things kinda slow it down. However, I wish it could've gone better, this sounds like an interlude.. 5/10
I'd say that it's a great album, but not as great as the Army tries to say. With "Britney Jean", even though it's not good, we can tell the difference between the tracks. However, with "Glory", we see a lot of repetitive. But, at this stage of Britney's career, it's not about the critics, it's not about the sales. It's about her being happy with what she does and her fans feeling appreciate with what she puts out, and she kinda nails it in that perspective.
__________________________
7.6/10
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,331
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Yes, go ahead with Glory.
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Member Since: 8/17/2013
Posts: 5,341
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Here to support any requests for Emotion: Side B.
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Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 29,531
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Stan for Liar, gurls. 
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Member Since: 8/17/2013
Posts: 15,103
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Quote:
Originally posted by prézli
Stan for Liar, gurls. |
where is your review 
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Member Since: 8/7/2015
Posts: 8,937
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the katy perry fans sabotaging make me like these scores actually count for something other than just fun.  so childish.
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Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 29,531
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Glory for Britney Spears
It's unbelievable to say that Britney Spears will celebrate 20 years in music industry next year because she signed to Jive Records in 1997 and then released her debut single "...Baby One More Time" in the following year. The forerunner of this anniversary is her ninth album "Glory" which is "the best work" she has done in the past years, according to her. Well, it's not a surprising announcement after her previous effort "Britney Jean."
The story of "Glory" begins where "Britney Jean" ended. The 2013 will.i.am-produced album is the lowest-selling LP of her career and only two singles were released from it. After that, she focused on her Las Vegas residency show that is planned to be finished next spring. Spears started working on "Glory" in August of 2014 with songwriters like Justin Trainer, Julia Michaels and Nick Monson who penned songs to Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez last year. Later, Cashmere Cat and Mattman & Robin joined the lineup who didn't work with too many American singers before. So, Spears didn't reach out for the re-heated cabbage (waving to Dr. Luke and Max Martin) this time, but she was surrounded by people who can't show off hits from their pockets. Yet.
Last summer, Spears dropped "Pretty Girls," that features Aussie rapper Iggy Azalea, which was close to fall her off the map of pop music scene. In addition, we could ask what else Spears is still able to deliver. She would touch a genre that would be surprising from her or she would come out with a mix of greatest hit-esque effort. With "Glory," both happened. And we must say: "Glory" is indeed her best work since "In the Zone" or "Blackout."
The promotional singles ("Clumsy", "Private Show", "Do You Wanna Come Over?") could have easily heralded a Britney Jean 2.0, but somehow, they rather don't match onto the album. "Clumsy" is without refrain that reminds us of "Mmm Papi" of off "Circus," "Private Show" sounds like something that is going to cause permanent vocal cord damage for Spears, "Do You Wanna Come Over?" gets in line with "Till the World Ends" and "Work Bitch" - rightly, I might add.
The main topic of "Glory" is sex. The opening song "Invitation" invites the listener to get closer to Spears, and we really cannot say no to this invitation. The lead single "Make Me..." continues the sex vibe that fits into the 2016 trend very well with the tropical house beats and R&B patterns. Here is a rapper who does not give nor take away from the production. R&B is a semi-genre today, but it works in "Make Me...". On radio, at least. "Just Luv Me" is totally the same but in less catchy version. Spears leaves the bedroom sometimes, for example in "Man on the Moon" that could have gotten a seat on her 2001 self-titled album "Britney." Even though, the using of autotune in the first refrain is excruciating, the rest of the song is kind of enjoyable. "Just Like Me" speaks about cheating on Spears with another woman. Her anger tops in deluxe track "Liar." Both of the songs are amongst the strongest on the album, especially "Liar" that is country-flavoured and sounds unusual from Spears. In the chorus, she sings over strings about pushing her lover to the ground. The surprise is not over yet. "Coupure Électrique" (means blackout in English) is in French entirely while a few verses in "Change Your Mind (No Seas Cortés)" were written in Spanish. However, the best moments of "Glory" are those songs in which her vibrant personality can be felt and she's not afraid to show off her voice. "Slumber Party" is a well-written and produced track that is definitely sexy. "Love Me Down" is able to find the middle ground without having to become vulgar. "Better" sounds like Justin Bieber's "Sorry", due to the songwriters, but in a better version. The other bonus track "If I'm Dancing" is a future self-empowering anthem.
Like on every album, here are also tracks that we prefer to skip. These are the previously mentioned "Clumsy" and "Private Show." "What You Need" is rather awkward than an ultimate party banger. In the end, she says "This was fun." Hopefully, she wasn't serious. Despite the title, "Hard to Forget Ya" best be easy to forget. The first verses sound promising, but all hope is lost in the refrain.
Overall, "Glory" is better than anyone could expect from Spears. Although, there are some question marks on the album, the majority of the songs are impressive, literally. Apparently, Spears has found herself because she sounds more confident than in the past five years. Nineteen years or not, Spears has already reached the level that whatever she does, people will still be interested in her. Glory is ready be to a glory in her discography, and hopefully, she will get this glory from others too. It convinced me.
Hits: Liar, Change Your Mind (No Seas Cortés), Just Like Me
Misses: What You Need, Private Show, Hard to Forget Ya
Final Verdict: ★★★★✩
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Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 29,531
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It was translated from my review that was originally written in Hungarian, I hope the most of parts make sense tho. 
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,331
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We'll go until Friday with these two.
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,331
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A little over a year after her most recent hit peaked on pop radio, Tove Lo opted for a tamer sound with new release Cool Girl. Despite lacking intense emotions, like the brutal, intimate honesty of Habits or the carnal urgency of Talking Body (perhaps its commercial pitfall), the song manages to be fairly enjoyable. Her subdued delivery during the song's two very short verses doesn't exactly hook me into the song, but the chorus arrives very quickly, and it's a good one. Behind minimalist production work featuring a single looping synth, she declares herself a "cool girl" in a somewhat playful fashion. It's quite catchy, and it keeps with the simplistic feel of the song. I'm not a big fan of the distortion effects applied near the end of the song, but that complaint pales in comparison to the fact that the song is, overall, a pleasant listening experience, even if nothing stands out as particularly great.
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I never gave an update or put Friday in the title, so I'm just going to end them later tonight.
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Member Since: 3/18/2008
Posts: 25,896
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Britney Spears - Glory
It's been a long road to [I]Glory[/G]. After her last album, many felt that Britney lost her passion for music. However, with this release, we see that it's not only still here, but that it is stronger than ever. Britney has always been seen in a sexual light, and while that still applies here, there is way more emotion brought to that. A confidence, some vulnerability, some fun and some sass. And if that wasnt enough, the real highlight of this album is Britney's voice. She's always had a distinct voice, but this album REALLY showcases her voice. She plays around with the tones of her voice so much, more so than she really ever has and it its a beautiful thing to see and hear. She took her time with this album, and you can really tell as all 17 tracks are really solid. And while some of the styles are different, somehow they all fit together.
01. Invitation [10/10]
I LITERALLY get goosebumps everytime I listen to this song. The whole vibe that this song sets up just opens the album perfectly. The "Ahhs" in the pre-chorus are just LIFE! Lyrically it's a very beautiful, spiritual and sexy song. And her voice is just so refreshing on this track.
02. Make Me... [9/10]
The lead that we ALL know. When it comes down to it, I do really love this song. Her vocals, the sound, the overall sexiness of the song. It all works. My only complaint is that it doesn't have an overall...umph that most of her songs have, maybe cuz it's more mid tempo and all, but its still a great song to open the era with.
03. Private Show [8/10]
So this song gets a lot of hate is seems. I do love the song, and I do love the vocals. Again, the vibe of this song is really interesting for her and I LOVE it, as well as the lyrics. In the OVERALL scheme of things however, I feel like it is the most...out of place song. The vibe somewhat fits the album, but doesnt at the same time. I'd probably prefer it a stand alone single for just the perfume. The only reason it's a little lower in points is cuz I feel it's a bit out of place but the song great.
04. Man On The Moon [9.5/10]
Nostalgic Britney  I feel like this is old Britney and new Britney mixed toegether. I love her vocals on the track and the whole dreamy vibe. It sounds like such a happy song, but the lyrics, at least for me, are sad and I love that contrast. The ONLY thing that keeps it from being a 10, is I just feel like it's a little too...young for Britney. If she sang this on In The Zone, or even Circus, I would love it that much more.
05. Just Luv Me [10/10]
Yes, this is Britney hoping on this sound that Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez made popular. However, Britney adds something way more dynamic on this track, and that is her voice. There is something about her vocal performance on this track that just intices you. It's so subtle, so sensual, so confident. Britney's voice is the real star of this track and really shine well, as she really pours her emotion into this track.
06. Clumsy [7.5/10]
Another song I really like, but compared to the rest of the album, it its really...simple. Again simple can work really well, but its too bare of a track on this album. She does get points for her vocals, as again they are a highlight, and there is a bit of fun on this track.
07. Do You Wanna Come Over? [10/10]
This track is just FIRE  I dont even know what else to say. I love the guitar, mixed with an Blackout inspired sound. It just mixes this rock sound, with this electro R&B pop sound and BAM! It also has this agressiveness to it that just spices up the whole song.
08. Slumber Party [10/10]
Not gonna lie, but when I first saw this title, I thought I was gonna hate this song. LOL, never judge a song by its title because it is amazing! So seductive, sensual and sexual. Britney's flow on this track is just phenomenal. Her voice just thrives on this track. It was made for a song like this.
09. Just Like Me [9.5/10]
On first listen, my reaction was  The first verse and her voice just got me weak. I love the whole storyteller vibe from this and her vocals are so crisp and clear and used WONDERFULLY. I hate that the song is so short cuz I didnt want it to end. The tone in her voice is just so rich.
10. Love Me Down [9.5/10]
The beat ALONE is amazing, then Britney comes in and just adds to the song. And the chorus  A bit repetitive yes, but just do addicting. I love the lyrics as well, again Britney does sexy like no other.
11. Hard To Forget Ya [8/10]
I like the track, and I can see why people love it so. I do LOVE the verses, but the chorus is just ok for me. The overall sound is great though, but compared to the rest of the album, it lacks something that they dont.
12. What You Need [9.5/10]
This song is so underappreciated  This does what "Private Show" couldnt, Britney's vocal acrobatics. It's a simple enough song, but the agressiveness and power in Britney's voice just adds SO MUCH character to this track. Her confidence on this track REALLY comes through. Like "Private Show", it doesnt totally fit with the album, HOWEVER because of her confidence and vocals, I can see why they added it, cuz it totally shows Britney in a new light.
13. Better [7.5/10]
"Just Luv Me" showed Britney going with the current sound, but putting her own Britney twist to it, but I cannot say the same for "Better". She goes for that current sound, but it falls a bit flat since it just feels so...safe. The saving grace for this, is that lyrically, it's one of the stronger tracks.
14. Change Your Mind (No Seas Cortes) [10/10]
The ENTIRE vibe on this track is just . I love the delivery of this track. I love the simpleness of the verses, then comes the chorus and just changes up EVERYTHING. It has a flare that just fits with Britney's voice. The personality of this song just takes over and makes you wanna dance
15. Liar [9.5/10]
The whole country vibe that it has, mixed with that classic Britney pop sound just works SO WELL. I love her vocals on the verses, as she changes it up, then goes into classic Britney in the chorus. That harmonica is just Just like the flute in "Criminal", it really adds character to this song. And the little outro is just
16. If Im Dancing [10/10]
Britney seems to always have that one song that goes against the grain. A bit...wierd (for a popstar at least), and this is that song. The beat is just sick, and her delivery is spot on. There is this almost robotic way she delivers her verses that are just so hypnotic, and then that chorus kicks in, and Britney's personality just comes alive. It all works together.
17. Coupure Electrique [10/10]
The first time I heard this, I was in complete shock. I was not expecting an ENTIRE song sung in french by Britney and for it to sounds this AMAZING. The production is just ... I cant even describe it. Best produced song off the album. And her delivery is just stunning. THIS was just the PERFECT way to end the album. It left an impression that I will never forget.
Overall Score: 9.8/10
With this release, Britney has brought us one of her BEST albums 17 years into her career. I consider this one of her best (In the same league as In The Zone and Blackout). Usually Britney is known for her more forward sounding songs but on this album, while she tries some new sounds she never has, as well as some styles that are current, the main focus of this album is her voice. It really is the highlight of this album. If nothing else goes right this era, I wouldn't be upset because she gave me an AMAZING album that will be loved for a long time.
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,331
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Tove Lo - Cool Girl
*Unofficial*
Members
Score 79
3 reviews (3 positive)
Top Critics
N/A
Overall Score
79.3
3 reviews (3 positive)
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,331
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Britney Spears - Glory
*Unofficial*
Members
Score 77
4 reviews (3 positive, 1 mixed)
Top Critics
N/A
Overall Score
77.3
4 reviews (3 positive, 1 mixed)
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 43,331
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Does anyone want to do The Weeknd's new single?
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