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Tournament: Survivor: ATRL Edition (Season 5) | Winner Revealed!
Member Since: 10/2/2011
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Member Since: 8/20/2011
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What's wrong with being DOMINO?
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Member Since: 3/30/2011
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now I know how Jorge felt when he would be the first to submit
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
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Quote:
Originally posted by Guero
now I know how Jorge felt when he would be the first to submit
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Member Since: 6/5/2012
Posts: 26,361
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2 Hours.
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ATRL Contributor
Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 40,803
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Quote:
Originally posted by Guero
now I know how Jorge felt when he would be the first to submit
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Member Since: 6/5/2012
Posts: 26,361
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dwuw >>>
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ATRL Contributor
Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 40,803
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we already knew that
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 18,016
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What's the hold up
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
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I can't believe we're about to hit the 3 month mark already
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 31,895
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Quote:
Originally posted by T-Swizz
I can't believe we're about to hit the 3 month mark already
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!!!
I was just thinking this
And we are like a whole month ahead of past seasons still.
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
Posts: 18,016
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Quote:
Originally posted by Element
!!!
I was just thinking this
And we are like a whole month ahead of past seasons still.
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We'd still be on the fifth round if it weren't for Golden & Co.
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Member Since: 1/1/2014
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Is it 7pm in Mexico yet
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Member Since: 3/30/2011
Posts: 33,325
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Currently browsing: 2 members (Guero, DillonATRL+), 0 guests.
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Member Since: 6/5/2012
Posts: 26,361
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The Entries:
1. T-Swizz
Melanie
2. Guero
Adam
Adam Lambert - The Original High
A review by Guero
Three years after the release of his sophomore album, Trespassing, Adam Lambert returns with his third studio album The Original High. Citing "creative differences" with his long time label RCA Records, this marks the first album released under new label Warner Bros. Records. Lambert wanted more control while working on this album - let's see if having more of the reigns worked out for him.
Starting off the album is Ghost Town, which also happens to be the first single off the album. To be direct: there was hardly anything remarkable about this song. The synth beats sound cheap, and overall it seems like the song is missing that something. The song seems to be building up to something that never arrives - like the song could have gone harder to finish you off. The bridge, though, was the saving grace of this track and was the best part of this song. As an album opener, the song is disappointing and not the best representation of the rest of the album.
The next track is the title track of the album, The Original High. Most title tracks on albums leave much to be desired, but this is not true of this song. This track has a Kylie Minogue feel with it's high energy and electro-pop beat, which is really good. Adam's vocals are also on point on this record, especially the high note he hits during the bridge. It's just a really feel good song that people can blast in the car on a warm night out.
Another Lonely Night is about missing someone and wishing they were next to you during a time where most are lonely: at night. The beat helps convey the feeling of the song which has this sort of nighttime feel to it. The best part of this song, though, is the switch between the slower verses and the higher energy chorus. A lot of songs that attempt to do this leave the listener liking one and not the other, and it also makes the song sound like two completely different tracks. This song, however, makes the switching of the beats flow really well together, pulling it off flawlessly. The only negative of this track is the lackluster bridge that you can miss if you lose concentration for even just a second.
The fourth track off the album is Underground. This track has more of an R&B influence unlike the previous songs which are more electronic. It's also much slower, which is a nice change of pace. The lyrics for this song are the weakest that we've heard so far. This is even more apparent during the pre-chorus which has the cringe inducing line: "How I'm stuck to you like Velcro." Aside from that, Lambert pulled this song off well.
The next track, There I Said It, is Adam's attempt at a soft rock ballad that fell short. Adam's vocals on this could have been better. His voice during the chorus is reminiscent of Axl Rose from Guns N' Roses, which just doesn't work on this track. The beat is just boring and forgettable. To top it all off, the song is sprinkled with cliché's that would make even Katy Perry roll her eyes. This is definitely one of the lower points of the album.
Rumors (feat. Tove Lo) is a collaboration that really hit its mark. Adam's voice is powerful, yet smoother than his usual singing approach. The lyrics are also really great (aside from the use of the word "haterade"). Adam and Tove's voices work exceptional well together on this track, especially during the chorus. Speaking of, the chorus gives a hint of Lil' Wayne's 2008 hit, Lollipop, which is a nice and surprising touch. This is one of those rare collaborations where both artists seem to perfectly compliment one another as opposed to one artist overshadowing the other. Overall, a highlight from the album.
Evil In The Night goes back to the electronic sound that the album took a break from. The song is good but it's a typical Adam song with his usual, rough vocals. It's not a bad song by any means but it's also nothing too special.
Lucy (feat. Brian May) is a more of a pop-rock influenced track. Unlike There I Said It, this song really sticks out like a sore thumb on the album. It sounds like something you'd find on Adam's first album, For Your Entertainment, which isn't a good thing in this instance. The rest of the album has shown a somewhat progression in Adam's music, while this track shows a regression that didn't really do anything for the album. The chorus is also way too repetitive.
Things I Didn't Say suffers from the same problem Evil In The Night did where the song is good but there's nothing spectacular to mention. It's a nice track but ultimately feels just like album filler.
On this next track, The Light, the beat automatically hits and instantly captures you. It makes you feel like you're on a runway. Adam's vocals are more silky than rough, as is his usual singing technique. This is most noticeable during the high notes on this song. The screwed echo effect during the second verse was also a nice touch. The song is fierce without going overboard with it. A really strong, great song.
The final track of the album is Heavy Fire. The vibe of this song during the chorus resembles that of a The Weeknd song. Adam's vocals during the chorus, once again, give that of Axl Rose but it works in this track. This is a pretty good song - the only real issue is the chorus that doesn't really mesh well with the rest of the track.
The Original High is Lambert's best work to date. The album was a fun, enjoyable ride, but it also didn't lose any of its respectability in the process. The maturity and progression in Adam's music is prevalent throughout the record, which hopefully continues on to the fourth album. While some things could have been tweaked (and others could have been left out altogether) - it was a strong, solid album filled with plenty of great tracks overall. It truly seems that switching labels did work out in the end for Adam Lambert.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Stand-outs: Rumors, The Original High, The Light
Duds: Lucy, There I Said It
3. Ivory.
Bea
Bea Miller - Not an Apology
By: Ivory.
Introduction:
Fresh off of a moderately successful EP, Bea Miller, who came in 9th place on the 2012 season of The X Factor (US), released her debut album “Not an Apology” on July 24th, 2015. The album debuted at #7 on the Billboard Top 200, selling 33,000 units in its first week.
Track-by-track:
Young Blood - The albums opening, "Young Blood", is the perfect beginning to the album and Bea. The lyrics, written by Miller and Mike Del Rio, send a good message to teens that "even though you feel like you’re the only one who goes through certain situations — the only one who’s ever really kind of down in the dumps and having a really hard time being alive — you’re not", and her vocals are strong but I found that her voice didn't really convince me that she believed what she was singing. Overall, while not one of the best songs on the album, it does set the tone quite nicely for what's to come. (6.5/10)
Fire N Gold - The second single and one of the album's highlights, "Fire N Gold" improves upon "Young Blood" in every way. Produced by Jarrad Rogers, the song is more pop oriented than the previous track and sounds similar to something Demi Lovato would release. The vocals on this song are more energetic and she seems more interested and present than she sounded on Young Blood and the song is elevated to another level because of it in my opinion. (9/10)
I Dare You - "I Dare You" is a pop-rock song written and produced by Mitch Allan, the song describes a girl who used to be tumid but has now decided to become more assertive ~I had an opinion, but I never spoke my mind and I wouldn't argue, even when I knew I was right. But I, I, I'm not that girl anymore~ The vocals on this are okay, she doesn't really do anything special but she doesn't sound bad at all. The production also doesn't really do anything for me but I definitely wouldn't turn the volume down if I heard it on the radio. Overall, like the track before it, "I Dare You" fuses a basic Demi Lovato-esque beat with empowering lyrics and confident, yet average vocals. (5.5/10)
Paper Doll - Following "I Dare You" is the abysmal "Paper Doll", one of the few songs on the album that are truly terrible. The song, primarily written by Bea, is about her standing up to her long-time bullies, and the lyrics are okay for the most part. However, her vocals during the verses sound weak and she sounds on the verge of tears the entire song which brings the quality down considerably. Pleading with her bullies She comes off more like a scared child who can't stand up to her bullies than a confident teenager telling her bullies that they can't hurt her. The worst song on the album. (2/10)
Perfect Picture - Following the terrible "Paper Doll" is "Perfect Picture." Produced by The Suspex, the production on the song is great, the electric guitar adds a lot of life to the song. Her voice also sounds amazing, especially towards the end when she starts to repeat the hook ~Tonight, you made my perfect picture come to life, life, life. You made my perfect picture come to life, life~. (9/10)
Enemy Fire - Next is Enemy Fire, I love the electric guitar intro. Written and produced by Busbee, the song makes use of multiple instruments, drums and the electric guitar among others. I like how different her voice is here from the rest of the album, it shows how versatile her voice can be. Definitely one of the better songs on the album. (7.5/10)
Force of Nature - The next song is the The Runners/Alex Delicata produced "Force of Nature." I really like how simple this is, almost all of the song's beat only comes from a guitar so it gives the song an acoustic feel and really makes her voice stand out. Speaking of her vocals, they are great on this song. The song really gave her a chance to show her fans and everyone else who listens to the album what she can do with her voice and she did just that. The lyrics are great as well ~I tried to tie my heart down, board up all the windows. Oh but it's too late now. I let you get too close. I know I should take cover, hide inside these four walls. But baby I surrender, it all.~ Overall, I think the song is beautiful and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wanted to know how good she is. (10/10)
This Is Not an Apology - One of my least favorite songs on the album. Her vocals on the chorus sound like a cat being strangled, the vocals on the rest of the song are mediocre. Produced by Matt Squire, the song sounds very dated, the chorus in particular reminds met of a Selena Gomez album track from 2010. The lyrics are below average as well ~This is not an apology! I'm just a little bit stronger than you! This is not an apology! You're such a chick, it makes me feel like a dude~. Overall, I'm not a fan. (3/10)
Dracula - Now we have "Dracula". The lyrics are abysmal ~Not Cinderella, still got my shoes. I like the animal, the supernatural. Maybe I'm crazy but if you were Dracula. I'd be letting you take that bite. Hot and hazardous. Like playing with dynamite~ but that’s fine as they're not meant to be taken seriously. The production is okay and her vocals are fine but there really isn't much to say about it. My overall opinion is that it's an okay song but the album wouldn't really lose anything if it weren't included. (6/10)
We're Taking Over - Now onto the Demi Lovato reject, "We're Taking Over." Written by Andrew Goldstein, Emanuel Kiriakou, Demi Lovato ,and Lindy Robbins, the lyrics revolve around empowering ~the young, the lost, and the underdogs~, Bea tackles similar themes throughout the album so we shouldn't be surprised at how well it fits into the album. Her vocals are very Demi-lite, if you listened hard enough you'd almost think it was a young Demi singing. The only thing keeping me from loving this song is that the beat sounds very common to me. Once again, overall, I'd say that the song is alright but I wouldn't care if it was suddenly removed from the album. (6.5/10)
Rich Kids - One of the worst songs on the album. Written by The Madden Brothers, the lyrics are so bad they're almost funny ~After school I always had to work, it kind of left me feeling like a jerk. ‘Cause I never got to talk to the guy I liked~ and her vocals don't really stand out either. The song is very Disney-esque, so it might sound good to pre-teens but most adults probably wouldn't be interested in it. Overall, I don't like the song and I don't think it works as the final song on the album. (3/10)
Album Rating: 6.1
In Conclusion
Not an Apology is okay for a debut album but I think if Bea wants to be around for a long time she needs to get better material. She needs more "Fire 'N Gold" and less "Rich Kids." That being said, I would definitely put her as an artist to watch in the future. Her being able to sing as good as she can at her age (16) makes me excited to hear how she'll sound ten years from now.
The Great:
Fire N Gold
Perfect Picture
Force of Nature | The Terrible:
Paper Doll
This Is Not an Apology
Rich Kids | - Dylan
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Member Since: 6/5/2012
Posts: 26,361
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4. Element
Tori
Tori Kelly - Unbreakable Smile
by Element
California-based singer-songwriter Tori Kelly has been a rising star in the music industry for many years. She is no stranger to the public eye, having appeared on multiple singing competitions -- Star Search, America's Most Talented Kids, and most recently, American Idol. On the latter program, Kelly almost made it to the top twenty-four, but was rejected at the last minute. Music industry mogul and former Idol judge Simon Cowell was critical of Kelly's chances to break into the music industry, calling her voice "almost annoying," but ultimately, Kelly has had the last laugh. She has amassed a plethora of fans over the years, by posting covers of songs on YouTube, and has caught the eye of many at the forefront of the industry. Unbreakable Smile is Kelly's full length album debut on a major label, Capitol Records, and features collaborations with notable writers and producers, including Ed Sheeran, Toby Gad, Ilya, and hit-making executive producer Max Martin. The album sounds like a recipe for success at first glance. Let's see if the expectations hold up.
1. Where I Belong
By pressing play on this album, we are greeted with Kelly's memorable voice mellifluously singing, "I'm just a girl and her guitar, trying to give you my whole heart..." This short and sweet prelude to the album establishes that Kelly is confident with herself and her music. It is an extremely personal ninety seconds, and definitely will intrigue the listener with what the rest of the album will hold. While many will not go back to listen to this short intro again, it serves its purpose well.
8/10
2. Unbreakable Smile
A song with a summery vibe, the title track takes us on a journey of Kelly's character. She emphasizes that she can not be broken down by anyone anymore, and that she will remain true to herself regardless of fame. She promises to be a different kind of pop artist through the use of very clever lyrics, for example stating, "And baby who knows maybe I can sell out shows without taking off my clothes... God made me sexy I don't care if only I know." The song has a catchy chorus that is easy to sing along with, but the song doesn't punch the listener as intensely as other tracks.
8/10
3. Nobody Love
The lead single of Unbreakable Smile, "Nobody Love" is a highlight of the album. Written with Savan Kotecha (who has penned huge hits with Ellie Goulding, The Weeknd, and One Direction), "Love" invokes a recent sonic trend of minimalistic, bass driven choruses, seen for example, in "Problem" by Ariana Grande. This mainstream track will likely be a fan favorite of many pop and R&B fans, and it establishes Kelly as a force in the pop music world.
9.5/10
4. Expensive (feat. Daye Jack)
Within seconds, this groovy track will captivate you with its Spanish guitar influenced introduction. Thematically, "Expensive" speaks about how money should not be the biggest concern in one's life, referencing a recurring motif seen throughout Kelly's debut. This relevant message is wrapped in an irresistible package, including a catchy chorus, saxophone driven beat, and infectious bridge courtesy of New York-based rapper Daye Jack. "Expensive" is arguably the best song on the album, and deserves to be released as a single. Singing along to this addictive track will surely give you an unbreakable smile.
10/10
5. Should’ve Been Us
A track featuring a whole roster of notable writers, including Laleh Pourkarim, "Should've Been Us" was released as the second single from the album. The song could almost be a considered a sequel to "Nobody Love" -- the formula used in its production is very similar in both songs. However, it is a sequel done correctly, which is a rare feat to achieve. Like "Nobody Love," this is another pop gem that will please many fans of the pop and R&B genres.
9/10
6. First Heartbreak
Following a streak of mainstream, pop radio ready tracks, Kelly slows the tempo down for "First Heartbreak," a beautiful ballad that looks at heartbreak from a fresh perspective. In this song, Kelly looks into the future, and processes the feelings of potentially breaking up with her current love. A collaboration with esteemed writer and producer, Toby Gad, this song is sure to stir the emotions of many listeners, and is a standout ballad on the album.
9/10
7. I Was Made For Loving You (feat. Ed Sheeran)
One of the strongest songs on the album, "I Was Made For Loving You" features a high-profile collaboration with popular British singer-songwriter, Ed Sheeran. The song is an extremely intimate experience between the two talented, young artists, as it was completely written, produced, and recorded by just the two of them. Backed by a guitar that expresses Sheeran's signature Celtic vibe, this duet is sure to please fans of both artists. The song could easily fit into a Disney movie's soundtrack, but in an iconic manner, similar to "Reflection" by Christina Aguilera. Ultimately, it is one of the album's strongest tracks.
10/10
8. City Dove
Most albums tend to have a track that grows on you over time. For Unbreakable Smile, "City Dove" is that song. Lyrically, the song gets a bit stuck in clichés, using a dove as a metaphor for Kelly's journey in life. The chorus is probably the weakest part of the song. However, once you replay the track a few times, the listener will realize that the atmosphere presented in "City Dove" is quite captivating, and is a pretty strong vocal performance from Kelly.
7.5/10
9. Talk
"People talk, people talk"... but in this song, they should have remained silent. "Talk" is an exceptionally annoying song, that is very jarring to the listener, who up until this point, has been enjoying a solid pop album. Kelly's falsetto in the verses is very rough around the edges – her shrillness not at all pleasant to listen to. The song never takes off the ground, and ultimately appears to be an experimental track for Kelly. It should have remained on the cutting room floor.
4/10
10. Funny (Live)
The album's final gemstone, "Funny" is a gorgeously simplistic song, featuring only Kelly's stunning voice and an acoustic guitar. Lyrically, this live track reinforces the theme that Kelly is not focused on wealth and fame. She reminds the listener that life is all about balance, and that "if you're at the top, then brace for the fall." Kelly assures us that she will remain true to herself, no matter what the music industry throws at her, making her an extremely relatable pop singer. "Funny" is a must-listen, showcasing Kelly's obvious talent. And be sure to mentally prepare yourself for the haunting vocal run at the end -- it will impress you quite a bit.
9/10
11. Art of Letting You Go
The album’s eleventh track is a mid-tempo, detailing Kelly’s dilemma with leaving a lover behind. By the time the chorus rolls around, the listener is left thinking, haven’t I heard this song before? “Art” feels like a pastiche of earlier songs on the album, and doesn’t make a dent. Ultimately, if "Art of Letting You Go" were left off the album, no one would have noticed its absence.
5.5/10
12. California Lovers (feat. LL Cool J)
An ode to the US state where Kelly has lived her entire life, "California Lovers" sounds like a success on paper. The song's writers, including Kelly, Martin, Payami, and Kotecha, among others - you would have expected these hitmakers to craft a catchy, west coast anthem. Unfortunately, this track falls flat. While catchy at times, "Lovers" feels rather inane and out of place on the album. Also out of place is the verse from LL Cool J, who really has no business on the song. Overall, the song sounds like a failed attempt at creating a Top 40 radio hit for Kelly.
5/10
13. Falling Slow
Kelly channels her inner Mariah Carey on this mid-tempo track. This song falls into the category of “nice enough.” “Falling Slow” is a pretty singularly faceted song, which is good for a listen on occasion. However, the listener will not be rushing to replay it too often. In addition, by this point on the album, most listeners would be tired of hearing so many mid-tempos and ballads. This song is filler, more or less.
6.5/10
14. Anyway
This album finale is also a bit underwhelming. Kudos to Kelly on closing the LP thematically in a full circle – “Anyway” emphasizes that Kelly is “comfortable in her skin” and is where she belongs in life. She is not changing for anyone, as she is the “only Tori that she knows how to be.” Unfortunately, this hip-hop inspired track leaves us wishing for the Tori at the beginning of this album, instead of a singer creating “Jenny from the Block” tribute songs. It is a forgettable album closer, bordering on annoying and indulgent.
5/10
The highlights of this album include I Was Made For Loving You, Funny (Live), Nobody Love, and Expensive. These are must listens that will leave you smiling.
Ultimately, I suggest skipping Talk, California Lovers, and Anyway. These songs might leave you with a bit of a frown, and don't represent Kelly's true artistry.
Overall, Tori Kelly's debut is a promising look into an artist that could, in a few years, be a household name. The first half of the album is extremely strong, featuring a mix of tracks that will be sure to delight various listeners. Many of the songs in the first half are ready for pop radio, and with more tracks like this in the future, I could see Kelly securing hit after hit. The second half of the album is mostly a letdown, stuffed with filler tracks that the LP could do without. Balancing the two sides of the album results in an average pop album - a solid debut. Thematically, Kelly's writing is focused and relevant, and she is a very relatable musician. Ultimately, Kelly has a very distinct and strong voice, and impressive writing skills that can take her a long way in the industry. It will be interesting to see if we catch her "unbreakable smile" glimmering on the top of the charts over the next decade.
Overall Rating: 7.5/10
Thanks for writing these reviews guys. I haven't read them yet but it looks like everyone put a nice effort into this round and I'm glad you guys did since this round's immunity means an official spot in the Final 3.
The panel will have until Tuesday afternoon to rate each of your reviews on the following scale:
1. Artist Name + Album Title - 1/2 Point
2. Your Name - 1/2 Point
3. Album Cover - 1 Point
4. Mention Every Track - 1 Point
5. Hits & Misses - 1 Point
6. An Overall Rating - 1 Point
Then the other 5 points will be given based off how well you wrote your review. Were you as professional as you could have been? Did you sound like you knew what you were talking about? Do you sound biased towards your artist at all? We just will give a general rate out of 5 for this portion of the rates for a total of 10 points possible.
As for a schedule of the rest of the game to come:
August 25th: R17 Results
August 26th: Top 3 Reveal + Final Interviews Sent
August 29th: Interviews + Jury Questions Due/ Posted
August 31st: Jury Votes Due Evening + Finale That Night
The finale has to be on a weekday unfortunately but that's just the way things worked out so it's all good.
Thanks again for sending. I'll go ahead and send the judges the cue to start rating! - Dylan
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