How To Save A Life (New Album Version)

How To Save A Life (New Album Version)
How to save a song The Fray's "How to save a life" is a catchy, thoughtful song. It's no wonder that Grey's Anatomy snapped it up,with its lyrics about losing a friend,regret,mortality. It's not the usual cliched pop song. It's got an infectious beat. Unfortunately,it's been overplayed. "How to save a life" nearly succumbed to overplaying. Still, it's a thoughtful, deep song.
Boring and unoriginal. I like David Gray too, but that doesn't mean I want to barf up my own note for note copy of "Please Forgive Me", slow it down, and write new, uninspired lyrics. I would be asleep if I wasn't so irked at the rip off. Thou shalt not steal! The Fray should be fed to lions. I'd watch.
If It Wasn't For Radio... As with Matchbox Twenty back in the day, The Fray was thought to be a one-hit wonder after the surprise success of "Over My Head," but thanks to Grey's Anatomy, it's fate was sealed. Top 5 success followed, and much radio play ensued. The results were mixed.
Although it was nice to see the band and song do well, after endless radio play, what I'd once thought of as a thoughtful, unique, well-done song, had now turned into, 'it's ok.' That's it, in my mind at least, it has now lost all its meaning and emotion, trading it in for fame and glory. Maybe a bit harsh, but that's what constant radio-play does to a song.
So is the song bad? No. It's actually quite good. I would just call it a victim. So, if you listen to the radio regularly, especially adult alternative, don't get this song. But if not, than you'll probably like it as its success is due to its emotional and overall accessibility.

Crazy Bitch (Album Version)

Crazy Bitch (Album Version) Lust Song Buckcherry's "Crazy B*tch" is lustful cocky rock. The band is raucous as they sing their ode to a girlfriend who is apparently really good in bed, but if she wants to be a star, she'll have to "go down." It's an obnoxious song. It's neither sensual nor sexy. The woman is reduced to a sexual object... and the song isn't even fun. Aerosmith, Def Leppard, and Bon Jovi are superior in comparison when it comes to lusty heavy metal.
made me laugh i love this song because it makes me laugh and it reminds me of someone. never skip this one in the i-pod :)
Great Song I love love love having the option to download songs from amazon. Its a great way to support the artest but without getting the hassle of not being able to use it how i want it. I love this song and im so happy that i bought it.

Free Fallin' (Live at the Nokia Theatre

Free Fallin' (Live at the Nokia Theatre)
Is There Such A Thing As "Free-Rising?" The encore for his acoustic session on his amazing latest live album is a cover of the lyrical Tom Petty classic of "Free Fallin'," and even though the original didn't exactly thrill me, John Mayer has a habit of winning you over with his guitar and his ability to make any song and any good lover's point classic. This one is no different, even though it's a bit long. It still has heart, and it's still Mayer all the way. It is also a disconcerting tune as I write this while flying at 20'000 feet. I'm just saying.
Fallin' All The Way When it comes down to Tom Petty's music, it has really received a whole new generation of fans, because of his performances at the Super Bowl earlier this year, and the return of his original band Mudcrutch which finally released their debut album, back in the Spring. But for John Mayer, to follow and cover one of Tom's reflective greats, is a pretty tough task, and that showed with his live cover of Free Fallin'. The single from John Mayer's live album Where The Light Is, is a bit more stripped down version of the classic song, and feels a bit mre subdued with a sense of somberness. While John has a good sense with the cover, it sadly doesn't apppeal as well as when Tom originally recorded it nearly 20 years ago. I hope that when John performs this song again, he can bring in a little more upbeat rhythm, that doesn't leave a lot of heartbreak.

Who Knew (Main Version)

Who Knew (Main Version)The only thing that I didn't know previously about this gem... is that it was about someone who died from an overdose.
I know that when I first heard this song it came and went. I didn't pay much attention to it at all.
But these days I like it lots. This is after I bought the platinum edition (2007). The ending is emotional. And I could see myself getting teary-eyed if I loved someone half this much.
But I'm not in a relationship. But I still like songs like this. Love-oriented ones. I always have!
And they range from different sides of mainstream music from Pop (Mandy, Robin, Christina or Jesse,) to R&B (Mariah, Carl Thomas, Beyonce and Luther Vandross) to Pop-Rock (Maroon 5, Incubus, Yellowcard and Fall Out Boy).
5 stars.
end note: I clash with many beliefs of the other review made before this one.
Who knew (pop music could be this bad)? Pink's "Who knew?" takes a simple&poignant theme-the loss of a beloved to drug addiction. There's the angry refrain of "Who knew?" Of course,this might be one of the few songs on the theme that involves fantasizing about punching another person in the mouth. There's anger as well with the "you told me forever." It's a lament for young life lost. Instead of being wrenching&moving,Pink is her usual obnoxious self. She comes across as a grrrrl with anger issues,instead of a young woman in love who's angry about her loss. She sings about punching another person in the mouth,and you want to tell her,"SHUT UP!" Pink is an overrated singer. When it comes to singing ballads about loss,even prefab punk starlet Avril Lavigne&American Idol Kelly Clarkson are better. Pink isn't soulful. She just comes across as an angry lady who needs a chill pill.

Not tonight,honey

Not tonight,honey Daughtry's "Feels like tonight" fails to inspire the passionate feelings it's supposed to be about. Chris Daughtry,as a person,is the humble American Idol competitor who didn't win. Hand it to him for being a nice guy. Unfortunately,"Feels like tonight" shows him being a Nickelback soundalike. There's nothing distinctive or personal about it. Not tonight. There's no feeling in it.
Feels Like "Over You" Alright, Daughtry is definitely not as good as I thought he was. In fact, he might be the most unoriginal guy in modern rock to come around in quite awhile, and that's saying something. However, this time he doesn't sound like another artist, he sounds like his bad self, or more specifically, "Over You" which was his previous single. Anybody else see something wrong with this picture? And yet, he rules rock radio.
The verses are mediocre at best, and the chorus on its short run on radio is already annoying the heck out of me. It just doesn't seem real, like it's a half-hearted effort or something; something to please the record labels. Chris's vocals are stellar as always, but contrary to popular belief, the song itself makes for most of its success, and this one is made, but it's in pieces taped together in a quick effort to please a record executive.

Talkin' To You Eye To Eye

Talkin' To You Eye To EyeFun Fun Fun! Upbeat, swingin', bluesy, jazzy big band sound. If you like the Brian Setzer Orchestra, you'll like this.
These free MP3 songs from Amazon are introducing me to some great music. Thanks!
"Swinging blues" sound. Roomful of Blues sounds more like a "swing" band than a blues band. It is upbeat, aggressive and very "polished" in its delivery. Makes you feel more like jumpin & jiving than sulking over a whiskey.
Raisin' more than a Ruckus! This time the big band from the small state Rhode Island have done more than Raised a Ruckus. They turned a lot of heads also! Great big sound and a new member! The new lead vocalist Dave Howard, is the bands newest addition to never ending extreme talents of the bands musicianship. And also in the list of big sounding blues bands line-ups on today's scene. The newest collaborations of all the members of this talented band is highly spotlighted with this great projects release! I'm sure you will fine many cuts on here to move to while you listen to it. I know I did!

The Cheetah Girls: One World

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The Cheetah Girls: One WorldLove the cheetah girls one world cd I absolutely love my cheetah girls one world cd, I think is the best one the cheetah girls have done!!
Fun for Teens The Chetah Girls One World from Walt Disney Records is the newest release from the group, who are a favorite with the kid set. This interactive video takes CD's to a new level with CDVU, which has many extras including video dancing lessons with the girls teaching the steps, words to the favorite songs so can sing along with your favorite new ones. There are video clips and automatic connections to Disney.com. Kids of all ages will enjoy this new release.
Great for what it is This is well produced bubble gum music for young girls and it is does its job. The harmonies are good, the melodies catchy, and the lyrics-pretty harmless. I have lots of young students who really enjoy this album.

Light On

Light On

New song, I like it! I do like this song a lot! One of the songs I play a lot. The other song I like a lot right now if you click see my other reviews you can see my review on that song (The Warehouse Band). They are new on myspace, like em a lot. If you like this song, definitely look into it.
Disappointed David Cook is a great singer.... but i just dont like this song.... is so just not the David i love...... i hope the album have better songs.....
Terrific! So much better than almost everything on radio... I think David has done a great job with this single. The album is sure to be great. This song sounds like a hit from the very first note.

When I Grow Up

When I Grow Up
Hook me like a fish I LOVE a good pop song: This just isn't one of them. The sound created here is a "Spicey" sound that grates on the ear. The percussion is great. The lyrics need not be profound, for a pop song. It's the harmony, the girl's voices don't jive as a whole. I think Nicole's voice should be out in front, that would improve this song to a solid 4 stars.

Temptation

soundtrack was pretty good - wish some of the other songs from the series would have made the cut
Exceptional Collection Great CD collection if your a fan of the show you will love the soundtrack.
Love the series, Love the music You'll flash back to the scenes while listening to the songs that played in the background. Includes two of the songs sung by Madeleine Martin (Becca) during the last season. You'll smile, and you'll shake your head. That darn Hank Moody anyway.

The Stand Ins

The Stand InsAll about the songs Personally I can take or leave Will Sheff sometimes, his slurry vocal wailing on songs like "Blue Tulip" can really turn me off. I'd be much happier if he sang without the "I'm a quarter drunk and in pain" inflection, because I like his voice in general.
But never mind, because the dude can flat out write, and the attraction here is a bunch of killer passages, including the above mentioned "Tulip", which drags much too long, but is still a fine song, not a melody line out of place. Not everything works, "Pop Lie" doesn't really hang together in the middle of the other gems, but for the most part it's so good you have to listen, even if the mood of any particular song isn't your style.
I realize it's been ten years now, but I'll be interested to hear what he might do in another five, maybe he can scale back the vocal drama a bit and really hit the bullseye. Because he's close, and on a heck of a roll besides, it's so rare when someone can write this well repetitively. Nice job.

One Step At A Time

One Step At A Time
Stepping Back When it comes down to the hopeful winners from American Idol, they've all recently made songs that just don't feel like they are songs that are definitive, which is very sad. For Jordin Sparks, she really needs to show that she can be more than just a singer, rather than just a mixed bag. Her latest single, One Step At A Time, the third single from her self-titled debut album, really doesn't feel like it is all inspiration. It just feels like words that just don't completely carry heart, unlike other recent R&B songs, like Alicia Keys with her hit Superwoman. While One Step At A Time does have a nice beat, it isn't enough to show that you walking in rhythm to the song. I think there needs to be better songs for Jordin to record, but there not really there one note at a time.

In Between Dreams

In Between DreamsFrom Jack Johnson
Lovely and Relaxing CD Love this album. Jack Johnson has such a beautiful voice- so soothing and relaxing. A female singer-songwriter Arrica Rose has that same 'kick back' sound on a number of her tracks on her new CD La La Lost along with some quirky, upbeat melodies that are fun to listen to. Check her out.

Before He Cheats

Before He CheatsFrom Arista
Revenge is Sweet Carrie Underwood's "Before he cheats" is an engaging ballad. Forget for a moment that Underwood doesn't exactly have Nashville credentials (then again,neither does the Aussie Keith Urban), "Before he cheats" is good cheesy fun.
"Before he cheats" is a revenge fantasy of the wronged woman taking it out on her man's car. Tires get slashed, windows get smashed. Cathartic aggression. Anyone who's been betrayed can understand the anger.
"Before he cheats" is American Idol-friendly country music. It's good campy fun.

Down To Earth

Down To EarthFrom ATO Records/Red
I don't review too many CDs because it's just hard to describe music. But, every once in a while a new artists or a CD will come along that I feel compelled to share with anyone who will listen. A couple of years ago someone on Last.FM recommended Jem to me. I had never heard of her. I'm not sure how many of you have. I bought the CD and was immediately hooked. I couldn't wait for another one to come out. You have to understand that as an old geezer now, I've turned into one of those people who complain that all the music "the kids" listen now-a-days is garbage. It all sounds alike and none of it's worth listening to. Not back like in our day. It takes a special artist to wake me out of my musical funk and stop playing all the oldies from the 70s and 80s. Jem is one of those artists. Her first album "Finally Woken" was phenomenal. I like artists who write their own songs and I pay a lot of attention to lyrics. Jem's songs are not only musically appealing. But, her lyrics are uplifting and thought-provoking. I like her view of the world. I could go on about her first album. But, as good as that one was, her sophomore effort "Down to Earth" is even better.
Jem has a slightly husky voice that is just as enjoyable on an up-beat dance tune as it is on a moving ballad. This album is very varied in style but does not come off as disjointed. There are so many CDs now where even after several listens, I can barely tell one song from another. The picture Jem paints with with this CD uses the full palette of colors, not just many shades of the same color.
Down To Earth- is a song sung by an extraterrestrial Jem who is looking at humanity and who is saddened that we are so disconnected from each other, missing our potential and not getting the joy out of life that we should be getting. The guitar work sounds slightly Middle Eastern and there's just enough strings to make the song musically interesting.
Crazy- really turns the beat around. The song rocks with a funky banjo and a dance beat. Jem is telling a boyfriend who is making her crazy that he's simply not welcome anymore and to hit the road. Nothing deep about this song. Just a "Hit the Road Jack" for the year 2008.
I Want You To.. - Gets all Spanish on you with the guitar work, the beat and the spoken Spanish intro. This is a simple feel good song about just getting to know Jem (and her body). Very sexy. Very appealing.
It's Amazing- It's definite got a "Jem sound". A little bit of classical piano mixed in with some drum machines. A great song about just how great it feels to be alive.
Keep On Walking- opens with a blues/gospel riff from a female vocalist. Not much in the way of lyrics. Just about the need to keep moving forward through life and asking God for strength.
You Will Make It- This one is a real tearjerker. Just Jem and a piano at the beginning. Later a cello joins her and there is an African chant. A song to someone who has lost someone dear to death and picking up the pieces and the grieving process. Ends with a spoken word promise that none of us really dies. Really beautiful song.
I Always Knew- Jem thumbing her nose at those in the music industry who would have kept her down and how she always knew she would one day be where she is. Great juxtaposition between a nursery rhyme kind of rhythm and almost hip-hop bravado lyrics. Music almost has the feel of "They" from her first album.
Got It Good- Another song about just how good life is. Are you start to pick up on the theme of this album?
Aciid- Jem decides on this song to just jam. Great dance beat. Heavy synth drums. Jem chants. Very reminiscent of Tom Tom Club (if you're old enough to remember them).
How Would You Like It?- OK. Back to the heavy stuff here (as in the subject of the song, not the music). Great song about racial prejudice. Basically telling telling racists to stop talking to her assuming she'll agree with just because she's white.
And So I Pray- Facing the troubles of the world, Jem prays for a better day. Wishes she could escape but this is where she is for now. The melody is a little reminiscent of Warren Zevon's Tenderness on the Block
On Top Of the World- opens with a choir humming and the sound of the ocean pounding the shore. Then joined by a piano with another kind of lilting melody. The song has an almost meditative feel and matches the lyrics which are about really being "present" and not letting the little things get you down.

All Rebel Rockers

All Rebel Rockers Back in the day, I used to think of Spearhead as more of a hip-hop act with other musical vibes thrown in for good measure. But more recently, Spearhead seems to have become a reggae act with other vibes thrown in. Me personally, I love the direction that Michael Franti has taken the group. The reggae outfit seems to fit better.
'All Rebel Rockers' continues in his recent success of awesome albums. I absolutely loved 'Everyone Deserves Music', as well as 'Yell Fire'. I wouldn't say 'All Rebel Rockers' is as good as those two, but it's definitely in the ballpark.
Michael Franti always seems to have a good mixture between political activism and a positive human outlook. He comes off like as a lovable mix between a militant and a hippie. Sort of a 2008 version of Bob Marley if he were still alive and making music.
The music, as always, is uplifting, danceable, head-nod-able, and always has good choruses for you to sing along to. Spearhead is a great band, one of my favorites, and yet they're definitely under the radar. I would definitely recommend this album. Plus, it's better than just about anything else new that you could be buying.