The Unknown - Dillon

So over this winter break I heard a shit ton of albums, 93 to be exact. Majority were albums I have been putting off or have not been in the mood for playing. While very few were favorite album material (The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady, In the Nightside Eclipse, Eric Dolphy in Europe Vol. 2, Unknown Pleasure, Outward Bound) some were very bad/bland (Charles Mingus with Orchestra, Live at Brixton, Significant Other, Red Hot from Alex) and most others were just okay (Greg Howe, Reasonable Doubt, Strictly Personal, The Chronic). Since school has started I will have significantly less time to being listen to records, though I do listen to each album and look for things that stick out to revisit. This is one of the albums I heard during the month long binge. This is also the sophomore effort by Dillon. I found out about her a few years ago with her first album. I think she's kind of cute and I kind of sat on this review. By the time I got to listening to the album I was just hoping she isn't another Lea Michelle or any other cute girl devoid of anything interesting in her music. Well see what my findings were directly below. 

1. The Unknown: This opens with a piano ballad introduction. So far her vocals aren't half band and I like the chords. I don't love them, but I do like what I'm hearing. Then a bass line comes in and this sort of gets a bit trippy with the electronics. I don't hate this song, but this doesn't really do a ton for me you know.
2. A Matter of Time: This opens in a similar fashion of the last song, except the vocals and electronics come in at the same time. This is very piano led though also. The beat kind of reminds me of a heartbeat a bit. I mean this is again okay, but it isn't blowing my mind at all.
3. You Cover Me: Three for three, this sounds very similar to the other songs. Like there isn't much substance here. I do like the patch that is used at the ending of this song, but it isn't really doing much for me outside of that specific detail.
4. Forward: Is what I wish women would be with me... hahahahahahahahaha. That terrible joke was more entertaining to me than this song happens to be. This also feels a lot like the last songs structure. Listen to the repetition of the chorus.
5. In Silence: This is just getting harder for me to take serious isn't it. Honestly, so far this is just warranting of an EP. Really I am kind of lost for words, I guess subconsciously I was supposed to put this off.
6. 4ever: This is more of the same, and again I don't hate it but I'm not getting anything really out of it.
7. Evergreen: So at this point I left the album and came back hours later, only to be as bored and uninterested if not more. Like why not make something more interesting, you can make ambient music and keep in interesting. Eno has done it, I liked The Solitude of Prime Numbers, Ambient 3 is solid, Delirium Cordia is phenomenal. There are people who have made spare albums and made them great. Possibly bad example, but The Residents have made multiple. A better example would be Klaus Schulze and company have all done minimal stuff and made it great. Like even if there was more variety this could be better but the songs are such copy paste repetition. Piano, Vocals, Bland electronics. Repeat the chorus multiple times. Verse chorus verse.
8. Into the Deep: Refer to the last track. I think her voice is okay, but it's kind of reminds me of one of the singers on the radio, Alissa Cara?
9. Don't Go: It sounds like a sample is being played backwards, but sadly nothing really happens with this.Add to it, make it go somewhere. I mean, yes if does grow, but please do it different than the rest of the album. There is potential I hear in this song if they added strings. At the one part that would sound great with it. Around the last 2 minutes or so.
10. Lightning Sparked: So I realized what I needed to enjoy this album, either start smoking pot or get drunk.
11. Nowhere: I guess this seems a bit darker, but it's just kind of bland and annoying and has over stayed it's welcome at this point. The ending though is kind of good, I wonder if Laurie Anderson inspired this track.
12. Current Change: I like some of the textures but not enought to say I'm a fan, but I guess I can appreciate it.

Overall I have to give this album a 4/10. This album was very bland. I like some of the sounds and the ambience, but I feel that you could combine theses into longer songs with different sections. In fact some felt like the same song. Honestly this isn't terrible, and I think this could be fleshed out into something great, but I feel there isn't really anything here. Hell Blonde did something like this but much better. Also Floating into the Night is a freaking solid records in this Ambient Pop style. I know this was a very bland review but sadly I had very little to say and I figured I would clean out the draft folder.

Renaissance - Village People

This was not an album I was is intending to review, but to be fair, it does have the spookiest cover art of all time... So why not. This is the 6th studio album, 7th if you count the Sleazy half of Live and Sleazy, by the Village People. This followed their huge flop, and is a departure from their disco roots in favor of New Wave sounds. The wikipedia page has tons more info, more than I'd really ever need but now I can say this is the first album with Jeff Olson as the Cowboy and the last with David Hodo the Construction worker. Now I don't know if this look really works for them.... it kinds looks really fucking dumb. But hey, why not give the album a try right.... what could possibly go wrong?

1. Do You Wanna Spend the Night: What the fuck is this, it's like they sucked the charm of the Village People out and made them shit. I mean it's an okay song I guess that sounds like like could be a watered down Foreigner, with a weird 80's chorus, but like I don't know. It's not horrible but it's too bland, where's the camp. I do dig the backing vocals, and I mean I like the song and all but I just don't really see myself returning outside of a curious listen.
2. 5 O'Clock in the Morning: This intro sounds like a Duran Duran copy cat trying to figure out a Bond theme. I do like the synths on this track, but I mean it kinda makes me think of AOR. You know maybe a good comparison would be 90's Foreigner, after they lost their umph. I mean I think if someone else did this it could have been a hit, but it's the group that no one took seriously anymore (well you know what I mean). The song is so repetitive but it hasn't gotten old while I listened, so that has to be a good sign.
3. Fireman: This is a title, that is pretty cheesy. This has a disco feeling in my opinion, or at least post-disco type sound. There are some lyrics where I'm like, really just say sack. But this isn't terrible, I'm just pretty sure I'll forget about it once the reviews over. I like the bells and sirens and what not. Nice touches. There are also nice synth sounds on this too. It's better than Uptown Fuck.
4. Jungle City: There's something about this title where I could so picture the cheesiest, campiest, over the top music video of all time ever. Like Raining Men level cheesy video. The song isn't maybe cheesy enough for the music video but it's bad. I like the drums though.
5. Action Man: "Action Jackson, is my name, bold adventure is my game". So I looked up the lyrics before I heard this song and some other songs on this album. When I saw that chorus I just.... I was not looking forward to this track. Who knows its could be good, but in reality...... it's really not. If anything; it's like more along the lines of what the fuck am I listening to, mixed with Whip It.
6. Big Mac: I have no words for this song, outside of once I looked up the lyrics and read them I just..... I don't know. Is anything even real anymore? Waterfalls is about AIDS, there exist Titanic video game from Japan and most shocking..... The Village People sang a song about the legendary McDonald's burger... the Big Mac. This isn't terrible, but really were they endorsed by Micky Dees. There's a sort of surf feeling to the tune, maybe like the B52's. Eh, I don't know not feeling it. 
7. Diet: This is so 80's, but it's not in the good way. So when I was younger, and far less intelligent (or at least had worse taste) I would watch hours of VH1 Classic music videos. Mind you I was in Middle School and most of that music I either like out of nostalgia or I think sucks. Some I still love, Video Killed the Radio Star, Aerosmith but that's besides the point. I feel like, even then, this would have been on of the songs I'd see and be like okay lets wait until this is over so I can see a good music video. My favorite was Pop Up video for Sexual Healing. #Fucking Classic - Not this Marvin's tune.
8. Food Fight: Is this a sequel to the 2012 film of the same name? You know, I kinda think this is fitting... Not the song but the jesture maybe. David left after this album, I doubt they or he knew while they were recording, but I like to think this is his send off (he sings lead vocals on this track). Okay this is my favorite song here, for the fact it sounds like Weird Al's classic tune Happy Birthday. It also kinda reminds me of Blondie, maybe. That one could be me remembering wrong, but I do know that the vocals and the way this is reminds me of that HB. 

Overall I have to give this album a 5/10. This wasn't as terrible as I thought it'd be, but I mean I don't know if I'll ever revisit this. I mean while the songs aren't half bad they aren't fun.There is a very 80's feeling to it, and it kinds suffers a bit for that. But I don't know, it isn't terrible

The Soulful Moods of Marvin Gaye

This is the 1961 debut album by the one and only soul legend, the man who stood up to Berry Gordy, the Prince of Soul, the one the only Marvin Gaye. I love Marvin and think he's great, that goes for everything about him minus the drug stuff. Though the '70s/80s is the cream of the crop, he has other solid records/tracks prior to those monsters. Before he was every woman's "man" he was every woman's "guy", so to say. Something I read some where was he was described as a "clean college boy" prior to 1971. On this cover he looks like a youthful fellow, maybe even a little stubborn. This was followed by the, better all around, 1962 album That Stubborn Kinda Fellow. That features the titular track, Pride And Joy, and also the awesome Hitch Hike. This was Marvin's debut though, and it was the #2 Motown release, second in chronological order to Hi... We're The Miracles (also that bands debut). This is basically a Jazz standards album. I'm not sure if these tracks were "standards" yet, but listen to any Jazz record by any artist and there's bound to be one of the following tracks, more or less. I always see

1. (I'm Afraid) The Mascarade Is Over: Opening the album we have a cover of the Magidson/Wrubel classic. Now the thing is, this isn't half bad. While he isn't really singing the way he would later, this ain't half bad. There is a charm to the way he's singing this song and I gotta support it. He's also singing restrained, he isn't really using the power he'd use on later records. Maybe he wasn't good enough, maybe he was just going for a certain sound, who know. I still dig it. My only complaint is its 5 minutes long, maybe cut it at 3 minutes or so. But I still like the song. 
2. My Funny Valentine: Of the many versions Barbra Streisand, Miles Davis, Carly Simon, Bill Evans, Chet Baker, Ella Fitzgerald among others. Actually, the original dates to 1945 and was by a guy named Hal McIntyre. I don't love this version, but I do like the drums when they pick up. But I mean I just don't really care for the way this overall sounds. I do like the  chorus, but I don't know how often I'll visit though outside of the novelty of re-visitation and the review. 
3. Witchcraft: Another track that I know, and I love this version. This is exciting, where the last two were more laid back and crooners. This really is a nice change of pace and shows good track listing. This is just such a fun damn song, I don't know if I like this or Sinatra's version more, but I love the guitar tone and the drumming. There is a nice guitar solo by someone who don't get credit. Fuck You Berry Gordy and you no crediting performers. This really is an early stand out and make you wanna listen to the rest of this thing. I love the head.
4. Easy Living: This is a cover of the Billy Holiday song track from 1950's. A laid back number, there is something about this that makes me wanna smoke a cigarette relax and reflect on certain things. This is a very pretty song, and I'll be damned if Sinatra didn't do a version (though Nat King Cole or Sammy might be better fit to do this). I really like the drums here, brushes on the snare. I also really like the guitar lines and it sounds pretty damn slick. I'd love to get a copy of the lead sheet to this track. Also I cant forget to mention that piano that opens and closes the track. 
5. How Deep The Ocean (How High The Sky): This is a famous Irving Berlin song. This is a other more laid back vocal jazz number. A solid tune, and this is a pretty solid version of the song. 
6. Love For Sale: This along with track two are very often covered jazz standards. Some other versions include the likes of Cannonball Adderley, Billy Holiday, The Manhattan Transfer. Written by Cole Porter my boy Marvin does a solid job. I dig the big swing to it, and there are some tasty drum fills. I like that guitar and the bass' tone. This kind of feels like a Bond theme. 
7. Always: This is a cover of the Irving Kaufman song of the same name that dates to 1926. This track has also been covered over the years by artists such as Paul McCartney, Frank Sinatra and Patsy Cline. The shuffle drum rhythm is really nice here and works quite well. I think the solo in here is a nice thing, a detail not in all the others. And I can't believe it's here at all, Marvin isn't even playing the guitar either. To be honest, I really like what the Soul Brothers did here. 
8. How High The Moon: By this song the formula and style is beginning to loose its interest. Yes if you listen oht of context its a swell rendition. I don't think this is the best song here, but I think (as mentioned above) swell enough. 
9. Let Your Conscious Be Your Guide: Is this a fun number that really doesn't sound out of place on a Motown record. With an organ, that sounds like it was in The Champ, piano that has that doo-wop progression, mono chorus vocals that sound large and a. I've performance from Marv.... Plus some nice drums, brushes. This is very revisit-able. 
10. Never Let You Go: Following the Motown sound, we get another hip dance number. I could actually see Smokey singing this. The chorus is a bit silly, but I still enjoy and dig the tune. There's a swing to that is fun, and great piano solo. I like the little details in the song. I wonder if this was intended for The Miracles, but then again the pianos a bit more rock and roll then they are. I could kind of see this being a cover on maybe Beatles For Sale or With The Beatles. 
11. You Don't Know What Love Is: This is a classic jazz standard covered by numerous artists. This song is really great and a solid haunting way to end the record. This is a solid cover and works well to end everything. I also love the arrangement. 

Overall I have to give this a 7/10. This is Gaye's debut album and it's packed full of Jazz standards. Now what's weird about this is I didn't really dig the vocals of Marvin throughout it this album, until I sort of learned to appreciate jazz more. After being a bit more versed on this, I kinda love this thing. I mean, its pretty solid and while not nearly his best, its not anywhere near his worst. It's pretty solid.

Make It Big - Wham!

Since I am deciding if I need to review 4 or 5 ones this month, I'll do a quickie. This is the second studio album by the British duo that is Wham!. The reason I finally decided to review this was because I recently saw Deadpool and can't remember the last time I laughed so much at a movie. That is not even close to an exaggeration. So I figured I'd review this 80's big seller. I mean I can't say I'm a huge fan of the group, a few songs are okay, but why not do a review right. That's never stopped me before. Since I'm here I want to note I'll also be reviewing Heaven Adores You and untitled unmastered. this year too.

1. Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go: Opening the album is the number that is pretty hilarious. Maybe it's because it was a fun song back when it came out but what I've noticed us things that are more, state of the art or trends, sound dated as soon as someone figures something better sounding. But lke the second this song starts I hear that 50's nostalgia, and this song is so...... I don't think this is as good as the closer. Because at least that I can laugh, but also get pleasure by way of "this is actually good". This is more of a, this is so cheesy, but not in a good way. Also the last minute could have been cut, or it could have been condensed by a minute. It's really not necessary.
2. Everything She Wants: This song, is, I actually don't care for it much. Like there isn't much of a WHAM! here. This isn't anything overtly big here either. I mean yes, slower parts are good, but this is like..... this is one of those terrible tunes that's in a night scene in Miami Vice. This isn't terrible, it's just. It reminds me a bit of a lesser Duran Duran tune too.
3. Heartbeat: YEAH!!!!!! If done slightly differently, including the vocalist, this could be a Born in the U.S.A. era Bruce. I feel like this would be a little deeper and not just a straight froward love song, maybe not, but who knows. I can do the chorus with his voice in my head singing it. Hey maybe he'll cover it in his new 2010's acoustic/band tributes he's been doing live.
4. Like A Baby: This song is so boring. Maybe back in the day it wasn't but this song is just so, like..... I can dig slow jams and ballads and Spanish sounding guitars. I really honestly can, but this is just so fucking smooth jazz lame 80's horse shit. Why couldn't he have went the direction of Sade on this tune. They make music like this, kinda, and it's good. It' isn't boring, it doesn't go in one ear out the other. Ya killin' me Georgie.
5. Freedom: Later remade or sequel-ed, I'm not sure, on George Michael's 1990 solo record. I will say this, this is, so far, the best song on this thing. I mean I don't think it's amazing, but I do think it's a much better song than the others up to this point. I prefer parts of the 90 version, but I also like version of this one that aren't on the other.
6. If You Were There: This is a cover of the 1973 Isley Brothers track off their 3+3 record. I heard the original before I listened to this version, and I original has a funky feeling to it. I mean it isn't my favorite song in the world, they have much better songs I think. This is a pretty faithful cover, with the then current instruments. Like there is a keyboard on this instead of a clavi. This is just a bit more 80's. But the major difference is the vocals. I mean I don't love this, thought I do kind of like this version more than the original. 
7. Credit Card Baby: I'm going to guess they were fairly new, or gaining popularity at this point in time. Also I cringed the first time I heard this. Also seriously, cut this fucker. Sugar Pie Honey Bunch.
8. Careless Whisper: This is the song that, even though I get a laugh from it, I also love it. I mean it's pretty hilarious and amazing at the same time. On the one side, it so screams 80's from the saxophones to the music video that reminds me a bit of Miami Vice,  to the synths, and the overall atmosphere. At the same time it's great, and is actually a well written song. Something I've learned is it takes a well written song to last the passage of time. My all time favorite part of this song is the bridge. I can't not sing along to that, and this is regardless of how off pitch I am. I need to be able to get it. It's so fucking good.

Overall I have to give this album a 4/10. While the band has some solid tunes, there are some more filler and lesser tunes. This could have been a solid 7 Ep of like 4 tracks maybe. But I'm not really feeling this outside of the bolded tracks.

More, More, More - The Andrea True Connection

This is the debut album by, then porn star, Andrea True. The story goes she was in Jamaica for a commercial, got some money, the money couldn't leave (for whatever reason) the country so she invested in a record. She then called Gregg Diamond to produce, arranged and write some song (which ended up being all of them). The thing is, that I can't get how this was released on Buddah Records. A label that dropped Captain Beefheart because he wasn't poppy enough, which makes sense, but still. After all the label [and it's subsidies] are responsible for helping artists release such singles  as  Lean On Me , Super Fly (Curtorm), but it also spawned the devil's bubblegum pop. With singles such as Yummy, Yummy, Yummy and many other pop hits. Now, as everyone knows, the Mr. Bungle review is waiting for me to watch Raw Footage, so why not watch some of Andrea's films before posting this. Plus she's pretty attractive, so why not do a little extra "research" before I complete the review. Oh and one last comment, Gregg had to have known she was a Pornstar.... look at these titles. I mean they aren't overtly, some are more of a stretch, but none the less. I mean I could see someone making an innuendo with any one of theses titles, with the exception of the Heart to Heart part of Fill Me Up (the worst offender). But anyway, who cares really. Let's get this review on.

1. Party Line: Blowfly, you sick perverse bastard, you have destroyed my innocence. I will now forever misread that as Panty Line because of you..... I'm kidding, but I do always read that in my head as Panty Line for whatever reason. This song is very slick sounding, and just sounds like a bunch of fun. I kind of feel like this is classic disco sound, It slightly bothers me this isn't in a movie with disco tunes. I mean for all the bullshit there are this isn't half bad. And even thought it isn't a "thought provoking character study" who the fuck cares. It's fun, and I'd boogie with you Andrea.
2. Keep it Longer: For you I will Andrea ;) This opens with some fun strings and it's just a fun old time. This kind of makes me what to just kick back, dance, and not give a crap about the world. I mean it's disco, what can I really say. I like that instrumental section and am diging the bass playing that is happening.
3. More, More, More: This song is a song you will know. I think it was recently in a Swifer mop commercial. This isn't surprising it's a hit, you can't get the chorus out of my head. I do like this song, the chorus is probably the weakest part for me though. This is so smooth I really don't know what to say. It just goes down like it's lubricated and just is pleasant to my ears. There are times where I feel like she's singing in that AFL or whatever where people like to hear the soft voice to help them fall asleep, but it's really a sexual thing. Makes sense, considering Andrea's career.
4. Fill Me Up (Heart to Heart): This intro kind of reminds me of the song, For The Love of Money (just a bit). This is also probably a stick out as my favorite track, besides the hit. I really like everything that's happening here, from the vocals to the guitar riff (back and forth) and the bass and the drums. The strings and the keys too are great. The only complaint is it's over 10 minutes long. Maybe a shorter version would have sufficed. Like if this was cut in half it'd accomplish the same thing as it would at 10 minutes. In fact the 7 minutes extended mix of Can't Stop The Music is more warranted than this 10 minute version.
5. Call Me: This closes the album, and all things aside this still isn't that bad. I mean maybe higher mixed vocals, but still this feels like an ending. There is just an completion feeling that come when listening to this long instrumental intro. While this is long too, it's not a bad as the last track. I also think the strings are more interesting, but who cares. This is fun, and this as a whole went down pretty easy.

Overall I have to give this record a 6/10. I mean it's clean and poppy enough to be on Buddah, it's just odd they associated themselves with a pornstar. As a whole I don't think any tracks here are bad, some are better, but nothing is overtly bad. While in reality I could have just done a quick, not track by track review of this, I still think you should listen to this. It's so slick, and shiny I feel like this IS disco. Or at least a sonic equivalent of what I looks like. I don't know if I'm doing the White Witch album, and if I can get my ears on a copy of War Machine I may do that.... but who knows. What's Your Name, What's Your Number is a solid track. Also I watched Lialeh, it was pretty solid for a porno. 

Beauty Behind the Madness - The Weeknd

This is the sophomore album by Abel Tesfaye. This follows the very disappointing Kiss Land, which had two songs that I liked (and it was just like). But the thing is I have to be completely honest. That song, Earned It, that just came out I loved it. I honestly think that is the best song he's done yet. I can't believe that how gorgeous the strings are and how good it sounds. I was excited to see he added Often, I love it. I also like the title, though not huge on the cover. When the track listing came out I didn't feel any more excited really. The only thing I was pumped for was an official album for Often and that Lana Del Rey track.

1. Real Life: The first time I heard this I though it'd be perfect as a 90's song. I dig it, its a solid track. I mean it's not a 10, but at least a 7. Even though I think it's kinda cheesy sounding. I mean I like the guitar in the intro, and the fuzz. The strings then come in and you get a different direction feeling. On all prior releases most of the instruments were sampled or in the background. This is more in the forefront. This is a good track, that I think is pretty nice chorus. I like the harmonies on this and it gives this feeling of new. I was glad, and still am glad this is on here. This gives your a very hopeful feeling for whats to come. And lyrically there isn't anything that rubs me the wrong way.
2. Losers: This track features Labrinth. This is a solid track. The piano reminds me of How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore. This song has the best part as the sole piano (well mostly sole) and vocals. I like the transition and the resolution into the chorus, but the chorus is not as great as I want. The whole off feeling is neat, and the horns make it have this New Orleans feeling.... maybe. But It's just a bit too off. The breakdown/bridge I could do without. I like that it's there, but I could personally do without it. The part where it bothers me the least is at the ending, but I think the ending isn't anything that is blowing me away. I feel like this should have more emotion and "soul".
3. Tell Your Friends: this track features someone named Carlos and was produced by five people, one of them being Kanye. I'm going to be 100% honest, that intro reminds me of Lil B. Either that or Bound 2. But the song, well the lyrics are a lot more understandable and basically that, plus the chorus of the song...................... The song is kind of ruined. I like how he did something different, but still. I don't like this. And that distortion at the ending, sounds like a talk box fucked a vocoder.... Not digging it.
4. Often: I actually really like this song, and it is better than anything on Kiss Land. Though it doesn't hold up as well as Enemy, for me. And about its inclusion; even though it's been out for over a year, I can let it pass. As long as there are great deep cuts, this will be a solid record. Some of the lyrics aren't very good. For whatever reason, when the album was released, I began to loose interest in this song. The lyrics here are kind of dumb, but they don't ruin the song for me.
5. The Hills: I was surprised by this song, I liked it. I still don't think that it is on par with Earned It. But you know, idk. Then, thought I kinda feel like this should effect the music aspect..... I don't like the lyrics. Maybe I've grown up, and grown out of the shallowness of lyrics like "I want to leave the Friendzone", thought I never really gave two fucks. There was a shallowness on Houses that appealed to me, not knowing it was shallowness. I still do enjoy Houses, but this is like that with the pointlessness of Kiss Land. By the time this reviews going up I am tired of this song. Like to the point of not liking it at all. Like to paint a better picture, when I hear this song now I get irritated and just want to change the station.
6. Acquainted: I don't know what to make of this track, maybe it's the last track or the loss of interest, but I don't think this is anything that I'll remember. I don't really care though to remember this track. It's not like, I want to remember this.
7. Can't Feel My Face: A very poppy song, that isn't half bad. In all honesty its one of the better songs of the year, I have heard. It's probably the best new one I've heard on the radio for sure. I mean, is this song played a lot and lost some of its enjoy-ability a bit.... Yes. Do I still like this song, 
8. Shamless: or a theme to the ShowTime television show of the same name. :) not really, but the second this starts I get nervous. That acoustic guitar, and this style don't really often go over well with me. This really goes in one ear and out the other.
9. Earn It (Fifty Shades of Grey): I am a little pissed that this is on the album, so I'm not counting it towards the score. To me, this will always be a b-side from the 50 Shades of Grey album. The track is an 8 but it doesn't count towards the score, because of it. I mean there was tons of things they could have done, a remix (N.W.A.'s Straight Outta Compton had 2 remixes of songs from N.W.A. and the Posse). They could had also done a rerecording, tons of people from David Bowie to Steve Reich to Reel Big Fish. Thought I doubt the end product would be better than  the original, but you never know. The only difference is there's an intro that is 30 or 40 seconds and it ultimately amounts to nothing. But I should talk about the beautiful string arrangement, the awesome vocal performance of Abel and the chamber pop vibe. While I loved this at first, I've progressively fallen out of love with it. It's still one of the best here, its just.... Not the same as it once was. The thrill is gone, if you will. 
10. In The Night: This has a MJ feeling.It's fun, but again I'll forget this by the time the tracks over. I'm not being a dick I just don't find this interesting enough to remember.
11. As You Are: As a Friend? As you want me to be? What about if it's as a memory? This kind of reminds me of a track off KissLand.
12. Dark Times: This track features Ed Sheeran. And honestly, this is another decent track. I mean I enjoy it, but again........ much like the other tracks after I listen to it I can't remember any of it. :(
13. Prisoner: This track features Lana Del Rey. And I like it, I don't LOVE it but it's a solid track. I read some where someone said Lana's verses gave them chills.... Yeah, I'm not remotely feeling that. The closest to chills is that, oh this movie will scare you shitless.... And then you feel the feeling like your about to shit yourself.... Before, nothing. But I understand this song, the chorus kinda hands the meaning to you on a silver platter. I feel like it's so watered down. I like South Park, I've been watching it a lot lately. I've come to notice the best episodes are the ones where they don't tell you what it's making fun of. You know from the story or plot instead pf them handing it to you. There's a difference between explaining the problem, or making it easier to understand, vs telling people what it is. Like the movie, I read about it while I was watching it and I was like, the whole Terrence and Phillip thing I didn't pick up on.... that was until he devil explained it. Then someone else did and if you don't get the joke by the end of the movie you never will. This just feels very watered down to appeal to people who have "shallow" forms of "depression". I mean why not let people understand on their own rather than basically spelling out your depressed. 
14. Angel: "come and save me tooonight". This song isn't that bad, its a nice ending. "It took me by surprise, I must say when I found out" Vinnie Colaiuta was drumming on this album the time I did that one "day". When I listen to this album its kind of like the end of an era. I'll probably repeat myself after this but this truly is the " last straw" that was me in High School and me now. This song could somewhat symbolize the death of the old me, and my music marks the birth of the more mature me. I probably sound high, but its almost like a dirge. While I wish the dirge was better, it kind of can't be too good or else I would still live in "what if". This truly is, the last Weeknd record I'll probably ever hear and last I'll review (in terms of release date, I'm still doing the prior releases).

Overall I have to give this a 5/10. If I'm being honest this is much better than Kiss Land and of the five releases he's put out this is his 4th best. The thing is I lost hope in him with the last LP. The singles on here revitalized my faith in his music. And the thing is its not like I put grew his music. I still like tracks off the mixtapes, but honestly, that's the best material he's put out. Anything prior to his studio debut is really still petty solid. I don't think he's gonna be able to recapture that excitement for me. Maybe it could be nostalgic reasons, but I still love the mixtapes, they did after all play (and were on play) a huge part in (and during) my senior year. I don't know, at least there was ambition here. I feel this will be my last hurrah with my High School " hero". It's what I imagine to be going to a party with the cool kids, then realizing "wait..... These people have no personality, why am I spending time with these jerks? They aren't cool, they are just shallow and dull people". In all honesty, if I'm being objective, the lyrics are what kills the album (though the songs don't help). Well not kill so much as hurt its from being better. The music is good to decent, but the words.... Thumbs down. I also need to say I'm not any better, or any worse off, than anyone else. I'm white, middle class, I have it pretty good. So I'm not saying I'm any more depressed or in touch with real emotions than anyone else. Now back to the lyrics. I feel they way they are presented he's tortured, depressed, doesn't want to be a star. The type that drinks to repress their emotions of self loathing, which whatever if he doesn't want to be. (I'm in no way qualified to diagnose anyone with anything, by the way). But outside of the substance abuse, I have the whole self loathing thing in common. I can't say if he truly feels that way, because I'm not Abel. But the way he presents his pain, through his lyrics, its someone who thinks he's depressed. Someone who thinks he hates himself, not someone who truly hates himself, not someone who feels the self loathing to its worst. Not someone who has bursts of crippling depression and has to learn to deal with it. I feel like there are tons of movies where it seems to be hip to do the self loathing/depressed writer or entertainer. It's almost like people are too afraid to do "exploitation" films about anything else. And these have become the newest form of exploitation.... Here is the best illustration I can give. If you hate the fame, don't go along with it. Don't do stupid shit that promotes your album. In fact don't even promote music, just drop it. If you really are that depressed, and your aware of this drinking thing not helping, why drink? I feel like a lot of this isn't a hurt person as much as a hurt character, or a person who believes they hurt, when in reality its because they didn't get the newest iPhone... Catch my drift. 

A Head Full of Dreams - Coldplay

This review was scheduled to be posted when it was. It was completed last month on the 11th. I had to put if off for the Christmas thing though. This is the seventh studio album by pop group Coldplay. This follows May 2014's Ghost Stories, which I didn't care much for, and the November 2014 Ghost Stories Live, which was better at some parts. It was announced in Dec 2014 that this is considered, by Chris Martin, as the "final chapter" hinting this may be their final album. Now I first got into them with Mylo Xyloto and tracks on A Rush of Blood to the Head and Parachutes. The first songs I ever liked by them, or that I remember liking, was Violet Hill because I heard it in Guitar Hero. But all that aside, this may be their last record, and even thought I heard the single, saw the feature, and artwork.... I decided a year ago to do this when it was announced..... So lets suck it up like a man. Also..... Why the fuck would Merry Clayton (the singer on Gimme Shelter) come on this this album....................... WHY!!!!!!!!!!

1. A Head Full of Dreams: This opens with a sort of, oh shit I don't think this will be good beginning. But it isn't as horrible as I thought it'd be. While I can tell this will grow thing by the end of the song, it's a disco feeling. The same feeling that Adventure of a Lifetime has. Not really anything special, but I'll forget it before the songs even over. And it ends on the Xyloto chorus vocals. Where it was fun there, this sounds like.............................................................. If you don't have anything to say.
2. Birds: This isn't a bad song, sounds like an outtake from Mm-I-Low. But seriously, there isn't a second in this song that is really worth remembering. You can get this exact same thing, maybe a bit more fun, on the aforementioned album.
3. Hymn for the Weekend: Wait.... Abel's still alive, he just dropped that new album a few months ago (one that will have it's review posted tomorrow). And Beyoncé lends some vocals here. I had to laugh, someone commented somewhere it's MX part two. I thought to myself "just because of Tove Lo? Isn't that jumping the gun a bit". Then I noticed Bey would be on two tracks..... And while I genuinely have a place for that album in my heart, and do like it, This might be like over kill. And when I heard this track, alone. The song opens with bird sounds, and the second I heard a Bey choir fade in I went.... no. Then a sort of gospel hip hop thing piano came in and I went.... No. Then Chris sang over the piano and I cringed. I'll be the bigger person and never bring this track up again. Cute bird calls thought.... there's a positive. Guess what, this song has officially made me cringe as much as the Let's Marvin.... nope, I won't even bring it up. That track that shan't be named. I don't care if I'd maybe nail you Megan, that track never happened. Oh Fuck this hurts.
4. Everglow: "Hello, I've waited here for you Everglow"? No that's not right. Right? Ahahahaha, this song is very reminiscent of Paradise's intro. The quieter part. The second I heard this I was like Mylo. There might actually be a better comparison, I kinda feel like this could be a rewrite of a song off that album. I thought, maybe the closer. The closer on that album was far more interesting though. There was changes throughout that atmosphere. There was a feeling of an ending, almost like a book ending. This song, it is not really as well written for them to be writing this at this point. They have been making professional music, releasing albums on a major label basis, now for 15 years. This song is just not "good enough" for my tastes, if you catch my drift. It's not that it's not good enough for me, it's that this sound be a far more interesting, better written song. In context of the album....... this is a much better track. I actually don't want to skip the track. I'm not fighting myself from yelling at the top of my lungs. Does that mean it's good or works.... no, but by comparison it isn't as bad. Thought this song is too long, why can't it just end. If it is about Goop I give less than zero fucks. Want to know how much I care, I was debating if I should have even typed that at all. Like really, that's what was going through my mind during the album sit through for this song. Your shitting, Goop sings on this....................... Why? You know who, don't even answer me... I don't give a fuck.
5. Adventure of a Lifetime: The first time I saw this title, considering it may be their last record, I thought "oh no". The reason being, they would make a bull shit song about "this has been the adventure of a lifetime, being in the band". And while it may be true, it may be a real sentiment..... I kinda feel like it's the same thing as writing a song about missing your loved ones while you tour, or life on tour. That has been mastered by Turn the Page. You won't be able to top that, why try. Unless it's from a new angle. But this could just be me being a dick, and this was the first single to drop so I decided to check it out. When the song started out with the guitar I started to get nervous. Then when it started going into disco, I was like it's not that bad. But the coffin was buried and thrown 12 feet under (double the normal 6 feet by the way, just saying to let you know I know) after he started singing. This song not only isn't exciting, or fun. This is like bullshit disco. I mean I dig some of the even stupider disco tracks, but this has like backing vocals and this radio feeling that just.... I hurts a bit. Also RAM not only tops this, it should be embarrassed this song exists. I'll return when the albums out, but I doubt my feelings will change. Also, I can't begin to explain how irritated I was when I found out Merry sang on this track..... What the fuck. I didn't even hear her. By the way this is December 11th, and as of today I want to shoot any radio playing this song. Also if I hear "Che Fowe Loddah" ever again I will punch someone. Talk about a fucking annoying loop.
6. Fun: This track is Tove Lo, or the Habits song. I like her best for what she does in concert..... but that's for another time. At this point I better just stop and wait. Chris get out of here, I don't want to hear you I wanna hear Ebba. Also while the song isn't terrible, it doesn't bother me, I'll forget it after it's over. There was literally not point in here being a featured guest on this track. She doesn't nothing different than any of the other "guests", but she gets a feature credit for singing backing vocals/harmonies. I wonder why they'd do that ?
7. Kaleidoscope: Hey a hefty number of guests, Coleman Barks on narration, Khatia Buniatishvili on piano forte and last but most important my favorite president Barak Obama. The intro to the song isn't terrible, and I'm a bit surprised they even know that style of music, or technique rather exists. I didn't even pick out the Obomb part. That was literally the best song, and it's 1:52. It is followed by a song that's loop got old before Martin starts singing.
8. Army of One: The only "Army of" anything I get behind is Sam Rami's classic 1993 film. Yes that loop gets old one second in. This is also pretty neat... it's 6 fucking minutes long. Yes there is a hidden track, but still. The hidden track being X Marks the Spot, let's just say I can till this second half will be worth the wait. Also I feel the need to point this out. It was announced that, a month before the release of the album, this would contain a hidden track. I'm not being an asshole or picky but think about this..... It's a hidden track, that you announced, and made known before the record was even out for people to find it themselves. Just think about that, also it's a fucking piece of horse shit.
9. Amazing Day: "Oh it's an amazing day, I'm glad I spent it with you. Such an amazing day, you just keep me hanging on. You just keep me hanging on." That's all there is to say really.
10. Colour Stream: Another minute long intro, or segue. Why not have this be the hidden track and the hidden track actually be a track..... it's ambient, but lots of parts have ambient parts here. That literally amounted to nothing.
11. Up&Up: With some vocals from Beyoncé and Merry Clayton, now the second time for both of them on the record. It also features Noel Gallagher on guitar (I think Oasis kind of suck), Annabelle Wallis on vocals (I don't know who that is, I prefer Anna Bell Peaks) and last but not least Moses Martin on tambourine (how cute). Good ending, Thumbs up. If they really think this is a fitting finale, they haven't really learned anything. Kind of generic for my taste. To be honest, if I had kids I'd include them in my music. Even if they were too young to comprehend, I'd love to have them be a part of my passion. So in that respect I may have been a little harsh.

Overall I have to give this album a 2/10. Yeah, that's the lowest score I've ever given ever on the blog. Why..... well they didn't do what they should have. There was nothing that felt like and ending to this album. Not once did it feel like that. It felt like "Well let's snort coke and jump on a trend. On a some what related noted, this was a quick and easy review to do. I thought, before this was released, this Christmas thing will be good. It'll give me time to dissect the and take it in. Then I heard it..... It took like not even full listens to each song for me to complete this. While I did listen front to back, every second... It wasn't necessary for me to do that. That's not good, unless it's a loop of something like that. This is not a loop, even though it plays like one. This kind of sucks and for a finale it, while different and a tad ambitious venturing into different styles, there is nothing to get you excited at all. Point is, for a grand finale it isn't anything more than return to an album a lot of fans didn't like. So there is nothing GRAND about this. Is it better than Ghost Stories.......... Not really. I never cringed during that album, I thought it was fucking stupid, but never once cringed. What I took away from this album is Merry Clayton if you are alive and if I ever get famous I'll give you actual music to work with and not complete and utter shit.

Honeymoon - Lana Del Rey

This is the third, forth if you include her pre-Del Rey album under her real name Lizzy Grant 2010 release, album by singer Lana Del Rey. One of the first reviews I did was Born to Die back in 2012 and I liked that. Sadly I still haven't picked up a copy, but I also dug some tracks off Paradise. So I was anticipating the Dan Auerbach produced Ultraviolence (note this was before I saw Clockwork Orange. If It was after I'd probably have shit my pants in anticipation). That album ended up being kinda not very good. Actually a review of that will be coming out next month maybe.And after some of her worst string of promotional singles..... well you know how this is gonna be.

1. Honeymoon: This is the only track I heard prior to the albums release. And to be honest, I don't remember a single note about this track. I have listened to it now -- times and nothing. I seriously don't retain anything, other than Lana sings, well a woman's voice, slow and that's all I can get. Not a good sign. But anyway, this very much sounds like it wants to be a subdued Skyfall. It doesn't come close.
2. Music to Watch Boys to:  I prefer watching girls, but to each their own. I also prefer Music to Make Love to Your Old Lady By. Much more interesting than this. All these singles, or promos, released to promote this album are so.......... boring. I kinda want to give this album a shot of heroin to at least give it some energy. This is like if Abel was seriously going to kill himself. Or he just wanted to seem more shallow sad.....AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! Actually It's funny, that wind in the background. I have and idea, but it'll have to wait till the end.
3. Terence Loves You: Ah finally, a love ballad written to Phillip. They finally get to express their Canadian Love for one another. Another track that I heard before listening to he LP front to back, and it proves to me this albums seems to blur it'self together. I almost think I'm gonna have to listen one by one vs in bulk. Another Bond connection, that intro singing and arrangement sounds familiar to that of You Only Live Twice's. And I'm not acknowledging the reference in the song. At the end sing intro to the YOLT theme. Trust me.... it'll it's uncanny.
4. God Knows I Tried: I thought it was I'm Good, maybe I'm dyslexic. "God know I tried, God knows I tired, God knows I tried. Surely God Will Look the other way"... actually it still kinda works. As much as I think the title is reminiscent of a far better song, actually a song that is at least good (thought it's fucking great). There is a song that I at this point care too little to look up, what it reminds me of. Thought there are hints of Ennio's classic Spaghetti Western scores echoed in the tracks. If you want a good modern take listen to Cat Edmonton's album from last year. There whole thing is pretty good though.
5. High by the Beach: The first track released as a single, I believe the rest are just promo singles. It opens with an organ that I kinda like the vibe, but once the chorus comes in with the drum machine or programmed drums..... it looses it's "nostalgic" feeling for me. It just sounds... I mean it's not terrible. Its more of a drone to me than anything. And I've heard more exciting drones. And I literally mean drones.
6. Freak: Ahhhhhhh (sound of pain)
7. Art Deco: I hope she knows what that is. And sadly, first time through it just went in one ear out the other. Also her singing is so back it's more atmospheric than a singer actually singing on an album she stars on. This would be better fit as a filler, or lesser Bond themes. Well lesser lesser.
8. Burnt Norton (Interlude): If you sub tracked her fucking voice, this wouldn't be that bad of an interlude. Actually this might be the best original song here. The words are taken from a T.S. Elliott poem, he's credited as writing the words.
9. Religion: Never has there been such a thought provoking title of this capacity since awe inspiring Wow by Prince & 3RD EYE GIRL. I don't expect this to have any type of insightful, heartfelt and maybe something that makes me think. Nothing even close happens, in fact my brain shuts off. I want them to make a law, unless you are truly making a heartfelt expression, religion should be an illegal song topic. Like you can say it's retarded for all I care, just please do it with taste (and by that I mean do it with heart and emotion). Convince me I'm wrong for believing in God, you won't be able to, but at least try. Don't just go..... Shallow Shallow Shallow Religion Shallow Shallow Shallow UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Also I looked it up to make sure I was right, I can't stand, I love you so much you're my religion type songs. They have become a cliche in their own right
10. Salvatore: This has to be a tribute to Dali. Thought I prefer the shout out in Dali's Car. Hahaha, it's actually with a 'd' not a 't'. This word means savior in Italian. And I think it'd be awesome if she did an Italian feeling song. Get out the old pipe organ, or the accordion, or even an other Italian instrument I can't figure the name our form. But not Italian enough for me.  
11. The Blackest Day: Dammit, if it was "the blackest night" I would have put the entire lyrics to Titties & Beer. 
12. 24: "24 Hours Ago, __fill in the blanks__". There is a glimpse in this song where it seriously could go into a jazzier rendition of the Monty Norman theme.
13. Swan Song: Is this a cover of Symphony X's new song, or did they do it later and release theirs first. While I was listening to this I told myself, I kinda wanna asphyxiate myself. Not for pleasure (I don't get how that sounds fun), no to hope I kill myself in the process. Also chocking yourself to death would be more exciting than anything on this album. I'll do that or put on Dead Goon. Which ever I'm in the mood for more. Though the strings here remind me a little of the more 90's songs on Beauty Beyond the Madness.
14. Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood: I've heard her ruin epics such as Blue Velvet, though Another Woman is a solid cover. So going into this I was unsure. But seriously, that Blue Velvet cover is horse shit.... it hurts to listen to. Opening with a organ that sounds very childish, or rather more like what you'd get from a child's organ. It also features I believe a music box. This opening has guitar that is very reminiscent of  Bang Bang, but strummed chords not that arpeggios. I'm getting more of a Bang Bang feeling from this more than a Nina Simone or Santa Esmeralda vibe. And I don't think she does a terrible job, I think the arrangement is very mellow, and should get more exciting, but maybe that's Leroy Gomez imprinted in my skull.

Overall I have to give to give this album a 4/10. I really can't say that I have any feelings on this. Serioulsy, I forgot how I felt after each song ended. This doesn't really have any highlights and it's more of a blur ;). I'll never revisit this album and never care too either. This album is so samey it's crazy. I mean all there songs sound like if they didn't stop at the end of each song, it'd be her take on 1975's Timewind. Anthony Fantano once said she steals her style from the past, which her look is very very indebted to the past. But this, the similarities to Nancy Sinatra are so forward it's garbage. I can now say, this is probably the worst year in music since I've been listening to new albums. Everyone who has been able to put out decent to great albums have either put out shit or uninteresting and forgettable music. Iron Maiden, Prince, Tyler the Creator, UFO, A$AP Rocky, Sublime with Rome, Scorpions (thought it's not too bad), Motörhead (again same as usual so), Retox, blur, Falling In Reverse hell even Faith No More. I've heard about 70 new albums this years and only about 11 of them would be eligible for a top ten of the year. And of that only like 4 are actually on the list of best albums of this past 5 years. And sadly those four probably wont be done until next year (the reviews). PS please listen to the new Tuncle Tacid album. It's an 8. Also when I look at the list of instruments actually used on this album (Mellotron, Omnichord, Sampler, Organ, Dulcimer, Celesta, Vox Organ). DAMN IT! Those are things I'd kill to touch let along use on an album. And you can't even hear them being unused in an interesting way. I almost want to give this a 3 for that.

HITNRUN Phase One - Prince

This is the newest album by Prince. It follows his two simultaneous albums release of last year by 3 weeks short of a year to the day, or so. Now both of those were ok/nothing special (AOA) and kinda shit/ok/boring/nothing new/shit (PE). This album, based off the art work, looked like it could be a sequel to the two, and when I saw the track listing I was indifferent. One of the best song of his I've heard of his since the 90's, Fallinlove2nite, was on this. But at the same time it pissed me off a little it was here. Not only that but 3 tracks here were released as singles, one being released prior to his last two records. Long story short based off the track listing it looks like this is a compilation put together in the style of Circle In The Rounds and Directions but in a more condensed 2 years period. Actually a better comparison might be Water Babies. Yeah I'm going with Water Babies. Well except the tracks aren't released on someone who plays on the tracks album, and they weren't written by someone other than the main artist. All though they do first appear on the artist who wrote them, their album. Whatever, I'm just passing the time. So while I type this, waiting to listen to this album, I don't have High Hopes. Also I feel I should finish the reviews for those two albums, but one is just..... I'll do this first.

1. Million $ Show: This track features Judith Hill. This song opens with something that I'm pretty sure is taken from Darlin Nikki, the back-masked part. Then it pays a clip from 1999 (the intro) before playing a clip from Let's Go Crazy and then the song starts. This sonically would be snug on Art Official Age. The best part is probably the strings, which I'm sure is sampled from Purple Rain. Though I did watch a video of them recording strings for the album, which did sound neat. They could have just rerecorded the string part. 
2. Shut This Down: While this song sounds like a hip-hop song from the 2000's, I have to give it to him. I loved that segue. It reminds me of the segue on Sign O The Times from the title track to Playing In The Sunshine. This also sounds like Lap Dance, or TC's Cherry Bomb. This isn't really that good, but it's not terrible. I do like the electro sounds here, just. This is probably best described as a new updated version/sequel to Housequake. The ending isn't anything spectacular. It's a voice transition. Sorry the segue I was thinking of is Playin In The Sunshine into Housequake.
3. Ain't About To Stop: Feat. Rita Ora. Now I don't care for Rita and the only reason I anticipated listening to her second album was for the Prince collab. Seriously, and I guess this is the track. I previewed the track and upon first browse the thing that stuck out like a store thumb was the vocal contribution for the Purple One. Serious, he didn't sound that good in his co-lead with Ora. Now this sounds like it'd be better fit here, because Rita barley is audible on the copy I am listening to. I like the whole eastern sounds, but at the same times I'm not huge on the whole ETF self titled electronic stuff. Or the sounds that would fit better on a Disturbed album than on a Prince album. Now I give him props, and remember hearing a preview in the "Album Release Party" from last September, but you know. I didn't even really retain anything form that. Now the best part is something that sounds like it's playing a variation of Lady Cab Driver or maybe.... I'll go with LCD.
4. Like A Mack: This track features Curly Fryz. This has more of a hip-hop feeling, but I don't.... I kinda feel like Nicki Minaj would be good on this track. Yeah I just said that, Nicki would sound "good" on a Prince track. The best part is another part that sounds like it is sampled from something else. It's pissing me off that the highlight of tracks are the parts that almost don't fit the rest of the atmosphere. When The Purple One is sing/raping it reminds me of Flight of the Conchords. And even Curly's second rap reminded me, the music, of Prince of Parties. This seriously could be a remix of Sugar Lumps and Prince of Parties in one. Plus saxophones, because everyone know the 80's is hot now.
5. This Could B Us: This is also, like what they did for FunknRoll, a remix of the track off AOA. I really don't even think I should count this towards the score. Really, I'm being serious. It was cool on the two albums at once, two different version of the same track. Kinda like a Japanese Bonus track, or remix exclusive. But it's with every copy of the album. This on the other hand, I didn't even remember caring for this song in the first place. The remix, I care even less about.
6. Fallinlove2nite: I can't hate this song. It appeals to my weakness of 90's pop. I don't know why but if done right, and 90's.... I love it. The cheesier the better, but this.. this isn't cheesy. I kinda feel like this is what this whole album is supposed to be sonic ally, just different experiments. And this is the best song he's done since at least The Rainbow Children. I love the atmosphere, the feeling, the only difference here is I don't here Zoey on this track vs the single. Which I prefer her on the track. The single edit is one of my favorite songs of all time, sadly the lack of Zoe surprisingly hurts the track. 
7. X's Face: Another chopped and screwed feeling song. Which I haven't heard him do this that good. I like it on some A$AP Rocky track but usually I don't like it. I really, there's a rap, then monkey sounds. I would feel better if I just left this as this. No more to be said here. Also it sounds like Left Brain produced this on the older OF stuff.
8. HardRockLover: A single I never heard, not wanted to. But the intro to this, it got my attention. While not the best track, this reminds me a lot of FunknRoll when it picks up. There are also parts that remind me of When Doves Cry in his delivery.
9. Mr. Nelson: This technically could be a left over from AOA. This features Lianna La Havas. From the beginning of this track is sounds like a remix of Clouds. This isn't that bad of a remix if it is, and I loved that whole eastern scale. But I mean, I'd prefer this released as a stand alone single, or on a remix album.
10. 1000 X's & 0's: Recordings of this exist, with Rosie Gaines from 1992 and then with Nona Gaye (Marvin's daughter) from 1993. While neither were released, it still is a left over form the 90's. Honestly, again another song that'd be a snug fit on the last album. Almost sounds like it's a leftover.
11. June: A decent closer. But again, it really amounts to nothing special.

Overall I have to give this album a 6/10. I get the call backs to previous music, but The Resident's 2008 album Bunny Boy had the music much better integrated into it than this. And he literally samples the tracks. The Next Day also, recalling old songs and styles, is a better example of what he should have done vs remixing and sampling past material. I know its not a huge part of the album, just pisses me off. I know im dwelling on that, but I feel... Ill explain why later. In reality I'm not buying this on CD the 15th, not until it's like 5 dollars. And it'd just be to have it for my collection of Prince album's not because I like it. Did I enjoy it more than PlectrumElectrum, yes, did I enjoy it more than Art Official Age..... No, but its only short behind in terms of decimal point percentages. I guess the best part (and also worst part) is it's only 37 minutes, and as fast as it goes by I forget even hearing it. If this truley is "Phase One", I'm not looking forward to "Phase Two". To get a review done correctly I need to hear the album a few times. But to be honest, I'm only waiting to hear the CD version. To see if my copy is inferior. But then again, "Tidal is CD quality music" so here's the review.

Let's Dance - David Bowie

Album number 15, and overall number 17 (19 if you include Baal Ep and Peter and The Wolf). This is the album that directly follows Scary Monsters. That album is kind of awesome. This album is a big, huge leap from the former in terms of sound, players, and even producers and the label too. It's more of a dance album. It's also definitely more commercial, definitely less personal. I don't believe there are any real Ashes to Ashes moments. Not that nor Teenage Wildlife nor any other. This LP was also the first album since 1977's Low, to not be produced by on and off again producer Tony Visconti. It should be noted Visconti first started with David Jones on his second self titled album, and in the states titled Man of Words/Man of Music, back in 1969. Instead you have Nile Rodgers of the disco group Chic producing. He would return ten years later to produce Black Tie White Noise another more pop oriented record, for the time at least. Though it's much more artsy than this one. The other change was this was the first of 4 records, including the collaborative soundtrack to Labyrinth, on EMI America. And lastly the players, I don't recognize a single on for any album prior to this. I may be wrong here or there about it, but I'm pretty sure.

1. Modern Love: One of my favorite songs ever, this has such an infectious beat. This song makes me want to get up, sway my arms like an idiot, and not give two shits. This is such a feel good song, I wish the rest of the album was like this. Everything about this song is done right, from the performance to the vocals to the infectioustisoty to the instrument choice. It's something that holds up after 60 or so odd listens and multiple months of not hearing it. I have to fight my self to not sing along. I love the little piano and the sax solos and the just 80's this is. This is done right and much like other 80's tracks done right, that include sax, being Rio and Just The Two of Us I feel this isn't going anywhere. Honestly I can't find anything wrong with this track, other then why is it so good and everything else here pales in comparison.
2. China Girl: This is a cover of a song that was co-written with Iggy Pop and features on his 1977 album, The Idiot. My favorite thing about this track is that I watched a documentary. In the documentary Niles was the one who said he came up with the riff and said something like "you can't have a song called china girl and not have it convey something about chin". Something along the lines of that. So  Bowie was only racist in the slanting if his eyes for the music video, not for the arrangement. :') But seriously, I dig this track. And yes its another case if the originals better, this is an interesting arrangement and execution but not on par with the first. The singing here isn't really that anything, the best part is probably the bass, especially on the part "I walk into to town, just like a sacred cow". I love Carmine Rojas' playing, on the track at least. But in reality, even by way of soloing this is underwhelming. It doesn't even sounds like Stevie is playing. Hell I played a better solo on the spot while listening vs the on that made the record. The solo should be spit fire, Width Of A Circle esque. Packs a punch, this just ends like a little old lady, not powerful enough to hit anyone. It has a decent music video, just like the track before this and following. But look for the uncensored one, just because there is one. All and all Pop's version is the far far far far far far far far superior. This is the type of track the needs a General Turgidson character performing it vs a non personality driven person whom I can't quite think of at the moment. 
3. Let's Dance: The only track with a co-credit form Rodgers, this is the song where the album gets it's title. When I first started listening to Bowie I liked this song a lot. And I still dig this song, though 7 minutes of this can be difficult. I mean I can't really complain, there isn't anything wrong with this track. It goes at a good pace, it have interesting sound choices, a killer solo from SRV and even great vocals. Vocals that quite frankly, in a different song, could bring a chill down your spine. Maybe it's too many listens, maybe it's that it's 7 minutes, maybe it's I want another Modern Love but this isn't the best song here. 
4. Without You: "I can't live, I can't give anymore." Sadly it's not a cover of the classic track if the same name I just quoted. No instead this is a Bowie original. And hey another Stevie Ray guitar performance. Honestly I really can't say much about this track. I just started and ended. And even when I listen I still don't have anything to say
5. Ricochet: Question; if this track is "on the ricochet", will in then indeed "going to hit" me. Another original, but a terrible horrid arrangement. I mean hearing this and how off it is I'm not shocked Bowie has a track like this. Hell The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and any other hugely talented artists will have (regardless of if they stole a song, or about a back catalogs worth of songs) some tracks that just don't work. Some that sound off. That's what's called an demo, or an outtake or a track you don't use for an album. What I can't understand is how the fuck did this make it to the album. Upon re-visitation thought, closing my eyes and envisioning what's really wrong.... I got it. This is in it's simplest form a reggae number. Now this band, because most of it would go on to play on Tonight, would do a solid easy pretty reggae with the title track from that album... but here it just doesn't work. Not only does it not work, it could have worked if they took the time to rearrange it. Slow down the refrain, practice it more those two thing could have made it work. But the fact that they didn't do that proves, and clearly shows they either didn't care about the track or didn't track the time. David on the worst tracks here shows no emotion, but at least the backing track is either pretty great (Cat People) or good enough (Shake It). But on this track.... not it just doesn't.  And it could have..... UGH. And that's cutting the whole radio telecaster thingy some slack. It kinda just sounds like they just cluttered a bunch of Oingo Boingo tracks together.
6. Criminal World: This is a cover of the 1977 Metro track, off their self titled album. The original is actually a pretty solid track. I like it, but this cover.......... Well at least Stevie Ray plays the solo again. The original has feeling that builds up from the beginning. While I don't believe it has the full impact it could, it doesn't take away from it. It's still like a solid 7 or 8. Also that solo, and ending in the original awesome. Then you get this. Yes it is very faithful to the original, and is even faithful to the previous tracks and style of this album but I don't know. I feel like this could possibly be better and more exciting then the original. Thought the solo is lesser here than on the original.
7. Cat People: This is a noble effort, sorta. This is a re-recording of the track from the Cat People soundtrack. You know the song that he wrote the lyrics to and Giorgio did the music too. Bowie wanted to use it but he couldn't get the rights to the far far far superior version so they reworked and rerecorded it for this album. The original is very bare bones, synths and vocals and then the instruments come in. But it maintains a primal-istic feeling, like a primal urge. The first thing you hear on this is a guitar, and if I don't expect this to play I usually laugh. The instrumentation and Niles again has an interesting interpretation for the instruments but here the biggest flaw his Bowie himself. He isn't even trying. Where on the original I envy him and his vocal chops, here I feel nothing. And the backing vocals accompanying him for the "Putting out fire". I give them props for the rearranging the track and making it kind of an ambitious rerecording, the solo even sounds pretty solid. And what a tone, but Bowie literally sinks it when he's present. Hell this solo would have made China Girl a better song.
8. Shake It: " off" (?). Actually that's good advice. This is the last track, shake off the negativity and biases your forming towards the album. Allow yourself to view this, hopefully worthy of letting go of the past encounters that led to me beginning to accept the stereotypes of this album as fact, as a new experience and truly end on a high note. Does David do that? Will this be another blunder like previous tracks? Will I ever get to the point? Do I really care if i use proper English and grammar? Have I been watching too much Danger Mouse lately? The quick answer no to all but two. Also you can never have too much DM. But I will give them credit for reminding me of two artists that were putting out much better material during this period Duran Duran and Prince. And the backing vocals that don't really sound that great reminds me of The Mothers back in the 60s, those gave the song personality, theses...... don't.

Overall I have to give this a 6.5/10. Bowie has personality, just not here... minus the first track. He was probably too busy almost marrying Janet Majors to make a records, and also staring in a movie with Farley Flavors and Janet as a vampire. But then again.... I don't blame him. I'd rather do that, especially back in the day, then make a stupid album. All and all this isn't his worst. Trust me its not even close.... Well I mean if we were in 1983 and you were able to look 4 years in the future that's the worst thing he's ever done. But regardless I still have enough here go revisit this and even revisit the "not very good" tracks. So yeah. Also the whole, two Giorgio kinda reviews in a row was unintentional. Also a plus here is that it's only 35 minutes long. Also I don't know how to feel about Sammy Figueroa playing on this... he also played percussion on a favorite Mingus track of mine Three Worlds of Drums off his 1979 Me Myself and Eye.

Louder - Lea Michele

This is the debut solo album by Lea Michele. Now I know that I may not seem like a pop person, but I do like some Gaga and Katy Perry. Not enough to say I'm a fan, but I do like some of their stuff. I also enjoy listening to some T Swift sometimes also. After being excited to do this review, it hit me.... she's a member of Glee. So, I swallowed my pride and did this review to the best that I could. You know, without being an asshole. I tried to be as serious and open minded as I could be. So yeah..... But one thing I wanted to say was I tagged producers who produced things that I plan on reviewing in the future.

1. Cannonball: There is a 90's type of feeling that I'm getting from this reverb that is present. This song isn't bad, but it isn't that great. I don't think I'll probably revisiting this track. It's pop, and I could see people liking this who enjoy pop. But you know, not me.
2. On My Way: Like I mentioned earlier, I damned myself and I have to do this review. This is the type of song I would listen to in a movie, and listen to but not the whole album at once. It doesn't matter how cute the girl is, she ain't worth it. I feel like this is her atempt at a Wrecking Ball.
3. Burn With You: Well, I did this and the prior track in the same day. What I learned is that I can't do that. Also this track is deeper than Going To Hell........ hahahahahaah.
4. Battlefield: Love Is A Battlefield right? I be that's gonna be the theme of the song. This is just ok, and you know, kind of like the other songs.
5. You're Mine: This supposedly contains a sample of You Only Live Twice, since that's one of my favorite songs ever it better be good. And to be completely honest, this doesn't sounds that much different from the other tracks. The sample is kind of cool, but it doesn't really live up to what it should. You're using a song by the great Nancy, and the song isn't anything special.
6. Thousand Needles: This track kind of slipped through that cracks, and I didn't retain anything from it.
7. Louder: I'm not huge on the auto tune in this track. If it's not autotune then the effects on her voice. And honestly, I could see the radio appeal, but not for me.
8. Cue The Rain: This is an ok song, but it isn't that different from any other track. If anything it's inline with Foster The People/Mylo Xyloto vocal harmonies.
9. Don't Let Go: At this point I've run out of positive things to say.
10. Empty Hands: ......................
11. If You Say So: This is kind of a thought less pop album that isn't in anyway deep.

Overall I have to give this album a 4/10. She is a good singer, I'll give her that. But on top of that, there isn't much more I can say that is positive other then it's also her first album. So there, I was open minded and honest. She is hot though, so that's a plus. Trust me, the next review will be a 10 (Hopefully). I not only know the album, but I love the hell out of it and am almost done with the review. I'll add the producers If they are on other albums I review in the future. One thing I do plan on doing is making this review today, then another tomorrow and then I plan on one weekend doing a bunch and then posting them over the course of a month.