[Review] Florence + The Machine make Sweet Music On Great Gatsby Soundtrack

Wow, Florence Welch really lets her inner banshee loose on her Great Gatsby contribution, Over The Love. Okay, well strictly speaking the song is by Florence + The Machine, but still, it's that piercing voice that really steals the first half of this show. From the quiet and broody midrange that opens the song, to the effortless highs that punctuates the chorus, this is Ms.Welch doing what she does best: giving us drama and theatre, all with that stunning instrument of hers.

The "Machine" does get more vocal as the song progresses; building to a chaotic and breathtaking crescendo at the climax, as it joins its front woman up in the musical stratosphere. But it's a fleeting union, because as quickly as the two take up their embrace they drift apart, leaving us with only a choir of Florences to ease the comedown.

[Review] Ariana Grande "The Way"

It's finally appeared, people! Ariana Grande’s rumoured material has surfaced and has fans both squealing with excitement and frowning in concern.

The Way is a piano-led pop Rnb record that carries some inspiration from the 90’s- something helped, in a big way, by the use of its sample, Not a Player by Big Pun. The Lyrics are more catchy than well written but what more can be expected of a children’s sitcom star?

Ariana’s vocals are both very light and airy but also full and resonant, with some instances of whistle register at the songs climax. However, the vocals are also what some may label "bothersome" because although the singer has shown us, in live performances, a glimpse of the character her own voice possesses, this record doesn't build on that, instead being extremely “Mariah Carey-esque” in its delivery.

This could be seen as both good and bad for the young singer. Ultimately it shows Ariana is a very capable vocalist, I mean you'd have to be to emulate Mariah. But, there's also a danger of being branded a "cheap knock-off" if she fails to establish her own sound and keeps trying to mimic other singers.

Even so, The Way is a great first attempt and should do its job of building recognition for the budding popstar as it's undeniably a catchy song! It just needs more Ariana in it and less "Song Bird Supreme" (AKA Mariah).

Rating: C+

Thanks to Brian [better known as "Flylikeabrian" on this site] for penning the review!

[Review] Mariah Carey "Almost Home"

NEW MARIAH CAREY!!! ARGGHH, ALMOST HOME IS HERE!! (That's an exclamation of excitement, not pain. Just saying!)

Taken from the soundtrack to the film Oz the Great and Powerful, the Stargate produced track maintains Disney's vanilla sound, but sorta contemporises it with the use of synths and urban drum patterns. The effect is that Almost Home sounds like Mariah vocally, but doesn't quite ring true, musically. Perhaps something not so surprising considering the different requirements and pressures recording for a motion picture must bring.

[Watch] Rihanna Sings "Stay" and Performs In Bob Marley Tribute @ 2013 Grammy Awards

Rihanna already showed that she could tackle new single Stay solo when she took it to SNL last year [Here]. But yesterday's Grammys saw the beauty shine some light on the album's duetting partner, Mikky Ekko, by bringing him along to perform at the industry's biggest award ceremony.

It was a somewhat muted showing- when compared to others on the night-  with basic staging and simple lighting, but it was pitched perfectly, and sung beautifully. It was definitely an improvement on last year's
We Found Love/Princess Of China medley [Here], anyway!.

[Single Review] Rebecca Ferguson "Shoulder To Shoulder"

It's fifth time lucky for me, as ex-X-Factor contestant Rebecca Ferguson finally gets around to releasing Shoulder To Shoulder from her debut, Heaven; and right before she puts the album out to pasture to get to work on her sophomore effort.

From the first spin of the critically acclaimed Heaven, Shoulder To Shoulder is the song that stood out as the strongest cut.With its bittersweet and troubled tale of love, its emotional vocal and its beautiful but understated production, the ballad not only shines a spotlight on Rebecca Ferguson's skill as an astute vocalist, but also her duel strength as a canny songwriter.

[Review] Tamar Braxton "Love And War"

Most people will be more familiar with her famous sister Toni, but younger sibling Tamar Braxton is readying herself for solo stardom with the release of new song, Love and War.

Tamar is no stranger to the music world: having enjoyed moderate success as part of The Braxtons, and then less so as a solo star with first album Tamar. But that was over a decade ago and Father time's ceaseless march seems to have finally put some fire under the 35-year-old and got her back into the recording studio. Well that and her colossal ego that is convinced she should be as big a star as Lady Gaga!

[New Music Video] Girls Aloud "Beautiful ‘Cause You Love Me"

Girls Aloud came back cocky, full of swag and under a feminist banner with there first single in 3 years Something New. Admittedly, I didn't like the song, but I couldn't knock the empowering message behind it.

The group's new song, Beautiful ‘Cause You Love Me, is also about empowerment. However, they seem to have forgotten about what they were saying five minutes ago, and have run back to their men- trampling over their feminist banners in the process- for their sense self-worth and security. What happened to "Go girls, go go go, We girls gonna take control, You boys better know know know"? (wow those Something New lyrics look even more hideous written down!)

[Review] Cher Returns To Music With "Woman's World"

With the music scene being so focused on dance music at the moment, it was only a matter of time before we saw the re-emergence of the Grand Dame Of Divas herself, Cher!! Having reinvented herself as the Queen of the scene in the 90's with her massive hit Believe, Cher's decided now is the right time to reclaim the dance floor, unleashing her new single Woman's World.

[Album Review] Christina Aguilera "Lotus"

Christina Aguilera returns to the world of music with her seventh studio album, Lotus. After the commercial failure of last album Bionic it was always going to be a more "mainstream" sounding album that followed, for no artist can sustain multiple flops, no matter how big they are. However, even I was taken aback at how unimaginative and derivative the club inspired songs of Lotus turned out to be. Thankfully the few ballads on the album at least keep Christina's knack for inspired slow numbers intact.

[Watch] Christina Aguilera And Cee Lo Green Perform "Make The World Move" @ The Voice

I love how the judges on The Voice get up on that same stage as the contestants and show- via 100% live vocals- why they have the right to be judging other people's talent. With new album Lotus to promote, Christina Aguilera was the latest of the line-up to put her money where her mouth is and perform on the main stage.

[Review] Chris Mann Featuring Christina Aguilera "The Blower's Daughter"

Fourth runner-up (loser?) of series 2 of The Voice (USA), Chris Mann, has once again teamed up with his mentor from the show, Christina Aguilera. Having already delivered a beautiful cover of The Prayer, the duo have now taken on Damien Rice's heavenly ballad The Blower's Daughter. But does it live up to the standard set by their last duet?

[Review] Kelly Clarkson "Catch My Breath"

Kelly Clarkson is giving me 80's goodness with her new single Catch My Breath. This is just what I needed from Ms Clarskson. After a string of high-octane, Pop-Rock tracks (Stronger, Darkside, Mr Know It All) I needed something a little more varied from the American Idol Winner to stop me getting Clarkson fatigue.

No need to worry though, it's not a total change of style for the singer. The voice is still a clear and present danger,  and the lyrics are far from generic: being a reflective take on her own musical journey so far. The singer-Songwriter explained the meaning of Catch My Breath on its release;

[Single Review] Girls Aloud Fail (Hard) With Comeback Single "Something New"

Oh fabulous Girls Aloud, what have you done!?

You were once at the forefront of pop music, churning out brilliantly catchy tunes that not only won you a legion of loyal fans, but done the seemingly impossible for a manufactured band and had the critics eating out of your manicured hands too. Then you went on "hiatus" and I cried!

Listening to your new single, Something New, makes me wonder if perhaps you should have stayed split.

[Album Review] Leona Lewis "Glassheart"

X-Factor winner Leona Lewis' third album, Glassheart, has been a long time coming. Originally scheduled for a 2011 release, already two years after her second album Echo, it was pushed back when its lead single Collide received a less than stellar reception from fans and music buyers alike.

To tide us over while Glassheart was being retooled there was the (pretty great) Hurt EP. But seeing as it consisted entirely of cover songs, it only added fuel to the "we want new music" fire.

Still, this week sees its release and I have my copy! But the question is: was Glassheart worth the wait? Well, if you love ballads, then yes. If you wanted something a little different from the Bleeding Love songstress, then not so much.

Below is my track by track review of the album.

[Video Review] Florence Welch And Calvin Harris "Sweet Nothing"

I really wasn't sure about the Calvin Harris and Florence Welch collaboration, Sweet Nothing. Being a fan of both Brits I was expecting to have fallen madly in love with it on first listen, and this not happening left me confused, ashamed and shaking uncontrollably.

However, time, and repeated exposure to the song, have somewhat warmed me to it. I was only hoping the Vincent Haycock directed video would turn up the heat on our thawing relationship. But that didn't happen.

[Review] Charlotte Church: "ONE" EP

As far as I can work out, Charlotte Church has decided to make music her own way. Those that follow these things will know that she has recently been quietly touring small venues across the country and as far as I can work out surprising many people with her latest change in direction. According to her fan newsletter she is planning to release 5 EPs over the coming year and the first one (titled 'O N E') came out this week via iTunes. I have no idea whether she will be releasing a hard copy too. Here's what I thought:

[Review] RIP Mariah Carey's Voice: "Triumphant (Get Em)" Live at NFL KICKOFF

Mariah Carey gave her first EVER live performance of new single Triumphant (Get Em) at the opening of the NFL Kickoff and delivered anything BUT the performance that was needed to revive the song's efforts on the charts.

Anyone who likes Mariah Carey for her whistle register will love this, and consider this performance a success; but anyone who loves Mariah for her strong belting, her (usually) uncanny pitch control, her gorgeous tone, and her overall Godliness when it comes to "the voice" will be EXTREMELY disappointed.

[Review] Charlotte Church: "How Not To Be Surprised When You're a Ghost"

Former childhood classical star Charlotte Church is back on the musical scene and seems to have gone all Alternative/indie on us. Taken from her September due EP One, the song How Not To Be Surprised When You're a Ghost finds the Welsh singer taking a confident stride in this new musical direction.

Admittedly, I wouldn't have recognised How Not To Be Surprised When You're a Ghost as Charlotte Church if I hadn't been watching the (slightly creepy) video while listening. It's just so different from anything I've ever heard from her. Luckily, it's "different" in a great way.

[Review] Leona Lewis : "Trouble"

Leona Lewis has released a new song from her upcoming third LP, Glassheart. And people, you can all relax, because the dance direction last single Collide was showcasing is nowhere to be found. Instead, new song Trouble is a dramatic, and building mid-tempo song that puts Leona Lewis firmly back in safer (musical) territory, though with an edgier attitude courtesy of the lyrics.

Fellow British Diva Emeli Sande was responsible for penning Trouble, and her influence can be heard strongly throughout the song. Not just lyrically, but musically: with the composition and structuring of the song seeming to mirror Sande's own breakthrough hit Heaven quite heavily. It's a choice that really only fails on Trouble's chorus; which contains too many distracting pauses in the vocal melody for this listeners taste.

[Video Review] Brandy: "Put It Down"

Is anybody checking for Brandy anymore? The reason I ask is because her posts seem to get the lowest views for this site; which is odd considering some (her fans) call her the "Vocal Bible". Anyway, for those still interested, the singer has released the video (finally) for single Put It Down [Review here].

I was wondering why it was taking so long for this video to drop; the single debuted at the start of May, and the video was filmed at the start of following month. However, having just watched this awkward affair, I bet the delay was due to a desperate editor/ director fervently trying  to stitch together a half decent showing from a bunch of bad takes.