Music Reviewer for the day
Lately, I've been discovering a bunch of artists I've previously been completely ignorant about and I've noticed that my musical tastes are changing significantly. That's not to say that I still don't have a lot of guilty pleasures... (Britney Spears - Blackout was seriously a GOOD pop album and I'm definitely going to get Janet's comeback album) but for my everyday listening, I generally prefer my music to have a little more substance and less computer-generated filler or random Timbaland sound bites.
Here are a few of my newly discovered favorite artists. I'm sure other people with better musical tastes than I have been aware of these artists for much longer and already have their own opinions but there's a chance I could be introducing someone to a new favorite and that's awesome.
I've only found this song a few hours ago and have already listened to it ten times. I seriously LOVE her. Duffy is a Welsh singer/songwriter whose debut album, Rockferry will be released next month. There are obvious comparisons between her and Amy Winehouse's Back to Black album which of course is resulting in many mixed opinions. Hardcore Amy fans are quick to dismiss Duffy as a shameless copy-cat while others are labeling Duffy as the more talented artist - one less likely to be more famous for her mistakes than her music. Whatever. I can like them both and not be concerned with all of that bull. I've heard several songs from her new album and am quite impressed by them all. I'm personally loving Duffy's 60s-inspired blues sound and I'm charmed by her retro-feeling video. Plus, she's hot.
Adele is a new English artist also compared to Winehouse, but also Etta James and Ella Fitzgerald. Her debut album, 19, (named because of her age during recording) was released last month and according to the clerk at HMV where I first heard one of her songs, is selling like crazy. Despite her youth, her vocals are incredibly mature and poignant. Hometown Glory is easily one of my favorites from her album due to the simplicity and emotion. The piano is perfect.
The first single from the album is Chasing Pavements is posted below and I listen to it frequently. I love the video. I'm in love with two other songs from the album too, both with a much more up-tempo feel that definitely make me want to dance. Cold Shoulder, which I can't find a audio link for, and Right as Rain which I can only find a live (and of questionable quality) video for - HERE I wish I could have found the album version of this song to post because it's great.
The first single off Adele's debut album, 19.
*ahem* Now, with discussing this album I'm sure for some I'll lose any credibility I may still retain after admitting to liking Britney's latest, but hear me out. Kate is apparently a cast member of One Tree Hill this season. I have never seen the show so won't offer an opinion on it but needless to say, many people will completely dismiss her album for that fact alone. Dumb. It's good. The album isn't the same genre as the two artists above and would probably be classified as POP or more accurately Indie-Rock. The song No Good is definitely one of her more mainstream tracks. I was instantly reminded of artists such as Stacie Orrico, Michelle Branch, and even Stevie Nicks and Sheryl Crow when listening. This is one of those albums that would likely get snubbed by many music snobs because of Kate's age and song topics. It's hard to admit that there is some substance in it all, though. At the very least, the album provides some great gym tracks to bob your head along to. Certain songs, like Kindly Unspoken also hint at a bluesier side and showcase some impressive piano skills. You can listen to practically her entire album on YouTube if you're interested.
So recommend me some new artists. :)
Comments
And I don't know re: Kate Voegel -- One Tree Hill might be a really awful TV show, but I must say, it has always had really great music. So I wouldn't be surprised if her stint helps her out.
As far as your music post, I too like Rob Thomas... though I my knowledge of his music is extremely limited. I think I like more of his solo stuff than I do his Matchbox 20 stuff from what I've heard.
yeah good stuff! there was a piece on PRI podcast the other day about this new generation of british women singer-songwriters. the guy mentioned adele and a few others (two amys that were not amy winehouse though i'm forgetting both). his assessment, though, is that amy winehouse is still the "top dog" if she can get her life turned around (though he ends with this kind of snotty implication that if she does, her "art" possibly won't be as good).
good tunes there. i do like adele....:)
I loathe Girls Aloud and I'm not even sure why considering I like the Spice Girls so muchl