Thursday, March 20, 2014

3/20 Chart Highlights: Soko's viral hit debuts in Top 10; Frozen soundtrack reaches 1 million sales in 2014

Soko
French actress and singer Soko garnered high attention from her viral video "First Kiss," in which strangers are asked to kiss and features her track "We Might Be Dead by Tomorrow," leading the song to debut at #9 on the Hot 100. Soko's hit also ranks in at #1 on Streaming Songs, attributing to her earning the first top 10 debut of the year. The first 6 Hot 100 spots remain stale with no movement, while OneRepublic's "Counting Stars" and Beyoncé's "Drunk in Love" switch positions. Aloe Blacc's "The Man" also enters the top 10.

HOT 100 top 10
1. Pharrell Williams                                     "Happy"
2. Katy Perry featuring Juicy J               "Dark Horse"
3. John Legend                                               "All of Me"
4. Jason Derulo featuring 2 Chainz        "Talk Dirty"
5. Bastille                                                          "Pompeii"
6. Lorde                                                             "Team"
7. OneRepublic                                               "Counting Stars"
8. Beyoncé featuring Jay-Z                        "Drunk in Love"
9. Soko                                                                "We Might Be Dead by Tomorrow"
10. Aloe Blacc                                                  "The Man"

The soundtrack to Disney's Frozen claimed the top spot on album sales for a sixth nonconsecutive week, as it becomes the first album to shift more than a million units in 2014. Half of the other top 10 albums were debuts: Luke Bryan's Spring Break 6 ...Like We Ain't Ever EP (#2), Aloe Blacc's Lift Your Spirits (#4), 311's Stereolithic (#6), Young Money's Rise of an Empire (#7), and Sara Evans' Slow Me Down (#9).

BILLBOARD 200 top 10
1. Soundtrack                          Frozen
2. Luke Bryan                          Spring Break 6 ...Like We Ain't                                                                  Ever EP
3. Rick Ross                              Mastermind
4. Aloe Blacc                            Lift Your Spirits
5. Pharrell Williams              G I R L
6. 311                                          Stereolithic
7. Young Money                    Rise of an Empire
8. Lorde                                     Pure Heroine
9. Sara Evans                           Slow Me Down
10. Eric Church                      The Outsiders


Monday, March 17, 2014

Kylie's vid goes "Into the Blue" but safely

Kylie Minogue released her music video for lead single "Into the Blue" a month and a half ago, and now, we are merely a day away from Kiss Me Once dropping. So, if you haven't seen this video or heard this uplifting song, rev up by giving it a shot.

Generally, the vid plays it safe and comes off as a generic video, especially for a empowering song that seems to have enough meaning behind it that images of people breaking through the ordinary or stifling come to mind at first listen. However, what we are given are beautiful segments of Kylie rolling in bed and flirting with a man who later chases her down to apparently make up with her: generic.

Costuming is pretty good throughout, but a gold dress Kylie wears in a party scene is given a rich texture that nearly ages the ever-girlish pop star. Otherwise, it actually is a killer outfit. The rich gold is also touched on other set pieces.

My only other notable observation about the music video is that the man who plays her onscreen romance makes small acting choices and seems to always take Kylie's lead in their scenes together (perhaps, he is intimidated and star-struck to be featured with the enduring Ms. Minogue). The song appears to be telling more his story than hers, as he goes 'into the blue' by finally taking the risk of initiative to chase Kylie to win her back. Perhaps, it is for his subtlety that he was chosen for this part -- to make his move to chase her more significant.

In all, though, the video is sexy, and the 45-year-old Kylie is still gorgeous in the accompaniment to the anthemic song. Plenty of beautiful pictures are made to appreciate a view.


Friday, March 14, 2014

Album Review: Sharon Corr goes classy 60's for "The Same Sun"

Andrea isn't the only Corr sister to revisit past favorites for a second solo release (see her 2011 covers album Lifelines). Sharon Corr takes on a classy 60's vibe for her latest album The Same Sun, which is gradually being released in different territories since its initial premiere in September of last year. The sophomore effort was only recently made available in the U.S. The nostalgic sound of the album is a welcome and fitting move for the former The Voice of Ireland coach, known for her classy and romantic persona.

From the very first seconds, the throwback direction is unmistakably spot on and continues as a strength to the album. Sharon's airy vocals play as a perfect token to that theme, as do the poetic lyrics, as they express images of romance, beaches, new realizations, time, and life changes. Indeed, the lyrics are a highlight of the album (Sharon takes complete songwriting credit on this outing, with only Mitchell Froom lending co-writing on "Take a Minute.") As a whole, the album actually seems reminiscent of a romantic film soundtrack.

However, the album suffers with a few of the slow songs near the end of the record when the production is stripped down and moves away from the lush 60's sound, which is a real pity when the majority of the album is thoroughly delightful and re-playable. This is not to say the songs aren't good, nor could they not match the rest of the album's concept. It would just take some work back at the drawing board to get them par with the rest of the album. As they are now, it is like we are hearing an unfinished product. Even, their current production works but not for this LP's concept. If it weren't for this shortcoming, the entire set would be a complete knockout, especially since we are not hearing new music revisit this sound.

Despite its occasional sound strip, The Same Sun really takes off and is alive through its 60's throwback. The album's rich sound is a solid return for the always classy Sharon Corr.

Standout Tracks include catching lead single "Take a Minute," truthful "We Could Be Lovers," call to full-conscious living "Full Circle," and sensually playful and lightly breezy "The Runaround."

Would I recommend it? Obviously, any Corrs fan would enjoy this set to tide them over in the absence of all The Corrs. There is plenty of original Corrs vibe here. Also, fans of easy-listening may take to the album, especially if they have 60's leanings.

I give The Same Sun 3 ½ out of 5 stars.



Thursday, March 13, 2014

3/13 Chart Highlights: Oscars hop "Let It Go" into Top 10; Rick Ross, Pharrell, Lea Michelle debut big

Pharrell Williams and Idina Menzel benefit from raved performances at the Oscars on March 2, as the first full week of tallies following the Oscars feeds into this week's Hot 100 rating. Pharrell holds his top spot on the chart for a third consecutive week with "Happy," while Idina sails 17-9 with Oscar-winning song "Let It Go" from Disney's Frozen, knocking "Say Something" by A Great Big World & Christina Aguilera out of the top 10. The position marks the Broadway star's first top 10 hit on the chart. All other top 10 songs stand still with John Legend's "All of Me" and Jason Derulo's "Talk Dirty" swapping spots.

HOT 100 top 10
1. Pharrell Williams                                "Happy"
2. Katy Perry featuring Juicy J          "Dark Horse"
3. John Legend                                         "All of Me"
4. Jason Derulo featuring 2 Chainz       "Talk Dirty"
5. Bastille                                                          "Pompeii"
6. Lorde                                                            "Team"
7. Beyoncé featuring Jay-Z                       "Drunk in Love"
8. OneRepublic                                              "Counting Stars"
9. Idina Menzel                                              "Let It Go"
10. Pitbull featuring Ke$ha                      "Timber"

Five albums debuted last week in the top 10, including Rick Ross's Mastermind, the rapper's fifth album to debut atop the Billboard 200. Coming in at #2 is Pharrell Williams' second album G I R L, which was released Monday, March 3, the day after the singer-rapper's Oscar performance, prompting all other major releases to follow suit by going on sale Monday rather than the trending Tuesday release. Glee-star Lea Michelle debuted her first solo album Louder at #4, while Eli Young Band debuted their fifth album 10,000 Towns at #5, a record-high chart and sales week for the country group. Lorde finds her way back into the top 10, ascending 11-7, while Ashanti rounds out at #10 with her new album Braveheart, which also features #1 position-taker Rick Ross.

BILLBOARD 200 top 10
1. Rick Ross                                  Mastermind
2. Pharrell Williams                  G I R L
3. Soundtrack                              Frozen
4. Lea Michelle                            Louder
5. Eli Young Band                       10,000 Towns
6. Beck                                            Morning Phase
7. Lorde                                         Pure Heroine
8. ScHoolboy Q                           Oxymoron
9. Eric Church                              The Outsiders
10. Ashanti                                   Braveheart


Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Album Review: Pharrell William's "G I R L"

Pharrell Williams' recent string of hits continues with the release of his first album in eight years, G I R L. The full-length effort has already debuted at #1 in the U.K. and is expected to chart well stateside. The studio release comes at a hot time in Pharrell's career, following an incredibly successful year of collaborations with Robin Thicke and Daft Punk and his work on the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack. An album seems a logical thing to do in this productive flow of creativity -- and it is sure to be a profitable choice.

The name GIRL comes from many meanings. He loves his women (or woman, I should say). How do you know? He tells you -- plenty of times in this record. The entire album is a praise of the female but not in the objectifying way of most male artists with a hip hop background. He respects women. He's sensitive, and in a way, that brings the girl out of him to even consult, "Dear diary," as in track "Marilyn Monroe," and to "go inward to experience the outer space," like in "Lost Queen" hidden track "Freq."

Still, Pharrell likes his sex, admitting, "Half of me is good, the other half nasty," ("Lost Queen") and, boy -- er, girl -- does he get nasty in "Come Get It Bae" and especially in "Gush," which beginning recalled parts of Dannii Minogue's "Push" for me in the oozing of the word. And through it all, he tries to maintain respect and treat her well, citing, "I could be the guy to treat you/ to a nice movie, feed you/ But I don't wanna mislead you/ Tonight I think I wanna be dirty, girl/ ...My momma didn't raise me that way."

Pharrell wrote and produced all tracks on this record, save "Marilyn Monroe," which credits Ann-Marie Calhoun as a co-writer. However, much of the funk sound appears similar to works by Justin Timberlake, but why shouldn't it when Pharrell co-wrote and -produced several tracks on Justin's first album? Justin even is featured in "Brand New." Alicia Keys comes in on "Know Who You Are," while Kelly Osbourne, Timbaland, Miley Cyrus, Daft Punk, and JoJo are also featured in backgrounds through the album. Pharrell completely takes a break from rapping on this effort and even sings high enough to casually use his falsetto through much of the album, recalling another reference to the album's title.

As a whole, every song stays positive and pro-female. I wonder if he wrote some of these songs for female artists but changed them slightly to match himself. The album is united in its charming expression of Pharrell, but the catching, standout cuts are few.

Standout Tracks include opening, romance-confessional "Marilyn Monroe," breezy Timberlake-duet "Brand New," and feel-good song of the year "Happy."

Would I recommend it? What I really like about this album is that every song is expressed positively. There are no drowned-world, self-pity, or break-up cuts. At the same time, it feels substance-less. The pop moments are the highlights of this album, but if you get off on neo soul and funk in your R&B, you probably will really take to this album as a complete set.

I give G I R L 3 out of 5 stars.

Monday, March 10, 2014

Katy Perry's "Dark Horse" in Crunk Egypt

Released halfway through the single's run at #1 last month, the video for Katy Perry's "Dark Horse" has been met with controversy and praise -- more deserved praise than controversy, in my opinion, though controversy hardly hurts pop success.

The video sees Katy taking on the Cleopatra-inspired alter-ego Katy Pätra in ancient Memphis, Egypt, with modern influence from Memphis, Tennessee, a hail to featured rapper Juicy J's hometown. Katy welcomes suitors into her court but takes their gifts after disintegrating all of them.

The design of the video is ingenious, as well as accurate and well-researched in Egyptian and Cleopatra themes, according to scholars. The controversy rested on one suitor (who turns to dust at 1:15 in the vid) wearing a pendant with the Arabic word for "Allah." Some marked the fact that Katy destroys him as a sign of the pop star's opposition to God. A petition circled to have the video removed, leading to the pendant being digitally removed from the video.

Personally, I felt like the pendant was a brilliant move in the video's theme. It is common for gangsters to wear religious symbols around their neck, such as a cross, and to take it to an Egyptian theme, it makes sense for them to take on an Arabic symbol of Muslim deity. However, because art is interpretive (and some choose to interpret negatively; or perhaps, they miss the big picture), I feel the creators of the video handled the backlash well.

In any regard, the design is worth a look! It is sure to be an interest come music awards season -- or, at least, deserves to be.

       

Friday, March 7, 2014

'Tales of Us' by Goldfrapp review

Goldfrapp is known for their eclectic mix of genres, and though their most recent release Tales of Us takes on a more ambient feel similar to previous albums Felt Mountain and Seventh Tree, the record continues the never-ending mutation of the duo. In fact, it is their most gorgeous outing yet!

Tales of Us proves its name as every track illustrates a tale between the singer and the one-word name given as the song's title. Each song is lyrically poetic in their descriptions of the setting and emotions in the moment of each tale. While the lyrics steer from pop conformity, they are still grabbing with each verse being so vivid with detail you are nearly taken there, immersed in the moments of the scene.  The only piece without a common name is the track "Stranger," which expresses encountering a captivating stranger you may never see again.

The album relies heavily on soft guitar and piano and full orchestral sets with no need for apology. It is the perfect backing for Alison's breathy, near-haunting vocals and melodies that can only be described as beautiful. My only complaint in Alison's performance is that her fluid enunciation makes it sometimes difficult to understand what she is singing.

As a whole, Tales of Us is an undeniably gorgeous album with beautiful, calming melodies and immersing stories that will remain timeless in the Goldfrapp library.

Standout Tracks include lead single, sensory descriptive "Drew" with its breathtakingly beautiful guitar riff, pulsating "Thea," enlivening heartbreak "Clay," and "Annabel," in its expression of the fluid gender identity of a child.

Would I recommend it? I honestly have a hard time comparing it to anything. I don't know that I've heard much like it. It has folk leanings but is too rich and full to be compared to other folk outings. I would say that it throws together elements of orchestra, new age, electronica, alternative, indie, traditional, and lyrical. If you have had any inklings toward those feels, I would say that it is worth a listen.

I give Tales of Us ½ out of 5 stars.

         
WARNING: This video contains male and female nudity (no frontal). However, I must say, the first time
I saw it I could not understand what she was saying, but I completely understood the point of the story
BECAUSE of the nudity. If you don't want to see the vid, at least listen to the song. It is all Gorgeous!

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Pharrell's 24 Hours of "Happy" Video

Pharrell William's "Happy" is spending its second week at #1, but have you seen its 24 hour music video? The online project claims to be the first long-form music video of its kind and consists of 4-minute uncut video segments of people dancing and jamming to the song. What time of day you log on determines what segment you'll get, though it allows you to select the time of day you wish to see or to jump to the next or previous portions. The website was added with the release of the single on November 21, 2013.

Several of those featured are obviously dancers, but a wide selection of people were chosen, including children and the minions from Despicable Me 2, which soundtrack featured the song. We follow these individuals through different parts of Los Angeles, such as sidewalks, a school bus, a church, a grocery store, Union Station, etc. Segments are divided by hidden cuts and are candid, with honest reactions from bystanders who sometimes decide to join in the fun.

A few celebrities are sighted in the video, including Whit Hertford (1:04 a.m.), Kelly Osbourne (1:28 a.m.), Magic Johnson (5:36 a.m.), Urijah Faber (8:36 a.m.), Sérgio Mendes (10:32 a.m.), Jimmy Kimmel (11:48 a.m.), Odd Future (1:48 p.m.), Steve Carell (5:08 p.m.), Jamie Foxx (5:28 p.m.), Ana Ortiz (5:32 p.m.), Miranda Cosgrove (5:40 p.m.), and Tyler, The Creator, and JoJo (6:16 p.m.). Pharrell appears every hour, on the hour.

The decision to make a 24 hour video for this song, in particular, is genius! It is my opinion that a good music video (or remix) adds to or reinterprets the meaning of the song, and this vid does just that. I thought the idea of a 24 hour video was cool, but it wasn't until I saw the segments of grocery shopping -- people doing what people need to do -- that I understood the intention behind it that no matter what time of day it is, no matter what you have to do in life, you can be happy -- you can choose to be happy and make life happy. Don't let things bring you down. Isn't happiness the point of life and everything we do? If not, then why are we striving for anything? Living mundane, or below par, will not save us. "Happiness is the truth," and we shouldn't let barriers get in our way of obtaining that. In all, the joyful video succeeds to bring out the "Happy."

The lengthy vid was edited down to create the official video, of course. The Oscar-nominated "Happy" acts as lead single to Pharrell's new album G I R L, released Monday, March 3.


See what's going on at your time of day and get some "Happy" at 24hoursofhappy.com.

3/6 Chart Highlights: Pharrell remains "Happy" on Hot 100; ScHoolboy Q debuts album on top

Pharrell Williams' "Happy" remains atop the Hot 100 this week and moves into the #1 slot on Radio Songs. "Happy" took over the Hot 100 top spot last week from Katy Perry's "Dark Horse," which had ascended to #1 for four weeks following the release of its music video. Jason Derulo's "Talk Dirty" and John Legend's "All of Me" also hold their places in the top 4, respectively. The piano ballad "All of Me" marks Legend's first notch in the top 10. The other top 10 songs shuffle their positions, allowing no new entries.

HOT 100 top 10
1. Pharrell Williams                                           "Happy"
2. Katy Perry featuring Juicy J                     "Dark Horse"
3. Jason Derulo featuring 2 Chainz              "Talk Dirty"
4. John Legend                                                     "All of Me"
5. Bastille                                                                 "Pompeii"
6. Lorde                                                                   "Team"
7. Beyoncé featuring Jay-Z                              "Drunk on Love"
8. OneRepublic                                                      "Counting Stars"
9. A Great Big World & Christina Aguilera  "Say Something"
10. Pitbull featuring Ke$ha                               "Timber"

ScHoolboy Q debuts his first major-label release Oxymoron at #1 on the Billboard 200, knocking the Frozen soundtrack out of the top spot. Frozen is now a double-Oscar winner, taking home the awards for Best Animated Feature and Original Song for "Let It Go" on Sunday. This is the soundtrack's ninth straight week in the top 2 positions. Slots 3 through 6 and 8 are held by debuts, including Kid Cudi's Satellite Flight, which was only available as a full-album release until March 3. Long-runners to fall out of the top 10 include Lorde's Pure Heroine, Katy Perry's PRISM, and Bruno Mars' Unorthodox Jukebox.

BILLBOARD 200 top 10
1. ScHoolboy Q             Oxymoron
2. Soundtrack               Frozen
3. Beck                             Morning Phase
4. Kid Cudi                     Satellite Flight: The Journey to Mother                                                 Moon
5. Romeo Santos         Formula Vol. 2
6. Dierks Bentley        Riser
7. Eric Church             The Outsiders
8. The Fray                   Helios
9. Various Artists      Now 49
10. Beyoncé                 Beyoncé