Album Review: David Archuleta - Forevermore

Just days before leaving on his LDS mission, David Archuleta has released his new OPM album in the Philippines titled Forevermore. This love ballad cover album is something David Archuleta fans have been waiting for since the second he stepped off the Idol stage, and finally it's here.

The album includes David's latest single "Forevermore," as well as the songs "Nandito Ako" and "Wherever You Are" from David's Filipino mini series Nandito Ako.

David also lends his silky-smooth voice to love ballads like "I'll Never Go" and "Maybe," while other songs are more upbeat, but still just as lovey dovey, such as "Reaching Out" and "You Are My Song."

Other songs on the album relate more to his mission, in a way. In "Hold On," David sings about having a reason to hold on to a love, even while that person is gone. Perfect, huh? But the most optimistic song on the OPM would have to be "Rainbow." David literally sings about rainbows and butterflies in this cute, upbeat song. You might think it'd be a cheesy song, but I assure you, the way David sings the lyrics, Life's full of challenges, Not all the time we get what we want, But don't despair my dear, You'll take each trial and you'll make it through the storm cause you're strong, My faith in you is clear... he'll have you believing it.

This new album is everything we love about David Archuleta, and more. So while he's gone on his 2-year mission, remember to hold on, because there's a rainbow always after the rain. 

Album Review: One Direction - Up All Night

UK boy band One Direction has taken the world by storm over the last year after releasing their debut album Up All Night in the UK. Now the guys are releasing the album in North America and have already gained quite the following. After hundreds of Directioners came out to see the guys on their opening gig on Big Time Rush's Better With U tour and their first appearance on the Today Show yesterday, I think it's safe to say this album is going to be brilliantly this week.

Harry, Zayn, Niall, Louis and Liam perform catchy pop-rock songs that you will not be able to get out of your head (and in this case, that's a good thing!). Their singles "What Makes You Beautiful" and "One Thing" are some of their best and more popular songs, so let's get into the rest of the new album. "More Than This" is a sweet and longing love ballad that would without a doubt make a great third single, while "Save You Tonight" expresses their urge to save a girl from another guy. The title track "Up All Night" is a party-rock anthem that will get you dancing and ready to stay up all night and jump around! "I Want" starts off with a fun piano tune then turns into pop-rock toward the chorus, with lyrics explaining that they can't stand when girls say 'I want' and "Everything About You" is another extremely catchy song that will leave your head bopping and heart thumping as the guys sing about a dream girl.

Between pop ballads like "I Wish" and dance-pop songs like "Stole My Heart" and "Tell Me A Lie," this album has the perfect combination of love, heartbreak and party - exactly what makes up a hit boy band album! Once you listen to these songs, you'll want to keep them on repeat and listen to those sweet notes from Liam, the awesome runs from Zayn and that charming voice of Harry's will definitely leave you wanting more.

Song Review: David Archuleta - Forevermore

Before taking his 2-year hiatus from music to embark on an LDS mission later this month, David Archuleta will be releasing a new OPM album in the Philippines.

"Forevermore" is the title track of the new album, and is also David's new single. This love ballad is a Side A cover which David performs beautifully, his soothing voice soaring throughout the beautiful melody. The song is slow and sad as David sings, longing for a love that will be 'forevermore'. Definitely a tearjerker, especially with LDS mission approaching as he sings, Time and again, There are these changes that we cannot end, As sure as time keeps going on and on, My love for you will be forevermore.

David has never gone wrong performing ballads, ever since his American Idol days, and "Forevermore" is sure to be another hit. Forevermore will be available this month.

Song Review: Kris Allen - The Vision of Love

"The Vision of Love" is the much anticipated new single from Kris Allen's sophomore album, due out later this year. Co-written by Kris himself, this funky pop song is full of inspiration. When a heart breaks, And the world shakes, Kris asks, Will we stand for the vision of love? Such a great concept for a song, almost coinciding with Kris' first single "Live Like We're Dying."

Not only does this song have a catchy beat, but the lyrics are definitely influential. The lyrics, Lonely needs a friend, Ask him where he's been, You could be the Light that comes and turns his world around, and, Make-up hides her face, Cause she feels out of place, She cries, Come on someone tell this girl she's beautiful, make up the two verses and are so simple, yet so powerful.



This song is just another example of the inspiration Kris Allen's music posses. Definitely the kind of music I'm into and what the world needs more of, and this song definitely has the makings of a great single.

Album Review: Big Time Rush - Big Time Movie soundtrack

With the premiere of Big Time Movie just 4 days away, Big Time Rush has released a new 6-song soundtrack! Nickelodeon's fab four takes on the original fab four as they cover classic Beatles hits on this new album.

Kendall, James, Carlos and Logan introduced their fans to the idea last summer when they performed a cover of "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" while on tour, which is one of the featured hits. The guys also perform the Beatles' classics "A Hard Days Night" and "We Can Work it Out," giving it their own BTR touch. They as well do justice to songs like "Can't Buy Me Love" and "Revolution." But the highlight of the album for me would have to be the guys' cover of the famous "Help!" They keep the song simple and close to the original, just like the song should be.



Really, who better to cover Beatles songs than Big Time Rush? A lot like The Beatles, they're four very talented and musical guys, who can definitely pull off these covers. You can catch these songs in their new Big Time Movie, premiering on Nickelodeon on March 10.

Album Review: Run On The Sun - New Empire

Today the band Run On The Sun is releasing their debut EP New Empire. The new 5-song album features original alternative rock songs, all fun and catchy, capturing the emotion and inspiration the band strives to give off, and leaving me pleasantly surprised.

The band sticks to inspiration in the title track "New Empire," while songs like "Disappear" and "My Name" come off as longing, with love-sick lyrics and captivating beats. But I must say my favorite track would have to be "Moonlight." Less is best, they say, and the toned-down feel of just a guitar strumming against the sweet, calming lyrics in this ballad is enough to make you really feel the meaning of the song. The lyrics, Forget diamond rings, we'll fly paper planes gets me every time. The creativity and just plain cute but clever lyrics in this song leave you with both inspired and love-struck. 

One thing I love about this album is that all of the songs are relatable in different ways, and whether you're looking for inspiration, romance, upbeat rock or captivating ballads, this album has it all. The more you listen to these songs, the more you like them. And I must say, this album has a sense of maturity that I was not expecting at the first listen. Congrats Run On The Sun for a great debut EP.

Be sure to check out my latest interview with the band HERE.

Song Review: Carrie Underwood - Good Girl

Carrie Underwood warns a good girl in her new single titled "Good Girl," off of her next album.

Co-written by Underwood herself, she sings the edgy country tune with anger in her voice, with only the best intentions for the 'good girl'. Carrie exploits the inevitable scenario of the guy breaking her heart, and asks the girl, Why you gotta be so blind?, Won't you open up your eyes?, Just a matter of time til you find, He's no good, girl.

This uptempo song has a catchy beat, powerful lyrics and the voice to match. All that's left to say is, Carrie, this song is good, girl!

Album Review: Jack And White - Winter EP

Today, songwriting duo Jack And White released their second EP titled Winter. And just like their first EP, this new 5-song album definitely does not disappoint. From the intriguing and random song titles to the catchy beats to the clever and inspirational lyrics, Jack And White can do no wrong.

"Night After Night" takes you through heartbreak with that known Jack And White beat. The witty lyrics and spooky chorus about ghosts and haunting hearts make for a great opening song. "XYZ" gives you a little bit of a country feel and ends with a little bit of rock 'n roll as Brooke and Jack explain life. Then the duo takes it down a bit in the ballad "Voices," with a yearning melody and longing lyrics describing what I believe is about winter.


But my favorite song on the EP would have to be "Bright Side of the Bad News." This upbeat song has the two asking, "where would I be without you by my side?" This song is fun and can relate to anyone who has an essential person in their life that you don't know what you'd do without. You by my side, In a free fall, In a landslide, You're the first call, On the bright side of the bad news, You're the sure line of my dark blues, the two sing. Simple, yet such meaningful lyrics in this edgy yet deep song.

The EP also includes a live version of their song "Telephone Games" off of their first EP Gemini. In sum, half of the EP gives you a winter feel while the other half gives you that same, joyful Jack And White sound. The way Brooke can go from happy and positive to sad and longing in this mix of songs is incredible, and the songwriting and musical talents that Jack brings make the entire duo what they are: good by themselves, but even better together. This is another great album from Jack And White and I can't wait for the next!

Song Review: James Durbin - Love Me Bad

Why is it that American Idol's great rockers always come in 4th? Chris Daughtry, Allison Iraheta and most recently James Durbin of Season 10. Despite his elimination, James seems to be one of the most popular Idols to come out of last season, and kicked off his solo career with his first single "Love Me Bad."

Off of his debut album Memories Of A Beautiful Disaster, "Love Me Bad" has James Durbin wanting love in this rock ballad. Photos scattered across my wall, Maybe someday I’ll take them off, But I miss you, Yeah I still miss you, James sings, his longing voice adding emotion to these clever lyrics. When the song gets to the chorus, James shows off his strong, rockstar voice as he begs and repeats to "love him bad." This heartbreak rock song shows off everything you love about James and is the perfect debut single.

Song Review: Victoria Justice - You're The Reason (Acoustic)

Aside from Big Time Rush, I don't usually post about Disney Channel or Nickelodeon-spawned artists. But that was before I heard Victoria Justice's acoustic version of her song "You're The Reason." Off of the Victorious soundtrack, this acoustic version is so much better than the original over-auto-tuned, upbeat version. The song starts off with a slow, piano medley as Victoria shows how great her vocals really are, compared to her other enhanced songs. This version of the song is sweet and simple, and sounds of what Sara Bareilles would make a hit. Quite frankly, this song is just all around better as a ballad.

This song is definitely worth the listen!

Song Review: Jon McLaughlin ft. Sara Bareilles - Summer Is Over

With the upcoming release of his new album Promising Promises, Jon McLaughlin has released a new single. "Summer is Over" is a pop rock duet with pop singer Sara Bareilles, which is the perfect duo as these two have the same sound and the same yearning lyrics in their soulful songs. This new love song describes how they were free and in love throughout the summer, but now, summer is over. The clever lyrics and longing in their voices makes for a great song that is sure to be hit.

"Summer Is Over" is available on iTunes now!

Album Review: David Hernandez - I Am Who I Am

It's been four years since American Idol Season 7, and I am very excited for this new release from Top 12 contestant David Hernandez. David had a great run on American Idol, and was, in my opinion, one of the best singers that season who left too soon. But now David is back and better than ever with his debut EP I Am Who I Am. This pop/R&B EP showcases David's stunning vocals, as his voice soars through these new, original songs, seven of which David penned himself. The first half of the EP has the same longing theme and R&B feel, something David has been best at since his days on Idol. While the last half has a more fun, pop vibe to them, especially the cute "She's Come Undone."

My favorite song would have to be the title track "I Am Who I Am," where David describes why he is who he is. The honest lyrics and emotion in Henrandez's voice makes the song even more inspiring.

This EP is exactly everything I love about David, it is who he is! The only bad thing is that it's only eight songs! But not to worry, because this new EP is only a preview of David's music while he works on his full album, currently in the works, and I definitely look forward to it!

Song Review: Jason Mraz - I Won't Give Up

With his well-known wit, charm and inspiration, Jason Mraz is back with a brand new single "I Won't Give Up." The song is classic Mraz, with heartfelt lyrics and a simple melody, made to be a hit. This sweet, love-struck ballad tells the story of Mraz not giving up on a relationship. The song starts off soft and gets strong in the middle, with powerful, yet still simple lyrics. At least we did intend for us to work, We didn’t break, We didn’t burn, We had to learn how to bend without the world caving in, I had to learn what I've got, and what I’m not and who I am, Mraz sings, the emotion pouring from the strums of his guitar as the the inspiration flows. The change in pace from the soft beginning to the strong end in the song make it seem almost as if Mraz was getting up more and more courage to not give up throughout the song. This new song showcases everything you love about Jason Mraz, with it's honesty and lyrical and
                                                        melodious perfection that only Mraz can capture.

Song Review: Taylor Swift ft. The Civil Wars - Safe & Sound

For the soundtrack of the upcoming movie Hunger Games, starring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth, Taylor Swift performs "Safe & Sound," featuring Grammy nominated duo The Civil Wars. This chilling, acoustic ballad showcases what we all love about The Civil Wars, and gives us something new to love about Taylor. Being a different sound than what we've heard from her in the past, she performs this slow, folk song with fragility in her voice, yet at the same time shows strength in the lyrics. Just close your eyes, The sun is going down, You’ll be alright, No one can hurt you now, Come morning light, You and I will be safe and sound, Taylor and Joy Williams sing, keeping the song delicate yet powerful.

Hunger Games is in theaters on March 23.

Album Review: Dapo & Friends Christmas

Producer Dapo Torimiro has worked with numerous artists like David Archuleta, Stacy Barthe and Nikki Flores, to name a few. Now Dapo has gathered together all of them and more for his first Christmas release, Dapo & Friends Christmas. Putting spins on classic holiday tunes, this album features a collection of different voices with different arrangements as the artists make these Christmas songs their own. Max Schneider's more pop fusion feel on "Jingle Bells" and Stacy Barthe's soulful version of "Sleigh Ride" give the album a fun vibe, while songs like Gaby Ramirez's jazzy "Blue Christmas" and Nikki Flores' R&B "The Christmas Song" take it down a notch and bring a calmer feel to the album. Scotty Granger's R&B take on "All I Want For Christmas (Is You)" and TC's impassioned "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" ballad add another sense of calmness, as well as emotion to the album.

But the highlight of the album is, without a doubt, David Archuleta's "Little Drummer Boy." A song David kills live on his My Kind of Christmas Tour, with the rock rhythm as David gives it his all for the encore, though this version is a little different. This more R&B ballad showcases David's deeper register, with the soft drumming arrangement in the background, and isn't anything more or less than what the song should be.

This 10-song release makes for a different Christmas album, being more original than classic, but definitely doesn't disappoint. One thing this album is not, is boring. These arrangements will leave you wanting more, and the artists' voices are genuine and unique. You can download the album HERE.

Song Review: Jordin Sparks - Angels Are Singing

From the new ABC Family movie 12 Dates of Christmas, Jordin Sparks has lent her voice to a new holiday hit. "Angels Are Singing" is a cute, pop Christmas song that takes you through the "12 days of Christmas," then goes into a catchy chorus. The angels are singing, The snow if falling all around, The bells are ringing, Can you hear it?, Jordin sings to an enjoyable beat, the chiming of Christmas bells included!

Perfect for the movie and perfect for the holiday season, this song is full of Christmas spirit and is sure to be a hit!

Song Review: David Archuleta - Fa La La La La

One of the many surprises on David Archuleta's My Kind of Christmas tour this year is David's performance of his brand new, never-before-heard holiday tune "Fa La La La La." David describes the song as his way of introducing everyone to his Christmas tradition, with his Latino heritage and partying vibe.

About joining family and friends for the holidays and having a good time, David shows everyone his kind of Christmas when performing this song, even doing some Bachata dancing. "You smile, I light up like a Christmas tree, You laugh, my heart flies like the snow," David sings cheerfully before going into a Spanish chorus repeating 'Feliz Navidad,' wishing it to his family and friends and saying they're a gift to him. David sings the song in half English and half Spanish, showing his Latin side and putting on a fun
                                                                                      performance for the audience.

Watch David perform the song below, and read my full review of his Christmas show in NYC HERE.


Credit to fa3ryg1rl1

Song Review: Syesha Mercado - Christmas Melody

Oh, how I've missed that beautiful voice! American Idol Season 7 star Syesha Mercado is back with a gorgeous Christmas melody! The new song "Christmas Melody" is a captivating yet elegant holiday ballad about the memories of a past love staying in your head like the joyful tunes of the season. Syesha's voice soars in its many ranges as she sings this beautiful new song.

This happens to be the first original song to be released by Syesha since American Idol, and it definitely does not disappoint. Syesha has always been a forced to be reckoned with, and this song is just another example.

Album Review: Hot Chelle Rae - Whatever

I became a fan of pop rock band Hot Chelle Rae after seeing their opening set at Big Time Rush's concert last August, and have since become more intrigued by this group. Today they release their second album Whatever, featuring their hit single "Tonight Tonight." This album also features collaborations with the New Boyz on hit "I Like It Like That," Bei Maejor on a funky "Radio" and a beautiful duet with pop singer Demi Lovato on the rock ballad "Why Don't You Love Me?" The guys go from pop rock love songs like "Downtown Girl" and "Forever Unstoppable," to anthems like "Beautiful Freaks" and "Whatever," to taking it down a notch in sweet pop ballads like "Honestly" and "Keep You With Me" on this album. Each song perfectly blends with the next and each holds a message, whether it's for love, inspiration or partying.

This youthful and fun group isn't just your typical rock boy band - they bring a little something different to the table. They have an innocence that overpowers their angst. There's not one bad song as Hot Chelle Rae perfects with their charisma and uniqueness, both musically and with their aspect, on this new album.

Band Review: Almost Normal

Upon hearing about Las Vegas-bound band Almost Normal, I was urged to give their music a listen. It became very clear right away that this is a very intense, hard rock band with music that I'm not particularly into. Between the veracious "Vague Us" about Sin City and the techno rock "Nancy Nancy" about a troubled girl, this band is obviously extreme with their music. Though one song did spark my interest. The band literally goes down a bit in "We're Going Down," as it's a slower rock ballad (eh, more my thing). This song starts out with the soft, fun beat of a drum, then goes into an enjoyable melody as lead singer Ashley Lampman sings these intriguing and emotional lyrics about a relationship falling apart and 'going down'. This soft rock song definitely won't disappoint.

Almost Normal's music is fast and a bit disturbing, so if you're into that sort of thing, you'll love it (totally serious here). They have a We Are The Fallen feel with their rock songs and the excessive amount of male band members compared to female. If you like intense, gutsy rock music, this is the band for you. Though other than the song "We're Going Down," they're not really my cup of tea. Although I've heard this band wants to expand their music, I think they're perfect right where they are in Vegas, as this is the music that is popular over there and where they'll be most successful, in my opinion. Though I'm not fond of this kind of music, I do wish the best of luck to this band, as their music IS good if you're into this genre.