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.

Blast from the past: David Cook's debut album

Having just released his sophomore album not too long ago, it's hard to believe it's already been three years since American Idol winner David Cook released his debut album. David Cook was released on November 18, 2008, just a week after runner-up David Archuleta released his debut album. Cook's album made #3 on the Billboard 200 and #2 on Billboard Top Rock Albums. Not only on the album were hit singles "Light On" and "Come Back To Me"," but American Idol winner's single "Time of My Life," one of the most popular winner's singles, as well as all new original songs by the rocker. Between the upbeat songs like "Declaration" and "Life on the Moon," the inspirational tracks like "Heroes" and "Mr. Sensitive" and the soft but edgy "Permanent" ballad, Cook shows off his strong, endearing voice with meaningful lyrics in these captivating songs. Three years later and though he's found his sound and has changed things up with his music, this album  is what showcases everything you loved about Cook back in 2008.

Song Review: Lady GaGa - You And I

I may be a little late to the party, but I just heard this song for the first time today, and I have to say, I loved it from the first few seconds I heard of it.

Is it a little bit country, or a little bit rock 'n roll? Well, this song seems to be a little bit of both! Unlike her dance-floor, electronic pop songs we're all used to, "You And I" brings a new sound to Lady GaGa's music and voice. This retro ballad is refreshing compared to most of her other singles, and her voice holds a certain realness in it as she sings out in a husky, yet strong way that fits this song perfectly.


This song has a catchy and feel good beat with lyrics that tell a story and show off a less "monstrous" side of Lady GaGa. As intrigued as I am by the outrageous side of her, I'd love to see this side of her more often.