ALL THINGS MUSIC ReVIEWS

Drake- Take Care

by Alena Sydnor

Fans have definitely been taken care of with Drake’s sophomore album, Take Care, which was released November 15, 2011. With only a year’s span between this and his first album, Thank me Later, the 25-year-old Canadian rapper has grown. His lyrics still have that story-telling tone to them, but his beats and creativity have blossomed. Even if you can’t relate to the lyrics, you’re sure to be consumed by the automatic, head bobbing beats. This album consist of songs that have a mellow tone, appealing to more softcore listeners, but are constructed with a hardcore edge.

Not only does this album express his style as a rapper, it also highlights his talent as a singer. Drake truly expresses his vocal range on multiple songs throughout the album. One song in particular is “Doing it Wrong” (featuring Stevie Wonder, who gives a nice harmonica solo towards the end.) The lyrics express who Drake is as an artist, and the harmonica solo gives fans another side of Drake that is soft, yet entertaining.

The album also features artist such as Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross, and Andre 3000, to name a few. Some standout tracks are “Take Care,” “Make Me Proud,” “Motto” and the two hit singles, “Headlines” and “Marvin’s Room.” At this pace, we can surely expect to hear great things from Drake in the future. Take Care is truly a CD to add to your collection before the year is over.

by Danielle Harvey

Passion, soul, and authenticity in any song could only mean one thing: Michael Bublé. The singer is known for his powerful voice and his jazz-inspired compositions. When Bublé was younger, his grandfather introduced him to the musical talents of Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra. Those artists inspired Bublé’s style of music, which he modernized and brought to a newer generation. He combines jazz and pop music with a fresh perspective.

His first self-titled album was released in 2003, and featured classics such as “Fever” and “The Way You Look Tonight.” In 2005 he released his second album, entitled It’s Time, which gained him worldwide recognition. Following the success of his second album, Bublé released an additional two albums: Call Me Irresponsible and Crazy Love. His first single, “Everything” from his album Call Me Irresponsible became one of his biggest hits, reaching #46 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. “Everything” has a light-hearted jazz sound. That song, along with many others, is all about love a common theme in his music. Bublé’s other popular hit was “Haven’t Met You Yet” from his album Crazy Love.

Unlike most albums, the songs on Crazy Love were recorded live. By doing so, he allowed his fans to feel the passion and enthusiasm you can normally only get from a live show. Bublé has also won three Grammy awards for Best Traditional Pop Vocal

Album. In 2011, he released an album entitled Christmas, covering all of the classic Christmas songs such as “All I Want For Christmas Is You” and “Silent Night.” No matter what location someone is in or what situation, Michael Bublé’s range of songs and vocal talents won’t leave the audience disappointed. He once said about his music, “They will know it’s real because they will feel it too – and after that we are no longer strangers.” The audience can connect to his music and what his songs represent, and hopefully take away something from it.

Lights- Siberia

by Peter Pagan

Lights’ sophomore album, Siberia, strays away from her original warm, dreamy synth-pop-style songs, deviating from her normal soothing vocals and comforting lyrics. Although similar in genre to Owl City, Lights experiments in Siberia by introducing dubstep stylings and harder vocals. Lights makes progress as a new artist with the introduction of a grittier sound, proving that her vocals are quite versatile. Notable songs on the album include her lead single “Toes,” “Everybody Breaks a Glass,” and, of course, “Siberia.”

St. Vincent- Strange Mercy

By Corey Martin

Annie Clark’s prestige under the moniker St. Vincent has been steadily growing since her solo debut in 2007, and last year was no exception.

Strange Mercy, her latest effort, continues the indiepop musical trajectory her past albums followed, but with even broader critical and commercial acclaim.

This is not to say that Clark is recycling or cheapening herself, however. Strange Mercy is lyrically her most personal work. Anecdotes of situational depression and ambiguous references to Clark’s past are all wrapped

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Reviews Continued from page 21 up within a relatively upbeat sound. As far as the music goes, the album juxtaposes Clark’s sweet-yet-lunacytinged voice with gnarled guitar tones and charging synthesizers. Think Billie Holiday backed by the distortion of the Velvet Underground.

The album is a roller coaster through happy-sadness and lovesick insanity. For a less gifted artist, this could translate into an incomprehensible mess, but Clark’s masterfully lurid touch guides the music to fascinating heights. Strange Mercy is one of 2011’s best albums, and hopefully a sign that more like this will follow in 2012.

The Joy FormidableThe Big Roar

By: Shelby Mertens

The Joy Formidable’s debut album, The Big Roar, has recently gained the spotlight in the Indie music scene. The trio hails from North Wales, and blends alternative rock, shoegaze, and dream pop to create a unique sound. Uninhibited by their status as a threepiece band, the Joy Formidable’s sound is loud and boisterous. Female lead vocalist and guitarist Ritzy Bryan is full of energy from start to finish, with some songs lasting up to five, even seven minutes. The huge crescendos, distorted guitar, and heavy drum beats makes this band sound twice its size. Bryan’s vocals range from sounding soft and tender at times to fierce and powerful the next.

The Joy Formidable’s style also incorporates interweaving harmonies and melodies with mixed acoustic and electronic instrumentation. Their catchy hit single, “Whirring,” captures the epitome of their style. Other standout songs on The Big Roar include “Cradle,” “Austere,” and “A Heavy Abacus.” This band is a great listen for those who enjoy similar indie bands such as The Naked and Famous, Chapel Club, and Yuck.

Top 50 Cheesy Love Songs

by Shannon Cruise-Ranson

Sappy, sentimental, and oozing with cheese, love songs are central to pop music. To celebrate Cupid’s favorite holiday…and to help you craft your sweetheart a heartfelt playlist (hint, hint) …here’s a list of the 50 most popular, often underrated, guilty pleasure love songs from the last 30 years.

Al Green - Let’s Stay Together (1971)

Marvin Gaye - Let’s Get It On (1973)

Barry White - You’re the First, My Last, My Everything (1974)

Peter Frampton - Baby, I Love Your Way (1976)

The Cars - Just What I Needed (1978)

Rupert Holmes - Escape (The Pina Colada Song) (1979)

Bob Marley - Could You Be Loved (1980)

John Cougar MellencampJack & Diane (1982)

Modern English - I Melt With You (1983)

Cyndi Lauper - Time After Time (1984)

Tears for Fears - Head Over Heels (1985)

Madonna - Crazy For You (1985)

Janet Jackson - When I Think of \ You (1986)

INXS - Never Tear Us Apart (1988)

Proclaimers - I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) (1988)

Cure - Lovesong (1989)

Bell Biv Devoe – Poison (1990)

Shanice - I Love Your Smile (1991)

Heavy D & The Boyz – Now That We Found Love (1991)

PM Dawn - Set Adrift On Memory Bliss (1991)

Color Me Badd - I Wanna Sex You Up (1991)

U2 - Mysterious Ways (1991)

Vanessa Williams - Save the Best for Last (1992)

Whitney Houston - I Will Always Love You (1992)

Peabo Bryson & Regina Belle - A Whole New World (Aladdin’s Theme) (1992)

Seal - A Kiss From A Rose (1992)

Rod Stewart - Have I Told You Late ly (1993)

The Pretenders - I’ll Stand By You (1994)

Edwyn Collins - A Girl Like You (1994)

R. Kelly - Bump N’ Grind (1994)

Boyz II Men - I’ll Make Love to You (1994)

Mariah Carey - Fantasy (1995)

The Cardigans - Lovefool (1996)

Oasis - Wonderwall (1996)

Aerosmith - I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing (1997)

Goo Goo Dolls - Iris (1998)

K-Ci and JoJo - All My Life (1998)

Common - The Light (2000)

John Mayer - Your Body Is a Wonderland (2002)

Norah Jones - Come Away With Me (2002)

Kylie Minogue - Love At First Sight (2002)

Alicia Keys - Fallin (2002)

Beyonce featuring Jay-Z - Crazy In Love (2003)

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Maps (2003)

The Postal Service - Such Great Heights (2003)

Justin Timberlake featuring T.I. - My Love (2006)

Snow Patrol - Chasing Cars (2006)

Plain White T’s - Hey There Delil ah (2007)

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros - Home (2009)

Drake - Best I Ever Had (2009)