“What is written without effort is in general read without pleasure.” – Samuel Johnson
Posts tagged Music
Paul Delos Storytellers #3 — “Over” – Drake
Mar 22nd
What am I doing? What am I doing? Oh yeah. That’s right I’m doing me.
Funny thing about Drake’s music is that I have a way to relate to it despite the fact that he’s talking about his dream life of being a multimillionaire musical superstar. I guess it comes from working in an industry that is very subjective like the music industry.
But this song “Over” is just a nice track by Drake (one of those love ‘em or hate ‘em artist), is a song about him focusing on the life around him and doing what he likes to do — entertain.
He doesn’t care what people say or what they do. He’s living a great life, and so am I. I’m living a life, but at the same time, like Drake in the song, you can’t be too complacent. You want to keep pushing the limits and keep going up. Just because he’s already on top of the musical world (in his eyes), he’s going to keep going until it’s over.
The same can go for me and writing. I know I’m good (a moment of conceit? I have them from time to time), but I know I have to get better and keep improving to build the legend of me. Hey, what can I say? Drake is one of those artist I like listening to and I will always listen to.
I’m sure, I’ll listen write about “Forever” by Drake, Kanye, Wayne and Em, but for now, I’ll enjoy this Drake track. The line:
It’s far from over.
Can’t be any true for me. I still got a long time to build.
Five Random Thoughts Jan. 3,2009
Jan 3rd
Random Thought No. 1: I tend to fall into my own world, when my headphones are on. I’ll dance, thinking that I can choreograph a good routine. I focus strictly on having fun when my headphones. I listen to a lot of hip-hop, more so recently with the events in life. I guess, I just like to think I can dance, not so much knowing if I really can. It’s just fun.
Random Thought No. 2: I’ve realized one big omission from my musical library: Aaliyah. She was one of my favorite artist when I was in elementary school, and I think I need to add her stuff to my iPod and music library.
Random Thought No. 3: I work faster than anyone else. So I guess I’m built for this industry right? I don’t know, with speed comes the drawback of more likely to miss. High-risk, high reward.
Random Thought No. 4: I’m wearing purple tomorrow. Awesome! TCU FTW! BEAT BOISE STATE!
Random Thought No. 5: If I keep this up, then I can have 365 blogs up this year. I’m sure I’ll have something to rant about soon. But for now, I’ll end this by saying, blogging is more fun when I don’t think of topics to write about.
Album Duel: Chris Brown’s Graffiti vs. Jay Sean’s All or Nothing
Dec 7th
Chris Breezy Returns, Jay Sean tries to capitalize on the hit "Down."
There has been a lot of CDs that I have recently bought and listened to, and I really didn’t have the time to review them. So instead of just reviewing one album, I’m going to give you two for the price of one in this blog post.
I’ll be reviewing Chris Brown’s “Graffiti” and Jay Sean’s “All or Nothing” in this post and at the bottom. I’ll tell you which one I liked better.
In the blue corner, Chris Brown’s return to the music scene in “Graffiti.”
CHRIS BROWN — GRAFFITI
TRACKS: 14
LENGTH: 56 Minutes
RELEASED SINGLES: “I Can Transform Ya”, “Crawl
Chris Brown’s third album “Graffiti” is an interesting comeback album, if I must say so myself. There is no question that he is experimenting with other musical styles and the usually stuff artist try and sell you with their albums.
But Chris did try. That’s the imperative word.
Try.
The opening track is a top-20 track that people have probably heard by now, “I Can Transform Ya.” The track is a great club track, and the mechanical beat really works with Chris Brown’s apparently love of the Autotune to help fix his less than impressive vocal range. The next song is a nice groove track called “Sing Like Me,” where the use of Asian strings and a nice mellow drum riff behind it, create the mood so to speak. There are rumors that this song might become a single, and it’s not a bad track for that purpose. The third track is Brown’s second single “Crawl.”
By miles, “Crawl” is the best track on the album. I’m not surprised to see however that it was co-written by others. The sad truth is that the album really loses traction after the first three tracks, ironically which are released singles or songs tabbed to singles.
From tracks four to eight, I brought myself asking “What the F***?!” And not in the good way, if there is a good way to say that. Within that four track span, you see two songs (So Cold and Famous Girl) probably pointed towards a certain pop starlet from Barbados, a really confusing hip-hop track where it sounds like things I usually despise in hip-hop (What I Do) and an attempt at a R. Kelly song gone horribly, horribly awry (Take My Time).
Here’s the kicker: All of the problems aren’t in the musical beats and riffs. In fact, they’re really catchy and good. The problem is Brown’s really poor to average song writing ability. Now, he’s probably writing from the heart, which is never a bad thing. But the problem is they sound better in the poetry book and on the shelf rather than being released to the general public.
The album, if it didn’t lose your after the eighth track, recaptures some luster with three tracks that are solid and got me feeling good again. The three have a dance feel, which is what Brown does really well.
Sadly, the album once again delves into a whiny side of Brown, that quite frankly, his loyal fans that have stuck with him for don’t need to listen through.
I would be lying if I didn’t say the album is growing on me, but on this initial review, “Graffiti” is a listen for his loyal fans, but let’s just say he’s not going to win over the ones he lost with this one.
*Note: I only reviewed the standard edition, meaning this album can possibly drop or gain a half star with the deluxe.
Delos Diaries Score: 2.5 out of 5
Now in the red corner, hailing from the United Kingom, Jay Sean with his album “All or Nothing.”
Jay Sean — All or Nothing
Tracks: 14
Length: 51:42
Released Singles: “Down”, “Do You Remember?”
Jay Sean burst onto the U.S. scene with his single “Down” featuring Lil Wayne, and let’s just say that song is on constant play in my car, iPod, radio and even in my head. It’s just so damn catchy and good, that I call it one of my favorite tracks of 2009.
But “Down” seemed to only tip the iceberg of how much Jay Sean I can tolerate or even want to listen to. The 14-track performance is by far an impressive American debut for the British-Asian singer. The CD really flows quickly, producing dance song, dance song after dance song with the occasional slow jam sprinkled in.
The centerpiece of the album is really Jay Sean’s voice and how each song is perfectly tailored for his talents. The song writing is solid, but not the greatest thing.
“War” is such a powerful track, and it’s a great song that should be the next single after “Do You Remember?” runs its course as Jay Sean’s second single, but I’m not complaining. Any of the songs would be a serviceable as a single, the album is just that good.
Now, it would be fair to say the bad about it. The bad: The tracks have little variation in terms of beats, rhythm, cord progression and even uses of instruments. But that is just a small gripe it seems like, but sadly, it takes a lot away from what Jay Sean is fully capable of. It’s a formula that’s meant for success, and one that can properly build off his budding superstardom in the United States.
As for the rating, it’s a 4-star album out of 5. Now, how can I talk up an album and not give it the highest possible rating? Well, it’s not an instant classic. It lacks the feel of a five-star album feel.
However, it’s a very good album, and I’d suggest you pick it up if you’re looking for another Hip-Hop/R&B album to add to your collection. It also has the appeal to non-Hip-Hop fans.
Delos Diaries Score: 4 out of 5
If you didn’t get the impression on which album, I liked more, let me beat you over the head with it: Jay Sean’s “All or Nothing” is a lot better album than Chris Brown’s “Graffiti.” Star ratings can’t really properly show the discrepancy in the two albums. The major thing is Chris Brown is at a different stage of his career than Jay Sean. Jay Sean makes an impressive debut, while Chris Brown is trying out new things with his music. That shows clearly. Brown is trying to reclaim old fans, while Jay Sean is trying to capture a new, solid fan base.
Either way, Jay Sean’s album is the winner of this album duel.
Jay Sean's Album is a lot better. Grab that before you get "Graffiti."
The King of Pop — My Turn
Jul 1st
You’re not going to get some elaborate post about how Michael Jackson changed my life or that type of nonsense here because he didn’t, but I can’t help but ignore such a huge moment in my entertainment lifetime.
I look through the music in my ITunes and I realized that many of the songs on here are somehow inspired by Michael Jackson. The hip hop sound, the dancing. You name it. He inspired it.
I wasn’t his biggest fan or support. Nope. Quite honestly, his personality weirded me out, but that wasn’t to say that I didn’t like his music. Geniuses tend to be unique in their own way, and I just accepted Michael for being Michael.
His music was huge, but I think his biggest contribution to our entertainment generation is the being the forefather to music videos. Back when MTV was a struggling first-year network, it played pretty much concert footage and very rarely did you see a full blow production for a music video. Let’s face it, I remember hearing about the video collection being a majority of Rod Stewart.
Enter Michael Jackson and “Thriller.”
This near 15-minutes piece of work was the moment that music videos really took a new approach, whether it be story arcs, matching the video to portray the song’s message or huge elaborate dance sequences. This video made the music video the popular medium that MTV needed.
He later went on to produce other full length feature music videos like “Smooth Criminal”, “Remember the Time” and “You Rock My World.” Think about your favorite music video and think how different would it be if, Michael Jackson didn’t set the tone for adding a storyline to them.
We might still be seeing lots and lots of concert footage.
It’s why MTV VMA’s have the “Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.” The award is the highest honor it can bestow on an artist, and rightfully so named after the King of Pop.
His music was great. His personality odd. His videos were revolutionary. The world lost its King of Pop. He’s probably chilling with the King of Rock right now.
Entertainment Recap — Week of May 18
May 26th
Needless to say this week I spent quite a bit of money on entertainment last week — a new X-Box 360 video game and a CD by one of my top five artists.
I bought the highly-anticipated UFC: Undisputed 2009 and Eminem’s sixth studio album “Relapse.” I will post a short review of each of them after my initial thoughts, but let me be the first to say, that money right now is tight. However, I saved up for these two things, in anticipation that last week was going to be a hefty price to pay. The total cost of these two items without tax is equivalent to $70 dollars, but I avoided some cost by trading in some old games that I don’t play anymore for the video game.
After I did the calculations, it came down to around $74, and that’s a lot of gas and food, but sometimes you just gotta spend a little bit of money to keep yourself sane.
So without further ado, here are the short reviews about each of the products I bought.
UFC Undisputed 2009
I’ve always loved Mixed Martial Arts and waited for a video game to come out. The time finally came when THQ announced that it was making a game, I thought to myself, “YES!” I remember playing the Pride FC game that THQ previously produced and I enjoyed it better than most of the crap UFC was giving the fans. The only gripe was, that it was too simple, and really didn’t encapsulate the entire feel of an MMA bound. Quite frankly, it felt like a WWE Smackdown game without the flashy moves and such.
THQ’s second effort at a MMA game was a smash hit. Fans of the sport bought the game and praised it, and I agree with most of it. There are so many good things about the game, that it really over takes the bad. The fighters for the most part are realistic, though there isn’t a southpaw option — a problem for a person like me since creating an accurate portrayal of myself would require a southpaw stance, and playing as Rich Franklin loses a great deal of appeal.
The best part — and most frustrating at times — is the ground game. It’s intricate nature will drive impatient gamers insane. Thankfully for them, stand up is fairly easy to understand. I am still learning and won’t dare challenge the online ranks until I actually figure out how to fully incorporate transition reversals.
For the most part, I have no MAJOR complaints, other than a few cosmetic things like adding the Harley Davidson prep circle and fighter strengths, aging fighters in career mode (a complicated coding issue I’m sure) and longer than seven years in the career mode. It’s a great effort, and I was impressed and I’m still hooked on playing it a full week into owning the game.
Paul’s score (one a 1-5 scale): 4 out of 5
Eminem — “Relapse”
Oh, how I missed Eminem. Since his un-Shady like performance on “Encore” I’ve been waiting for a new CD from Mr. Mathers, and with “Relapse,” he produces a solid effort. It’s close to “The Eminem Show,” but light years behind “The Marshall Mathers LP” and “The Slim Shady LP.”
The CD returns Em to what he is known for — violence, bashing people and drug use. Amazing? Not really. Some have called it the same “song and dance,” but the lyrical content isn’t the only thing I’m analyzing when I’m listening to it. The beats and melodies are good, not the best, but not the worst that Dre and Em have produced. I’ve been a fan of Eminem’s since “The Slim Shady LP,” and tend to ignore his “hate speech” — and I have to put that in quotes because I look at it from a different perspective as others do.
Given that I wasn’t able to finish “Encore” from cover to cover, “Relapse” is a nice return to an album that I’m familiar with. Though some think his nasal, infused raps are getting tedious. I’m still not annoyed by it, though I would like Em return to rapping in his true voice rather than the “Slim Shady” alter ego that appears.
Overall, “Relapse” ranks behind the second, third and fourth albums, but ahead of the first and latest one. Hopefully, Relapse 2 serves to be a little better.
Paul’s Score: 3.5 out of 5.
Eminem’s — 3 am Music Video
Amazing — Kanye West + Life
May 3rd
That song is the exact feeling I have and this performance is everything that I’m feeling at the moment. I was put on trial and was convicted. But a full 48-hours after the moment, here’s what I have to say in response is what Kanye said:
That was the moment, they told me ‘I ain’t shit.’ But I am shit. It’s an emancipation. You can’t take that from me — my self esteem. I’ll never let them take (my self-esteem) from me.
They didn’t choose me, well that’s their fault. I am better and I know, so I’ll write a Kanye line that he says during that performance with a few edits to adjust to my situation.
I was a spoiled little (Las Vegas) boy, who got people to sing and clap his praises and he soaked it all up and believed his own hype to the point where he could not lose. And if anyone did not pick him, they couldn’t not choose. As he smooze with the who’s who’s and even lost his cool. That ain’t nothing new. Now they don’t like you. Look at what you’ve done, trying to be No. 1 boy.”
Amazing is superhero music and it’s pain that is hardcore. I love this song because it gets my spirits up even after people try to cut me down.
Keep or Delete — Taylor Swift “Fearless”
Apr 15th
This is part of a new post trend that will be discuss whether I keep music I have on my computer will stay or be deleted to ultimately make room for more music.
So yeah, I’m going to admit that. I like Taylor Swift’s music. I have no shame at this point. It’s a good album, and I will stick to it.
What exactly do I like about it? I enjoy its sound. It has an intriguing, country-pop feel that gets me into it. I’m usually a hip-hop, rock person because it fits my range of music, but Taylor Swift makes me come out of comfort zone and listen.
I swear, I almost didn’t give this album a try since I really only heard “Love Story” and over time it grew on me. I guess It was when I wanted to start deleting music off of my laptop, when I decided to listen to the whole thing to see where I stood on it while playing poker. Needless to say, it kept me calm and relaxed while listening to it. It’s ridiculously catchy, and I decided to keep the album on my computer.
Is it a CD for everyone? It depends. I like it because it’s different from the countless amounts of Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, TI, Linkin Park, Usher, Mario and other styles of music on my computer. It’s the only one labelled in the “country” genre and I prefer to keep it that way.
808s and Heartbreak Review
Dec 7th
Cover Art
Kanye West is probably one of my top five favorite artist. His latest album has quickly grown into one of my favorites. However, I do warn people — the CD is not for everybody.
What makes this CD, so unique is that Kanye is singing — albeit with the help of the autotune. Regardless of how his lyrical content is delivered, his lyrics are still spot on with his raps — they’re still creative. You can truly feel the emotions behind each song. Basically, you can feel Kanye’s struggle with his mother’s death, broken engagement and dealing with the newfound success in the musical realm.
However, the thing that makes the CD unique is what ultimately makes it a very polarizing musical album. Some people argue he needs to return to rapping, and sing sparingly. Others are turned off by his overall “emo-ness” in the songs. Both qualities I love about the CD, though others can be turned off.
The CD sold 450,000 copies in its first week, earning the No. 1 spot. Sadly, it’s the second worse debut for a Kanye CD (College Dropout moved 441,000 units in its first week). So the separating nature of the album has clearly shown with its poor album sales. Musically, the songs are great tracks, but for some it may take time for them to grow on you.
There is an even sadder truth to this album, though I love it, the best songs are his singles — though this doesn’t come as a surprise to me since usually Kanye picks the songs off of his albums to be released.
All but one song (the really awesomely-bad song “Robocop”) are pretty slow paced, creating a very mellow feel to the album. He does go off the beaten path with the song “Robocop”, but the song is so ridiculously bad that a friend of mine couldn’t get through the entire song, while others absolutely love the song. Kanye said it was probably the“biggest wreck on the album”, and I can see why he would say that, but I like it and think it’s so bad that its actually good to listen to.
Overall, Kanye’s “808’s and Heartbreak” is another solid effort, different and artistically beautiful. Tragic, yet pleasing.
I do rate this album above his second CD “Late Registration,” because I was pretty disappointed with it (though it earned four stars in my book), but it trails behind “Graduation” and most definitely, “College Dropout” — the only five star album on my list.
Paul Delos Rating: Four out of Five
Music – Across the Pond
Apr 30th
Recently Leona Lewis stepped burst onto the music scene with her incredible CD “Spirit.” Lewis’ awesome vocals and catchy songs caught on, and it seemed to be just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to a recent influx of British artist crossing over to the United States. Amy Winehouse and Mark Ronson also have delved into the American market in recent times, and now Estelle brings her own flare into the United State market.
“Shine” is Estelle’s second album, but her first released in the United States. The music on the album has a nice steady beat to them. It has a Lauren Hill feel to it – catchy beats, melodies and strong lyrical content. However, she lacks the same vocal quality as Lauren Hill. That does not mean that the music is at all bad. In fact, it’s has a refreshing feel to it. She transitions well from rapping to singing a la one of my favorite artist Craig David. It is this versatility that helps create an overall vibe. Each CD has a head bopping nature to them and it’s a relaxing listen.
“Shine” does not lack it’s star power. The song “American Boy” featuring Kanye West is an excellent song. Kanye’s beat blends well with Estelle’s hybrid rapping and singing. She also features tracks with will.i.am, Swizz Beats, John Legend and Wyclef Jean.
I’d suggest this CD to fans of Common, Kanye West, Talib Kweli and, of course, Lauren Hill. While the music is by no means new or breakthrough, it has its niche in the market these days. Estelle is not supposed to be compared to her British counterpart Leona Lewis in the vocal category or even the sounds of Joss Stone. Her soulful sounds are just as relaxing as the two previously mentioned, and she does it with her own style.
It’s another quality album courtesy of an artist from across the pond, which makes me think. Why are these British artist crossing over to America now? It’s part of this cycle in the musical world that is difficult to understand.
Now, British artist crossing over isn’t anything new. Remember the Beetles? Remember a guy named Craig David? Rick Astley anyone? However, I do think whenever British artists cross over it’s a sound not previously heard before which makes it popular. But what makes their sound so good? I think it’s because they take the quality traits of music from around the world and fuse them together to create a sound that is unique but not a stretch in terms of experimentation. It is the ones who combine it with solid vocals that can successfully make the jump to the United States and overall worldwide success.