Disco🌶️📖
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Post by Disco🌶️📖 on Oct 6, 2014 0:52:51 GMT -5
I will try to feature at least one to two album reviews every week of the latest albums and EPs. I will also occasionally feature reviews of reissues, repackages, and expanded editions for older albums. I might revisit an older album or two here and there as well. Artwork designed by ★ in Paint.net Model: Sean O'pry for Viktor & Rolf
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Disco🌶️📖
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Posts: 68,874
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Post by Disco🌶️📖 on Oct 6, 2014 1:08:30 GMT -5
Coming soon: Current albumsJoi Cardwell - The Art Of BeingLenny Kravitz - Strut- Nico & Vinz - Black Star Elephant
Throwback albums- Christina Aguilera - Stripped
- Janet Jackson - The Velvet Rope
- Justin Timberlake - FutureSex/LoveSounds
- Kelly Clarkson - My December
- Madonna - Erotica
- Mariah Carey - Butterfly
The throwback albums I am planning to do new reviews and revisits all follow the theme of being a major transitional album and/or there was a lot of chaos and controversy surrounding that period of time in their careers. I will also re-post some reviews I had done on my blog for some recent albums. I will add an index to the main post with the album titles and links to them in this thread.
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Disco🌶️📖
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Posts: 68,874
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Post by Disco🌶️📖 on Oct 6, 2014 1:12:37 GMT -5
Joi Cardwell - The Art Of Being Joi's brand of Soulful House music with thoughtful, inspirational lyrics is always welcome. She has released a handful of singles here and there in between albums. The Art Of Being is the singer-songwriter's first album in nearly 3 years. It contains a few of the singles that were released separately. This is her strongest album to date. Every single one of the songs is beautifully produced by many of the heavy hitters of clubland. All of the songs have a melodic sound that is distinctly classic but also sounds current. Joi's vocals are amazing! There are a couple of revisits to her earlier singles "Jump For Joi" and "You Gonna Make Me Love Somebody Else" (which is a cover of the classic by The Jones Girls) as well. Every one of the songs is great so it is hard to choose the best ones, but "Confusion", "Return To Love", "Je T'Adore", "Shot Through The Heart", and "Lucky Charm" really stood out. All of the songs could work as singles. With the recent shift towards early 90s House sounds, this record arrives at just the right time.
Tracklisting: 01. Lucky Charm (Quentin Harris Production) 02. Return to Love (Director's Cut Mix) 03. Confusion (NovoGain Production) 04. Love Somebody Else (Maceo Plex & John Dasilva Mix) 05. Shot Through the Heart 06. Indian Giver 07. I Just Wanna (Kraak & Smaak) 08. Sweet Sadness (Mlle Lucy Mix) 09. Je T'adore (Life+ Mix) 10. Feels Like Heaven 11. Music Saved My Life (Maurice Joshua Mix) 12. Jump 4 Joi (Mike Cruz Radio Mix) 13. Jump 4 Joi (J Zuart Remix)
Purchase the album on iTunes
Grade: A+
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Ginger Spice
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Post by Ginger Spice on Oct 6, 2014 2:13:13 GMT -5
I'm looking forward to all of the throwback album reviews you have listed!
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Disco🌶️📖
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Posts: 68,874
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Post by Disco🌶️📖 on Oct 6, 2014 2:57:54 GMT -5
I'm looking forward to all of the throwback album reviews you have listed! I am going to do Erotica first since that came out long before all of the other ones, and some critics and fans had made comparisons of some of them against Erotica.
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Zeebz
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Post by Zeebz on Oct 6, 2014 9:56:18 GMT -5
Great review, Disco! I'll have to check it out! :)
I'm really looking forward to your throwback reviews as well. I love every single one of those albums. Also, I'm glad you're kicking it off with Erotica. Great choice.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 6, 2014 15:05:50 GMT -5
I love the title, and the thread model. Will definitely be reading your posts, as I have always enjoyed reading your blog.
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Disco🌶️📖
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Post by Disco🌶️📖 on Oct 7, 2014 3:48:56 GMT -5
Amy Grant - In Motion (The Remixes) The Christian/Pop artist's highly anticipated remix album was released on August 19. It was announced late last year that this was in the works. A handful of some of her biggest hits were selected for this collection and they were remixed by an A-list team of remixers. Every remix is produced in an uplifting style that maintains the emotional and spiritual message of the original songs. Some of the songs will take some getting used to with the club-oriented productions. This is another rare case where every remix is well-produced and suits the songs. The remixes of "Say Once More", "You're Not Alone", "Better Than A Hallelujah", and "Stay For Awhile" (both of them) are outstanding, though every remix is excellent. The only downside of this collection is that 90% of the main tracks are radio edits and not full length or mixshow length, however, additional extended remixes, mixshow edits, radio edits, and dubs have been released separately for purchase. All of the extended remixes for all of the songs are absolutely perfect.
Tracklisting: 01. That's What Love Is For (Chris Cox Radio Edit) (3:12) 02. Stay For Awhile (Tony Moran Radio Mix) (4:08) 03. You're Not Alone (Guy Scheiman Radio Edit) (3:46) 04. Every Heartbeat (Moto Blanco Radio Edit) (3:24) 05. Better Than A Hallelujah (Mark Picchiotti Gospel Radio Edit) (3:47) 06. Find A Way (Ralphi Rosario Big Room Radio Edit) (3:37) 07. Baby Baby (Dave Aude Radio Edit) (3:57) 08. Say Once More (Hex Hector Radio Edit) (3:32) 09. Out In The Open (7th Heaven Radio Edit) (4:04) 10. Stay For Awhile (Tony Moran Destination Mixshow Edit) (6:45) 11. Mega Mix (DJ Andy 7th Heaven Medley) (8:49)
Purchase the album here (iTunes)
Grade: A
Note: This review originally appeared on my blog. The version appearing here has been slightly modified to include additional information.
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Disco🌶️📖
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Post by Disco🌶️📖 on Oct 21, 2014 2:50:16 GMT -5
Lenny Kravitz - Strut This is the American Rocker's 10th studio album. In many ways, it is a throwback album as all of the songs incorporate a variety of sounds and styles that he has showcased in his past albums. Lenny's vocals are in fine form in all of the songs. The suggestive cover is moderately indicative of the content of the album. Sensuality is a theme found on nearly all of his albums, however, things seem to be heating up in his personal life. Lenny wrote every single song except the last one which is a cover. Things start off with a bang in the form of the ultra campy "Sex." It embodies the glam Rock of the 80s. Continuing in the 80s vein is "The Chamber" which was the lead single from this album. The programming of the drums bear a striking resemblance to "Edge Of Seventeen" by Stevie Nicks. Lenny's vocals are restrained during the verses but he lets loose during the choruses. Things get even hotter with the stripper anthem "Dirty White Boots." Next up is "New York", a funky ode to the Big Apple. Even though the lyrics are slightly cliché, they just work well with the production. "The Pleasure And The Pain" is a Reggae/Rock hybrid that Bob Marley would have been proud of. The runway ready title track "Strut" is extremely sexy and deserves to be a single. The marriage of Blues, Reggae, and Rock on "Frankenstein" works surprisingly well. Lenny goes back to basics on "She's A Beast" with just some drums and a guitar. "I'm A Believer" ends up being a middle of the road track that works within the context of the album but has limited replay value. "Happy Birthday" is an old school slow-burner. "I Never Want to Let You Down" is the heartfelt penultimate track before a cover of the Smokey Robinson classic "Ooo Baby Baby" which is an excellent album closer. The 12 song set ends up being really tight and concise with nearly every song being good to great. The short length of the album (less than 60 minutes) thankfully has no filler. It is another keeper. It's hard to rank this among his earlier albums as he has so many great ones, but this is up there with them.
Tracklisting: 01. Sex 02. The Chamber 03. Dirty White Boots 04. New York City 05. The Pleasure and the Pain 06. Strut 07. Frankenstein 08. She's a Beast 09. I'm a Believer 10. Happy Birthday 11. I Never Want to Let You Down 12. Ooo Baby Baby
Purchase the album here (iTunes)
Grade: A
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Disco🌶️📖
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Post by Disco🌶️📖 on Nov 11, 2014 3:29:57 GMT -5
I decided not to do the review of Nico & Vinz's album as I found it challenging to write a review with substance. It was decent album, but not decent enough that I would want to do a review. So here is an updated schedule of upcoming reviews. Current albums- Kiesza - The Sound Of A Woman
- Mary J. Blige - The London Sessions
Nick Jonas - Nick Jonas (Deluxe)- Armin Van Buuren - Ultimate Singles Collected
Throwback albums- Christina Aguilera - Stripped
- Janet Jackson - The Velvet Rope
- Justin Timberlake - FutureSex/LoveSounds
- Kelly Clarkson - My December
- Madonna - Erotica
- Mariah Carey - Butterfly
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Disco🌶️📖
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Posts: 68,874
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Post by Disco🌶️📖 on Nov 11, 2014 4:15:31 GMT -5
Nick Jonas - Nick Jonas Nick's highly anticipated first solo album since splitting with his brothers Joe and Kevin has him shedding his squeaky clean image and taking on the role of the bad boy. Sex is clearly on his mind as evidenced by the racy photoshoots he did that were a homage to Mark Wahlberg's iconic Calvin Klein ad campaigns nearly 20 years ago. Nick has commented in numerous interviews that this album is meant to be suitable for playing in the bedroom while one gets down and dirty, and he was absolutely right. The R&B and Pop fusion that is the significant majority of the album has a distinct sexiness to it. The album is in the same aesthetic as Justin Timberlake's acclaimed first two solo albums. The album is strongly influenced by the work of Michael Jackson, Morris Day, Prince, and R. Kelly. Nick's voice is meant for music of this nature and he does a great job of showcasing all aspects of it. It is easily one of the best albums of the year. There are many highlights from the playful "Jealous" to the ambient "Chains" and the experimental "Numb." He does incorporate a little bit of 80s Synthpop on the hypnotic "Teacher" and the hooky "Wilderness." He also incorporates the 80s Power Ballad in the form of "Avalanche" with close friend Demi Lovato. Every song is a gem. "Teacher", "Wilderness", and "Avalanche" are begging to be future singles
Purchase the album here (iTunes)
Grade: A
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#LisaRinna
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Post by #LisaRinna on Nov 17, 2014 16:21:25 GMT -5
I'm here for the throwback ones!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 27, 2014 22:34:49 GMT -5
Stripped and Butterfly, hell yes.
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Disco🌶️📖
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Post by Disco🌶️📖 on Feb 4, 2015 17:26:50 GMT -5
Madonna - Rebel Heart (Super Deluxe Edition)
The highly anticipated 13th studio album from the Queen Of Pop is slated to be released next month, and there are rumors it may be moved up to next week to coincide with her Grammy Awards performance on Sunday.
Madonna began work on this album last year. She was very active on Instagram throughout that year documenting her process with many collaborators including Alicia Keys, Avicii, Diplo, Kanye West, Mozella, Nas, Natalia Kills, Nicki Minaj, Ryan Tedder, Toby Gad, and many others.
Nearly a week before Christmas, a number of unfinished demos and work in progress versions of songs from the album leaked online forcing Madonna and her team to release the first 6 songs as 'instant downloads' when fans pre-ordered the album on iTunes. The lead single "Living For Love" was one of the songs to be released then. A full remix package has also been released and a music video is in the works. The album was originally envisioned as a concept project with two discs each containing a particular them with one being "Rebel Heart" with the more socially conscious and emotional songs and then "Unapologetic Bitch" with the more playful and light-hearted songs. That concept was abandoned due to the leaks and it is now one album going back and forth between the themes.
Here is a track by track writeup.
1. Living For Love This throwback to 90s House music about finding new love after a breakup is an excellent album opener. Grade: A
2. Devil Pray The Folk/Dance midtempo is super catchy with its many hooks. This is begging to be a future single. Grade: A
3. Ghosttown The haunting ballad is one of her best in a longtime. This one desperately needs to be used in a movie. Grade: A+
4. Unapologetic Bitch Reggae and Dubstep being put together sounds like a disaster waiting to happen, but it works on this song about throwing caution to the wind and being true to oneself. Grade: B-
5. Illuminati This is a hilarious commentary on how the blogosphere erupts to discuss the hidden symbolism referencing the Freemasons whenever a new music video or something is released by various famous people. M namechecks many celebrities during the vocoded rap. Grade: B-
6. Bitch I'm Madonna (feat. Nicki Minaj) It sticks out like a sore thumb amongst some of the more thought provoking ballads and midtempos, however, this one would probably best enjoyed while drunk. Grade: C+
7. Hold Tight Giorgio Moroder would be proud of this dreamy marching band-laden gem. Grade: A
8. Joan of Arc Another stunner that sounds like something off of one of her earlier albums. Grade: A
9. Iconic (feat. Chance the Rapper & Mike Tyson) This is a convivial fusion of EDM and Dubstep with two unexpected guests. Grade: B+
10. HeartBreakCity The confessional piano ballad builds into a midtempo is a bit of a tearjerker. Grade: A
11. Body Shop The marching band drums return for this cute one. The car and auto body shop cliché lyrics are a bit suggestive, but the way they are sung doesn't necessarily mean they should be interpreted in that manner. Grade: A-
12. Holy Water The bass heavy, semi Dubstep song is one of the raciest ones she has done in a while with its many catch phrases. It incorporate a short sample from the rap in her iconic hit "Vogue." Grade: A
13. Inside Out This is another fun, hooky EDM midtempo. Grade: A-
14. Wash All Over Me This is absolutely beautiful. Grade: A
15. Best Night Sinewy and sensual, this has a deep layered production with many exciting elements. Grade: A
16. Veni Vidi Vici (feat. Nas) This is an autobiographical EDM/Hip Hop song referencing her own lyrics with some fierce rhymes by Nas with a cute sample from "Holiday." Grade: A
17. S.E.X. The room-shaking bass combined with the over-the-top sexual lyrics is hilarious. Grade: A-
18. Messiah This is a cinematic masterpiece with an epic orchestra. The vocals are just heavenly. Grade: A+
19. Rebel Heart Another Folk/Dance hybrid that has been reworked considerably from the demo. Grade: B+
20. Beautiful Scars This is another gorgeous midtempo begging to be a single. Grade: A-
21. Borrowed Time This sounds like the little sister of "Love Profusion" from American Life, however, this is much catchier. Grade: A-
22. Queen This is another haunting, atmospheric song with gothic church bells and marching band drums. Grade: A
23. Graffiti Heart This cute song could have been on one of her earlier albums. It's a fusion of her 80s synthpop and contempo EDM. Grade: A-
24. Autotune Baby This is one of the strangest songs on the album with the heavily autotuned baby crying sounds used as the basis for the synths. It's catchy for the most part, but that sample... Grade: B
25. Addicted The album closer is an Acoustic/EDM hybrid with another strong hook. Grade: A-
Overall, the album ends up being one of her strongest and most cohesive efforts in a long time. She was clearly inspired and going through a great creative period. Her primary focus this time around was the music and that made a huge difference. Hard Candy and MDNA had some excellent songs as well, but they lacked the focus that this and other previous albums had. Madonna's vocals sound far more natural on this record. A major complaint with the last two was the unnecessary and extreme autotuning that made her sound robotic and severe (although it was intentional on some songs on those records and even this one). The ballads and midtempos are a great return to form. American Life was the last album that had proper ballads whereas subsequent records had some songs that were not quite close enough to the traditional ballads she has graced us with. The uptempos are pretty good as well, however, a couple of the ones released in the initial 6 put on iTunes ended up being the weakest tracks of the album. The newer ones ended up being much better though. This is a solid release with a little something for everyone.
Overall Grade: A-
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