I really enjoy websites that incorporate a nice blend of color in them. As I was searching around on the internet, I found this site that I have no clue what it was about, but the color of the background fascinated me.
I enjoyed the subtle shift from blue to green to yellow, and the white text on top of it. I think I like this so much because none of the colors are too bright that distract you from the actual text of the website. This is the kind of inspiration I needed to think more about how to use color for my blog.
For another source of inspiration, I looked to other blogs. I found this one very interesting:
I think the incorporation of images and text morphed into the blog makes for a nice visual image and keeps your eyes moving all around. I would like to try to do something like this for my blog where I incorporate more pictures instead of primarily just text.
Kelly Clarkson's newest single "Piece By Piece" is quite a personal song. The former American Idol winner has had a bit of shaky career after the release of her album My December, which took a dark rock route, compared to her Breakaway, which definitely did have a pop/rock feel to it, but was not as melancholy as My December. The singer has switched up between pop hits such as "Heartbeat Song," and an attempt at country music as well. "Piece By Piece" offers a unique insight to Kelly's personal life by including lyrics such as "piece by piece he restored my faith that a man can be kind and a father could stay." This song is one of Kelly's most personal, and quite frankly, a gem as far as the music she has released. "Piece By Piece" is not a song you'll most likely hear out at the bar, but it does have an uplifting beat that you can move around to. While Clarkson does have a set of pipes on her, she does not really try to show off her vocal range, which is appropriate for this song. It's a great song for anyone that grew up without a parental figure.
Shawn Mendes, the Vine star, who made his breakthrough with the single, "Stitches," collaborated with Fifth Harmony's Camila Cabello for Shawn's newest release "I Know What You Did Last Summer." I have checked out some more of Shawn's music, and it is predominately guided by the acoustic guitar with a pop background. "I Know What You Did Last Summer" stays true to this form. Seeing as Mendes is relatively new, this style may work for him for a while. It has a bit of an Ed Sheeran vibe that works well. Mendes and Cabello have a nice sound together, with good harmonies and simple, smooth voices. The song revolves around infidelity where Cabello is the unfaithful partner in the relationship. The two have moments where they sing the same lines but in different person, such as Mendes singing: "she's slipping away," while Cabello sings: "I'm slipping away." The chorus is a bit repetitive, but that seems to be what every pop song relies on doing anymore, so the fault really can't be blamed on the duo.
With the release of Adele's third album, 25, I thought it was only appropriate to make today's post about her song "When We Were Young" she released earlier this week. After "Hello," I wasn't sure she could outdo herself, but Adele somehow always seems to mange to. "When We Were Young" is about running into an ex flame and how that moment can bring up memories from the past and wanting to preserve moments of our lives. As usual, Adele has lyrics that really make you think claw at your soul a bit such as "We were sad of getting old, it made us restless/I'm so mad I'm getting old it makes me reckless." The sound of the song is very typical Adele, however, what really sets the song apart is the widening of Adele's range of vocals. Near the end of the song, she hits a note that makes your jaw drop. I'm looking forward to hearing what else Adele has up her sleeve on this new album.
I am feeling a little inspired today, but the idea of presentation of information. Next Wednesday, at 7:00 p.m. I will be reading some of the work I have written at the Alumni House. I am ridiculously anxious about having to do so, seeing as I doubt my writing a lot. When I heard the posters were made for the event, I figured it would be just a plain flyer like any other thing you see hanging around campus. The posters are shaped like tickets and really stick out on the boards in the halls compared to other posters. I enjoy the design and find it intriguing how you can present information and make it look more exciting.
This week, Ariana Grande released her new single "Focus." To say I'm not impressed is an understatement. While the vibe to this song is interesting, the track sounds quite similar to her past hit "Problem," with the jazz backgrounds overtop of the pop beat, and Ariana building up into a chorus with someone else singing the actual chorus instead. "Focus" reminds me of something you would want to have on in a Hip Hop Abs class, but not something you would actually listen to just for the enjoyment of it. Ariana has such a strong range vocally, that songs like this where she just backs out of actually using her talent makes me question her as an artist. The lyrics are not rememberable, actually no, the whole song is not really rememberable. I'm hoping she has some better tricks up her sleeve. Check out the video for "Focus" below and tell me if you agree or disagree!
I am quite disappointed with myself for just discovering who Alessia Cara is, because after hearing "Wild Things," I am kind of obsessed with her. "Wild Things" is a rebellious anthem that takes me back to my high school days. The best part of this song to me is the lyrics. Cara sings about not in the in-crowd and not wanting to be. It's lines like "If you don't like our 808s then leave us alone cause we don't need your policies" and "You tell me to tread, I'd rather be a wild one instead" that really gives this young, fun vibe to the song. Alessia does not have that strong of vocals in this track, but her voice is interesting and unique enough to assert herself as an artist.
Another piece of inspiration. I am visiting a friend for the weekend and saw this hanging up on her wall. I really enjoyed the red of the blossoms and how the color makes them stick out. It emphasizes that color is important in highlighting important parts of what you want your audience to notice.
Lately, I've been just writing reviews of music I've been listening to, but I wanted to give you a little more background as to why I do so. When I was trying to decide what I wanted to do for my Blog Project, I thought about what makes me happy and what I do often. The answer was simple to me: music! I listen to music constantly, so why not write about it if I'm already halfway there? One part of music I find inspiring is that you can use it to express emotions. My way of doing so has been through playing piano. I like the challenge of mastering a piece or even just learning a song I like to listen to. I remember seeing a quote a few years ago that I enjoy a lot. Usually I'm not into corny life quotes, but I think it is a good reminder.
I find this relevant because it is a good life reminder that even the bad times can make good situations in the end, and does so by referring to music.
Justin Bieber released his newest single, "Sorry," and it's definitely...different. Bieber and Skrillex have been collaborating a lot, and when I first heard this, I had no clue Skrillex was a part of making that actual music. It is filled a tropical drum beat that makes me think I'm on a Caribbean cruise rather than listening to a Justin Bieber song. It's fun, upbeat, and easy to get into. The problem that I have with the song is the actual lyrics. This song is supposed to be an apology to someone. It's been rumored to be about Selena Gomez, however, I'm pretending he's apologizing to everyone for acting like a jackass over the past few years. Anyway, one of the main lines from Bieber's new song is "Is it too late now to say sorry?" The whole point of the song just doesn't seem to fit together for me. One thing I can agree with Bieber is the lyric "You know I try, but I don't do too well with apologies." The song is catchy, but awkward and definitely not an apology.
It's been over four years since Adele released her last album, 21. She is finally back with her first single, "Hello," from her upcoming album, 25, which she refers to as her "making up to herself" album. Like a typical Adele song, the song is predominately piano and Adele's voice. What really makes the song is the power and emotions in Adele's voice as she sings the choruses. The structure of the song reminds me a lot of "Someone Like You" by the aspect of the soft, beginning that leads into such a strong chorus lyrically and vocally. "Hello" is emotional and pure. It has a sense of intimidation, fear, haunt, and vulnerability. If this is what Adele has to offer as far as 25, I'm looking forward to hear more.
Troye Sivan, the musician/YouTuber released his newest single "Talk Me Down." As a big fan of his music, I was thrilled to give it a listen to. However, I found myself quite disappointed even after multiple attempts of listening to it. I have been really wanting Troye to release a fun, electronic sounding song like "Fools" and "Fun." It seems as though this is another sad, dragged on song that Troye has been releasing recently and I'm not sure I'm finding it that interesting.
This week, the 1975 released the first single from their upcoming album, I Like It When You Sleep For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It. The song has a strong 80's feeling to it, and I'm not sure if that is going to be a theme of this album, but with the artwork along with the new album and sound to "Love Me," it certainly seems that way. The two parts of the song that I love is the synthesizers that come in at the beginning that really give it an 80's pop song, and Mat Healy's voice in this song. This song sounds fun and easy to get into. He has a relaxed tone to his voice, yet says powerful lines like "You've got a beautiful face, but got nothing to say."
One of the most controversial pop stars, Miley Cyrus, released "Hands of Love" this week, which will be featured in the soundtrack to the new movie, Freeheld. It makes perfect sense that Miley would sing for an LGBT when she has been running her foundation in support of homeless LGBT youth. Normally, I am not a fan of Cyrus. It seems as if she tries too hard to stand out, however it makes her more obnoxious than anything. However, "Hands of Love" is very enjoyable. Miley slows it down with this slow ballad as she drags out certain lines such as "who we are comes to life." Miley's voice is seemingly perfect for the soft piano versus and powerful enough to belt out the choruses. If Miley would keep making songs like this, I think I would enjoy her much more!
Selena Gomez has released another single from her upcoming album Revival called "Me & The Rhythm." The song is catchy with the synths and bubblegum pop sound, but for me, something is missing to really make this song a big hit. Don't get me wrong, it's good, but Selena's voice just does not fit for this song. She sounds very dull most of the time, like it was not something she enjoyed singing. I have enjoyed Selena's latest singles "Good For You" and "Same Old Love" from her sophomore album, so I'm hoping to hear some more impressionable songs from her.
Disclosure and Lorde released their collaborative single, "Magnets," this week and to say it's amazing is an understatement. Disclosure's slow, Bollywood-meets-modern-pop beat and Lorde's sulky, dark voice mesh together to create a hit that lives up to the anticipation of the two entities working together. Along with this, Lorde sings lyrics such as "pretty girls don't know the things that I know," and "dancin' past the point of no return" that captures the ear as Lorde addresses the issue that some have against her claiming that she is not attractive enough as a pop star. The verses in "Magnets" are calm and you can really focus on the Disclosure-sound that builds into an upbeat sing-a-long that you can't help but move your body to.
This is my blog with updates about new pop music released throughout the next few months. I will upload clips of the songs I am reviewing for those interested in hearing how I rate songs based on lyrics, beat, and feedback from comments of those who are listening to the songs. The ratings will be based on a five star system, five being the best to one being the absolute worst and hearing the song at my funeral would still be too soon.
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