Today, I randomly downloaded the
Rdio app. My mom was trying to kill me via endless chores. I finally got fed up and was like "Okay, mommy. Tell me what you want done, but understand that once I am finished with everything I will go to my room and I don't want ANYONE, especially you, to disturb me." So as I cleaned the raw chicken (ewww), emptied the fridge of leftovers, washed dishes, and cooked dinner, I listened to various entire albums.
I began with HIM's
Tears on Tape. While some people may find it difficult to choose ONE favorite band/artist, I don't have that problem. HIM has been my all-time favorite band since I first discovered them with "Wings of a Butterfly" back in high school. I mean I have EVERY SINGLE SONG & ALBUM THAT THEY HAVE EVER PRODUCED! When I heard that they had a new album scheduled for release on April 30th, 2013, I was
giddy. However, with blasted finals and graduation preparation, I actually forgot! I feel so ashamed. So, I listened to it today. At first, I wasn't quite sure how I feel about it.
I like it. Maybe. It's like when your significant other gets a new haircut. You don't love them any less, but it takes some getting used to because it feels like they're not quite themselves. That's how I felt while listening to
Tears on Tape, if that makes sense. Also, these new songs have a more mellower tone. Like if your tattooed boyfriend suddenly became an accountant! Okay, so I'm exaggerating just a bit, but
Tears on Tape didn't have the darker tone and sharper bite as previous albums. However, after a few listens on repeat, the album is definitely growing on me. I particularly like "Tears on Tape," "Into the Night," and "Hearts at War," but I like the album as a whole. My only other concern was the fact that 4 of the 13 songs were super short, but I liked them anyway. In short, good job HIM and I continue to love your work as I have for the past 6-7 years.
Next, I listened to Imagine Dragons'
Night Visions. My friend and fellow Writing Consultant from the South side of Chicago (this is really how I introduce her to others) kept going on and on about the inherent awesomeness of Imagine Dragons, but I didn't really pay her much mind. Today, as I was emptying the fridge, I decided to give it a try. Oh man, baby, did
Night Visions push ALL of my musical buttons. It's so rare to find an album where I REALLY like EVERY song! It's happened with a few other artists: HIM, Skillet, Linkin Park, The Used to name a few.
It's hard to describe what I enjoyed so much about this album, but I'll try. Each song had a unique, but odd balance of playful, upbeat and mellow, ballad. See, I told you it's weird. Each song was touching with meaningful lyrics while at the same time head-bob worthy. I especially liked the following songs: "Hear Me," "Every Night," "Bleeding Out," and "Tiptoe." I loved Imagine Dragons'
Night Vision and will be playing it on repeat for the next week or so.
After Imagine Dragons was Demi Lovato. I thought why not. I first heard Demi on Disney like everyone else and had immediately thought she was too good for those other wannabe Disney stars. When she left Disney not long after, I was like ah-ha, but I didn't really follow her work. However, I heard "Heart Attack" on Pandora and loved it. When I noticed that "Heart Attack" was on her newest album,
Demi, I decided to give the whole album a try. I liked it! Demi is so bad ass. And once again I thought, "No wonder she left Disney. She's too good for 'em!"
After Demi was lovable Pink, with her album "The Truth About Love." We all know Pink has some controversial views about love, but you know what? She is a wise, wise woman with pink hair and we should listen to her! I loved the album and I love Pink. The end.
What new albums have you discovered recently? Any recs for me? Leave em in the comments below!
Musically Yours,
Fatuma
