The Soul Board: September 2009

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Some Hearts; Carrie Underwood

After winning the American Idol in 2005, Carrie Underwood propelled herself to mega-stardom. But what begun then, was only a hint of what was to come her way. Since then she's come along way. Currently she's about to release her third studio album, titled Play On. Besides that she has been inducted into the Grand Ole Opry, and happens to be there youngest member. She has recieved over eight Grammy nomination, that is the most any American Idol has ever had; and she's won four of them. Also she is a phenomenon during the Country Music Awards and has bagged 'Female Entertainer of the Year', twice in a row. And if all that is not enough, she's on the number uno spot on Forbes list of American Idol winners. And all that has happened in just four years!

Some Hearts was her first album, released on November 15th 2005. It went platinum seven times in US and three times in Canada. It has released six singles, and they all have recieved major success. The track listing is as follows;

Wasted
Don't Forget To Remember Me
Some Hearts
Jesus, Take the Wheel
The Night Before (Life Goes On)
Lessons Learned
Before He Cheats
Starts with a Goodbye
I Just Can't Live a Lie
We're Young and Beautiful
That's Where It Is
Whenever You Remember Me
I Ain't in Checotah Anymore
Inside Your Heaven

Being the very first album, Underwood didn't take part at all during the writing process. The album represent a complete country girl from core to skin. The album compromises mostly of slow ballads, with occasional power ballads and up tempo tracks. '

Before I start of going on about different tracks, two tracks that I would particularly like to mention are 'Jesus, Take the Wheel' and 'Inside Your Heaven'. The latter being the winner's single of the fourth season of American Idol. Both of these tracks have a slighty influence of Christian music, and for Carrie's voice these songs are perfect. They are signature Carrie songs and no one can ever do it any better! So these two, I'd definitely recommend them to all.

'Wasted', 'Some Hearts' and 'Lessons Learned' are some of the faster track that stick to the country theme through out their running. 'Some Hearts' is a particular stand out from the three and is another song that I would recommend you to listen to. Sadly it does happen to be a released single but it happens to have no music video to go along with it.

Two other up tempo track that are present in the album happen to be 'Before He Cheats', 'I Ain't in Checotah Anymore' and 'We're Young and Beautiful'. The first song has a slighty influence of rock and the latter two have a tinge of pop. Amongst these three, 'Before He Cheats' is a phenomenon. If you haven't heard it, you have got to be living under a rock! Numerous Grammy nominations, numerous CMA nominations, a VMA nomination. This track propelled Underwood to heights that no Idol achieved from their debut album! Not even Clarkson, though I love Clarkson more than Underwood. But again then it's a personal opinion.

'Don't Forget to Remember Me', 'The Night Before (Life Goes On)', 'Starts With a Goodbye', 'I Just Can't Live a Lie', 'That's Where It Is' and 'Whenever You Remember Me' are the slower tracks of the album. But even then they won't put you to sleep. Underwood has the most amazing vocals on these beauties! They're full of emotions that tend to stir and shake the listener. 'Don't Forget To Remember Me' is a real gem, but my personal favorite track happens to be 'I Just Can't Live a Lie' amongst all of the forementioned track.

'Whenever You Remember' is also another special track for a very different reason. On our School Farewell Event, this track was chosen as a closing theme by the students as our out-going message. And if you're thinking that I had given that suggestion, then yes...you know me so well! ;)

Of all the album I've heard in '05, this one was the best! Every single track became my favorite and even though it's about to be four years since it's release, this album still is on my rack and I still listen to it!

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Love Story (Surprise) - Taylor Swift

The word I'd used to describe this performance is amazing! I know from the looks of it, it really doesn't seem to be much! But take a peek and find out why I chose this one to show it to you guys!

Yes, there's a small surprise for all of you! Enjoy!

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend; Miranda Lambert

I had no idea about Miranda Lambert till about three months ago. I first got to know about her when I was driving down from Plano, TX to Shreveport, LA with my cousin. We were passing by this country side and there was nothing on the side of the roads except for occasional advertisement board and some dead animal that a passing car had run over, mostly anteaters.

It was on that journey when I first noticed her. And that intrigued me! Being very much into music I find it very surprising and also somewhat insulting when I come across an artist that I have no idea about. So I made a mental note of checking out her album as soon as my laptop went online the next time. And yes, I was successful! And yes, I loved it! It happens to be one of the most amazing country album I've ever heard! To all the people out there who love and live for country music, this is a must-listen for them!

Often it happens that the country album one hears have a touch of pop to them. The touch ranges from a simple tinge( Carrie Underwood) to a being painted all over( Taylor Swift). But it's nothing like that over here. It's a complete country record from the first track to the closing track. The good stuff! Completely Country!

The track listings is as follow;

Gunpowder & Lead
Dry Town
Famous in a Small Town
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
Love Letters
Desperation
More Like Her
Down
Guilty In Here
Getting Ready
Easy from Now On
Nobody's Used To Be (Bonus Track)
Girl Like Me (Bonus Track)
Take it Out on Me (Bonus Track)
I Just Really Miss You (Bonus Track)

Credits behind the song writing goes mostly to Miranda. She's either collaborated or written solely all of the tracks, except for 'Getting Ready' which is penned by Patty Griffins and 'Dry Town'.

Songs like 'Gunpowder & Lead', 'Crazy Ex-Girlfriend' and 'Down' come with a touch crazy. It's a mix of country and rock, with major guitar play. All of these songs accompany with banjo strings and heavy drumming. As mentioned earlier, they come with a touch of crazy. Miranda is a woman scorned; no, wait! Mke that a country chick scorned so expect wild and nasty things.

These are not the only up tempo tracks from the album. 'Dry Town', 'Famous in a Small Town' and 'Guilty In Here' come along the lines of typical country songs. But given Miranda's true to country voice, they're a treat all the same. I've heard of country albums before but something that is so authentic to country is a new taste for me.

'Getting Ready' is another up tempo track, and I'd place it somewhere between the two types of fast paced tracks I've mentioned earlier. But don't worry! It's darn good!

'Love Letters', 'Desperation', 'More Like Her' and 'Easy From Now On' are the songs in which one experiences the softer side of Miranda. Here she croones over lost love and memories long gone. 'Love Letters' and 'More Like Her' happen to be my two most favorite track off the album.

All the singles off the album have done an extremely good job, with three of them entering the Top 20 charts. The single produced under the same title as the album was the only single that failed to break into Top 20. And also there is no video about it!

Miranda Lambert third studio effort is set to be released just around the corner, September 29th. The two singles released have been blessed with major chart success. Given all this one can only expect great things from the Nashville Star finalist. Oh, she didn't win BUT is more successful than any other singer to have taken his/her roots from there.

Miranda Lambert, keep the good stuff coming....cuz I'm lov'in it! Yes, I'm having McDonalds as I'm writing this up!

Sunday, September 20, 2009

What a Way to Celebrate!!

Madonna is about to release her third greatest hits albums. Celebration. The album is set to include every released Madonna chart topper, along with three new tracks. The first of these three new tracks, titled the same as the album Celebration official video surfaced on July 18th. It was great, but not epic.

However the video that I'm posting is the other version. Another video was made in which fans of the universal sensation are seen getting jiggy with it. And in my opinion, it's far better than the original version. Fans from the Sweet & Sticky Tour are featured. Though the concept of the video is extremely simple but the contrast and variety featured simply boggles the mind!

This is Madonna worship at a completely different level! And I guarantee you'll be having a reaction. And I'd like to know them so do drop in a comment.

And you gotta love the dude @ 0:37!

Friday, September 18, 2009

Up To The Mountain - Kelly Clarkson

And here is another post of the one and only Kelly Clarkson from yours truly. Yes, I know! I'm addicted to her like crazy!!

So anyhow given the obvious, I ran into this clip of Clarkson a few days ago when I was browsing YouTube randomly and I remembered how ballistic I went about her after she sang. Although it was pretty much set and done about her appearing on the very first 'Idol Gives Back' during Season Six, but there was some rumor drama going on about how her fool of a label wanted her to promote her then to be released album My December.

Instead of listening to her label, Clarkson went with her guts and performed the soulful ballad by Patty Griffins. The review of her performance were very positive, with many saying that Clarkson did the right thing by not listening to her label.

How can you not love her?!

Thursday, September 17, 2009

My December; Kelly Clarkson

Clarkson's third studio album My December was released on 20th June' 2007. Despite being surrounded amidst tremendous controversies behind it's production and songwriting, the album fared pretty well. It's critical reception was was diverse with some sources calling it the best Clarkson offered in musical diversity, while others commenting that it lacks the pop gusto of her second album Breakaway.

Despite all this the album sold extremely well and being the huge Clarkson fan I am, it's pretty obvious that I was there for it on the day it got released. The cover art is perfect given the content of the album, where most of the songs are dark and introspective, where Clarkson gives us a taste of the depressing times she was going through.

Clarskon co-wrote all of the songs that have appeared on the album, she specifically wanted the album to unfold like a story because that what she was trying to convey to her audience. The track listings is as follows;

Never Again
One Minute
Hole
Sober
Don't Waste Your Time
Judas
Haunted
Be Still
Maybe
How I Feel
Yeah
Can I Have a Kiss
Irvine

While most of the album follows a strong rock trend, occasionally on some tracks like 'Sober', 'Be Still', 'Maybe' and 'Irvine' are completely soulful tracks. Clarkson has done an awesome job of putting down her heart in all of these tracks, 'Sober' is especially a treat to listen.

Still wanting to display her pop side, Clarkson has included tracks like 'Can I Have a Kiss', 'How I Feel' and 'Yeah'. These three songs are amongst my favorites from the album. While not only staying young, she has also not regressed to bubble hum pop that her label was expecting her to do. 'Can I Have a Kiss' is possibly the best of these three, so I'd definitely recommend you to lend an ear to it.

'Don't Waste Your Time' is the amalgam of pop and rock. Add Clarkson's rip tide vocals to it and you have an instant hit. I'm glad they promoted this song as a single, the video is one of the most awesome videos I've ever seen. Clarkson looks like a dream in red and the effects are just amazing.

'Never Again' which is the first single off the album is a complete rock song with Clarkson's powerhouse vocals. I would pity the person who gets on her wrong foot, she can definitely do some damage. 'One Minute', 'Haunted', 'Judas' and 'Hole' all can be found on the road of rock. 'Judas' is definitely a crazy track, I'm still addicted to it.

I'm glad Clarkson put down some rock songs and displayed the same side of her we saw during Breakway, only now it was clearly more mature. Clarkson's third studio effort is definitely worth adding to your collection. it's down right amazing!

Friday, September 11, 2009

Innocence - Avril Lavigne

Avril Lavigne is definitely one of the most recognized names in the music industry at the moment. Known for her emo/punk style, fast uptempo songs and touching ballads she has attained a huge following.

But for some reason I was never an Avril Lavigne fan, to me she seemed to be another P!NK wannabe except with a slight more dose of the color pink. However opinions change and mine did!

My opinion about the Princess of Pop changed after she released her third studio album, The Best Damn Thing. 'Innocence' is one of the track off the album and most definitely most favorite of the whole lot.

This LIVE! performance hits the spot as Avril takes the stage and chills everyone with this earthy ballad. I may not a emo but I certainly do know a great Avril song when I hear one.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Hero - X Factor 2008

The X Factor finalist of the 5th Season performed this song for the first time on the live show on October 25th '08. And a day later it was released as a single, it was announced that it was supposed to benefit the Help of Heroes and The Royal British Legion charities.

Upon it's release, the tax implied on it's sale was eliminated by the Chancellor so that the entire proceeding may go straight to the given charities.

Later on the official music video was also released and is given as below, do check that out. The video features all the the finalist along with images of the soldiers spread along the video.

Though the LIVE! performance is every bit as good as it should be, but the hand movement is too weird and it sort of distracted me from the vocals of the finalist. Alexandra Burke, the winner of this season, definitely is a stand out both in the LIVE! performance and the video. And yes, both of these were shot and released before she was announced as the winner.

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