19; Adele

Adele released her debut album, 19 on January 28th 2008 and it was no doubt one of the two most remarkable debut albums from a female artist. The other being from Katy Perry. Adele proved herself as a rising star in the rapidly developing music industry and definitely earned a spot on the most recent generation of the British Invasion.

Just a few months short of turning twenty years, Adele's debut album is very appropriately titled 19. At a very tender age having released an album which majorly was under her own creative wing is something not many artists manage to do. Even the older ones!

The album opens with the very classy track 'Daydreamer'. It's a soulful ballad which displays on of Adele's strongest skills; vocal ability. One of the things I've liked most about her is that she actually sounds british. Leona Lewis's accent can only be detected during her speech and not while she sings. Adele expressions also gets ten out of ten from me. And for being the opener, the track is a definite winner.

'Best For Last' is the second track off the record. Adele takes a slightly more upbeat approach as she displays her spunk in a jolly good way. The track is easily one of the most likeable tracks from the album. After dispalying maturity way beyond her years in 'Daydreamer', 'Best For Last' is the perfect song to make the listener realize that she's just nineteen and so immensely talented. A personal favorite reason behind this song is how it goes up and down like a wave. It's really something very fresh and definitely worth a notice.

The first single off the record is the third track 'Chasing Pavements'. This song is one of the best songs I've heard from the whole bunch of songs I took time out to listen last year. And it's no wonder that it is going strong and can still be spotted in my playlist. The song won a Grammy Award for 'Best Female Pop Vocal Performance' defeating a very strong competetion that included P!NK's 'So What', Leona Lewis's 'Bleeding Love' and Katy Perry's 'I Kissed A Girl'. The music video of the song also bagged a nomination for choreography during the 2008 MTV Music Video Awards. Adele slips gracefully into her classy self again.

'Cold Shoulder' is the fourth track and the second single from the album. The song has a slight influence of jazz on to it and to tell the truth, it works like a charm. The best thing that the listener grasps about Adele by now is how diverse she really is. Once again she goes into her sassy mode and displays the attitude you would find in a nineteen year old. It's definitely a crowd pleaser. The music video has to be one of the coolest(Pun intened!) ever!

The fifth track 'Crazy For You' is another smooth flowing ballad. My favorite part of the song is when she goes into these falsetto for just a blink moment and then again goes into it towards the beginning of the chorus where she repeats the title of the song twice. Adele's vocals here are impeccable. She's definitely a master of her art. Someone clearly born with the talent and is using it very much in her favor.

'Melt My Heart To Stone' is the sixth track off the album. This track goes into a comparitively slower moods. Yes, even slower than 'Daydreamer' but then slowly builds up to a power structure. This song is very much appropriate to her self-imposed title of 'Heartbroken Soul'. By now I've gone through half of the album and I'm thoroughly pleased. Great going, Adele!

'First Love' is the seventh track. It is a gentle song with soft progression but it's abit too slow even for me. A friend of mind is totally head over heels with it but then each to his own. It's good but I liked the previous six far more.

The eighth track 'Right As Rain' brings us back to the jazzy, sassy Adele that goes perfectly after the very slow number, 'First Love'. Adele is magical with her vocals over here and there is no doubt that this track one of my favorite ones from the album. I'd definitely recommend you to check this one out. I was disappointed when it was not chosen as a single.

The ninth track is the third single from the album. It is a cover version of Bob Dylan's 'To Make You Feel My Love'. Though I prefer Kris Allen's version far above even the original version but Adele displays the adequate composure and emotional depth to the song. Though it's a cover version taking along the original melody but Adele's vocals surely leave their trademark on it. During the video, Adele's vocals are a live recording. Isn't she just amazing!!

'My Same' takes the listener back to her younger side. Though Adele appears more in her zone around ballads and slower number but there is no doubt she can wrap nearly every song around her vocals and pull it off with expertise way beyond many artists of the same age. Her faster tracks have a slight touch of Jazz to it and I'm so not complaining. This all suits her vocals beautifully!

The eleventh track 'Tired' is another up tempo number from Adele. The song was released as a single in Spain but no music video was shot. Though it is a good song for some reason it doesn't make me come back for a second listen so it falls lower than the other tracks I've heard.

The final track 'Hometown Glory'. Adele penned this song when she was sixteen years old and this was the song which led her to stardom after a friend of her put up a demo version of the song on his MySpace page. If I could write song anywhere near this at this moment, I'd be floating on Cloud Nine. Adele is definitely one of the most talented people to emerge in the previous year.

The album over all gets 9 out of 10 from me. Katy Perry also displayed creativity in her major debut release 'One Of The Boys' but Adele gives everything that Katy did with a touch of maturity and class. Plus her image goes very well with her music, she's definitely an old white soul singer at heart with a very magical voice. Adele's sophomore album is slated for a 2009 release and I'm definitely looking forward to it. Talent like her can't be kept from the world! No way no how!

Copyright © Saad Khan 2009 (Karachi, Pakistan; saadkhalidkhan@gmail.com)

Big Bad World; Plain White T's

Big Bad World is Plain White T's second album under a major label, Hollywood Records. Their first album, Every Second Counts was released in 2006 which spawned the very soulful Hey There Delilah, a personal favorite of mine.

Sadly their recent effort falls flat in comparision to their earlier one. The album has a very bubble-gum pop feeling to it and it's in no way as soulful as their previous one. The band appears to have taken a very different direction with all the harmonizing in their songs, kind of reminds me of Backstreet Boys. Tom Higgension has written every song off the album either independently or in collaboration with various writers. Though this did prove the skilled pen-man ship of Higgenson, it also led the album to have no particular style in the creativity department. It seems to be all over the place taking influence from everyone inside and outside their home genre.

The album starts off with the song under the same title as that of the album; 'Big Bad World'. The song has nothing really special about it. When I heard it the first time I was severly dissappointed given their previous effort. The lyric content is also far too immature for the group. Jonas Brothers would rather be doing this but even they wouldn't be caught dead covering this hype.

The second track 'Natural Disaster' takes a slightly more rock approach. But again the song doesn't do any wonders. The repeating clapping and chanting sort of gets on my nerves. And once again, the lyrical content is nothing that would make me get hooked upon it. And this was the first single released off the record. Moving on to the next one!

'Serious Mistake' is the third track off the album and finally gives me some of the stuff that I was waiting for. It has a nice homely feel with the light guitar strumming during the verse progression. The vocals in this particular song have a certain feel to it that develops a connection with the listener. It's the first decent track off the record.

'Rainy Day' is another decent track off the album. The song develops from a slow power ballad and then drops back into the low register. The lyrics hold meaning. Now this is the Plain White T's that got me one their band wagon. It's sort of reminds me of something that I would expect from Avril Lavigne, but I'm not complaining.

The best track from the record comes next. '1, 2, 3, 4' is the one song that makes you keep coming back for more. It's totally pop but not bubble gum. The lyrics are really cleverly written and Tom Higgenson's vocals really wrap themselves around the song. It's the unadulterated really good stuff. Plus the video is one the simplest and yet one of the best video I've seen.

'That Girl' is the second rock song track off the album. It basically flips the story that is told during Natural Disaster but somehow it's more worth listening. The harmonizing is slightly Mariah Carey excluding the falsetto. It's good but not great. While it will give you a good time but it won't stay on your playlist for a really substantial period of time.

'Sunlight' displays the soulful side of Plain White T's once more. Though the track is indeed one of the my favorite, it gives the feeling as if the Plain White T's are more of an a cappella group rather than a rock group. Still this is one track I'll give them points for. I'm glad they released this song as their third single, it's one of the decent tracks off the album.

'I Really Want You' has GOT to be the weirdest song off the whole record and possibly also one of the weirdest songs I've ever heard. The chorus is just the same lines being repeated again and it lacks any possible depth. The song seems like a knock-off version of Garth Brooks' 'Ain't Going Down ('Til The Sun Comes Up) but I guess that's probably because of the fast wording during the verses and the harmonica being played. There is absolutely nothing special about this track and I would recommend that you skip to the next immediately.

The ninth track, 'Meet Me In California' is a decent acoustic pop number. It's certainly better than the previous track. The track is a smoothly placed number which gets you humming. It's one of my favorite track off the album and I would have loved this to be released as a single.

Fortunately the album ends on a better note than how it stated. 'Someday' is another soulful number of the record with a slight touch of rock to it. The lyric are certianly amongst the better half of the whole bunch.

I'd give it a 6 out of 10. It's not anywhere near my favorite albums from 2008 but it certainly is worth lending your ear to. Just skip the tracks I mentioned and the rest will do you justice. Till next time, cheers!

Copyright © Saad Khan 2009 (Karachi, Pakistan; mailto:saadikk87@hotmail.com)

David Cook; David Cook

On 21st May 2008, The Music Industry formally inducted one of the finest rock artist of all times inmy opinion. David Cook won the seventh season of American Idol by nearly 12 million votes over the 16 year old David Archuleta in one of the most competetive and exciting finale ever witnessed according to many critics.

Cook's self-titled debut album was released on 18th November 2008 and to all those who had witnessed some of his breath taking performances on Idol it was a major sigh of relief. The wait was finally over!

Cook remained true to to his nature by making the album around his comfort zone of alternate rock mainly. The record has a heavy list of stars to it's credit. The likes of John Rzeznik(Goo Goo Dolls frontman), Raine Maida(Our Lady Peace frontman), Chris Cornell and Chantal Kreviazuk. It's no wonder this album is my favorite from a male artist. Cook thouroughly left his fans satsified with the impressive vocals, amazing songs and captivating melodies. The cover is perfect given the hard grunge content of the album but I would have settled for less guy-liner.

The record starts with Decleration which is collaboration with Cook, Raine Maine Maida and John Rzeznik. The song starts of slow with Cook building up to a big chorus with his signature grunge note that is just so David Cook.

The second song off the album is Heroes. It is a personal favorite of mine. It's written Cook, Maida along with Cathy Dennis who has written many songs like 'About You Now' for Sugababes and 'Can't Get You Out Of My Head' for Kylie Minogue. The songs gives us a taste of Cook's vunerable pop side but at the same time does justice to his rock styling. The song slows down towards the ends and then goes big again which is my personal favorite moment during the whole song.

'Light On' is the third song and the first single off the album. It is co-written by Chris Cornell and Brain Howes. Cornell was deeply interested in contributing to the album after Cook performed his cover version of 'Billie Jean' during his Idol run and got unanimous praise from the judges. It's good but not as good as compared to some of the other tracks on the album.

"Come Back To Me' is the second single off the record. It's written by the immensely talented song-writing duo Espionage who have previously written Beyonce's world wide hit 'Irreplaceable' and Chris Brown's R&B Chat Topper 'With You'. The track is highly reminiscent of 'Always Be My Baby' but maybe that's just because the theme is same. Cook's vocals do it justice and the grunge signature move once again work superb. It's a master piece.

'Life On The Moon' is the fifth track off the album. It's a collaboration between Cook, Espionage and Zac Malloy. The track sticks to Cook's rock roots but is comparitively more grunge as compared to the others. It's eventful but there is nothing about it that will make you go back and listen to it.

The sixth track 'Bar-ba-sol' was the most anticipated track off the album, it's written by Cook in collaboration with Danny Grady and Dan Dixon. When the track listing was revealed the most discussed song was this partly owing to it's title. There was some stupid joke going about in forums about Cook being inspired from the shaving company under the same name. The track is clearly one of the best from the whle bunch. A real solid power packed rock number that will brings out the best of Cook's vocals. No official video has been released yet!

Raine Maida once again teams with Cook on the seventh track from the record. 'Mr. Sensitive' is another one of the out-standing track from the album. The lyrics are beautiful and the arrangement of cords is simply rocking. It is very grunge even for Cook but he makes it work extremely well.

'Lie' is a personal favorite track of mine. It brings back the same team that created 'Come Back To Me' and 'Life On The Moon'. The theme is indeed extremely unique. It's a complete power ballad that brings out the deep growling rock artist inside of Cook. I'm really hoping that it's released as one of the singles from the album. It's easily the most likeable track off the whole album.

'I Did It For You' once again pairs up Cook and Maida. It starts off smoothly with Cook settling into the mood for the track. The chorus is extremely well arranged as Cook explodes into a regretful state of calling back his lover. It's heart felt and somewhat reminds me of the Aerosmith signature he gave on the producer's choice 'I Don't Want To Miss A Thing'. This and the last three songs are some of the best parts of the album as Cook's flexibility as an artist is proved. Bravo!

'Avalanche' is the weakest song off the record. It's a team work product of Cook and Kevin Griffin. There are some beauitful moments when Cook goes into a falsetto for a very brief moment which I had no idea he possessed. It was a nice surprise but the song could have been alot better.

Next comes the best track off the album; 'Permanant'. This track is seriously a work of art, a signature Cook master peice that no one can reproduce to a better or even the same level. It's co-written by Cook, Maida and Kreviazuk. Cook's vocal are worth a standing ovation because of the depth of emotion that can be felt. Cook performed the song during the American Idol Season 8 Finale and clearly it was the best performance of the night.

'My Daily AntheM' is an independent effort of David Cook. The odd lettering in the title is actually a way of dedication to Cook's elder brother Adam Cook who died after an eleven year battle with brain cancer. The lyrics are once again beautiful to the core. This is another favorite of mine as the sincerity of expression is clear and Cook's vocal pack it with a real power punch.

'Time Of My Life' is Cook's coronation song. It is written by Regie Hamm after he won the American Idol Song Writing Contest. Cook performed first time right after he was announced as the winner. It's one of the best coronation song on Idol ever.

The last track from the album is 'Kiss On The Neck'. It's a teamwork product of Cook and Neil Tiemann. It once again puts us back as in the groove that 'Bar-ba-sol' gives off. It's a cool contempary rock track that's definitely a nice ending to the amazing album.

Cook leaves the listener wanting more. After such an epic star-studded debut album, one can only imagine that immense talent that will be bought to the table by his follow-up. For one I'm extremely happy that American Idol finally has a male winner that it can be proud of. Way to go, David!

Copyright © Saad Khan 2009 (Karachi, Pakistan; saadkhalidkhan@gmail.com)

And The Winner Is....KRIS ALLEN!! :D

Who saw this coming?! No one! Who ever thought that the tender dawg would defeat the heavily pimped Rock God in a landslide and take home the very coveted title?! No one! But it happened! On May 20th Kris Allen was announced as the winner of the eigthth season of American Idol!

Since the Top 13 contestants were revealed for this eigthth season of American Idol, many were expecting the final showdown to go between the 29 yr old Church Minister Danny Gokey and the 27 yr old theatre star Adam Lambert! People did see Kris Allen as someone who could do well, possibly lasting till Top 6. He had fallen into the category of 'Cannon Fodder'; a term commonly used in the world of Reality Television for those who are just in the competetion to extend it and are of no pivotal importance. But that all changed with Kris Allen!

Kris Allen auditioned Lousiville, Kentucky singing Leon Russel's classic 'A Song For You'. He was the only person in Top 13 besides the 16 year old Allison Iraheta who's audition wasn't aired. The judges commented him to be an average singer and he too didn't seem very confident of himself at the moment but the Golden Ticket was just a key to unlock the fortune that was to come his way in a few months.

During Hollywood week, he showed his artistic side to the panel by playing numerous musical instruments from acoustic guitar to electric and even a piano. His cover of Michael Buble 'Everything' was also not aired but mentioned several times by Kara DioGuardi as one of her favorite performances. He qualified for a spot in Top 36 and was placed in the second group to perform with the likes of Adam Lambert, Matt Brietzke and Matt Giraud; all of who happened to be judges favorite. Unfortunately this year the list for Top 36 leaked a week earlier over the internet. The one thing that was commonly being discussed over every message board was 'Who's Kris Allen?'

Everybody had a little to alot of idea about most of the names on the list but no one even knew who was this person. In his group night, he performed Michael Jackson's Billboard Hot 100 song 'Man In The Mirror' and was praised by the judges for his smooth delivery on the song. This was the first time Kris was given camera time that lasted longer than five seconds. On the following results show, he advanced into Top 13 along with Adam Lambert and Allison Iraheta.

When Top 13 took the stage for the first time, the theme was Michael Jackson. Already quite familiar with the territory, Kris picked up 'Remember The Time' from the album 'Dangerous'. He performed along with his acoustic guitar in a very plaid manner. The performance was well recieved. Kris advanced to Top 11 smoothly.

Grand Ole Opry was the theme during Top 11 night. Mentored by the country star, Randy Travis; Kris decided to sing a stripped back mellow version of the Bob Dylan's classic 'Make You Feel My Love'. The performance was recieved with unanimous praise, Simon Cowell also stated that he has a decent shot of doing well in the competetion. Kris was declared safe on the result night and advanced to Top 10.

The Top 10 took on the Motown classics. Mentored by Smokey Robinson this time, he decided upon Marvin Gaye's 'How Sweet It Is(To Be Loved By You)'. Smokey commented that Kris was definitely someone who could go on to become a big star(Way to go, Smokey!). The performance was well-recieved with many of the judges praising his orginality. Kris was declared safe on the following night and advanced to Top 9 unscathed.

Top Downloads was the chosen theme for Top 9. Kris delivered his best performance on the Idol stage when he sang Bill Withers 'Ain't No Sunshine'. Kris was given the pimp spot this week and used it extremely well. The performance was praised to be his best with Simon commenting that he should be more confident of his talent on stage. Kris was declared safe and advanved to Top 8.

'Songs From The Year They Were Born' was the theme during Top 8. Kris Allen went ahead with Don Henley's 'All She Wants To Do Is Dance'. Though many believed that the song showed the edgier side of Kris and commented that he could perform the upbeat songs just as well as the ballads, the judges thought of it as one of his weak moments. The critical reason being wrong song choice. Fortunately America thought otherwise and forwarded Kris in Top 7.

Top 7 took on the 'Songs Of The Cinema' along with mentor Quentin Tarantino. Kris performed the Academy Award winning song 'Falling Slowly' from the movie Once. Kris did extremely well with this song as it revealed his compassionate side. While Randy commented on it being pitchy from note one(Why Randy?! Why? Why?), Kara thought it was one of his best moments ever and Simon stated that he was brilliant. America agreed and Kris advanced for another week of showcasing his talent.

Disco Week came as a real shocker for all when Kris performed the Donna Summer chart topper 'She Works Hard For The Money' in his own unique fashion. You people have got to hear this to believe this! No way on Earth could this seem like a Donna Summer signature peice after Kris gave it his touch. The performance was contempary, cleverly arranged and artistic, also let's not forget the most important original. Kris got a thumbs up from the judges and was declared safe for another round.

The Top 5 were mentored by Jamie Foxx and the theme for the week was 'Rat Pack Standards'. Kris took up Frank Sinatra's immortal hit 'The Way You Look Tonight'. Foxx was so amazed by Kris's spin on the song that he offered to collaborate with him if Idol doesn't work out for him. Three weeks in a row Kris delivered his best. America saw the tender dawg's(Randy's affectionate moniker for Kris) softer side once again that was highlighted during Country Week and this time he seemed more confident. The performance got mixed reviews with Simon stating it as wet(Just when I was beginning to like him?!). This week got a little scary when Kris made an appearence in Bottom 3 along with Adam Lambert and Matt Giraud. But he was declared safe first.

'Rock n Roll' was the theme for Top 4, and they were mentored by Slash. Due to time constraints, instead of the usual two songs per contestants, there was one duet and one solo performance. Kris performed alongside Danny Gokey the Styx hard rock chart number 'Renegade'. The comments on the performance were humorous. Kara stated that this was a thing more for the bad boys, Kris and Danny being strictly catholic and church goers didn't give the vibe. Simon blatantly favored Danny over Kris(He really does want me to start hating him!). For his solo performance Kris performed the Beatles signature number 'Come Together'. He recieved positive reviews on it with the judges saying that he did the best he could do with the song given that rock isn't exactly his comfort zone. Kris was predicted to be eliminated this week but survived(A Happy Dance Moment for me!).

Just a week away from the finale, the Allenation(Kris's followers had dubbed themselves as Allenation) were mighty unsure of this week. The underdog was up against two of the most heavily pimped constestants of Season 8, Adam Lambert and Danny Gokey. While still standing by Kris, there was a major belief that Kris won't survive this week. The night came and Kris performed 'Apologize' by One Republic as his first song. Randy and Kara had chosen it for Kris. The reviews were mixed with Kara stating that he didn't own it and Simon commenting on a foolish song choice. With the other song choice, thankfully being one of his own choice, Kris performed Kanye West's recent hot chart number 'Heartless'. This was unbelievable! Kris totally owned the song by performing it with an acoustic guitar. Simon stated 'Heartless' as his most favorite performance from Season 8 with Randy stating that he liked his take on the song more than Kanye and the Fray. Simon also said that he had written Kris out of competetion but 'Heartless' changed his mind completely. Kris was declared safe on the following night with Danny Gokey being sent home(Another Happy Dance Moment for me!).

Kris competed against Adam in the finale. While the gauntlet was drawn and nearly everybody expected Kris to be thrown under the bus with the judges favoring Adam, there was still hope. Kris performed 'Ain't No Sunshine' first as his reprise song. Kris made it more of his own style this time and declaring round one to be his by Simon Cowell. The second round was the producer's choice and Kris was given Marvin Gaye's soulful classic about social awareness 'What's Going On'. It recieved mixed reviews with the Judges stating that it was a poor song choice but he did the best he could do with it. Round two was declared in favor of Adam!

The coronation song 'No Boundaries' written by Kara DiaGuardi, Mitch Allan and Cathy Dennis. I so don't know what to say about this song. Of all the coronation song I've witnessed till now, this one takes the bottom spot. It's far too pop for Kris, it's something I would rather see Hannah Montana singing than Kris Allen. Therefore Round 3 was not declared to anyone and the judges chose not to judge the contestants on the song but on thier journey. Kris was told that watching him grow was incredible from the shy timid lad to the confident performer.

On May 20th Kris Allen was declared as eigthth American Idol. Nobody saw this coming! Heck nobody even thought he would make it to the finale. Everyone was predicting the last round to be between Danny and Adam or Danny and Alexis. But Kris won! And for the third time in a row, one of my picks has won!

Way to go, Kris! Way to go! Wishing you the very best for an amazing career ahead!

Copyright © Saad Khan 2009 (Karachi, Pakistan; saadkhalidkhan@gmail.com)

I Just Want To...

Verse 1
If I got down on my knees
And said that 'I love you',
Will you believe? Will you agree?

If I climbed on to your balcony
Be your personal Romeo,
Will you believe? Will you be pleased?

Chorus
Oh, anyway you want I'm ready
All you need to do is tell me
'Cuz I... All I wanna do is love you
I just want to love you
Anyway you want to

Verse 2
You're not to blame
I know you've been hurt before
I know it hurt you really bad
But believe me, I'm not like them

Won't ever let you cry; No!
No tear shall flow from your eyes

Chorus
Oh, anyway you want I'm ready
All you need to do is tell me
'Cuz I... All I wanna do is love you
I just want to love you
Anyway you want to

Bridge
When you need strength, I'll be there for you
When you need passion, I'll be there for you
And when you need some good good lov'in, I'll love you

Chorus
I just want to love you!
Just want to love you!
Anyway you want to!

Copyright © Saad Khan 2009 (Karachi, Pakistan; saadkhalidkhan@gmail.com)

Crazy People

Verse 1
I woke up today; I didn't want to get out of bed
These voices in my head kept telling me to stay
To stay in my bed

It did seem like a good advice but not the best
I need to go, need to face the world
But before that there's something to be told

Chorus
You crazy people in this world; Don't bother me today
With your silly questions and not needed advice
I'm sick and tired of trying to be nice
Stop interfering with my life! If I need your help, I'll ask!
Oh you crazy people don't bother me today!

Crazy! Crazy! Crazy!
Don't bother me!

Verse 2
You push my buttons with your fake words of concern
Drive me to the point of no return!
I wish I could yell a little louder
Just to have a little space...a little room to breathe!
That's all I need! That's all crave!

Bridge
Three's a company and I don't mind
As long as it's me, myself and I

Chorus
You crazy people in this world; Don't bother me today
With your silly questions and not needed advice
I'm sick and tired of trying to be nice
Stop interfering with my life! If I need your help, I'll ask!
Oh you crazy people don't bother me today!

Crazy! Crazy! Crazy!
Don't bother me!

Copyright © Saad Khan 2009 (Karachi, Pakistan; saadkhalidkhan@gmail.com)

Departure; Jesse McCartney

Jesse McCartney’s third studio album Departure hit the air world o April 2008. The very oddly named record changed the entire definition of Jesse in the music industry. He took a complete break from his previous “Golden Boy” route that was very prominent in his previous two studio album Right Where You Want Me(2006) and Beautiful Soul(2004).

The new sound was highly appreciated as it incorporated a more adult feel which was remarkably absent from his previous effort. While he stuck to his pop and R&B roots, Jesse made a point of sounding more modern with heavy usage of progressive beat and voice synthesizer. The songwriting has to be credited as one of the main thing Jesse made sure was that his style of writing evolved along with him on the route of boy to man, he collaborated with several big names in the industry like Sean Garett(Also featured on the album), Brian Kennedy, Terius Nash, Christopher Stewart and Claude Kelly.

The title of the album of the album set me back completely as I thought Jesse was retiring from the music industry given the amount of time he had taken to put this album out and the number of times it’s release date was rescheduled. But thankfully it wasn’t true; Jesse McCartney himself stated that the name is one that defines his parting from his previous style.

The first track of the album Leavin’ is also the first single of the album. Upon the first time I heard it, the immediate liking was inevitable as of the fact that it’s up-temp but at the same time has a mellow feel to it. The cell phone beeps add a modern touch. And I have to add that it immediately announced a very bold approach on Jesse’s part. The video raised several marks because of it’s somewhat steamy scenes as Disney failed to air it unlike his previous videos. But that didn’t put a dent in the single’s progress as it became a fan favorite with frequent request on TRL and many other movie channels all over the world.

It’s Over is the second single off the album and also the second single. This track is my second most favorite from the album. Jesse makes magic on this track by infusing his R&B feel with hip-pop, creating something that was immediately noticed as brand new. The song towards chorus gets really beautiful when he goes into his falsetto for a moment. The repetitive clapping encourages feet tapping.

The third track is Rock You is a hip hop infused with rapper style. Jesse teams up with the very hot current songwriter Sean Garrett who opens up the track giving us the very large feel. It’s very reminding of Blow Your Mind from his sophomore effort but more evolved this time. While not the best track from the record, the fast progression of words with the beat-boxing gets the listener going. It is slightly reminiscent of Michael Jackson’s style of hip hop.

The fourth track How Do You Sleep is my personal favorite and delightfully the third single off the album. The track starts with melodic moaning and then gets into this R&B fused with rock and hip hop. Jesse’s creativity has to be applauded in this. It’s been on my play list since a very long time and I don’t see it getting removed anytime soon. It’s the must-listen from this album!

The fifth track comes as a real shock to those aware of Jesse previous album. Jesse had everything but the ‘bad boy’ image going for him but in this song, that indication is all over the place. It’s a bold move which has received mixed response. While some have appreciated that he should be singing boy band type song but they’ve also told him to tread carefully with explicit lyrics. It’s not anywhere near my favorite tracks from the album.

The sixth track, Make Up, is a pure crowd pleaser. Once again Jesse has fused R&B with hip pop and made a really good number. The track starts fast with rhythmic clapping and goes slow down in the middle and then goes fast again. The progressing from up tempo to low tempo is just the right amount giving the listener enough time to register a contrast. The play of music is simple and effective. Well done!

The seventh track is the very mischievous number My Baby. Jesse goes on about singing about his quest of a girl he’s spotted randomly and can’t help going after her. The word play is a definite favorite of mine. It’s highly reminiscent of Michael Jackson’s P.Y.T(Pretty Young Thing) to me for some weird reason. By now people have gotten the over all feel of his album, it’s comparatively more on the R&B side.

The eighth track Told You So is based upon a personal experience. Jesse while has disclosed this little bit of info didn’t disclose who is it about. The track switches back to his pop side and reminds me very much of his previous album’s track. Jesse’s vocals really shine in this number and to those who have liked his previous works more than this one are highly hopeful of this being an upcoming single.

Relapse is the ninth track and another up tempo number from Jesse. The track is one of my favorite. Songs putting love and break-up with an analogy with rehabilitation are very popular nowadays. The track goes fast in the chorus and can be rated as a pretty decent dance number.

The tenth track Runnin’ track is once again a very pop number from the record. Jesse tells us about the every day story of guys being scared of commitment. After a recent breakup of a friend of mine, I gave her this track as a consoling gesture. She didn’t bother listening it at first but eventually when her anger and frustration subsided she did give it a listen and later on burrowed the album from me. Can I say Jesse McCartney has another loyal fan with an awesome pair of lungs?! Yes, I can.

The eleventh track Freaky is featured on the High School Musical 3; Senior Year. It’s the second song which can be truthfully regarded as a dance number; Jesse does have a certain knack for getting people’s groove going.

The twelfth and last track off the album is Not Your Enemy. This track gives the album the most perfect closure ever, it’s has a slight Evanescence feel to it because of the slight haunting feeling in the song. It’s a really beautiful song, this track also is still in my play list. Jesse’s vocals are impeccable, it’s smooth and mellow. Really heart wrenching! I maybe over-stating this but indeed it has to be the perfect ending to the album.

People who have purchased the deluxe edition also have a cover version of the song Jesse co-penned with Ryan Tedder for Leona Lewis. I think we all can guess what song I’m talking about, that’s right! Bleeding Love! Jesse’s cover version is more pop like his previous ballad number, it’s a good effort but this song has become a signature Leona Lewis number. He did it good, but Leona did it great!

Jesse has to be applauded for his effort, he is indeed someone who’s pretty much on the way of hitting gold in near future whether be it his song writing abilities or his singing. Departure was re-released earlier this year under the title of Departure; Recharged. It featured five new tracks but that’s to come some other day. Be on the look out for it!

Copyright © Saad Khan 2009 (Karachi, Pakistan; saadkhalidkhan@gmail.com)

One Of The Boys; Katy Perry

Many people make a debut into the ever populated music industry every year, yet only a hand few manage to get it right from day one. Katy Perry happens to be one of them. Her album was one of the most anticipated one of 2008 after the release of it’s first single “I Kissed A Girl”. Perry herself was very excited about this album since she was breaking away from her root of Christian music which led to a lot of trouble. The album was dropped previously twice because the producers were not sure of it’s success. Way to prove to them, girl!

Perry had been developing the concept behind her recent effort for almost five years before it materialized in front of her. Perry adopted a more commercial approach to her album by setting it around the pop rock genre and it certainly paid off well. The very colorful album went platinum after selling nearly over a million copies all over the world.

The album picks of with the track One of the Boys. The album is under the same title incidentally. The song is written by Perry herself and is regarding her growing up years where she was a typical tom-girl. The track is catchy but the tracks succeeding it are far better.

The second track and a personal favorite among many Perry fans is I Kissed A Girl. The song is written by Perry in collaboration with Max Martin and Dr. Luke who have previously contributed to artists like Britney Spears, Kelly Clarkson and P!NK. The track is super addictive, hence it was the perfect promotional single for the album. Also it generated a pretty good hype in the LGBT circles labeling Perry as a herald while others put her down for promoting homosexuality. Perry defended herself by stating that;

“Everyone takes the song and relates it to their situation, they can see it however they want to see it. Love it, hate it, for me it was about us girls. When we're young we're very touchy-feely. We have slumber party sing-alongs, we make up dance routines in our pajamas. We’re a lot more intimate in a friendship than guys can be. It’s not perverse but just sweet, that's what the song is about.”

The track is also accompanied a video which last year was one of the most viewed on YouTube, which also lead to many spin-off parodies of it. I tried to scourge YouTube to get some but apparently they’ve been disabled in my country.

The third track from the record is Waking Up In Vegas will be the fifth single off the album, it’s being released on 21^st April and you’ll probably be seeing it on the side bar soon enough. The track is in alliance with Desmond Child who has previously contributed to Bon Jovi and definitely carries the touch a rock to it. The track tells the story of a couple who struck it rich in Vegas and then ran into a spot of trouble. Perry is really excited about it and will be promoting it on American Idol on 13^th May.

Thinking Of You is the fourth track, fourth single and the first ballad off the album. This track happens to be my favorite off the album but failed to garner much attention when released as a single. It’s a solo effort of Perry, and has been described by her as on the closest to my heart. The video in my opinion is one of the worst I’ve ever seen, speaking with honesty I believe even I could have done a better job. The song is a master piece in it’s own right, and probably the best ballad off the album. Although it had been a critic’s favorite earning to the fact that Perry’s vocal are displayed to perfection her without any tweaking but the fans prefer her naughty side more.

On the fifth spot, we have another fast number Mannequin is another solo effort of Perry. This track was rumored to be the fourth single but was later scrapped in favor of Thinking Of You. It’s a cheery track in which Perry describes her futile efforts in getting a response from her lover. A funny incidence regarding this took place in one of our classes when a few girls started playing this track in regard to the professor who doesn’t stop with his lectures even after the dismissal bell has rung and that too despite our best efforts to make him realize that it’s time to let us go. Sadly it didn’t have any effect on him!

The sixth track is the second single from the album Ur So Gay. It’s a team effort of Greg Wells and Perry, these two later also got together to pen down Clarkson’s I Do Not Hook Up along with Kara DioGuardi. This track gave me a good set of giggles; I pity the fellow who inspired this song. Yeah, that’s actually true! Perry stated that she wrote this on after one of her ex-boyfriends. Although it’s not anywhere near any of my favorite tracks off the album but just for the heck of funny lyrical content it’s one my play list for a very long time. Being the court jester me and my friends are, we had decided to play it on a certain friend’s birthday but his girlfriend made us change it. Boo!

The next track is a dance favorite of mine, Hot N Cold is the third single off the album. It’s the second collaboration effort of Perry, Dr. Luke and Max Martin. The video accompanying this song is bloody awesome. Perry makes one very cute bride. And that’s probably one of the facts that it became a world-wide success. It’s spunky! It’s naughty! It makes you dance! What more could one what?!

The eighth track off the record is If You Can Afford Me. It’s another fast number which is pretty much established given that only one of the past seven tracks was a slow number. Perry has collaborated with Dave Katz and Sam Hollander. It’s nice but the previous two tracks over-shadow is pretty much, leaving nothing special about it to give it a second hear.

Lost is the ninth track off the album. It’s a team effort of Perry along with Ted Burner. It’s the second slow number from the album. Perry describes the downs off the fast lane of fame and fortune and how she wished she could have her normal life back without any hub of tinsel mania, but fails in doing so. It’s a good track but not great, I’d listen to Thinking Of You instead any day.

On the tenth spot we have Self Inflicted. I was hoping she would chart this off as the fifth single but beggars can’t be choosers?! The track is just like the fast tracks preceding it. It’s addictive. Perry talks about how she finds it impossible to get over her past love interest.

The eleventh track is I’m Still Breathing, it’s a team effort of Perry with David Stewart. It’s the last ballad from the album, and is slightly faster than the other two. It didn’t have any particular effect on me, the album could been without and I wouldn’t care less. Perry describes her flaws leading to her break up and how she misses him. The theme is over-done and there’s nothing there in it that made me go back.

On the last spot, we have Fingerprints which is a collaboration of Perry and Greg Wells who previously paired up with her during Ur So Gay. This is a truly funny track and it’s title certainly lives up to it’s name. But that’s more due to the over-all album rather than this one track. It’s good but not my favorite.

For a major-label debut, Perry did an amazing job on her album. It’s one of the two favorite albums from a female vocalist released in 2008. Another thing which Perry has established with her album is her place as a song writer, she has contributed two tracks to Kelly Clarkson’s fourth studio album All I Ever Wanted. Way to go, girl! I know it hasn’t even been a year since she released this but I can’t wait for her sophomore effort.

Copyright © Saad Khan 2009 (Karachi, Pakistan; mailto:saadikk87@hotmail.com)

Jai Ho - Pussycat Dolls ft. A. R. Rahman

JUST HAD TO SHARE IT!!!

Copyright © Saad Khan 2009 (Karachi, Pakistan; saadkhalidkhan@gmail.com)

No Doubt is BACK!!

After nearly a decade of waiting No Doubt is back on the air, and that is most definitely one of the best news I've heard this year.

The band recorded their last album Rock Steady in 2001, after which their lead vocalist Gwen Stefani took off for a solo career, which went really well. I've always loved their style and approach to music, but all by herself Gwen didn't appeal much to me.

No Doubt once again has united and are not only recording an album, for which we will have to wait a year; But also going on a Summer Tour with Paramore. This just can't get any better!

Do check out out their most successful song Don't Speak!