"The Best Part of Me Was Always You"

Most albums take a few listens to really get the grasp of them. You may like most of the tracks but there’s always those select few that don’t really catch your attention or need a few more listens. This is not the case with The Script’s debut, self-titled album. After the first listen I couldn’t help but smile and say wow that was amazing, almost a magical combination of superb musicality. It truly is a masterpiece and definitely makes the list of one of my favorite albums of all time, forever having a place in my heart and music library. I immediately texted a friend of mine and told them I had an album they had to check out as soon as possible. It was that good.
The Script is relatively unknown in the States, hailing from Dublin, Ireland, but they are quickly growing in popularity. Every song is uniquely theirs and has a sound all its own. The vocals hit you with a strength that is unbelievable. You cannot help but sit up and take notice. You can tell the artist believes each word with his whole heart, which makes for believable songs that resonate with you for a long time after the initial listen. There’s just an unbelievable power to the vocals, which go almost unmatched. The lyrics themselves are incredibly relatable to begin with and make you think about your own life and the people you surround yourself with in your daily routine. They talk of the hardships commonly found in life, some that are over publicized as well as others not brought to our attention enough, and working to overcome them. They talk of mistakes and misfortunes, hopes of going back and trying to change it all, as well as dealing with the consequences of reality. Each song is unique, with its own story to tell in its own way, aiding to the overall appeal. It truly is an amazing album and enough good things cannot be said.
It is truly an album that anyone can find something to relate to and enjoy. You’ll take a listen and immediately fall in love with The Script. Unsure? Then see this as a challenge and take a listen. I promise you won’t be sorry.

***If you enjoy their studio album I highly suggest their live album (from London Festival ’08). It is possibly even better than the studio version, absolutely fantastic.

Out Of The Darkness

Darkness, creativity, light. Estonia’s Kerli Koiv brings all of these things together in one cohesive concept on her debut album, “Love is Dead.” The album’s dark and gothic colors and art and give off a very haunting vibe, but much the lyrical content couldn’t be brighter. It’s a common trend on the album and in Koiv’s videos, in which illusion and masking make you realize things are not always as they seem. The album’s first single of the same name, “Love is Dead,” has one of the most visually interesting videos I’ve ever seen in my life. The video starts out with an old, almost dying woman with death and despairtity surrounding her and as the song progresses she becomes younger, freeing herself of her depression and coming back to life and color. Her second single, “Walking on Air,” also has a video that is visually dynamic and takes you on a trip through the unique, somewhat horrific world Koiv has created. The track “The Creationist” talks of making your own way in life and loving and embracing everything life has to offer you. Koiv also shows off her humorous side on the track “Creepshow,” poking fun at the fact that her country is relatively unknown and “nobody knows where it’s at.” She also gives us a taste of her native tongue on a few verses of the song.
The struggles in her life are shown on the album through the tracks, “Hurt Me” (a fun dance track that is my personal favorite on the album and also a mainstay on my iTunes Top 25 Most Played), and “Fragile” (one of the album’s more ballad-like tracks). In both she takes the opportunity to talk back to those that have hurt her in the past.
The lyrical content of each song is great and her voice is incredibly unique and different. Each song is different in its own way, with a very unique sound making it an album you can play straight through, enjoying each and every moment. With Koiv, things are not what they immediately seem and her unique take on the world and music through her songs and videos is something to take notice of and embrace. She is a big supporter of going your own way in life and embracing the things that you enjoy most and never letting anything get in your way or slow you down. With her music, you finish listening with a feeling of optimism and acceptance, that overall, “the world is wonderful.”

All You Ever Wanted

A few months short of a year since her last release, “My December,” Kelly Clarkson is back with “All I Ever Wanted.” The album’s leading track and first single gives off a fun pop vibe and the video seems to pick up right where “Breakaway” success “Since You Been Gone” left off. The whole album gives off a message of self-redemption, moving on or selfishness. It is truly an album of the self and is all about wants and needs. The content is easily relatable and each track has either a slightly more pop or slight rock vibe that are all super fun to dance and sing along to; warning: you will be caught rocking out in your room to this one! (It is just going to happen, love and embrace it now.) The album’s three slower tracks showcase Clarkson’s voice and range and have a certain power to them. Each track is very separate and has uniqueness to it that makes you want to take a listen and figure out what they are all about. Each song showcases her voice in all its capacity and give you a taste of all she can do. There is not a song that disappoints or one to skip on this one. It is definitely a radio friendly album and hopefully going to be a comeback to big success for Clarkson.

Proven Not To Be A "One-Trick Pony"

There is much to be said about Nelly Furtado’s sophomore album “Folklore.” It is truly one of those albums that can help you through the hard times and its lyrical content is a cross between empowerment and self-satisfaction. Each song tells a story and the album takes the listener on a journey in self-discovery that can differ with each additional listen. The album’s track, “Try” is a masterpiece in and of itself, talking of growing up and learning the hard lessons in life about yourself and those around you. The songs each have their own unique sound and paint pictures in your mind. The song “Explode,” is a fun track with a dark meaning showcasing the hardest hardships of individuals in society, just trying not to be overwhelmed in their difficulties. The most powerful empowerment track would have to be “Forca,” which translates to “keep going” or roughly to strength, giving the listener a sense that it is all going to be ok. It is one of those songs you can really belt out and celebrate to whether you are alone or in a group. Furtado’s voice has a unique quality and sound to it that makes every track individual and remarkable. It is truly an album that can “build you up” and will never let you down.

"I Wrote Every Word For You, I Hope You Know"

January 2009 brought about many things: the coming of a new year, the inauguration of President Barack Obama and the long awaited release of Brannigan Dastardly’s debut album, “The Last Great Summer Romance.” After two years of hard work, Nic Prellwitz (a senior at Ohio University) and Joel Pendery (a grad student and Ohio State University alum) released their album at an album release show at The Donkey, a local coffee shop surrounding Ohio University where Nic attends. The release was met by much excitement and praise of the band’s supporters.
The coffee shop setting suits their folk acoustic style that is both mellow and has a quality about it that cannot help but make you smile and be filled with hope and optimism. The songs’ lyrical content is both unique and poetic and not your generic set of lyrics. They are lyrics that are easily relatable and make you think about the content. The songs all have a similar style but also have a nice variety to them. The band’s first single, “Caught My Attention,” is probably the most pop of the bunch, while the album’s final track, “The Credits,” bring you to the stage and gives off the most raw acoustic feel. Their love of music keeps them writing even after the release of this terrific album. Hopefully whatever they come up with next will be music that is as melodic, lyrically poetic and truly pleasing to the ears as “Romance”.