dirrtyfeature:

Utada - "Exodus" Album Review

Jun 3rd, 2009; 1:00 pm (GMT+8) 0




Doing a review for an 'old' CD seems out of place, but since it's a hidden gem and requests for her remixes, I've decided to give it a proper critic. Exodus is the debut English language album by Japanese-American singer-songwriter Utada, released in 2004. It was released on September 9th 2004 in Japan, on October 5th 2004 on the US, and the UK version was released about a year after on September 26th 2005.

First Impressions

rickified:
Though the album was a flop in the west, sales were good in Japan. Compared to her usual japanese releases, this album is rather dark and unconventional. All songs are written by Utada and only a couple of the songs aren co-written with Timbaland. Not going with a safe attempt to ensure good sales, Utada experiments with Electronica. Does it work??? Yes, in technical sense, but not many would appreciate this album, cause it doesn't sound mainstream. Hence, this album is deemed as underrated (in my perpective).

Standout Tracks

  • Devil Inside
    2nd single. Rumbling drum beats paired with the moody syth. It feels different, not the weird kind though. Chorus is catchy.

  • Exodus '04
    3rd single. Co-written with Timbaland. Not your typical club banger sound. It lean more towards the midtempo side. I like the lyrics at the chorus. =)

  • Easy Breezy
    1st single. The infamous Japaneezy song that either fans love or hate. I think it's cute. This is the closest to getting a bright pop song from the album.

  • Hotel Lobby
    Weird title right. You can hear the obvious middle eastern influence though. The song sounds very intriguing.

  • Wonder 'Bout
    Standard Timbaland beats. Quite unique. Love the syth beats.

Final Verdict

rickified:
This album is very experimental. As you see (or hear), the singles are much easier to 'digest' than the rest of the tracks from the album. I wouldn't put this album in the same league as 'TITO', which is her 2nd english album released early this year. TITO is more mainstream. everyone could relate too. As for this album, it show thats Utada is able to push boundaries by writing almost all the the tracks. Even though it's not commercially successful, It has an identity of it's own and proves to be a cult favourite.

Rating

rickified:        


Recommended Tracks



dirrtyfeature:

Esmée Denters "Outta Here" Album Review

May 29th, 2009; 4:28 pm (GMT+8) 0




"Outta Here" is the debut studio album by Dutch R&B/Pop artist Esmée Denters. It is released on May 22nd 2009 in the Netherlands. The US release date is still unknown yet. Esmée is the first artist signed to Justin Timberlake's record label Tennman Records in association with Interscope Records and Universal Records.

First Impressions

rickified:
Ok, I know that I've overhyped this album a little. With "Outta Here" sounding so good as the lead single, expectations are definitely high. This album is a mix of Pop and R&B with both ballads, and uptempo tracks. Plus working with with well-known producers and writers, such as Danja, Polow Da Don, Justin Timberlake, Ryan Tedder and Stargate would allow us to think that this album will be filled with hits. It does, but it does have some bland moments too.

Standout Tracks

  • Admit It
    It sounds like what Ashley Tisdale would do for her Headstrong era kinda stuff. Not bad I guess.

  • Victim
    Esmée co-wrote it with Ryan Tedder and produced by Ryan, chorus is like a lite version of "Halo". A girl power anthem.

  • Outta Here
    Been ranting and raving about this song, what's not to like about it. Heavy beats, destined to be a banger. Co-produced by Polow Da Don and Justin Timberlake, a great lead single.

  • Love Dealer
    Co-produced by Stargate and Justin Timberlake, it's my fave song from the album. Uncredited vocal appearance by Justin. Hypnotic beats, THIS SHOULD BE RELEASE AS A SINGLE!!!! An instant catcher, I could memorise the song within a few listens. =)

  • Getting Over You
    A nice midtempo. Love the part when Esmée and Justin sings in harmony, even it's not on the verses. An interesting detail though.

  • Just Can't Have It
    Another great production by Stargate, this mid-tempo ballad doesn't sound like "Irreplaceable", which is good. =)

  • Bigger Than The World
    Produced by The Y's (Justin's Production team), it does have Justin's signature sound on the instrumental.

Final Verdict

rickified:
Nothing groundbreaking with this album, but it's definitely above average compared to some recent releases. Being a pop-lite album with R&B influences, it's hip enough and fits into the current Top 40 format just right. =)

Rating

rickified:        


Recommended Tracks



dirrtyfeature:

Noisette "Wild Young Hearts" Album Review

May 7th, 2009; 7:03 pm (GMT+8) 0




Wild Young Hearts is the 2nd album by Noisettes, released in the UK on April 20th 2009. Who would have known this is their 2nd album released, with the first interestingly titled What's the Time Mr. Wolf?. 2 singles have been released off the album, with the 2nd single hit number 2 on the UK singles chart.

First Impressions

rickified:
Attention is on them when they have a hit on the charts, thanks to being featured on an advertisment for Mazda 2 in Jan 2009 for the UK market. That song is "Don't Upset the Rhythm". Before having this hit single, they were kinda unknown. This proves that promoting a song on a wider demographic through media means is a good way to get out there and be heard. It helps that the song is catchy too. On a first listen, the album displays a wide variety of styles. They're not really an indie band, just marketed at that though. =)

Standout Tracks

  • Sometimes
    Quite subtle for an album opener. I'm not saying every album should start with a bang, but this song shows lead singer Shingai Shoniwa's vulnerability in the vocals (The other 2 members are guitarist Dan Smith and drummer Jamie Morrison). This song kinda leave me with an after taste.

  • Don't Upset The Rhythm -
    2nd single. A catchy up-tempo. Listen to it and you'll know why it's a hit on the charts. =)

  • Wild Young Hearts
    Title track and 1st single. Another uptempo. If being re-released, this song could chart well too. "Damn these wild young hearts". Love the lyrics.

  • 24 Hours
     The chorus is so addictive. Have an 80's kinda vibe for this song. The "24 hours ago" lingo and hook in the chorus feels nostalgic.

  • Never Forget You
     3rd single, to be release on June 15th 2009. There is an Elvis Presley vibe to this song, with Noisettes own twist in the lyrics. Good song for the summer.

  • So Complicated
     Shingai sound like a lite counterpart of Macy Gray in this song. Hmmm. An up-tempo track.

  • Saturday Night
     My fave song from the album. As this song suggest, it has a disco influence to it. Makes me wanna boogie!!! Very 70's. "You got the queen, I've got the ace". Should be release as a single.


Final Verdict

rickified:
With the album hitting number 7 on the UK album chart and receiving positive critics review of them, they are worth a notice. They written and produced every single track by themselves too. Impressive eh. =)

A record like this is needed from all the manufactured stuff that is going around these days.

Rating

rickified:        


Recommended Tracks



dirrtyfeature:

Elliott Yamin "Fighting For Love" Album Review

May 5th, 2009; 5:37 pm (GMT+8) 0




Fight For Love is the 2nd album by American Idol Alumni, Elliott Yamin. It is scheduled to be release on May 5th 2009, by independent (indie) label Hickory Records.

First Impressions

rickified:
It wasn't expecting the album to be this good. Since there's alot of Soul/R&B singers floating around, not many seems to make an impression, with most sounding manufactured. To be able to pull of the Soul/R&B genre, one must indeed have a soulful voice and the right attitude to pull it off. Alicia Keys is a perfect example. Listening to this album, it's quite smooth. Didn't skipped any tracks, though I'm not of a fan of some songs in the album.

Standout Tracks

  • Let Love Be
    First track from the album. A nice mid-tempo for an album opener. Makes you wonder what the rest of the album would sound like.

  • Know Better
    Aint a love song. Describes about not understanding compatibilty issues. Filled with angst.

  • Fight For Love
    Title track and first single from the album (except Japan).  Loves the chorus though, it gets stuck in my head.

  • Can't Keep on Loving You (From A Distance)
    Anyone could totally relate to this song. Being a crush or one-sided love, it's kinda painful liking someone but situation doesn't allows the confession. The feeling might fade. If someone comes along, maybe it's not meant to be, but the chance is wasted. Oh wells.

  • Don't Be Afraid  
    An uptempo track. Not the dance/clubbish kind. Something that Ne-yo would sing too. Elliott's vocals fits just right in this song. This song is about encouraging everyone don't be afraid to fall in love (Hence the title). One of my fave songs from the album. Lyrics is good too. =)

  • You Say
    First single for the Japanese market. Now this is what I call a good first single. Definitely single material. Catchy. "Actions speaks louder than words". Indeed. Taken from the song's chorus.

  • This Step Alone
    This song makes me feel kinda emo. Again. the chorus is stuck in my head.


Final Verdict

rickified:
A decent effort. The uptempos kinda overshadowed the ballads, but overall, it's worth a listen. I could serenade my partner with some songs in this album though. If I have one that is. Hee. Awaiting for the bonus tracks, should be able to make the album more complete i guess (8 bonus tracks!!!!). This album could give Ne-Yo a run for his money. I'm guessing this album would be understated. Give it a chance. =)

Rating

rickified:        


Recommended Tracks



dirrtyfeature:

Ciara's "Fantasy Ride" album review

Apr 30th, 2009; 4:38 pm (GMT+8) 0




The third studio album by Ciara, Fantasy Ride will be released in the UK on May 3rd 2009 and worldwide on May 5th 2009. Fantasy Ride was supposed to be a 3 discs affair, but at the end it only became a single disc release due to the management change.

First Impressions

rickified:
This album also suffers from the fate of being pushed back a couple of times, though not as much as Keri's. Expectations are high due to the idea of being 3 discs in the first place, but then the concept fell apart. The album's listenable, a slight improvement from "Evolution". I did liked "Like A Boy" though. =)

dirrtysean:
With the flop of Go Girl (feat T-Pain), it was good enough to push the release date of Fantasy Ride from September 2008 to May 2009. Never Ever (feat. Young Jeezy) was later chosen as the new lead single. In my opinion, it is a totally different approach by Ciara's team. She always have a dancey uptempto lead single. As expected, Never Ever didnt do as well as expected. The Collaboration with Justin Timberlake, Love Sex Magic was released soon after as her 2nd single. The song managed to peaked at #10 at the Billboard Hot 100 charts. With the success for this single, Ciara's camp can relax when it comes out in next week everywhere worldwide (except for the Japan market, which will be the week after)

Standout Tracks

  • Ciara to the Stage
    rickified: A mid-tempo groove song. A decent album opener. I can't help but compare this song to Keri Hilson. Hmm....

  • Love Sex Magic (Featuring Justin Timberlake)
    rickified: 2nd single from the album. The song that single-handedly revive the hype of the album from flopsville. With the help of Justin Timberlake and his production team, this song definitely set the charts on fire. Paired with the steamy music video, it's all good. =)
    dirrtysean: Whats not to love about the song. But i prefer the remixes tho. Especially the Jason Nevins Electric Bounce Radio Mix

  • Turntables (Featuring Chris Brown)
    rickified: Gotta admit this song is HAWT!!! An indian-infused track. Everyone seems to be jumping on the 'Slumdog' bandwagon. The Pussycats did with "Jai Ho", added lyrics to it. High chances that this song would be a single.
  • dirrtysean: I like this song, but i dont like the hindie influence in it. Will probably sound better off without it.

  • Never Ever (Featuring Young Jeezy)
    rickified: 1st single. "Go Girl" is more like a teaser single since it wasn't successful at all. This song grows on you. Dubbed to be similar to "Promise". It didn't really did well on the charts either.

  • Pucker Up
    rickified: An uptempo song. Fast songs are what Ciara does best. Her 'kisses' are addictive in this song. Heh. =)

  • I Don't Remember
    dirrtysean: Written by Ne-Yo. It has Ne-Yo's vibe all over it. Just another Ne-Yo Nemo Emo song. He contributed his vocals in the chorus.

  • Keep Dancing
    dirrtysean: Produced and written by Tricky Steward and The-Dream. The Demo version which i heard previously which features The-Dream himself seeems to sound better! But it's still not a bad song.

  • Work
    dirrtysean: A typical Ciara/Missy E crunk song. Love the catchy "Work Work Work Work" Part


Final Verdict

rickified: Some songs are definitely filler materials. Just wished that she could release an all uptempo song album. This album pales in conparison with Keri's album. Proves that Miss Keri is here to stay. It doesn't help that Ciara has a voice that's like thin ice either. Maybe the bonus tracks could save her. Perhaps. Production wise, it's an all stars affair with Danja, The Dream, Darkchild and Tricky Stewart headlining. It's an ok album. Not memorable for me.

dirrtysean: This album does not have any good standout tracks. I wonder what will be her next single would be?

Rating

dirrtysean:     

rickified:        


Previously Posted Tracks


Remixes


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