Paramore: Wembley Arena 18/12/09

Now if you know me well, you’ll know that I am an avid lover of snow. I wish on every occasion that it would fall, and to settle with several feet of it everywhere. Being in England, that is not likely to happen, especially in the South. But to get snow on Friday 18th December, I was not pleased. It should have arrived a week later in time for Christmas. I checked the train schedule and found that the 4 trains from Midday til 2pm were actually cancelled going to London Waterloo due to the snow. Travelling by train was the only means of getting there so this is where silent panic settled in. We decided to leave it til later, hoping that trains would run again. Thankfully they did, and we took the 4:31pm train to Waterloo. We arrived just over an hour later and after a wrong choice of entrance and a broken lift, we got on the Tube and packed against the walls ready for the half hour journey.

We got out of the station and passed the loud ticket touts chanting “TICKETS FOR PARAMORE, BUY OR SELL!” and slid all the way to the venue, Wembley Arena, which was literally about 2 minutes away from the station. After buying merchandise and a massive queue for the toilets, we sat down at 7pm in our seats, ready for the first band to play at 7:15pm. Nicely timed, if I do say so myself! Now, Now Every Children were up first, and I wasn’t too fussed in all honesty. I listened to all the bands before the gig, and wasn’t impressed with the first two bands. NNEC, however, were a pleasant surprise live. They were much better than what I’d heard previously and I really enjoyed their set. The crowd weren’t so enthusiastic though, and it was evident that most people were only there to see You Me At Six and, obviously, Paramore.

Although NNEC were pretty good live, the inevitable comparison to Paramore would come about, and I’m torn whether to  jump on that band wagon right now. There were differences, albeit slight ones, between them. But female vocalists in a rock band don’t escape the comparison. Whatever your decision, Now, Now Every Children have a long way to go if they want to even come close to the success of Paramore. Paper Route were the second support band of the night, and again they started off pretty good. The first couple of songs were really good and I was on my way to being converted to them. Unfortunately after those first couple of songs, I was a little bored with them, everything started to sound too similar. The crowd were barely enthusiastic, just about getting moving, but no one was standing up in the seated area.

But the band weren’t too phased, saying that they’ve saved the best song for last, playing it, then going on to play one last song. Tragically I cannot remember the first song’s name, which is actually a shame because it was my favourite. ‘Carousel’ was the other track that stood out. They started out bright, but faded into boredom as it went on. Most people were too fussed on the arrival of You Me At Six. The next quarter of an hour was the longest of them all, anticipating the set of one of my favourite up-and-coming English rock bands. The backdrop came down, and everybody screamed. Then nothing happened again for another 5 minutes. Then the lights went out and everybody screamed again. It was official now, You Me At Six had arrived. And it couldn’t have been more welcomed.

Screams continued to echo around the venue as the lead singer, Josh Franceschi, said Hello to his adoring fans. As soon as the stage was set, and the first song, “Kiss And Tell”, started, we were on our feet, as were many people in the seated areas. The concert really kicked off and everyone was moving. You didn’t need to be in standing to realise how much the crowd were moving. Many people were being pushed about down there. Aside from the slight violent feel in standing, everything was great. “Jealous Minds Think Alike” began, and I’m going to say it for all of these songs so I don’t have to repeat myself. Each time a song started, the crowd would scream like mad. They went on to play “If I Were In Your Shoes”, “Save It For The Bedroom” (one of my favourite songs) and “The Consequence” (A new single from their upcoming album).

The next, and penultimate song, was the highlight of their set in my opinion. “Always Attract”, on their album, is a highlight for me anyway, so bringing it to their live set couldn’t really go wrong for me. Inviting his sister, who was the mystery singer to the song on Take Off Your Colours,  on stage to sing her vocals was a touch of brilliance, added with Franceschi asking us to “Take out your phone lights and sway” made the atmosphere something else. Looking around the arena and seeing all the different colours moving backwards and forwards everywhere was special. Closing their set with “Finders Keepers”, You Me At Six would have been leaving the stage with huge grins all over their faces. I’m sure they’ve converted fans from this concert, if they didn’t already have them on their side in the first place.

And then they arrive. It was time for Paramore. Another lengthy wait before they finally arrived on stage, with the chanting of “Paramore” and various attempts at getting a Mexican wave started around the venue (which, may I add, was eventually successful). The lights go down, and bellowing screams (from myself, may I shamefully admit) were all that could be heard as we were all about to witness the greatest show Paramore had ever given. They played their “Brand New Eyes Intro” that they have played at the start of every show since their latest album came out. It really stepped up a notch two minutes later when they started the intro to “Ignorance”. With the crowd chanting in time with the “HEY” after the lyric ‘We’re not the same’ in the chorus, you know you’re in for a good night of crowd involvement.

Twilight fans (don’t get me started on Twilight) were in for a treat, as “I Caught Myself” began. I’ve never really been fond of this song so I wasn’t positive on the words. It didn’t matter as the chorus was easy to pick up on. Playing classics and new songs “That’s What You Get”, “Looking Up”, “Crushcrushcrush” with the crowd seductively whispering crush back at Hayley and the band, and “Turn It Off”, we came across something quite unusual. Hayley produced a letter and said they wanted to invite someone to the stage. Glares and comments passed everyone’s lips at the person or persons who got to go on stage. A minute later and all those glares were exchanged with tears, open mouths and gasps as Liam May asks his girlfriend Leona to marry him. A huge intake of breath and gasps around the arena should really have sucked in all of the people on stage.

This led onto the song “The Only Exception”, a love song fitting for the occasion. If I had more oestrogen in my system, I probably would have cried. But I did not, many people did though. It was definitely a significant moment in the set. One of many. They then went into a classic from their very first album, “Pressure”. Jeremy, the bassist, managed to flip on stage, which was something impressive. “Careful” and “Where The Lines Overlap” followed next, two songs from their latest album, both going down so well. Twilight fans got their chance to squeal again as the “Decode” riff started. So many girly screams filled the arena that only dogs could hear them at one point. I do like ‘Decode’, I really do. I just hate twilight. It’s good press for Paramore and all, but Paramore (as I’ve mentioned before) DO NOT = Twilight.

Then came the moment that beats all moments. The best ever part of any Paramore, or any, concert I have ever been to. They played the song “My Heart” from their very first CD. No other date did they play this. It was just for us. Josh Farro, the lead guitarist, did the screams during the song, and if you were near me, you would have heard me squeal “OH MY GOD” like a little girl. During the song, Hayley said that “This is the best moment of my life” and everyone believed her. We all could have screamed back those same words right at her at that moment. It was one that I’ll never forget. Ever. We then joined in with her singing “Whoa”. Just a simple melodic phrase that we sang in unison. Everyone felt the atmosphere in the arena. You don’t understand how intense it was if you weren’t present. They then went crazy with an instrumental afterwards.

It was incredible. Words can’t describe how I was feeling after that song. They then went offstage, to come back on and give us a three-song encore. On a chair, acoustic guitars in hand, “Misguided Ghosts was played. We were instructed to take out our “Cell Phone lighters” and without question we all did. No one would disobey Hayley Williams after what just happened. It was followed by “Misery Business” which was incredibly well received. Finally, the latest single “Brick By Boring Brick” where confetti poured out of the top of the arena onto the crowd. All the bands came on and bowed and we were all in awe at what had just happened. With the crowd singing along to the “Ba Da Ba’s” at the end of the chorus, there was nothing bad in the night whatsoever. It was just amazing.

I shall not bore you with the details of getting back, as they were far from interesting compared to the concert itself (even though I spoke about getting there in the first place). I have no doubt that this was the best gig I’ve ever been to in my life. It’s definitely getting 10/10 in my book. I would give it 100 if I could. But there is no such thing as 100/10.

Finally, I would like to say that all the pictures in this post were of Kimberley Collins’ taking. Please go and check out her photos here.

Just An Apology Or Two…

Basically, I just want to apologise for the lack of posts in the last few months. I’ve had internet troubles on and off, and I was concentrating on my studies and neglected this. I’m not sure if and when I’ll start properly getting back into the swing of things. It may just be an on-and-off kind of job for a while, but I’m definitely not giving up on this.

I think the next post will be a review of the amazing gig I went to on the 18th December. But I won’t give any details just now. You can wait for the full picture when it comes.

Sorry again for the neglect, I’ll try so hard not to do it again.

I Have Internet!

I’m safely in Poland, although this being a belated post as i’ve been in Poland for over a week now. But I have internet so I can use my own computer so i’ll be here more often! Now I just need to find new albums to add with other albums and all will be well for this blog. I’ve started studying and all so everything’s working out so far

New posts to come very soon!

Bon Voyage England

So, it’s 4:30am and i’m leaving in thirty minutes. I’m going to miss everyone that I leave behind so much, but i’m going to be back in around 2 months, so it shouldn’t be as bad. It just feels so much worse, like i’m leaving forever. I can’t wait to start my future, in career and life, because this is a perfect opportunity for me and i’m taking it with both hands. This is just the start to a bright future, and i’m strangely optimistic.

I won’t have internet for a week or so while i’m out there, but when I do, blogging with re-commence.

Take care all

Fall Out Boy – Folie à deux

With their success and fan base growing with every year, Fall Out Boy’s fifth studio album was being eagerly awaited by hundreds of thousands across the globe. You never know what sound they’ll come out with, as they’ve matured and improved over the years and with the follow up success of Infinity On High, i’m sure the boys were feeling confident of their abilities in the mainstream. The album was released on December 14th here, and I was eager to see what I’d think of the album. My first impressions, I’m not going to lie, were a little disappointed. I think that’s only because I had loved the previous albums so much, that this felt like a step back. As you listen to it more, you appreciate it’s maturity and charm.

Disloyal Order Of Water Buffaloes is first and straight away you can notice the difference in albums. It’s a different kind of rock, more actual rock than alternative. The lyrics are also genius, as usual.

I Don’t Care was the first single and peaked in the charts at #33. Rather unimpressive in comparison to previous songs, it just shows you how the industry has changed in the last year or so. The song has different styles throughout and it’s definitely a better choice for a first single than on the previous album.

She’s My Winona is the next song and was the fifth and final single from the album. The “oh”s at the beginning are really energetic and the harmonies in the chorus work really well.

America’s Suitehearts follows and is one of my favourites off the album. As the fourth single, it had a lot to live up to, as the singles previously haven’t taken off so well. Unfortunately, nor did this at it charted at a  low #76. The song itself isn’t the usual anthem we’re used to from a Fall Out Boy hit, but it definitely sticks in your head, and that’s what is important.

Headfirst Slide Into Coopestown On A Bad Bet is next, and is the only real long, stupid name. This song never really grabs your attention as much, I like the way it changes in dynamics, but that’s about it that I feel is worth mentioning. It was released as the second single.

The (Shipped) Gold Standard follows and is definitely one of the better songs on the album. Stump brings in his falsetto during the chorus which is always a joy to listen to. The bridge mixes up the tempo and style of the song, and I really love how they’ve done that.

(Coffee’s For Closers) is next and has a great drum and strings intro. The song doesn’t really get started until the chorus, where it explodes into life and reminds you of the “old” Fall Out Boy-type choruses that we used to know and love.

What A Catch, Donnie follows and is a great song. Towards the end as Stump sings the chorus, in the background, various members of bands on the Fueled By Ramon record label sing previous choruses of Fall Out Boy songs previously released. It’s a brilliant idea and it works really well.

27 is next and brings a nice up-tempo feel to it. “I want it so bad I’d shoot the sunshine into my veins” is an example of the lyrics which are a little drug-related throughout the song, but still shows you that they’ve still got the lyrical presence in them.

Tiffany Blews follows and I enjoy the “oh”s that stump does yet again. This song has a slight bluesy feel to it which I enjoy. I prefer the second part of the chorus to the first as it has that extra dimension that the first part lacks.

w.a.m.s. is next and another track filled with brilliant lyrics and a killer chorus, I love the sound to it. At the end of the song, there’s a little rhythm and blues/jazz feel as Stump has an acapella jam with claps and foot stomps.

20 Dollar Nose Bleed follows and Fall Out Boy have definitely left some of the better songs to the end, as you get a brassy ska feel to the song, with Stump’s vocals sounding very gospel-like with the backing singers joining in to the feel of it. That’s a good thing by the way.

West Coast Smoker is the final song on the album. I love the part where they sing about the father, son and holy ghost. Stump’s ending the album in style reminding us not to forget about his brilliant vocals.

Overall, Folie à deux is an okay album. And I think i’m being generous with it. After listening to it a few more times, I don’t dislike it as much as did, but it hasn’t improved significantly for me to love it. There are a few good songs, but I just feel it’s a step backwards from their two previous albums. As the album ended in style, I’m giving it an 8/10.

Carrie Underwood – Carnival Ride

After the phenomenal success of her debut album, Some Hearts, in America, the multi platinum recording artist Carrie Underwood set her sights on the tricky “make you or break you” sophomore album that most artists pray they get right. It’s a chance to find your sound and really establish what artist you want to be, if you’ve come from a reality show like Underwood did. Her album was released here on July 7th 2008, 9 months after its release in America. But regardless of the wait, you’d soon find out that what you’re about to listen to was more than worth it.

Flat On The Floor is first, and the intro sounds a little like We’re Young And Beautiful from the previous album, but you soon realise when Underwood comes in, that this song is far greater than the other track. Carrie’s voice has clearly improved, with a more powerful sound.

All-American Girl is next and was the second single in America. It took me a while to get into this song, as I didn’t really appreciate the vocals, but after hearing it many times, it’s definitely grown on me. The verses are definitely its strong point.

So Small was the lead off single to the album in America. It’s a slow song, really showing Underwood’s improved control since the debut. The lyrics are brilliant, “sometimes that mountain you’ve been climbing is just a grain of sand” they touch you with their simplicity.

Just A Dream is next and was released as the fourth single. It continues the slower theme, with a theme about a woman who’s just lost her husband. The lyrics are so sad, and Underwood really does them justice, telling the story so beautifully.

Get Out Of This Town follows with a happier and more up-beat feel to it. The chorus is catchy and will likely get you moving. Underwood’s vocals are really unmistakable, which sets her apart from the other country artists out there.

Crazy Dreams is next and don’t confuse this with the other ‘dream’ in the title. This song is a great country song about how your ambitions can come true.

I Know You Won’t follows and brings the tempo right down, with Underwood hurling out the charm into your ears, as she whispers out the verse. As it gets to the chorus, it really becomes one of my favourites on the album. Her change between falsetto and normal voice is magical.

Last Name is next and was the third single from the album. It has a sort of Before He Cheats feel to it. It’s definitely a Carrie anthem, with her killer attitude and vocals blowing you away. It’s definitely a firm favourite on the album for me.

You Won’t Find This follows up and is a beautiful song, changing from the high energy previous song, to this flowing ballad. Underwood’s voice sounds amazing during the chorus.

I Told You So was the fifth and final single from the album. It was a cover of the Randy Travis song of the same name. It’s a brilliant cover, and definitely one of my favourites from the album. Her voice carries out the longer, high notes so effortlessly.

The More Boys I Meet is next and brings the tempo back up. I love how Underwood sings “I don’t think so” throughout the song. The verses are brilliantly constructed and Carrie sounds brilliant as usual.

Twisted feels a little bit like a better ‘Wasted’ from the last album. It’s up-beat and catchy, with the chorus really bringing the song to life. Underwood really shines with the long, powerful notes.

Wheel Of The World is the final song on the album, and, i’ve got to say, I feel the album could have ended a little better. It’s not a bad song, but it’s not really a great song either. It’s a slower song to round the album off, and Underwood does her best to bring the song some meaning.

Overall, Carnival Ride is a major improvement to her debut, with plenty more great songs rather than just “okay” ones. Okay, so it didn’t chart in the UK and nor is she that popular over here. But that doesn’t matter, she’s having major success in America and she deserves it. This album is at least an 8/10.

Carrie Underwood – Some Hearts

Carrie Underwood won the fourth season of American Idol in 2005, and had the tough task of trying to do what season 2 and 3 winners failed to do, and that was to be as successful as Kelly Clarkson. She beat runner-up Bo Bice and went on to sing the coronation song Inside Your Heaven. I can’t remember how I got into Carrie, or even found out about her, as American Idol wasn’t on over in this country, but i’m so glad I did as she’s an amazing vocalist and country singer. This album holds one of the best Carrie songs on it, which I’m sure you could take a guess at, once you listen to it. The album was released on November 15th 2005 in America, where I presume it was released here around that time.

Wasted is the first track off the album, and gets straight into the country feel. It was the sixth and final single in America. She doesn’t waste (excuse the pun) any time in reminding us why she won American Idol with her vocal range.

Don’t Forget To Remember Me is next, and a really sweet song from Underwood. It was the fourth single in America and Underwood shows her tender vocals aswell as her belting notes.

Some Hearts is the titled track from the album, being released as the third single from Some Hearts. This is a more poppy song than some of the others, towards the end where she uses the highest octave in her range is beautiful.

Jesus, Take The Wheel follows and was the second single from the album. It’s a great slow song, with a more country feel to it and is probably my favourite slow song on the album.

The Night Before (Life Goes On) is next, and I’ve got to say, i’m not a huge fan of this song. I mean, yeah it’s okay musically with its verses and choruses, but there’s nothing that’s amazing about it. And I don’t really like the chosen way she sang “the night before, life goes on”.

Lessons Learned follows Underwood starting in her lower range, before switching between it and her higher range. She really has a great upper range and this song is a good example of that.

Before He Cheats is next, and was the fifth single from the album and my personal favourite song by Underwood in her career so far. The song is perfect, with her oozing “independent lady”ness. That’s right, it’s a word. It’s country pop at its finest.

Starts With Goodbye follows and really gets going during the chorus, as Underwood’s vocals really stand out best in the upper octaves and that’s just what she does in the chorus.

I Just Can’t Live A Lie is next and has a familiar feel to it, similar to the previous song. But nevertheless the song is good, with Underwood showing her potential for another record.

We’re Young And Beautiful follows and is a welcome change from the similar last two songs. It’s more of a faster song, but not too fast. The attitude to the song is really good and it has a nice feel to it.

That’s Where It Is is next and is a beautiful song. Underwood has done many slow songs on this album, but this definitely is a great one. I love the lead up to the chorus.

Whenever You Remember follows and has a less country feel to it, as it’s a piano ballad. The chorus is sweet and I feel like I should be swaying my arms in the sky as I listen.

I Ain’t In Checotah Anymore is the penultimate track on the album and is about the changes she’s gone through from winning American Idol. It’s a great way of expressing her feelings about winning, the song is great.

Inside Your Heaven is the final track on the album and the coronation song of her Idol win. It was the first single and the ballad really shows off her vocal ability.

Overall, Some Hearts is a decent debut album from the season four winner, but there’s definitely greater things to come from Carrie Underwood. I’d rate this album as 7.5/10.

The Saturdays – Chasing Lights

The Saturdays are a group formed of two ex-’S Club Juniors’ members and an X Factor reject. Okay, reject sounds rather harsh. An unsuccessful X Factor hopeful. That’s a little better. Anyway, with two other girls thrown in for good measure, both more than qualified for the band by the way, and this band was born. I feel I’ve started on a negative note, I don’t mean it that way. The Saturdays were the first girl group to be produced by Polydor and thrown into the deep end since Girls Aloud, and in fairness, the industry were needing a fresh new girl band as Girls Aloud were dominating, but soon to be taking a break. The album was released on October 27th 2008 and soon became something of a guilty pleasure of mine.

If This Is Love starts the album off, with synthesizers introducing us to the track. When I first heard this, I felt that it needed that something extra in the chorus, as the voices sort of just blended into the background of it. It was the lead single, a poor choice, in my opinion, as it doesn’t really do anything to make you remember the band. On the contraire, it charted at #8 here.

Up is next, and actually starts off the album in sound. A brilliant dance-pop song that completely got me hooked on this band. This should have been the first single, but it was the second and reached #5 in the chart. Vanessa White, the most prominent singer of The Saturdays, really shows her capability straight away and she’s only 19, but boy does she have a set of pipes on her.

Keep Her follows with a killer dance beat intro. This is one of my favourite songs on this album, but I may find myself repeating this phrase a lot through the rest of the review. The song has a definite “Lady’s anthem” feel to it, as the girls ferocity oozes through this song.

Issues is the first slow song to the album, and hopefully shows that the girls can do both tempos. Of course they can, this is a killer song. The chorus caused controversy with “can’t decide if I should slap you or kiss you” the ’slap’ sounded like ’stab’ and some people felt they were promoting violence. Yes, it may sound like stab, but I think this is a little extreme and very “P.C. (politically correct)” Regardless of stabbing or slapping, this song is brilliant and was the third single, charting at #4.

Lies is next, again with a strong electro-pop baseline. All of their voices work well together, and their sharing of verses giving them all a chance to shine is what I like about them. In the bridge near the end of the song, White takes the role of hitting those high notes and playing about with the notes that she does oh so well.

Work follows and was their fifth and final single from the album. Charting at #22 isn’t as bad as it looks compared to the others, as the album had been released way before, and with 4 singles already in the top 10, you can’t complain. This dance-pop anthem is brilliant, and will definitely have you singing and dancing.

Chasing Lights is next and starts with the girls chanting “go on, go on, go on” several times so enchantingly. Okay, so that may not be a word, but you know what I mean. I really love this song though, as the chorus is brilliant, with the girls changing back and forth from their beautiful falsettos. White shines with her vibrato above the chorus.

Set Me Off follows and has the Up and Keep Her electro dance beat feel to it. This is a gem on the album and the song really gets into full swing near the end when the girls sing the chorus with White singing over them. Her vocal ability is just incredible.

Fall is one of the slower songs on the album, showing they can do belting anthems and soft ballads. This song actually doesn’t use White as the prominent singer apart from in the vocal harmonies, which is nice that they change it about a little bit.

Vulnerable is next and is a real sing-along song. It’s really difficult for me to find any faults in their songs, as I seem to really enjoy all of them. All I can do is praise them, as they swap roles between them for the verses, individually showing their capability.

Why Me, Why Now is the final track on the album, before the bonus tracks. In my opinion, is the weakest track on the album. BUT, I really like this song, so it’s not a negative thing to say, I just think that this is the “least good” song. That’s also not a real phrase, but the more I listen to this song, the more I enjoy it.

Up (Wideboys Remix Edit) is the bonus track on the album. It is just a decent remix of Up, although I’m not a huge fan of remixes in general.

Just Can’t Get Enough was added to the album in the re-release. It was their fourth single, and the comic relief single. It charted at #2 and was a cover of Depeche Mode’s song of the same name. Although it is the first single never to reach #1, it was their highest charting song to date. I really like this song, as it has a positive energy and really gets you singing along.

Overall, Chasing Lights is an amazing debut from The Saturdays. The only disappointing thing was that it didn’t chart higher, peaking at #9 on the album chart, but getting certified Platinum. This is one of the best pop debuts I’ve heard and it doesn’t fail to put me in a good mood. This album is more than worth 9.5/10.

Pixie Lott – Turn It Up

Pixie Lott came from absolutely nowhere to get her first number one single in the UK. No one had heard of her, yet she enters the chart at #1 with her single Mama Do (Uh Oh, Uh Oh). The same could be said for other artists such as Lady GaGa and Katy Perry, so it’s not unheard of, but this young 18-year-old was different. She didn’t have experience, just youthful charm and a different sound to what we’ve heard before. Turn It Up was released on September 14th 2009 and was surprised, as it was better than I thought it would be. Yes, the album does feel like it’s by a teenager, but that works in its favour. It’s not the best album you’ll hear, but it’s definitely a great start by the 18-year-old from Kent.

Mama Do (Uh Oh, Uh Oh) starts the album off and was the first single. It went straight in at #1 where it stayed there for a week. The songs clapping background definitely makes you want to dance to it, and Lott’s vocals are actually capable of big things, as she delivers a few high notes and vocal trills.

Cry Me Out is next, and is probably my favourite off the album. It’s a slower, ballad song. With a piano in the background playing repetitive chords, the song reaches its chorus where Lott shows off her vocal range, with sweet melodies and subtle backing vocals. It is expected to be the third single.

Band Aid follows with an acoustic guitar intro. Lott starts out in her lower vocal range which gives her a different sound, with a rhythm and bluesy feel to her vocals down in that key. The backing vocals in this song I really enjoy, as they come in at points and really give the song that extra something.

Turn It Up starts with Lott chanting “turn it up” many times. I have mixed feelings for this song, as I don’t really care for the “turn it up” chanting she does through the chorus or the “baby” that she does at the start of the verses. I do, however, enjoy everything else about the song, as her voice sounds better when it’s melodic.

Boys And Girls is next and was the second single from the album, also charting in at #1. This is also a great song, the backing track is catchy, as is the song itself with Pixie exploring her vocal range.

Gravity follows and starts with a computer generated voice of Lott’s chanting ‘gravity’. This song never fails to make me smile, as Lott’s pronunciation is so British compared to anyone who sings a song with the word in as “gravidy”. Lott makes sure she sings “gravitee“. The song is good though once you get past that fact, as I find myself singing along right now.

My Love is next and reminds me of a few songs actually, although Lott makes sure you come back to remember her song, with her vocals as sweet and endearing as ever. Towards the end of the song, she starts playing with the notes which is surprisingly a joy to listen to, as a lot of teenagers take it too far.

Jack is probably one of my favourites off the album, close with Cry Me Out. This song has a nursery rhyme theme, the verses have a smooth, up-beat rhythm to it, and the bridge changes the song in dynamics, having like a scale-type couple of lines before leading back into the up-beat rhythm for the chorus. It’s nice to see how a young artist can change parts of the song like that.

Nothing Compares is next and is a slow song which you’d be getting your lighters out and swaying them to. The verses are tender, as it feels like she’s whispering her words to you, but shows controlled power in her voice in the chorus, singing out her pain with “They say if it doesn’t kill you it’ll make you stronger”.

Here We Go Again follows and brings the album back to up-beat sound. I must admit, I wasn’t that keen on it at first, but after hearing it a few times, it’s really good as the beat will get you moving and the backing music going down in key four times in a row at the end of the chorus made me like this song, as weird as it sounds.

The Way The World Works is next and again the music goes well with Lott’s lyrical placement. The chorus sounds magical with, what sounds like, a xylophone in the background adding to the effects. The change in tempo from verse to chorus is also brilliant. She changes it up a third time in the bridge two-thirds into the song with her repetition of the word “ever” sounding rather like Natasha Bedingfield. Unfortunately, that’s not a compliment. We could’ve done without that Pixie!

Hold Me In Your Arms is the final song on the album and, if i’m honest, it doesn’t really end in style. Yes, the song is rather smooth and relaxing, and I like that, but the chorus phrase “hold me in your arms” is extended a bit too much, and I don’t really like the choice of notes she put with the phrase. The verses, however, I like.

Overall, Turn It Up surprised me by how much I liked it. The teenage qualities are actually rather likeable in her tracks, and with 2 #1 singles here under her belt, there’s no doubt she’s going anywhere but upwards after this. And at 18 years of age, with the album charting in the top 10, at #6 so far, she’s got the whole world ahead of her. This album is worthy of 8.5/10.

Gavin DeGraw – Free

Gavin DeGraw penned Free in less than two weeks and had released it around 10 months after his second album, the self-titled Gavin DeGraw, on March 31st 2009. His first two albums had really stood out to me as the best i’ve heard from any male singer-songwriter, so could Free be another to add to my collection? On the first listen, simply no. It can’t be compared to the other two, but I found it almost disappointing when I first heard it, with no track standing out very well. But, and this is a big but, as i’ve listened to it more, i’ve started to appreciate it for what it is. So if you enjoy it on your first listen, then brilliant. If not, don’t give up on it just yet, I’d say it’s a grower.

Indian Summer is the first track, and it’s a different start to what we’re used to. A slower arrangement, and not the instruments we’re used to. It’s a more simpler arrangement. Similar to the likes of Chariot (Stripped). This gets better the more you listen to it, with a slight bluesy feel to it.

Free is next, again with the slower tempo. You get the feeling that this album has a relaxed feel to it, as we’ve had a more up-tempo kind of DeGraw that we’re used to. The song picks up towards the second half, as Gavin plays with the notes of the song, using his falsetto that we’ve become accustomed to, to great effect.

Stay follows and was scheduled as the first single from the album. The song is centered around the piano rather than the guitars. In my opinion, I think it was the incorrect single choice for the album, as it seems like it doesn’t fit in well with the rest of the album. The song is just okay, but it feels like a reject of the previous album.

Mountains To Move is next, and follows the same pattern as the first two songs. I’d probably say that the song was forgettable, as it feels a lot more like background music. But it depends what mood you’re in, because this song would be great if you just need to relax while reading a book or a quick nap.

Glass follows and I’d have chosen this as the first single. Even though it’s not an up-tempo classic, and usually isn’t great to start off with a slow song for your first release. It’s my favourite off the album and definitely positioned in the right place to bring you back in favour of the album after the previous track.

Lover Be Strong is next, and isn’t the most perfectly melodic track we’ve heard from him, as some of the notes feel like they’re not quite “there”. The chorus structure is well thought out and I like the idea of what he decided to do. But something doesn’t quite feel right.

Dancing Shoes follows, with a lovely little piano intro which I could hear over and over. This is actually a really good track, DeGraw’s voice and just a piano is perfect for this album. His voice and piano playing work in unison to produce this great track.

Waterfall is next and has a “Mountains To Move” feel to it. The track has a chilled out feel to it, but it really picks up in quality towards the end, with DeGraw going into his upper range which we’re greatly familiar with.

Why Do The Men Stray is the last track on the album, and it polishes off the slower, chilled-out feel to the album. This track almost feels like DeGraw has a sore throat, and he’s whispering the song to you, but his voice is tuneful along with the acoustic guitar, so we can forgive him for that.

Overall, Free wasn’t what I was expecting. I thought we’d been spoiled by the prospect of another album so soon, but this album feels like it’s “one for the fans” with just him and his piano or guitar. I definitely prefer it more now than I did when I first heard it, as I was a little disappointed to begin with. I would have given this about a 3 before, but it’s grown on me, so i’ll award it a fair 7/10.