Album's That Defined My Middle/High School Years

I was just thinking about high school (2007-2011) and all the ridiculous moments I had. Music remain awesome though. Missed all those music and awkward and confusing times that I was going through and everyone around that age would have (you know that adolescent time? 13-16 years old). I miss those 'emo' songs that were playing on the radio and everyone was jamming to it! HAHA.. So well, I came up with 10 albums that really grasp those years (did it in chart and position form as usual =P) Well, I was really experimenting music at that time and some of the albums here aren't particularly good but it really had me at a special place at that time. Here you guys go!


10. Modern Minds and Pastimes

Why?: This LP had so much nostalgia to it and face it, The Click Five were huge a few years ago. 

Tracks that make me feel 'Oh, how the years have gone by':

-Mary Jane

-Flipside 

-Empty

-Happy Birthday

9. Recovery by Eminem

Why?: 2010 was very awkward for me. The amount of weirdness that was attached to it was enormous. I was still a good year though. This album reminds me of that so much. I even remembered when and where I first heard this album. It just captivated me that year and why not? It's Eminem.

Tracks that make me feel 'Oh, how the years have gone by':

-No Love

-Space Bound

-Love The Way You Lie

8. Boys Like Girls (self-titled)

Why?: Most of you may find it gay but this album really got me. Boys Like Girls were pretty popular amongst the girls but I find them amusing too. Remind me of the times where I used to sing The Great Escape through the corridors of school on my way to the toilet =P

Tracks that make me feel 'Oh, how the years have gone by':

-Thunder
-The Great Escape
-Holiday


7. How To Save A Life by The Fray

Why?: WHY NOT? This a great album regardless what anyone says. I have fond memories of this album and how much the title track really got me singing and feeling things I don't even understand at that time.

Tracks that make me feel 'Oh, how the years have gone by':

-Look After You

-Over My Head

-How To Save A Life

6. The Rising Tied by Fort Minor

Why?: I remember listening to this when I was 11. Found out that profanity doesn't really shock me anymore. It carried on till I was 13-14 (That's when Linkin Park finally came back from hiatus)

Tracks that make me feel 'Oh, how the years have gone by':

-Remember the Name

-Where'd You Go

-Cigarettes

-Kenji

-The Hard Way

-Be Somebody

5. FutureSex/LoveSounds by Justin Timberlake

Why?: This LP made me as confident as hell as I turned 14. For some reason, this made me jump and also showed me how to be more sophisticated? I'm not sure. Just remember singing a few songs here with my friends back in school. Damn, the good times.

Tracks that make me feel 'Oh, how the years have gone by':

-What Goes Around...

-LoveStoned

-My Love

-Summer Love

4. Spirit by Leona Lewis

Why?: Oh, Leona <3.... Leona was probably my first crush (BLUSH). Anyway, This album was totally awesome and it was probably the most talked about of '08, I got no objections with that. I remember how much I used to listen to her. She was awesome.............

Tracks that make me feel 'Oh, how the years have gone by':

-Bleeding Love
-Better In Time
-Run
-Footprints In The Sand
-Yesterday
-I Will Be


3. Dreaming Out Loud by OneRepublic

Why?: Have you ever listen to an album and you just know this is exactly what you need at the time. Like, this just cleanses you. I remember bugging my dad for so long to take me to Borders just to buy this LP. Had some awesome 'in the zone' times to this album.

Tracks that make me feel 'Oh, how the years have gone by':

-Say (All I Need)
-Mercy
-Apologize
-Dreaming Out Loud
-Stop & Stare



2. Minutes to Midnight by Linkin Park

Why?: For people that know me, you will be surprised not to find this at number 1. This is probably the only thing I've talked about in 2007 and 2008. Critics find this album underwhelming, I find this album pure genius. I remember when I first bought this album and was going through the booklet for weeks. I was so damn excited about this album. So close to number 1 though. So close.......

Tracks that make me feel 'Oh, how the years have gone by':

-What I've Done

-Hands Held High

-Leave Out All The Rest

-Bleed It Out

-Valentine's Day

-Shadow of the Day

1. The Black Parade by My Chemical Romance

Why?: When I heard that My Chemical Romance broke up, in my heart, part of my life just tore apart. This album wasn't just a list of tracks that was handpicked by the band or what not, it was a idea, a concept. So was My Chemical Romance in a way. This album made me believe that someone somewhere has the exact same mindset as I did when I spinned this LP in my Discman. This defined those years I had. In a huge way, this album defines me.

Tracks that make me feel 'Oh, how the years have gone by':

-Disenchanted

-I Don't Love You

-Welcome to the Black Parade

-Teenagers

-Famous Last Words

-Cancer

-Mama

-Sleep

ALBUM REVIEW: The 20/20 Experience by Justin Timberlake

THE NUTSHELL: 
Boy band heartthrob gone solo artist to silver screen ace and now back to the recording studio. First LP since the stereo pumping 'FutureSex/LoveSounds' in 2006. *a freaking 7 year hiatus, damn!*



TRACK BY TRACK REVIEW:



1. Pusher Love Girl Track Rating: 2/5
Remarks: Justin's falsetto is as clean as a whistle on this track. Doesn't really say much or carry much weight. Just a song you would skip, really. The interlude is pretty flat and unprogressive. Skip.

2. Suit & Tie feat Jay Z Track Rating: 2/5
Remarks: I must confess, I sing this song often. Most of the time as a mockery. Jay's verse is lazy as hell. The song by itself is pretty overplayed for god knows what reason. The interludes in 'FutureSex/LoveSounds' were way more comprehensive as a track compared to this.

3. Don't Hold The Wall Track Rating: 3/5
Remarks: Freaking loving the Persian/Indian/Arabic backdrop on this track. The lyrics are cocky as hell which sometimes is not particularly a bad thing, but it is for this effort. Sounds like a mash up of 'Bounce' and 'Bombay' from Timbaland's first installment of 'Shock Value'. Probably liking this track is based on perception. On the fence.

4. Strawberry Bubblegum Track Rating: 1/5
Remarks: That low bass-ed voice in the backdrop, that irritating beeps, that shallow lyrics. Damn. I have no clue why they drag this song 8 freaking minutes long.

5. Tunnel Vision Track Rating: 2/5
Remarks: Don't really dig this track that much. It's engineered well I guess with Justin's signature snares at all the right places. I feel he's trying really hard to be somewhat sophisticated but it doesn't really turn out that way. Not really sure about this one too. Not favouring it very much. 

6. Spaceship Coupe Track Rating: 1.5/5
Remarks: At this point of the album, a song like 'Summer Love' or maybe even 'What Goes Around' would be really great to catapult this project to a steady position. It just keeps going downhill. All this 'aphrodisiac' tracks may sound romantic to some but its just bloody cheesy. The sound of a women panting and screaming at one point of this song is just irritating rather than mood setting. 

7. That Girl Track Rating: 3.5/5
Remarks: The Temptations in the year 2010. That's what this sounds like. Awesome feel to it,just a feel good track that would probably grasp the more mature audience and why not? A pretty decent piece. The best I heard so far from this album in terms of progression and something less tacky.

8. Let The Groove In Track Rating: 1/5
Remarks: This is desperation here. That's all I can say. Sloppy. Forgettable. Insignificant. Skip.

9. Mirrors Track Rating: 4/5 (Radio Edit/Standard Version) - 3.5 (Deluxe Edition/Full Length)
Remarks: It's irritating that a decent song would be dragged 8 minutes. The interlude is unbearable  The beat isn't all that bad. The repetative chanting of "You are, you are the love of my life" is extremely unnecessary. The lyrics on this track really symbolize maturity that Justin can really project. Makes me a bit frustrated though knowing he could deliver but didn't

10. Blue Ocean Floor Track Rating: 5/5 *ALBUMS TRACK TO REMEMBER
Remarks: Just loving this track. Very well written. Mellow and romantic feel to it. It's simplicity is so refreshing. Justin's vocals are exquisite. It tells a story which I am drawn to unlike the first 8 tracks. 

11. Dress On Track Rating: 2/5 (Deluxe Edition Bonus Track)
Remarks: Not feeling it. I mean, it's not really that bad. The track's just so bland and predictable. Timbaland's verse could not save it for me. Decent predictable beat at the end, reminiscent of 'LoveStoned'. That's about it.

12. Body Count Track Rating: 1/5 (Deluxe Edition Bonus Track)
Remarks: This is not a bonus track. The word 'bonus' and this track do not stir well. So repetitive. It is something that would be meant for 'Justified' and still wouldn't be good enough. A wasted track space.




ALBUM SCORE:


OVERALL: 2/5


So guys, let me know what you think. Feedback! And what should I review next. Thanks =)

ALBUM REVIEW: Modern Vampires of the City by Vampire Weekend

THE NUTSHELL:

Vampire Weekend's 3rd full length LP since their brilliant 'Contra'. Is this any better?

TRACK BY TRACK REVIEW:

1. Obvious Bicycle Track Rating: 5/5

Remarks: From the starting few seconds of this song, I have alredy knew this is a far run away from 'Contra'. As bad as that sounds, it is actually brilliant. This track in particular really shows Vampire Weekend's growth of maturity since their last LP and it is a well pu together piece that really draws you in to the album. 

2. Unbelievers Track Rating: 4.5/5

Remarks: This track is really inspiring actually, with a twist of really good music. Ezra sings about equality amongst the people that is religous and not and how both are sinners but one is not more superior than the other. Great piece.

3. Step Track Rating: 5/5

Remarks: The second single that was dropped by Vampire Weekend in March and has been one of my favourite songs of this year since then. Great ballad, really. Nothing like what the band has done before. It's new. It's enlightening  It's conventional. It's good.

4. Diane Young Track Rating: 4/5

Remarks: Di-ane Young, dying young. I didn't really get the song till I actually got that. Great feel good song with a particularly fierce execution. A bit witty with a slight taste of snobbiness. Exhilarating.

5. Don't Lie Track Rating: 5/5 *ALBUM'S TRACK TO REMEMBER

Remarks: Seriously, this is pure magic to me when I listened to it. The moment when Ezra reached his lower register in the second verse, I actually felt how far Vampire Weekend has pushed themselves in this track. Sounds crazy, but I got a weird taste of The Beatles from this and I am loving every second of this 3 minute and a half piece.

6. Hannah Hunt Track Rating: 5/5

Remarks: "Though we live on the US dollar, You and me, we got our own sense of time." This song probably carries the most signifigance to Ezra having trying to perfect this song since the production of Vampire Weekend's first LP. Lyrically condensed. One of the tear jerkers of the album alongside 'Step'.

7. Everlasting Arms Track Rating: 4.5/5

Remarks: A hint of 'Contra'. Could easily be the B-side of 'Bryn'. Sounds like a tamer well put together of Fun.'s 'Some Nights'. 

8. Finger Back Track Rating: 4/5

Remarks: The attitude of 'A-Punk' is back in a more sophisticated manner. Like what Vampire Weekend do best, use the most positive sound to the most negative meaning. This is the embodiment of exactly that.

9. Worship You Track Rating: 4.5/5

Remarks: The verse got me stunned, the progression drew me in, the climax rejuvenated me. That might be an over-exaggeration, but nevertheless, a real great accessible alternative to modern day music.

10. Ya Hey Track Rating: 3.5/5

Remarks: Wasn't really jumping about for this track. Reminded me a lot of 'The Kids Don't Stand a Chance' but not as good. Quite depressing really. Just decent.

11. Hudson Track Rating: 3.5/5

Remarks: I really love the haunting sound to this track. Sound very much unlike anything Vampire Weekend has done. However, it gets boring towards the end.

12. Young Lion Track Rating: 4.5/5

Remarks: This track gave me a good farewell to the album. Love the harmonies and that quirky piano playing. Just pretty. Vampire Weekend chose simplicity as their outro and executed it to perfection. 

ALBUM SCORE:

OVERALL: 4.5/5

So guys, let me know what you think. Feedback! And what should I review next. Thanks =)

ALBUM REVIEW: Save Rock and Roll by Fall Out Boy

As you may know if you are following my blog, I have decided to do this new segment where I review albums and its tracks. So my first album I would review is *drum rolls for 10 seconds* FALL OUT BOY'S SAVE ROCK AND ROLL (damn. its written in the title) So yeah, I would be doing a track by track review. Hope you guys find it interesting =P

THE NUTSHELL:

Fall Out Boy comes out from their 5 year hiatus to complete their 5th full length LP about saving rock and roll with a flavour of pop. *oops* 

TRACK BY TRACK REVIEW:

1. The Phoenix Track Rating: 3.5/5

Remarks: This track is an in your face anthem that would basically provoke teen spirit; thus the 'young blood' reference.

2. My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark (Light Em Up) Track Rating: 4/5

Remarks: Didn't like this track at all when it first dropped. Sounding like a wannabe crossover punk band to a mediocre rock band. However, this made me change my perspective in believing that Fall Out Boy wants to experiment with their style and make a bold move with their direction of music (somewhat like Linkin Park in Minutes To Midnight). Kudos!

3. Alone Together Track Rating: 3/5

Remarks: It's a decent listen. Patrick brought out his inner demons that he left in From Under The Cork Tree to a more alternative sound.

4. Where Did The Party Go Track Rating: 2/5

Remarks: One of that feel good tunes with not so memorable lyrics. Skip.

5. Just One Yesterday feat. Foxes Track Rating: 2.5/5

Remarks: It's just 'Rolling In The Deep' Fall Out Boy version. Many said this is the best track of the album. I can't comprehend the similarity of this song to Adele's hit. Sorry.

6. The Mighty Fall feat. Big Sean Track Rating: 3/5

Remarks: This is straight up beat versus lyrics. This has such a thumping badass beat with such sugary lyrics that don't mix together well. I really like this track. There are certain tones of this song where a more darker gesture would be so much more commendable. But it is what it is. A mismatch.

7. Miss Missing You Track Rating: 2/5

Remarks: Sappy. Didn't feel as authentic 'Grand Theft Autumn' which carries probably the same meaning as this. Somehow I feel Weezer would do a very good job with this. Overall, didn't care much for it.

8. Death Valley Track Rating: 3/5

Remarks: Un-witty verse meets a decent chorus that combine to be quite okay. I don't really like the semi-distorted alteration to Patrick's voice during the verse. But quite a decent piece.

9. Young Volcanoes Track Rating: 4/5

Remarks: Feels a lot like home, a lot like the Fall Out Boy we are used to. I like the positive tone and feel to a somewhat dark meaning. The contradiction is extremely intriguing  Not particularly the best Fall Out Boy song, but a progressive one.

10. Rat a Tat feat. Courtney Love Track Rating: 2.5/5

Remarks: The moment Courtney Love starts her first sylabble, there is so much frustration going through my veins. Love the message she's trying to put out, hate the manner she did it. Not cutting her some slack knowing the huge amount of potential she had to make this epic. Patrick's verse was extremely exhilarating but not enough to save the track.

11. Save Rock and Roll feat Elton John Track Rating: 4.5/5 *ALBUM'S TRACK TO REMEMBER

Remarks: Inspiring. Everything about this track is just the way it is supposed to be. Wouldn't change a thing. The best way you could probably ask to end the album. This one struck me close. Something we could all just put on and remember what that certain things are worth fighting for. The instrumental and strings are just beautiful. Highlight of this album for sure. 

ALBUM SCORE:

OVERALL: 3/5

So give me some feedback of what I should review next, guys and what you think about this review or album. Thanks =)

Monthly: Top 15 Songs of April (10 was too mainstream =P)

Hey there Earthlings!!! -that was lame- It's that time of the month where I recap the songs that were favorable to me this past 30 days. Been really into The Weeknd's music lately. Kinda dark and touches topics on infidelity and paranoia (my kinda stuff) . So yea, this is the top 15. :)

1. Twenty Eight by The Weeknd
2. Neon Cathedral by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Allen Stone
3. Montreal by The Weeknd
4. Wicked Games by The Weeknd
5. Wing$ by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
6. Wallcott by Vampire Weekend
7. Oxford Comma by Vampire Weekend
8. Step by Vampire Weekend
9. Can't Hold Us by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Ray Dalton
10. We Come Running by Youngblood Hawke
11. My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark by Fall Out Boy
12. Thrift Shop by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
13. Wild by Royal Teeth
14. Radioactive by Imagine Dragons
15. Sugar Rush by Cash Cash

Album Reviews, More Creative Writing and Other Shit I Wanna Do!!

Guyssssss!!!!! I'm not sure how many of you actually follow my blog (not many I suppose), BUT to be more precise, my blog was supposed to be about creative writing and stuff like that. However since the starting of this, I have problems having photos that goes along with my writing and most importantly NOT ENOUGH TIME!!! Since I'm having my semester break, I've been wanting to catch up on that. A lot of plans will be blocking this determination of mine but I shall try my utter best. Basically, my blog has been much about the music I fancy and YES!! I wanna start a segment on album reviews. So, I hope you guys will give me feedback and tell me which album should I review TRACK-BY FREAKING-TRACK! See you beautiful little faces soon!!! Peace! ;)))

Monthly: Top 10 Favourite Songs of March

So, I haven't been most active on Blogger lately. Been kinda busy with college and having a bit of a writer's block certainly does not give me any sense of comfort. Feeling less inspired as days goes by due to a hectic schedule. Hopefully some sense of clarity will come back to me after this semester ends. Anyway, here is a late list of my pick of March's top 10 =D

The Weeknd

1. Twenty Eight by The Weeknd
2. Neon Cathedral by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Allen Stone
3. Step by Vampire Weekend
4. Wicked Games by The Weeknd
5. Wing$ by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
6. Radioactive by Imagine Dragons
7. Thrift Shop by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
8. Walcott by Vampire Weekend
9. M79 by Vampire Weekend
10. Sugar Rush by Cash Cash