Category Archives: Music Reviews

Many people have their opinions on what happened to (in my opinion) the best female vocalist ever.  So, of course, i will give my opinion.

I have had a few Facebook comments stating “how can you be surprised…blah blah blah…”  Well I was surprised, VERY surprised because unlike a lot of people I like to believe in the good of most people.  I truly believed Whitney was going to turn things around.  Wishful thinking?  Perhaps, but is there anything wrong with believing someone can actually turn their life around?

I obviously was very wrong and the whole tragedy of this is that she was only 48.  Every death is a tragedy but it makes me confused to know that a lot of the younger generation think they can do what they want because they feel invincible.  This should be yet another warning of those who give in to their demons for whatever reason… DON’T!

No one is invincible.  Whitney, you will surely be missed.

As a tribute to Whitney, I have put together an MP3 CD of my favorite Whitney songs and mixes for me to mourn in my own way.  here is the list I have put together:

And so it came and went, another Super Bowl along with another rendition of The Star Spangled Banner and another half time show.

Let’s start with Kelly Clarkson.  This woman has to be one of the most classiest women in Pop music.  Kelly doesn’t need anything other than her voice.  She doesn’t dance, wear flashy clothes or do any desperate actions to get attention.  Kelly just sings.  That’s all she needs and she proved herself (as if she has anything to prove) tonight by singing The Star Spangled Banner the way it should be.  With respect.  This performance reminds me of Whitney Houston’s flawless and classy performance of the song back in 1991.  Grade = A+

Now for Madonna.  Madonna was given about 7 minutes to show why she is still relevant.  One can’t help but respect Madonna for being able to reinvent herself as she has done for the past 30 years.  She was certainly under a lot of pressure to put on a show for 7 minutes that keeps up the momentum of such a big game as the Super Bowl.  In my opinion, she didn’t disappoint at all.  Let’s break it down, shall we?

1)  Vogue - This is the song she will always be remembered for, her “theme song” if you will and what a perfect song to start it off with.  She definitely was singing this one live.

2)  Music - The dancing in this song on bleachers no less, was breathtaking and at times I was so afraid one of the dancers was going to wind up with his feet through his head.  And the tight rope dancer?  WHAT???  Unbelievable.  She did slip once, but being the professional she is, she covered it and didn’t miss a beat.  I do think, however, she was lip syncing this one…

3)  Give Me All Your Luvin’ - There are a lot of haters with her new single but I really like this song because it reminds me of the 80′s Madonna and shows she is proud of what made her famous to begin with.  I could definitely do without Minaj and MIA.  MIA’s finger gesture to a camera man was totally unnecessary and not cool.  She (MIA) proved she doesn’t belong involved in  a class act such as Madonna.  All of a sudden we saw LMFAO and I liked it when Madonna started singing “Sexy And I Know It”…  I also feel Madonna was lip syncing this one as well…

4)  Like A Prayer –  Now comes what has to be Madonna’s coolest song ever, and then CEE LO GREEN and a ton of church singers come up on stage and “Like A Prayer” is brought to life.  At first I didn’t understand why CEE LO was even there but it all came together.  This she certainly sang live, and the end where she just dropped out of sight?  Pure awesomeness.

Grade for the Queen of Pop = A

DUDE-aTOMic! – What Planet R U From? (2011)

Genre - Electronic / Pop

Songwriting - Very original

Production – Their strongest sounding yet,  fully using todays’ tricks and sounds

Overall Performance - DUDE-aTOMic’s fifth album consists of a major throwback to the 90′s mixed in with todays production techniques.  Unlike his groundbreaking album “The Sound Of The Future” that literally takes you on a trip to another galaxy, this album is filled with radio friendly catchy songs that with the right mixes could dominate the clubs.  Some songs like “Crazy Love Thing” and “Hypnotic Voodoo” are club ready all on their own.

DUDE isn’t and doesn’t try to be  a vocal powerhouse, and that is what makes him special.  He uses the vocal tricks in just the right way to make listening to a DUDE album a wonderful experience and not just another pop wannabe listen.

Stand Out Tracks - ”Precious Gem”, “R Saturday Nite”, “Crazy Love Thing”, “What Planet R U From” and “Jungle Of Love”

Available at – eMusic, iTunes and Amazon.com

Final Grade - A-

Madonna – Give Me All Your Luvin’

Genre - Pop

Songwriting - Simple, nothing groundbreaking

Overall Performance -

Ok, so the haters are already voicing their opinion about this long awaited track from Madonna, which is to be expected.  The ground that the M covers in her new single is certainly not new, but given her dip into hip hop from her last album, I am personally glad to see she went back to the catchy bouncy pop that made her famous.

Madonna seems to be the smartest business woman by reinventing herself over the last (gulp) 30 years, so it’s ok for her to go back to her roots from time to time.  No one can ever accuse Madonna of being a copy cat, well maybe of herself.  But what’s wrong with that?

As far as the rap by MIA and Minaj, I normally loathe any artist that doesn’t need such useless attention grabbing props.   BUT in this instance the rap break is so short and forgettable, it’s like it’s not even there.

I can’t wait for her album!

Final Grade - A-

Tim Halperin – You Da One (2012)

Genre - Pop

Songwriting - Cover version of Rihanna

Overall Performance -

If you are the type to judge by the cheesy cover you will pass this right up, which would actually be a shame.  Former Idol contestant Tim Halperin takes the somewhat hectic pop single by Rihanna and turns it into a Jason Mraz’ish breezy gem.  I actually prefer this to Rihanna’s because I can focus on the melody and not the off the wall production of Rihanna’s.

Final Grade - B

Melanie Amaro – Respect (2012)

Genre - Dance

Songwriting - Cover version of Aretha Ffanklin’s classic

Overall Performance -

After a ridiculously long wait, X-Factor Season 1 winner Melanie Amaro releases her first official single. As disappointing it is that her first single is a remake, you can’t ask for more of a remake than to be a high energy anthem to attract a completely different audience than this song is used to.

Melanie proves she has the chops to own a dance club anthem. If this is any preview to her upcoming debut album, I can’t freaking wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Final Grade - A-

Kellie Pickler – 100 Proof (2012)

Genre - Country

Songwriting - Very strong and very country, no bad songs on the album!

Overall Performance - For her third CD, Kellie sounds the most confident she has ever sounded.  She definitely has a lot more twang in her voice than compared to her first CD but this sounds more natural than her second CD.

Stand Out Tracks - “Stop Cheating On Me”, “100 Proof”, “Little House On The Highway” and “Unlock That Honky Tonk” are all single worthy.

Final Grade - B+