Album Review: Pharrell Celebrates Womankind in 'G I R L'

With Get Lucky, Blurred Lines and newest single Happy owning the number one spot, it really does seem that everything Pharrell Williams touches turns to gold. It is unsurprising that his second solo album since In My Mind back in 2006 has been so highly anticipated.

What was more staggering is Williams' attempt to re-place himself, leaving behind the lusty perversions of Blurred Lines to write an album filled with celebratory tracks about women. G I R L commences elegantly,consumed with stringed instruments before switching to synth with a pinch of  '70s groove in Marilyn Monroe.

Keeping it smooth and suave in Brand New, Pharrell joins forces with Justin Timberlake to create a toe-tappingly soulful and Jackson 5-esque tune that keeps you smiling.Funk begins to take over throughout the sultry songs Hunger and Gush. The ever-addictive Happy nestles itself in the middle of the album before Miley Cyrus makes a fleeting appearance in Come Get It Bae and French dance duo Daft Punk combine orchestral elements with smooth synthesizer snippets in Gust of Wind, a song that glorifies the feeling of falling in love.

Lost Queen diverts the listeners' journey through G I R L as it adopts remote African qualities with strong harmonious backing vocals and prominent drums. Williams challenges female stereotypes as he sings "I don't have a problem with multi-tasking, taking care of you is my number one passion". Half way through, the song fades to the faint and calming sound of crashing waves before the tempo is slowed and an R'n'B tone is adopted.

The album reaches it's peak in Know Who You Are, a track which combines reggae tones with soulful funk as Alicia Keys provides the perfect accompaniment. Finishing the album with It Girl's subtly sexy lyrics, Williams' softly sings "you my inspiration" as he sets the bar for an understated feminism that has been desperately needed in chart music of late.

I give the album: ★★★★

Miley Cyrus Dons Nipple Pasties and False Teeth for MTV Unplugged Promo

Just when you thought teeny bopper Miley Cyrus had all but calmed her bizarre ways, she Instagrammed a promotional poster for her MTV Unplugged show which will air at the end of the month.

Resembling a buck-toothed burlesque cowgirl, Cyrus wore a sickly yellow satin necktie with black rodeo hat. Adding a touch of trash she completed the look with black sequinned gloves and silver star nipple pasties- it wouldn't be Miley if it wasn't controversial.

The show that will air on January 29th is said to include a number of more stripped down, acoustic numbers with special guests. MTV Unplugged is renowned for displaying the hottest artists in intimate sessions and has featured the likes of Paul McCartney, KISS, Alicia Keys and Jay-Z.

Cyrus posed with her pooch and her false teeth last week (Instagram)

The show is ahead of her Bangerz tour which will kick off on Valentine's Day in Vancouver, with Cyrus recently revealing that her shows will revolve around animals. No doubt a number of costumes resembling members of the animal kingdom will be subjected to gyrating and twerking *rolls eyes*

What next?

Miley Cyrus Poses Half Naked in New Video 'Adore You'

As 2013 comes to a close, it seems shock value celebrity Miley Cyrus wanted to squeeze in one more attention-seeking act to end arguably her most successful year. After much anticipation and  surprisingly serene cover art for new single Adore You, the star released her half-naked video to accompany the song today on VEVO.

Licking the sheets is all in a days work

Sheet-biting in nude underwear, Cyrus juxtaposes her beautifully melodic and emotional single by licking her fingers, tousling with herself on a bed and attempting seductive looks.

God knows what she is thinking here. 

Her extremely greasy hair is appeased with a cloudy looking bath she gets into wearing a thin, netted black top as yet again, she enjoys touching her body parts. In a Justin Timberlake-esque moment, it begins to rain while the Wrecking Ball sits half-meditating in the bath, scraping back her bleached bob.

Is she naked? Isnt she naked? DO WE CARE???

Perhaps they had a small budget (unlikely) or they wanted a focus on the song (very unlikely) but this one is a contender for the most boring music video of 2013 (very likely).

For Cyrus, her music as stand -alone is incredibly good, just as Wrecking Ball proved itself to be lyrically impressive. Her half-tacky, excessive behaviour in her official music videos has definitely detracted from her singing ability however.

Her album art is a stark contrast to the video, visually inviting it shows Cyrus holding up flowers similar to the ones she received on her birthday. Adore You seems to be a massive contradiction- the only one Cyrus seems to adore is herself.



Watch the Video here: 

Miley Cyrus Redeems Herself with Fourth Studio Album 'Bangerz'

I, like a lot of people at the moment, will be extremely willing to express my dislike of former Disney bopper Miley Cyrus' recent behaviour. Whether it be twerking, stripping or exposing her tongue for prolonged time frames, the 20 year-old is an easy irritation to some. However, with the release of her new album Bangerz, it seems the star has truly redeemed herself. 

           From kansan.com

Bangerz is her fourth studio album to be released, and really packs a punch. A delicious mix of blues, dance pop and faint country vibes, I was so impressed by her new sounds. It's clear that a lot of these songs are inspired by her painfully public relationship with actor Liam Hemsworth, but it definitely  adds more substance to her music.

It is surely a coming of age album, as the singer-come-actress confirms she has grown up, with this album being just as turbulent as her life itself.  

Track Listing

1. "Adore You" 

Choosing a ballad-esque track to begin the album is a bold move, but it certainly pays off. I love Cyrus' deep and varied tones as she repeats "baby are you listening".

2. "We Can't Stop"  

The first released single and the beginning of her re-invention, the song talks of her bold and spunky lifestyle, something no-one can control. 

3. "SMS (Bangerz)" (featuring Britney Spears)

Possibly the most disappointing track in the collection, SMS is filled with suggestively crude lyrics but has enough of an addictive beat to slot itself nicely into her fourth album.  The music video would definitely be an entertaining watch. 

4. "4×4" (featuring Nelly)

"I'm a female rebel, don't you know?" is the sure fire message with this song. Country tones take over the dance element. Warning: this song is definitely an earworm. 

From wac.450f.edgecastcdn.net

5. "My Darlin'" (featuring Future)

A combination of mid tempo R'n'B, pop and soul, Cyrus' husky tones perfectly contrast Future's deep and auto tuned contributions.  

6. "Wrecking Ball"

The second official single to be released, Wrecking Ball has already achieved an equal amount of acclaim of criticism.  Putting the controversial video aside, the song is full of candid emotion and raw feeling. 

7. "Love Money Party" (featuring Big Sean)

A  party banger for sure, I definitely think that Cyrus was wise with her collaborations and stuck to mainly R'n'B roots, something that will cement Bangerz in the top 10 album charts. 

8. "Get It Right"   

R'n'b meets bubblegum pop in 'get it right', a brilliant reprieve from the more hip hop elements of the album. The sound is reminiscent of Mariah Carey in a lot of ways. 

9. "Drive"  

Dubstep is very much present in a majority of pop these days, so I was expecting at least one of theBangerz tracks to contain it. A perfect mix of heartbroken pop and womping, Drive is a winner. 

         From images.kpopstarz.com

10. "FU" (featuring French Montana)

This track is definitely my favourite. It's full of anger, attitude and I love French Montana's catchy side piece. Blues influences intertwine themselves with memorable lyrics and I am praying this will be released as an official single!

11. "Do My Thang"  

This track is full of sass and definitely has elements of Iggy Azalea. With thumping beats, the song depicts a grown girl, able to hold her own. The song never leaves the pop element behind with a dance-like refrain. 

12. "Maybe You're Right"  

I adore this track. It's all about admission, and vulnerability-something the pop world is often lacking. 

13. "Someone Else" 

This is a fabulous ending to such a powerful album, I love Cyrus' basic admission that she is no longer the prissy Disney princess she used to be. Synth pop fills this song, and I loved every second of it. 

I give Bangerz      ★★★★★

Bangerz is released October 4th. Listen to the leak here. 

MTV VMAs 2013: The Best Bits

Last night played host to possibly the biggest anticipated night in music: The Video Music Awards which took place in Brooklyn, New York as massive stars from around the world turned out for the event. With Lady Gaga opening the show and performances from Robin Thicke, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus and N'Sync made a comeback. For those of you who didn't watch the show, here are some of the best bits. 

Lady Gaga is well and truly back

I am a massive Gaga fan so I have been looking forward to this performance for a while, and it didn't disappoint! She began her performance showing off her stunning voice, and pulling some pretty powerful faces while manoeuvring what looked like a priest's cassock and a giant square on her head- classic Gaga. 

From d2g892zuoe3k49.cloudfront.net

With five costume changes in total and three different wigs, she isn't anything to sniff at as she belted her heart out while delivering some stellar choreography.

            From media4.onsugar.com

Definitely my favourite performance of the night. There is only a handful of people who can pull off covering their precious parts with shells.  

She also apparently took a shine to One Direction's Zayn Malik. I can't see the two hanging out in the future though, can you? 

                       From images.sugarscape.com

Miley Cyrus as laughable

In general, I don't think I have laughed as much during a VMA performance. Three words: Gyrating, thrusting and twerking.

              From www.washingtonpost.com

As the Cyrus entered the stage last night, all traces of Hannah Montana were vanquished as she attempted to sing We Can't Stop before stripping down into nude underwear and grinding on Robin Thicke during a duet to Blurred Lines. Take a look if you don't believe me...  Is it just me, or did Mr Thicke look like a pervy Beetlejuice? 

                  From amokmagazine.files.wordpress.com

Taylor Swift's bitchiness. 

I think the fascination with the relationship country-come-pop singer Taylor Swift had with One Direction member Harry Styles will always be a hot topic, but last night the young lady really voiced her opinion on what she thought of him and the 1D lads- yay! 

From blog.zap2it.com

She received the award for Best Female Video and when she collected her moonman, she said

"I also want to thank the person who inspired this song because he knows exactly who he is, because now I've got one of these" Back-handed compliment or what? meoww. 

She was also caught mouthing 'shut the f*** up' while the One Direction boys were up on stage, what a legend. It's kind of what we were all thinking. 

JT doing a Destiny's Child and Stealing the Show from N'Sync

Justin Timberlake, you thoroughly spoilt us last night. Beginning his performance with Sexy Back, then dipping into Like I Love You.

           From img2.timeinc.net

So much classic dancing before dipping into My Love. The fact that the whole audience were on their feet showed how amazing the performance was- I was blown away.

The Grillz were out in full force. 

Katy Perry and Rihanna donned their tooth bling last night and looked fabulously fierce. Both looked a thousand times better than Madonna who stepped out last week looking positively vile in her tooth jewellery. 

                     From i.huffpost.com

Above: Rihanna sports the subtle grill. 

                              From l1.yimg.com

Katy Perry= brace face. 

Audience cam was at it's best

I do love to watch celebrities in their natural habitat, and there is definitely nothing I enjoy more than seeing those famous faces interact with each other. Last night saw Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez dancing to Miley Cyrus, Ellie Goulding and Ed Sheeran cuddling up together and the Smith family's reaction to Cyrus' stripping, eeep! 

Hand on leg: Got something to tell us Ed?!

Harry Styles has a perve on his ex, Taylor Swift- cheeky. 

Katy Perry Roars onto the stage

LOVED her performance as a pretty dapper looking boxer. Still prefer Gaga though. 

All the winners: 

Video of the year: Justin Timberlake, "Mirrors"

Best female video: Taylor Swift, "I Knew You Were Trouble."

Best male video: Bruno Mars, "Locked Out of Heaven"

Best pop video: Selena Gomez, "Come & Get It"

Best hip-hop video: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis featuring Ray Dalton, "Can't Hold Us"

Best rock video: Thirty Seconds to Mars, "Up In the Air"

Best collaboration: Pink and Nate Ruess of fun., "Just Give Me a Reason"

Best video with a social message: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis featuring Mary Lambert, "Same Love"

Best song of the summer: One Direction, "Best Song Ever"

Artist to watch: Austin Mahone, "What About Love"

Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award: Justin Timberlake

Best direction: Justin Timberlake's "Suit & Tie" (director David Fincher)

Best visual effects: Capital Cities, "Safe and Sound"

Best choreography: Bruno Mars, "Treasure"

Best art direction: Janelle Monae featuring Erykah Badu, "Q.U.E.E.N."

Best cinematography: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis featuring Ray Dalton, "Can't Hold Us"

Best editing: Justin Timberlake, "Mirrors"

 

Will.i.am is back With His New Album #WillPower

Producer, singer and judge on The Voice, is there anything Will.i.am can't do? 2013 seems like it is definitely going to be his year, as he is set to release his new album #WillPower, with some epic collaborations with Chris Brown, Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber, Britney Spears and Nicole Scherzinger.  With thumping beats, club anthems and pop hits, this collection of songs are going to be massive. Thumbs up to Will.i.am! 

              From www.josepvinaixa.com

 

Tracklist:

1. Good Morning

 A subtle and calming beginning to the album, violins and trumpets make up the background to the introduction as Will.i.am tells 'don't forget to dream'. 

2. Hello

Hello is repetitive with a bodacious tune,  the sound of children chanting consumes sections of the tune. A feel-good song that denotes partying with friends and will be an unmistakeable summer anthem.

3. This is Love

Previously released single featuring Eva Simons. 

4. Scream and Shout

This is  the epic track that brought him to number one and features pop princess Britney Spears, , Hit Boy, Waka Flocka Flame, Lil Wayne & Diddy in an extra special remix. 

                                   From i.perezhilton.com

 

5. Let's Go ft Chris Brown

The soft sound of Chris Brown's voice intertwined with synth sirens, unbelievable build ups and thumping beats, this is guaranteed to be a hit.  I love the conclusion to the song too- Will speaks in an extra-terresterial-esque voice about the meaning of the words 'Lets Go'- brilliant!

6. Gettin' Dumb ft 2NE1

This song has everything you need. Pounding bass, a decent rap and an enthralling rhythmn. I can't get enough of this one. 

7. Geekin'

Will.i.am gets his geek on in this song, as he takes centre stage with an addictive rap that includes some of his catchiest phrases and a random Intel  slogan mid-way through. 

8. Freshy ft Juicy J

This song is like a fresh injection of swag, I love the synth combination and as Will.i.am says, it certainly possesses 'fresh' and 'clean' lyrics. 

9. #thatPOWER

 Will.i.am definitely knows how to market himself well, and this single recently released features  pop prince Justin Bieber. If you haven't heard it already, you will be hooked instantly!

                              From www.justinbieberzone.com

10. Great Times are Coming

Slowing down the tempo significantly, this tune is more of a ballad to begin with, but as is the producer and singer, he surprises us with his infectious beats and makes us want to party into the night!

11. The World is Crazy

 An extremely relevant song to today's world, the producer and judge of The Voice talks about society, politics and the downfalls of the world in general. 

12. Fall Down feat Miley Cyrus

Heavy on the feel-good, and extra heavy on the pop beat, this is infectious and will be released as a single on 19th of April, I can't wait!

13. Love Bullets ft. Skylar Grey

Reminiscent of This is Love, this song is still dominated by bass, but slower in tempo. 

14. Far Away From Home ft. Nicole Scherzinger

Yet another top class collaboration for his album, this song is slightly easy on your now throbbing ears. The soft voice of Scherzinger and the pop beat make a perfect combination for a chart hit. 

15. Ghetto Ghetto ft. Baby Kaely

Like The World Is Crazy, this song covers appropriate issues, primarly those to do with influences of the media on children. 

16. Reach for The Stars

This one had its first play on Mars.. enough said. 

17. Smile Mona Lisa

Stripped down,the guitars transport the listener to the mediterranean. Melodic genius, but who is Mona Lisa??

18.  Bang Bang

Going in a completely different direction, Will.i.am combines banjos with a speak-easy and jazzy feel, then surprises our ears by encorporating a thumbing bass. Genius! The best end, to the best album. 

I give this album ★★★★★