Black Eyed Peas - The Time (Dirty Bit)

Black Eyed Peas - The Time (Dirty Bit)


Having a look around the net about this track and a lot of people don't seem to be liking it. Many listeners complaining that the band is now getting lazy, that they have gone electronic. That the music has no soul.


Personally, I don't believe that it. I actually really like the song. It's got electronic music which is my preferred type of music. It samples 80's wonder track I've Had The Time Of My Life by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes. It's a new style for the band which, I think, is quite brave.


Fergie's vocals certainly don't sound as strained as they have on some other tracks. The rap by the male trio is all there as well.


Most of the negative comments seem to people with disgruntled listeners who can't seem to appreciate the evolution of the band.


Here's the song, what do you think?

Music Review: Pink - The Greatest Hits... So Far

Music Review: Pink - The Greatest Hits... So Far


With sellout tours, numerous top ten hits and a rumored pregnancy, Pink has dropped her greatest hits... so far.


From when she first came onto the soon back in 2000 with her solo debut album, Can't Take Me Home, Pink (aka Alecia Moore) has been a common name appearing in many homes around the world. Her no nonsense attitude and blunt lyrics delighting audiences around the world.


Her greatest hits album recaps the last 10 years that she has dominated our airwaves. With the first track being her hit Get The Party Started from her Try This album. It reminds you of years gone by and why we all love this diverse icon.


Pink continues rolling out the hits and memories with other tracks like There You Go, Just Like A Pill, and her dig at ex-U.S. President George W. Bush, Dear Mr President. It's a wonderful trip down memory lane as we relive ten years worth of music.


Notably missing from the compilation is Most Girls which was an Australian number one hit. Also not included is Feel Good Time from the Charlie's Angel soundtrack in which she also had a cameo role.


Not content to just rehash old material, Pink has also included several new tracks including her current single Raise Your Glass. There are two other new previously unreleased tracks. As an added bonus, included is her version of Whataya Want From Me. The song she penned for Adam Lambert who continued on to make it a worldwide hit.


If you want to remember the past, have the best of the best that Pink has released on one album, this album is certainly for you. It's the progression and growth of the artist we've come to know and love. Sitting and listening, there's something about remembering just how amazing that this woman is. Easy to listen to and easy to love... this is Pink and this her album is her greatest hits... so far.

Album from the Vault Music Review: Alanis Morissette - Flavors of Entanglement

Music Review: Alanis Morissette - Flavors of Entanglement

It had been four years since Alanis released any new original material. Finally she has released her follow-up album to the moderately successful So-Called Chaos. During the time away she has obviously done some musical searching and decided to release an album which not only reclaims her failing career, but also proves that she can be successful across multiple genres.

Opening the album is a rock anthem Citizen of the Planet which will appease listeners who tuned out after Jagged Little Pill. She also muses over what it is to be human and looks at how we interact with the trackUnderneath. Then, in a complete change of musical style, Alanis hits us with Straitjacket full of electronic beeps and riffs – it has to the be most un-Alanis song that we’ve ever heard. The remixes will be nothing short of amazing.

Versions Of Violence slams back with electric guitars wailing and drums, pounding messages of different types of domestic abuse into our ears and minds. The album then drifts on with more tracks which are undeniably Alanis as she slides through her entire vocal scale, showcasing her true talent as a singer and songwriter.

The album is a departure from what we have heard her produce musically but the content is still on par. Her angst routine still lurks behind more than a few of the songs. She even shows a much softer and mellow side on more than a few of the tracks featuring pianos, violins and guitars. Sadly, her the harmonica which was ever present throughout Jagged Little Pill and Supposed Former Infatuation Junkieis missing from this release.

After a few misses with her last few studio albums, it’s good to hear she’s back on track with an album full of material that will restart her career and re-instate her as one of the super-acts of today. She’s a musician with something to say and the intelligence and musical talent to convey it to the masses. The only fault with the album is that there’s not more of it. Alanis Morissette, nineties queen of angst, 2008’s album of the year.

Music Review: Katie Underwood - Ain't Nobody's Baby

Music Review: Katie Underwood - Ain't Nobody's Baby


From her beginnings with reality TV show Popstars and then forming the band Bardot way back in 2000, Ms Katie Underwood has been quiet and now released her debut solo album Ain't Nobody's Baby.


Before the public runs screaming fearing a solo version of Bardot's radio disposable music, they can breathe easy. The album is made up of beautifully crafted jazz songs which highlights Underwood's talent and her stunning voice.


The album sound glorious and is refreshing to anyone who listens to it. The production team have put together an amazing album which matches Underwood's voice perfectly.


From the start of the opening track I'm in the Mood for Love, you know that you are in for something special. The brass, the piano, the sultry vocals in Underwood's familiar tone. The album is just one spectacular track after another.


Highlights of the album certainly include the title track Ain't Nobody's Baby and her versions of jazz classics Under My Skin, the stunning Cole Porter classic, and Fever which was originally recorded by Little Willie John. Underwood has breathed fresh life into both tracks. 


Way back when in 2002, Underwood worked with Disco Montego and released a club favourite Beautiful. Grab this album to hear her stunning jazz reworking of the single. Hearing both interpretations, it is near impossible to pick which is the preferred version.


Never let is be said that Katie Underwood is not a brave woman. Included on this stunning album is her version of the Leonard Cohen classic track Hallelujah. With the piano playing softly in the background, Underwood's voice carries the song beautifully. It could have been a triumph or disaster. Thankfully, this came off as a success and triumph.


The album as a whole is a creative triumph and has cemented Underwood as a role model for Australian talent. With her name credited for co-writing several of the tracks, she proves her talents don't purely lie in front of the microphone.


Gone are the days of Bardot. Here come the days of Katie Underwood, musical artist, extraordinaire.

Music Review: Sade - Soldier of Love

Music Review: Sade - Soldier of Love


With their sixth album in twenty five years, Sade has returned with their latest album Soldier of Love and has recaptured the imaginations and ears of listeners worldwide. With their lush sounds and renowned stunning smoky vocals they have set a benchmark for any other artist to live up to. 

Their opening track The Moon and the Sky is rippling with emotive vocals and lyrics setting the tone for the entire release. The track is a welcome reminder of what Sade is all about. The ambience and relaxing qualities make the track standout from anything that they have previously done. 

The title track Soldier of Love is far more percussive than anything the band has ever released. The sharp hip/hop sounds are a step in a new direction for the band while, at the same time, staying true to what is almost expected. 

Babyfather shows the band experimenting with an almost Jamaican sound and is composed of lush sounds and lyrics telling the story of a father/daughter relationship. It's sweet and melodic and leaves the heart of anyone who has troubles with their father aching to pick up the phone and just call him to say hello. 

Not content to stay with one genre, further experimentation comes across in Be That Easy which is a borderline country music track. The relaxed vocals and melody create a comfortable atmosphere for the ear. The unobtrusive sounds are calming and blend easily into the background. 

Other tracks on the album blend seamlessly into each other. The smooth production and careful consideration, time and effort that has been put into each and every song shows resplendently and showcases the sheer overwhelming talent that the band posses. 

The final track is The Safest Place and will remind any listener of what they experienced when they first heard Sade. The same ambient instruments. The relaxed atmosphere. The chilled out vocals. The culmination of what has made Sade such a landmark band since their inception all those years ago. 

Soldier of Love is not only an album suited to a dinner party but can be played when ready to kick back and relax after a long day at work. The true majesty of Sade is in abundance throughout the release. The beauty of the vocals and the calm tones of the music. It is a testament to why they have enjoyed such longevity without the ongoing and continual releases of some other artists which pollute today's airwaves.

Music Review: Cheryl Cole - Messy Little Raindrops

Music Review: Cheryl Cole – Messy Little Raindrops

The ex-Girls Aloud singer has unleashed her talent upon us again. With her second solo album, Messy Little Raindrops, set to be appearing on Australian shelves 12^th November, Ms Cole reminds us why she’s been around in the industry for a few years.

From the opening track Promise This, you can tell that this is going to be a little more special that generic pop products that seem to inundate the airwaves. The energetic beats and interspersed French line certainly is catchy and will get stuck in your head.

Following up is Yeah, Yeah featuring Travie McCoy (you know, that guy from Gym Class Heroes... yeah, I didn’t either). The song is electro infused and has a good rhythm and catchy riff. I had to re-listen to find McCoy’s input in the song. The focus was on Ms Cole’s delivery and the music with her smooth delivery.

Live Tonight relies quite heavily on being bass driven to pull in the attention to the track. The song isn’t a stand out or anything particularly special but it certainly provides a nice filler from the dance feel of Yeah, Yeah and the following overly emotional song The Flood.

Speaking of The Flood, welcome to what is considered to be one of the best tracks on the album. It’s honest. It’s sincere. You can’t help but hear that the talented Ms Cole is singing about something that means something to her.  It’s enthralling and fascinating.

Whoever thought that the track Amnesia would be good for Ms Cole should be shot. The track has a Bollywood sounding influence. It is a catchy song. Ms Cole is a talented singer. This doesn’t mean that the two should be paired. The song is something closer to a J-Lo release that Ms Cole’s.

Coming to the rescue is Everyone featuring Dizzee Rascal with the electro infused dance beats. It’s a style that suits Ms Cole overall. Her sharp delivery and attitude lace throughout the track and pick the album up from the previous slump. Thankfully, it’s also strong enough to carry over following mess Raindrops.

How to describe Raindrops? Messy. Hectic. Whiny. I’d rather listen to all of George W. Bush’s speeches back to back without break. Enough said.

Thankfully, the delightful Hummingbird swoops in to make the album soar back up to its great heights. It’s light and airy. Bright and bubbly. Cole has a cheerful delivery and a general feel good attitude that carries throughout the song.

Anyone who didn’t know what style of song suited Cole will learn quite quickly that it’s R&B as soon as they hear Better to Lie featuring August Rigo. Cole literally shines with ability and slick delivery throughout the entire track.

With a complete jaw drop included, Cole raps her way through Let’s Get Down. Would the Real Miss Cole please stand up? Even more astounding is that she’s not terrible at it. She carries the tune and beat of the song and hits the mark with her rapping. It’s not something you want her to do full time and the inclusion of Will.I.Am matches Cole’s rapping ability quite nicely.

Happy Tears is a beautiful track with stunning instruments. The song has been put together in amazing fashion with the music matching the easy listening of Cole’s voice. The backing music sounds reminisce of Clocks by Coldplay. The song is one you can play a couple of times over and still love.

Rounding out the album is the electro/R&B styled piece Waiting which samples and A Thousand Miles by Vanessa Carlton in a spectacular fashion, even including a sample of Carlton’s voice. The song does sound amazing. It’s energetic, it’s refreshing, it’s honest. It’s also definitely one of the standout tracks on the album.

All in all, Messy Little Raindrops, is a solid release. It’s got good moments, two bad moments and several standout tracks. It shows that Cole is quite capable of breaking out of her Girls Aloud mould. She’s certainly proven she’s got ability. If you aren’t desperate to buy this album, at least listen to it.

Review from the Vault: Cascada - Evacuated the Dancefloor

Music Review: Cascada - Evacuate The Dancefloor

What better way to follow up being the opening act for Britney's tour in Germany than to release a brand new album. Evacuate The Dance Floor is the third album to be released by German based trio Cascada.

Staying true to what has become their niche in the music world, Cascada have followed their tried and true formula with lead singer Natalie Horler belting out each track with all she's got. The music is their signature radio friendly dance music that the world has come to know them for.

Leading of the album is the title track Evacuate The Dance Floor which has gotten mass radio play with it's bouncing music and thumping bass. The best thing about the track is the fresh take on their signature sound and the catchy lyrics which get stuck in your head. The surprise inclusion on the track is the male vocals and their eager rapping. It adds to the dynamic by adding a new dimension to Cascada's previously female only vocals. The song has also been compared to Lady Gaga's releases. Whether or not this is the case, Evacuate The Dance Floor has turned into Cascada's biggest hit to date.

The second track on the album is Hold On which almost sounds like their previous hit single Because The Night. The music itself has similarities but the vocal delivery is near identical at parts. It's still a great track but when you listen to it more than twice, it loses the sense of originality.

The third track Every Time I Hear Your Name has been dubbed the pinnacle of the album by various reviews. The track features a quick tempo and vocal delivery by Holler that is unsurpassed on any of the band's other work. It's catchy and radio friendly sure to catch the attention of listener's all over the world.

Ready Or Not is another unsurprising track on the album. Like the rest of the album, it's catchy and quirky. Unfortunately it falls into the trap of sounding like How Do You Do from the first album. It has its own merit of catchy lyrics and vocal work. A riff that sticks in the listener's mind and a pounding bass that will have the foot tapping but it won't be remembered when the next track comes out over the speakers.

The tracks Fever and Breathless sound like there are trying to cash in on Kelly Clarkson's pop/rock feel. Fever could very easily have been included on any of Kelly's releases. The track certainly has a dance inspired feel. Unfortunately the other track Breathless seems to borrow heavily from Since U Been Gone. From the guitar at the start to the rhythm the words seem to fall in up to the chorus. Once the chorus hits, you could almost sing the lyrics to Kelly's hit and have it sound near the same. The pace is a bit different given that Cascada is a dance act but that's just about the only difference.

Changing gears is Hold Your Hands Up which is a guitar driven mid-tempo track. Horler doesn't have auto tune going on the track and shows her true ability as a singer. The song itself could have appeared on an early Britney album but Cascada have taken hold of the song and made it their own. When you listen to the track, you can almost see the crowd waving in unison at the chorus or the waving of lighters in time. It's a very simplistic pop song that radio will play a few times, have a few teens singing along before they move onto the next track.

Not even the previous smash hit singles from the band are safe from a repeat with Dangerous being incredibly similar to their debut Every Time We Touch in all aspects of delivery apart from the lyrics. One is easily interchangeable for the other. If you've heard the original, you've heard this track.

Throbbing away to the bass heavy music is 90s floor-filler throwback What About Me. Packed full of energy and an excited delivery by Horler the track will have the heaviest of feet tapping along with the track. The track isn't a cover but an original piece. They haven't even recycled past work for the track. It's cool and catchy and worth at least a listen.

Yanou's Candlelight Mixes in the past have always been a highlight of any artist's tracks. Unfortunately the final track Draw The Line hold no conviction in it's delivery. Horler sounds like a very talented singer who doesn't believe in what she's singing. It's hard to fault the vocal work or the music itself. The fault lies in the lack of emotion throughout the track.

With over 11 million albums sold worldwide, it's not hard to see why Cascada have gone for the tried and true formula which has served them so well in the past. Unfortunately it's nothing that we haven't heard from them before. The album is certainly for fans or people who have never heard of Cascada before. If you already have the previous two albums, don't worry about this one - you already have it.