I love music. I'm studying it at school. I've studied it for most of my life. I love to listen to it. I love concerts. I'm into all sorts of music. I have pre-sets for classical, country, hip-hop, alternative, Christmas music on my car radio. I love music.
And it has been an aurally scrumptious treat having all of these great new albums come out recently! So finger-lickin, that I want to share my reviews and opinions and favs for a few so you can munch. No, I'm not getting paid for this, but I should because my name is Michelle and I support this message.
1. Ingrid Michaelson, Everybody
Why yes, I DID see her in concert on her tour to promote this album. And it's better live, can you believe that?
I personally think that this album is better than the first. She keeps the same Ingrid-isms from the last album (repetition, cutesy love themes, light and bouncy background), but adds a little bit more warmth and depth to the musicality of the songs. Even though her cutesy songs seem like they should be picked up and hugged, you can't deny the raw talent of Ingrid.
FAVS: "Soldier", "Sort of", "Mountain and the Sea"
RATING: 5 outta 5
I have been, am now, and always will be a big Sara Barielles fan. I also went to the concert from the tour to promote this album and (is this even possible?) I loved her more. She has so so much soul that she admits she's afraid to show. But we love it, Sara, it's so worth it! She, too, just has a lot of raw talent that is evident both in her album and live. So easy to sing along to and to feel good to.
FAVS: I love them all for different reasons, but I had to choose..."Breathe Again" (she called this her "sit in a corner by yourself" song), "Gonna Get Over You", "Machine Gun" (shows off her powerful voice in the chorus), "Say You're Sorry", "Uncharted"
RATING: 5.5 outta 5
WAIT! Don't run away or stop reading. I used to be a disliker of Taylor, but, alas, I have been drawn in. Not by her voice, but by her lyrics. This chick is my age and is so successful because she is someone you can relate to. I felt the same with this new album. She says what she wants and doesn't care if you figure out who the song is about (did anyone else notice that "Dear John" is not only about John Mayer, but uses the same guitar sounds as Johnny boy? You go girl). I'm not a huge fan of country, but I think that Taylor does a good job of combining pop with country, making it more upbeat and less...country.
FAVS: "Speak Now" (such a cute/less mentioned love story!), "Back To December", "Mine"
RATING: 3.5 outta 5
Ok, ok this one came out in March, BUT I just discovered it. I dub this the dance-like-a-5-year-old album, because it will make you want to do it. I mean, they do it in their music video for "Animals", so porque no? Habits takes you on a caffinated rollercoaster ride that doesn't let you take a break. So so fun. Oh, and they're from Provo, UT (represent!).
FAVS: "Animal", "1983"
RATING: 3 outta 5
What a title. This album sends me back to Portland, with its beat, its different sound and unique singer. If you listen to this album, you can legitimately feel all cool and foreign because they originate from Versailles, France (it's in English, though, so put away those French-English dictionaries). It's a funky album that I have to be in a certain mood in to listen all of the way through, but it's good.
FAVS: "1901", "Lizstomania"
RATING: 2.5 outta 5
This one, too, is an oldie-that-was-recently discovered. So sue me. Actually, you can thank me after you listen to this album. This is good to study to because it has a couple of just instrumental songs. Lots of sappy trumpet. And fun. Just light and frivolous. Oh, and if you haven't seen the movie, the soundtrack definitely enhances the effect.
FAVS: "To Be Surprised", "Let My Love Open the Door"
RATING: 3 outta 5
If there is anything that makes me happy, it's new music. So I hope you listen and enjoy.
Here are some straggling singles:
-Kate Nash, "Merry Happy"
-Cee Lo, "Forget You" (I like the Glee version the best)
-Maroon 5, "Misery" or his cover of "If I Ain't Got You" from their new album, Hands All Over
-The Kooks, "Seaside"
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