Music Review: Not My Kind of People by Garbage

Track List:
1.Automatic Systematic Habit
2.Big Bright World
3.Blood for Poppies
4.Control
5.Not Your Kind of People
6.Felt
7.I Hate Love
8.Sugar
9.Battle In Me
10.Man on a Wire
11.Beloved Freak

Garbage finally releases another album after seven whole years! I'll admit that I wasn't a big rock(if you can even put them in this genre) fan back in the day, but this album has a definite 90's feel while mixing a bit of genres that are heard now.

All the songs on this album were written and produced by members of the band, giving this album a more personal feel. Picking up music trends of the past, Not Your Kind of People does what Garbage does best; gives you a bit of everything.

Opening with "Automatic System Habit" Garbage gives something that can easily be a song played in clubs today for a party atmosphere when mixing electro-charged beats with Shirley Manson's synthesized voice. Later tracks like "Control" and "Sugar", settles into a more familiar Garbage sound. With its dark lyrics, it seems as though no time has really passed for the band between albums.

Though Not Your Kind of People is reminiscent of older albums, Garbage's influence on bands today feels pretty evident. However, this album shows that no matter what has or will come out in the past, present and future, Garbage has a way of mixing different genres that no one else can do.

This album is great for any fan looking for that old Garbage sound, or new fans looking for something a bit different than music of today. With fast and melancholy songs back-to-back, this is an album people should have for those off days when you're looking for a change.

Forget the Storm by Tyler Hilton

1. Kicking My Heels 
2. Prince of Nothing Charming 
3. Loaded Gun 3:40
4. You'll Ask for Me 
5. Jenny feat. Elizabeth Huett 
6. Can't Stop Now 
7. Ain't No Fooling Me 
8. Leave Him 
9. I Belong 
10. Hey Jesus 

Having to go to three places to find a store that sold this CD here is ridiculous, but totally worth it!  Finally releasing another full-length album since 2004, Hilton shows off his talent in a variety of songs to prove he's not just a guitarist with kick ass hair.

The opening tracks, "Kicking My Heels" and "Prince of Nothing Charming" open with Hilton's usual raw voice, but starts off on a much slower tempo that lets a listener get ready for the rest of the album. Though it opens slow, "Kicking My Heels" is a great starter that's pretty impossible to not sing along with.

"Loaded Gun" is where the party really starts on this album with a gritty sound that flirts with listeners because of lyrics like, "the way you looking so good in that cotton dress / there's just no telling what I'll do next." This song is probably one of the more creative songs with the play on words throughout the song that is sure to be a fan favorite.

Releasing a studio version of a popular acoustic Hilton song, "You'll Ask For Me" flows well with the album giving the song a more country edge. The remaining songs are more reminiscent of Hilton's earlier sound on "The Tracks Of". The song goes back to its hard rock feel after more emotional songs of, "Jenny" and "Can't Stop Now" with "Ain't No Fooling Me" having a very Arrow's, "I Love Rock and Roll" type of aura about it.

With only ten tracks on this album, my only real complaint is that I wanted not only more songs, but more of Tyler's acoustic work I've come to love. Seriously Hilton, an acoustic of "Loaded Gun" and I'll be the happiest person EVER.

With all the delays this album went through it was well worth the wait. This album is worth checking out if you're a fan looking for some pop rock with light country flavor and relatable yet fun lyrics.

After the Morning After by Todd Carey

As soon as I heard Todd Carey's voice, I knew I had to get a copy of this album. Though he's in a genre where he's automatically compared to other solo male artists, Carey is definitely able to hold his own. With the combination of his simple relatable lyrics and heart-warming voice, he's able to create something that is as comforting as a fresh baked chocolate-chip cookie. If that's not enough, add in a twist of guitar funk and it's pretty impossible not to like this guy.

In the span of five songs, Carey takes you from an optimistic, uplifted mood in "The First Day" to a catchy title track, a tune that demands to get stuck in your head for a day or two. Closing things with songs like "Where Are You Tonight" proves Carey has the power to compete. My only disappointment was this album ended before I wanted it to. If you're craving pop with a deeper edge, Carey's CD is worth a listen.

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Music Notes: Drake- Take Care

1. Over My Dead Body
2. Shot For Me
3. Headlines
4. Crew Love ft. The Weeknd
5. Take Care ft. Rihanna
6. Marvins Room
7. Under Ground Kings
8. We’ll Be fine
9. Make Me Proud ft. Nicki Minaj
10. Lord Knows ft. Rick Ross
11. Cameras
12. Doing It Wrong
13. The Real Her ft. Andre 3000 & Lil Wayne
14. Look What You’ve Done
15. HYFR ft. Lil Wayne
16. Practice
17. The Ride

I don't know why so many people have an issue with Drake. I've been a fan of his for a while, and I actually enjoy that he doesn't try to be something he isn't. He's never tried to fit in as a "hardcore" type of rapper while being in the limelight. He sings about his life whether it be hardships, relationships or his mom.

This album took a different route and leaked a few tracks before the album was released to let listeners get a taste of the album. "Take Care" has definitely taken a darker turn than compared to his other releases, but it isn't any less amazing than his other albums. Drake changes from his battling ways with slower and smoother beats where he's just as honest about his life and thoughts.

Drake opens the album with his usual lyrical swag as he expresses his struggles and thanks. As the album continues, he puts a pause on his rap flows and takes a softer and deeper approach to various relationship issues he's had in the past. After the first half of the album being full of emotastic gloom, we start hearing heavier beats with tracks like "We'll Be Fine" and "Underground Kings" that are more reminiscent of his earlier albums. As the album comes to a close, we begin to mellow out once more with songs featuring light backgrounds with harmonica solos by Stevie Wonder.

Though this album is a bit more emo than his other albums, Drake was pretty ballsy to release this type of album. It's a definite change from his usual rapping ways that made him a star, but still has something for his usual and new fans combined. By mixing his usual rapping word play and not witholding from sharing his softer side, Drake's able to create a balance that's refreshing from typical hip-hop albums.

Music Notes: Gavin DeGraw- Sweeter

This album has been out for a while, but I wanted to take my time to review it since I heart Gavin's music so much. I honestly haven't been ecstatic about some of his other albums, but this one reminded me why I've hearted this guy for years. The opening song and album title song is just pure SWAG. Really, I bolded and capitalized that word for a reason. It opens with this rugged guitar sound that just sets the tone for what the song expresses. I was honestly disappointed this song doesn't have a music video yet. I don't know if it's just me, but I just picture this guy on like a hunt for a girl that's in his sight.I can't imagine any person hearing this song and not getting slight butterflies in their stomach from his voice.Gavin could get pretty much anything he wants from me if he used that voice on me, just saying.

"Not Over You" is another song that stood out to me. The lyrics are kind of heartbreaking as he talks about a girl who he'd always return to. What makes this song stand out to me is the piano. Though he's saying he's not over her, the piano gives the song this edge and makes it sound like he's fighting the urge to go back. It's almost uplifting in a way.

I'm glad Gavin didn't get rid of complete sappy love songs! I don't care what anyone says, they're awesome. Sometimes you need to just listen to those songs that make you feel like someone is there for you. "Soldier" is definitely one of them with lyrics stating, "You're thirsty,I'll be rain,
You get hurt, I'll take your pain." It may be a little corny, but aww!

If you don't know about Gavin already, the one song on this album I demand to check out would be "Spell It Out". I think this song pretty much sums up the awesomeness of Gavin DeGraw. It's raw, simple and beautiful. It shows what's always made him great. He can do those pop type of numbers and then turn around and do such a bare and vulnerable type of song. He's an artist I hope never stops making music. I'd really be a sad girl if he did.

Check out more of Gavin DeGraw

Music Notes: Dirty Work by All Time Low

I Feel Like Dancin' by Interscope Records

Okay, I will start off this post by stating from the beginning that I already absolutely love All Time Low. I have been a fan for a few years now and have been waiting patiently for this album to come out. With all the delays for the release of the album, it's been a painful wait to hear what their new sound would be like. I'm sure I'm not the only one who gets a little sad when a smaller artist goes to a major label. Obviously, I'm super happy they're getting the popularity they deserve, but a small part of me can't help but be sad for them no longer being that band barely anyone knows about. Hearing the few songs they've released previous to the launch of the cd, I was having mixed feelings. "Under a Paper Moon" didn't do much for me when I first heard it. It could've been the poor quality of all the YouTube videos of live performances I watched, but I was initially disappointed. Then we officially had "I Feel Like Dancing" release weeks ago and I can't get enough of it. Every time I hear it I get a goofy smile on my face and start bopping my head to it. I don't think they could've chosen a better song for their first official release to promote this cd. Coupled with the video, I think it totally fits who they are with their off beat humor and recent complaints of them moving to different labels because of 'selling out'.

Finally being able to listen to the songs from the album, I'm so happy they were able to keep their sound. They still have the wordplay on some of their lyrics and the heart-wrenching slower tunes I've come to love throughout their albums."Daydream Away" for me, is one of those songs where you just want to lay in the grass with the sun out and have some time to yourself.

Most importantly of all, of course, are the songs I can dance around like a dork and sing at the top of my lungs to, which this album seems to be full of. Songs like, "Just The Way I'm Not","Forget About It" and "Return The Favor" continuously have me looking around to see if anyone's around before I sing aloud to my hearts content. The song making me most giddy is "Heroes" because I feel it to be most reminiscent of their older albums. This cd will definitely be on continuous play for the next few weeks. 

Check Them Out

Current Favorite Album Lyric:

You're just a daydream away
I wouldn't know what to say if I had you
And I'll keep you a daydream away
Just watch from a safe place
So I never have to lose