As they wrap up their 2013 Take Me Home Tour, One
Direction are not stopping their chart-topping success as they release
their latest single, Story of My Life.
With their third studio album, Midnight Memories, hitting the airwaves in less than a month, their
second single is a different vibe to their film’s title track, Best Song Ever.
Story of My Life
talks about a man giving all his love to girl who’s finding it hard to stay in their tumultuous relationship. It’s a song that captures the essence of promising
to be there regardless of the hard times, yet also finding hard to believe that you can keep that promise.
It’s a great acoustic-based track that grips you from the
first note and leaves you breathless as you take in the story it portrays.
Each member shines and supports the others; you can really sense that 1D finding their feet and defining themselves in the music industry.
Kudos to the team of songwriters, musicians and mixers for creating
a beautiful and emotive track for the next year with 1D!
sL Star Rating:★★★★★
Next on sL:One Direction - Midnight Memories (Deluxe Edition) Review
I reviewed the song last week, but with the song available on Vevo and iTunes as well as the long awaited video is now officially released, I thought I'd do a new post as an addition to my initial post.
The Video: is nothing short of entertaining. Best Song Ever is a culmination of the energy and all the dance moves from their previous videos. The theme of the video is that nothing will change the look and the style of 1D no matter how well it's presented to them or how big the producers get.
I was completely wrong about the falsetto! It's Zayn Malik ladies and gentlemen! Kudos, kudos to Mr Malik. I loved the video. It's a great lead into the upcoming film and it's absolutely so much fun to watch the boys talk to themselves. It's something new for them, but it's still completely them at the same time. It has nothing to do with the lyrics of the song, but it's a great video for the overall purpose of the song.
With This Is Us
coming to cinemas this year (along with the Take
Me Home Tour still in full motion), One
Direction have given their fans something extra while they wait for the
official 1D3D film. BEST
SONG EVER is the latest release from the boys, being aired and released
on Vevo on Friday 19th
July with the official song available for purchase on iTunes this Monday 22nd July. The song is specifically
written for the film but it stands on its own as well.
Best Song Ever is about a meeting between a boy and girl and
having the best night of their lives dancing to ‘the best song ever’. That’s all good and fun, but like a night out
and having too much to drink, the song clearly states that ‘they can’t remember’ the actual song that
they were dancing and singing along to. They ‘think it went, “oh-oh-oh”’ or
maybe it was, ‘yeah-yeah-yeah’ – either way,
it was a great song, they just cant remember it. So clearly the ‘best song ever’ is nothing compared to
once-in-a-life-time meeting. How…sweet?
There’s this amazing falsetto at the end of the song and I
can’t really make out who it is. My money is either on Harry or Liam – but I
guess we’ll have to wait for the official video, which is released on Monday
along with the song. I’m looking forward to the video, I personally think One Direction have the best videos since
their One Thing. And judging from the
previews is still the boys to the tee.
sL Star Rating: 3
Stars
Next:Best Song Ever [Video Review] – enjoy the video previews:
X Factor finalists (and winners) have been busy bringing out new stuff for fans to enjoy. Since I haven't reviewed the music scene on my own blog (other reviews on: Love Music; Love Life), I thought I should come back and do an X Factor special considering Season FOUR starts MONDAY 29th JULY.
Johnny Ruffo - Untouchable
The Song: Going for a JT vibe, Untouchable has Ruffo showing off is falsettos and the accompaniment brings you to your feet. Which is no joke considering...
The Video: ALSO has a JT feel with the black and white glaze along with suit and ties - not to mention epic dance moves. I did get distracted by the guy closest to Ruffo on the right, who is half a beat slower than everyone else. Other than that, I preferred watching the video than listening to the song.
sL Star Rating: 3 Stars
***
Samantha Jade - Firestarter
The Song:JT aside, Kylie seems to be re-incarnated through look AND sound for 2012's X Factor winner, Samantha Jade's new single. Although Sammy-Jay has been herald the new Kylie, it's great to see her coming into her own. Staying true to her winner's single, 'What You've Done To Me', Firestarter, carries the same fierce attitude that got Sammy through last year's competition.
The Video: Also with a black and white glaze, has a little Ellie Golding feel to showcase the fire-starter glow that the song alludes to. There's no denying that there's an extra large dollop of sexiness added to the mixture of excellent dancing and heated performance shots.
I just want to say, this has been a seven-year journey that
I feel so privileged to be a part of. I’ve seen Andrew work so hard, especially
in the last three years, being in and out of his makeshift studio/s (and
occasionally even in our church building) using his God-given talents of being
a singer-songwriter as well as a well-rounded musician to give God back the
glory. Andrew has blessed so many people with his passion in worshiping God
through his talents – it’s so contagious that when he finally contained it to a
CD it’s still as infectious to those who genuinely want to sing praises to the
Lord God almighty.
FILL THIS HEART
This is a new song for some of us at PCC; it’s one that sets
the tone and the “story” for the rest of the album. It talks about coming to
the foot of the throne of heaven empty and willing to be filled for the purpose
of God. It captures Andrew’s journey and encourages listeners to do the same in
their own journey, which is to come, as you are to the foot of the throne and
give what is due to the Lord and he will bless you.
GREATNESS OF KNOWING YOU
Stemming from the place of willingness from the above song,
this song just allows you to come to your knees and praise God. It’s a great
song that just declares that there’s nothing in this world that’s worth more
than being in the love of God.
OUR GREAT GOD
Another great song, but I’m not too keen on the beginning,
“Oh-oh-ohs” – that’s just me though! It’s most likely because we’ve never sung
it like that in a service and I don’t recall Andrew playing it like that in his
launch, but who knows, we may bring them into one of our services soon. Aside
from that, this song is a great song and it’s full of truth. It’s encourages
listeners and worshipers to raise their voices in praise to God.
MY SAVIOUR’S LOVE (HOW GLORIOUS)
An oldie, but a goody! Adding his own touch to a beloved
hymn is typical Andrew; so much so, I think it would have been a little odd not
to have a hymn-cover on his album. Enjoy this version and the added bits and
pieces as you sing along!
HOLY
This is my favourite song. I love the lyrics and the
accompaniment when we sing it at church. There’s a simplicity to it that I love
listening to and singing in our services that really lifts the spirit as the
congregation sings it all together. I especially enjoy declaring the bridge –
there’s just so much truth in it that you really need to affirm!
NEW CREATION
This is a fun song to sing. I must admit, the recording is a
lot more upbeat and at times Andrew’s vocals are drowned-out by the
accompaniment, hence it’s possible that this song sounds better live rather than recorded. I only say
that because Andrew’s voice is very strong – both live and recorded – so in
terms of having strong vocals and multiple layers of accompaniment, one is at
the expense of the other. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great song and I love
singing this song, but I’m not too keen on the recording.
WHERE YOU ARE
Another one of my favourites. Again, it’s simple and the
lyrics get straight to the point. I think the songs I enjoy the most are the
ones that are clear and simple lyric wise, but also have the same tone when it
comes to the accompaniment. I also tend to enjoy songs with great bridges that
tend to really spur people to sing beyond the lyrics.
WHO IS LIKE YOU
This song is one we’re actually bringing into the services
this month, so I’m excited about talking about this one. The melody is like a
lullaby, as though to the sooth the soul in times of trouble. Based on Psalm
71, the song talks about the mighty hand of God carrying you through every
aspect of the journey. It’s a great encouragement.
PSALM 130 (MY SOULD WAITS)
The lyrics for this song are amazing and I love singing the
melody. It’s a beautiful soft recording of the song that offers room for the lyrics
to really stand out. (Andrew please don’t shoot me for the next comment!) My
only issue is the key. I found that listening to the recording, the female
vocalist that is featured in this song tended to fade on some of the higher
notes in the chorus. Much like New
Creation, two opposing strengths were playing on the track leaving one to
dominate over the other. Perhaps, it’s another song that is meant to be sung
live - again this is just me.
WE CROWN YOU LORD
This one of the earlier songs that I remember learning and
it’s so nice to hear it recorded. I love the lyrics and the hymn-like nature to
it – for all you hymn lovers, this one’s for you!
EMMAUS ROAD
Written for Easter, this song talks about the two disciples
on the road to Emmaus who encountered the risen Christ Jesus and did not recognise
him. It’s a great song for the season and just to check your own walk with
Jesus, it questions, do you recognise
Christ walking with you?
AMEN
I love this song. It’s such a great song to close the album
with. It’s even earlier than We Crown You
Lord and I found myself thinking, “Man, I remember learning this one!” And
now look how far it’s come. So much truth in it and it’s rightly titled,
“Amen,” because that’s all you want to sing out after singing this song.
OVERALL
Personally, I’ve been waiting to review this album since
October 2011 and now it’s here I can’t believe I’m actually writing about it!
As a fellow sister in Christ, who’s sung 10 out of 12 of these songs on various
occasions with Andrew, I just feel so blessed to have seen a brother’s dream
come true. If you get a chance to buy this album on iTunes then I hope you’ll
feel the same. Personally, I think worship music sound better live, and I
believe most of these songs do sound better live, because (like a mentioned)
Andrew’s an amazing vocalist and musician.
I don’t know if any of you guys believe in God, but if you
do and you love listening to worship music, this is an album that you may want
add to your collection to worship God in your house, in your car or as you’re
walking down the street to the shops or wherever.
sL Star Rating: 4
Stars - the next album needs some growing space! Next on sL:The Internship
I absolutely love the concept of this video. Simple, energetic and straight to the heart of the song. I like that a lot of this depicts much of front man, Andy Brown's past relationships. If you're game to know more about these guys, purchase their current album: CHAPMAN SQUARE on iTunes and it comes with a video that breaks down their song writing and album recording process and you'll find much of their songs evolved like this video's storyline.
Song
Not gonna lie, it's a little cheesy with the rhyming at times, but that's what makes it catchy and pushes you to belt it out. It's a great song to rock-out / dance to at the same time, so I recommend it for those times when you just wanna belt-out to a break-up song. I mean, it's just that kind of song you wanna sing regardless of the lyrics.
At first I didn't like the video, but then when I got to the end, I was like, "Oh, that's cool! That's cute, I get it." It's such a deceiving video, but one that makes you appreciate the song more so than the video. It's sweet, but it can be interpreted in a lot of ways in relation to Ed and Taylor, but trust me, don't read into it until you've watched the WHOLE video.
Song
Great song written by both Swift and Sheeran. I love singing it out loud in the car, in my room and, well, everywhere really. It's a love song, but it can also be a about a good friendship. I recommend it for a car ride with mates or just a song to have playing in the background while to go about your day.
sL Star Rating: 4 Stars
Next on sL: "MADE" by Hawk Nelson and "NIGHT IS BROKEN" by Andrew Mihaleff
UNION J - Carry You
Coming a long way from their position at last year's X Factor UK finals, Union J has released their first video clip to make their mark in the music world. The Song
Simple and fresh, "Carry You" is this months feel good jam. The lyrics give you the promise that they'll take you through the hard times no matter what. The accompaniment promises fun and adventure. And the overall vibe is one that will get you through the night and keep you dancing through the day. The Video
It's not a typical boy band video, it's more fun and down to earth, which is what these boys are. The video shows them doing everyday things as well as having fun together. With the subtle reference to an open mic night, the video sees the boys hitting the scene and having fun while doing something that they love.
sL Star Rating: 5 Stars
Carly Rae Jepsen - Tonight I'm Getting Over You The Song
It's about a complicated relationship when she wants to be something more, but not sure if they're on the same page on that, so she's over it and is trying to get over the dude. It's a great song. I like the accompaniment, surprisingly, because it's not usually what I'd listen to. I like the pre-chorus in terms of lyrics, and there are a few quirky lines in the verses too. It's a create upbeat song to dance to.
The Video
I don't like it. It really does nothing to support the lyrics of the song. Unless it's making the statement that she can't get over the dude she singing about, or that they've finally figured out what they are, then fine, it's a great video. But I don't think it's a good representation of the song. In saying that, they're are great snippets that I like - the parts where they're jumping - other than those, I don't really like the video too much.
sL Star Rating:3 Stars
The Wanted - Walks Like Rihanna The Song
Shallow lyrics hidden behind a catchy tune. I like the chorus, but that's about it. I mean this is coming from a girl's perspective. I kinda feel like I either need to sing or dance - or if that fails, "walk like Rihanna". Ummm...sorry can't do that for you. The Video
In saying that the song is shallow, I did like the video. I loved the subtle reference to previous boy bands in the industry and it's a fun video clip that I enjoyed watching. I didn't really like the set that made the cut as "the concept" for the video that they ended up with because there wasn't anything original that The Script or McFly haven't done already. I would have preferred something that really defined them as a band. Although in saying that, The Wanted have had very serious video clips prior to this one, so this is a great change for them. sL Star Rating:3 Stars Next on sL: More single thoughts with: Lawson, Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran!
