NEW ALBUM: One Direction - Take Me Home

With their “sophomore” album being released worldwide this Friday, I thought I’d jump on the opportunity to have my review up before then for those of you who are still unsure about pre-ordering / ordering.

Seeing as the boys let us listen to the entire (standard) album on iTunes this week, I thought I’d use the preview to really listen and write up what I could while I could about the album.

So, here we go!

Live While We’re Young

I don’t really need to say much about this song considering reviewed it when it was released. So I’ll just put the video here (along with the link to my review) for you to enjoy!

Kiss You

This song has got a very 90s vibe in its accompaniment and in the dynamics of the vocals. The lyrics are very witty and it’s one that will get you up on your feet dancing. This is where the name of the album comes from – it’s in the chorus – and it’s so much fun to listen to.

Little Things

This is their current single (written by Ed Sheeran), and is like the slower version of What Makes You Beautiful – lyrically. Although the vocals are amazing and I love the stripped-back acoustic touch to this song, I’m in to minds about this song. On one hand, it shows off the boys’ voices a lot more than any other song on the album – or ever – but on the other hand, it’s a typical Ed Sheeran song. There’s nothing that says One Direction about this song – much like, I Want, was typically McFly in Up All Night, but this point definitely comes down to your preference. I love this song, I’m just not sure if it’s a One Direction song. (Your call.)

C’mon, C’mon

This has an 80s-Madonna-esk feel to it and the lyrics resonate with Stole My Heart in Up All Night. It’s one of those feel-good songs that makes you want to dance and belt this song out along with the boys.

Last First Kiss

This is one of my favourites on this second album; it’s about falling in love with a friend and trying finding a way to tell them. It’s about wanting be “the one” for that special friend and making sure that past relationships don’t matter because you’re here now; it’s a promise of forever. It’s one of the slower tracks on the album, but it’s not slow enough to slow dance to, it’s one you belt out.

Heart Attack

Picking up the pace again, this is a track with a Busted-like sound to it. It’s really playful with it’s lyrics and the “aw!’s” just give it that extra bounce. It’s really poppy and is definitely one you’ll see along and dance too.

Rock Me

Paying homage to the iconic Queen classic, We Will Rock You, this song is one you will definitely get rock-neck with. Although I really like the overall sound of this song, I’m not sure if the lyrics are being suggestive, you know like the ABBA song with the same title? But I like that the lyrics say, “Summer of 09”, it’s really showing their era as a band and bringing everything to the now.

Change My Mind

Slowing things back down again, I think this is my new More Than This – i.e. this is my favourite track on the album. It’s about falling in love, but you’re not sure if they feel the same way. I love the pre-chorus and the chorus and the dynamics of the accompaniment and vocals are just beautiful. Love it.

I Would

Another one that I love – and not just because it’s written by Tom Fletcher! I love it because the boys really own this song; the only trace of McFly here is the theme of the song. Resonating with McFly’s number one single, Obviously, this song is about having a crush on someone who’s already got someone and knowing that you can’t have them. It’s cheeky, fun and fresh; it’ll get you up on your feet.

Over Again

And coming back to the acoustics, this song has got a very Usher vibe, minus all the techno beats. The boys are almost rapping rather than singing in the verses and the climax that comes in the choruses are just brilliant with the combination of their vocals. Easily another one of my favourites.

Back For You

Bringing the tempo back up, this song reminds me of an advert, why, I don’t know, it just does. I don’t really like the chorus, because once they get to the “you” there’s a little screech with the higher pitch that comes with the word, nevertheless I love the overall progression of the song. You’ll definitely bang your head to this one too.

They Don’t Know About Us

I love this song too! This is the typical boy-band sound that I grew up with. It reminds me of Backstreet Boys’, As Long As You Love Me, or All 4 One’s, I Swear, in terms of vocal dynamics and how the accompaniment just let’s the voices reign. It’s just nostalgic for those who grew up in the 90s really.

Summer Love

It’s the bittersweet goodbye to your summer love, kind of like Grease’s, Summer Lovin’, in terms of the theme, but at a slower tempo. It’s a good song to end on (for the standard version) lyrically and musically, because it’s got this feel of longing to sing a little bit longer, but knowing that you can’t because it’s the end – this season is finished, but you’ll always have the memories (or go on to the next track of the deluxe version :P). Overall, great ending song!

Deluxe Version Tracks:

• She’s Not Afraid
•  Loved You First
• Nobody Compares

Overall:

It’s definitely better than Up All Night. I really do believe that One Direction have honed down on their sound and know exactly what they want in terms of being a ‘pop’ act. They’re voices are just fantastic in regards to melodies and harmonies, as well as leading and supporting each other in each track. I love the fact that EVERYONE has their own parts in each song on this album – you can actually hear Louis and Niall a lot, which is awesome, because now, for those of us who didn’t see them on the X Factor (UK) two years ago, we get to really hear the voices that got them through in the first place! As a whole, the tracks work so well with each other and the overall sound is just great. It’s an album that brings what was to the now. It’s just brilliant.

sL Star Rating: 4 Stars

NEXT: Perks Of Being A Wallflower (Movie)

X FACTOR: Judges Choice Week

*** Recap of Weeks 6 and 7 ***

Week 6

Standout: JASON

Eliminated: Fourtunate

I was really disappointed with this week's outcome. I was very upset to see Fourtunate in the bottom two and even shocked to see Bella there. To be honest I thought The Collective and Nathaniel weaker performance that week - but Australia's made their call. It's just a shame to see great talent leave the show.

Week 7

Standout: Nathaniel

Eliminated: Nathaniel

Ok now I'm really annoyed! Nathaniel was brilliant this week and being in the bottom two with Samantha was just not cool. This week I thought Shiane and The Collective were the weaker performance this week. It's just a shame that people are getting it so wrong each week. 

Just as a note for future voting - re-watch the videos on the X Factor AU YouTube Channel BEFORE you vote. Sometimes they're better / worse than you though the second time around. Vote based on the performance, not their looks.

WEEK EIGHT - Judges Challenge Week

Overall, all the judges made amazing choices for their fellow judges' contestants. I was particularly laughing at the fact that Ronan picked one of his own songs for Jason to sing. This week's elimination will be a tough one.

Standouts:

Jason - cruising through these last eight weeks, Jason has been able to show that he can take on any genre. Mel B has just been an amazing mentor, and even as Ronan gave him his very own, If Tomorrow Never Comes,  Jason wowed audiences and the judges with how he tackled the ballad. With a little encouragement from Guy to "feel the song a bit more", Jason amazed everyone again this week.

Samantha - made a come back this week with Kelly Clarkson's, Stronger, which was perfect to make a statement about being in the bottom two last week. Chosen by Nat, Guy was a little unsure, but Sammie took it to new heights and made it her own. She just did so well this week.

The Verdict

With the competition so close, I have to say Australia got it right this week with The Collective and Shiane in the bottom two this week. Seeing Shiane go was a pitty, but I can see why both of them were in this week's bottom two.

Shiane -  Although she's been an inspiration these past eight weeks, Shiane is still fourteen. Getting this far in the competition has been incredible, but tonight, she showed her age by having her nerves take over. Forgetting that she started her journey and continued all through bootcamp choosing her own songs and owning them, tonight she let the verdict get to her and her performance faltered. But good one her for getting it this far! She's such a talented girl!

The Collective - Although their take on Justin Bieber's, Beaty And A Beat, was a great come back from last week's shaky performance, it wasn't as great as some of the other's performances. Redeeming themselves with another current Bieber tune, As Long As You Love Me, to save them from the official elimination, these boys need to song like they did tonight to keep them in the finals next week.

Alright with that, I'm out! Night peeps!

sL xxx

NEW ALBUM: Taylor Swift - Red

RED is Swift’s third studio album and, like the first two, it’s an outpour of Taylor’s real-life experiences – except this time, it’s all about the rollercoaster called, “Love”. Titling the album “RED” to define the overriding message of the battlefield of love that Taylor has gone through this past 22 years, this album is retains her country roots but dabbles with other sounds that she’s been interested in lately and for a while. Collaborating with Snow Patrol’s, Gary Lightbody and Ed Sheeran, RED is a whole new journey for both Swift and her fans.

Personally, I’m a little tired of the whole idea of love’s ups and downs as a theme with Taylor. Usually I love the breaks of talking about growing up, family life and the overall ‘we’re all in this together’ ending that her first two albums had, but RED has been a mental strain for me to sit through and listen too. I even deliberated as to whether or not I should review this album just because I don’t really enjoy listening to it – but that’s just me guys! I’m doing this review to (hopefully) convince myself that this album is actually better than I think it is AND to give kudos to Taylor for another good album. I won’t deny that it’s a good album, but whether it’s a great album is a different story.

RED

Taylor Swift

State of Grace – “I Love You” Doesn’t Count After Goodbye

This song depicts the battlefield of love. It’s like in the rush of everything that life has to throw, there’s a moment of bliss; and just like in a battle, it’s just that single moment before chaos hits again. It’s hypnotic with its transient sound that comes from the vocals that has an upbeat accompaniment.

RED – “SAG”

I like this one. This song talks about a relationship based on colours and the emotions and situations that are attached to those colours. It’s got that typical country sound that Taylor’s brought to the charts and it’s one you can sing along to in the car or in your bedroom. I have to say though, her articulation in the first verse is a little unclear, but when she repeats at the end of the song, it’s much better.

Treacherous – Won’t Stop Till It’s Over

Another strong country song that talks about the dangers of falling in love – by “dangerous” I mean love is not an easy path, but it’s worth it. The acoustic and the drums accompany the vocals well and is one you can slow-dance to.

 I Knew You Were Trouble. – When You Saw Me Dancing

Rumour has it that song is about Harry Styles, but frankly I don’t thing it is. The lyrics describe someone that Taylor would have known for much longer that a few weeks. And frankly, even if Harry is known to be the flirt of One Direction, there have been no real reports of him being ‘trouble’ from ex-girlfriends. If it is about Harry, then Taylor read way into a few conversations and (rumoured) text messages –frankly, she’s a lot smarter than that. But it’s got a very strong pop vibe and it’s great to belt out if you have ever fallen in love with someone who was no good for you and regretting it just slightly.

All Too Well – Maple Latte

Resounding with her Fearless track, “The Way I Loved You”, this track carries the same theme of remembering an old love story but having it tainted by the reality, yet having that longing to have it back. I don’t mind this track; I enjoy that to-and-fro that the lyrics talk about and the overall sound of the track. It’s slow enough to sway too, but the vocals are strong enough to belt it out along with Taylor.

 22 – Ashley, Dianna, Claire, Selena

Celebrating 22 years on Earth, this song resonated with Hilary Duff’s, Sweet Sixteen as Taylor sings about loving her age and the fun that comes with turning another year older. It also talks about crushing on someone that’s completely bad news, but only for that one night. It’s fun and upbeat and I like dancing around to this song or turning it up as I drive around everywhere.

I Almost Do – Wrote This Instead Of Calling

This about unacquired love that comes with all the nostalgic feelings that comes with missing a special person that you once had. This song is the tragedy of careers tearing two people apart. I like this song; the lyrics are so well written and the accompaniment compliments the story well.

We Are Never Getting Back Together – When I Stopped Caring What You Thought

I love belting this song out with my friends. I mean it’s never applied to me, but it’s so much fun to sing. The video clip was a bit of a let down, but this song is really chirpy and the title says everything that this song is about. I think this song is Taylor’s most realistic song and it defines her musically and literally.

Stay Stay Stay – Daydreaming About Real Love

This is by far my favourite song on this album. It’s so much fun to listen to and it’s really playful musically and lyrically. It’s very country, yet it’s also very pop at the same time. It’s just great.

The Last Time – LA On Your Break

Co-written and featuring Snow Patrol’s, Gary Lightbody, this song is another favourite of mine. It’s a beautiful breakup song that takes you through that slow journey for an ending relationship. The lyrics repeat, but are sung from different perspectives to emphasise that sense of prolonging the moment before goodbye. I’m just disappointed that Taylor doesn’t drive this track; vocally, Lightbody overpowers her.

 Holy Ground – When You Came To The Show In SD

Far from the country scene, this song sound a lot like something out of a rock / pop album with the drumbeat. It’s reminiscing about that person you shared that one moment with and having it repeat in your mind again and again. ‘Holy Ground’ is referring to that place that the moment they shared that dance together and because it’s so sacred, dancing alone – even in that same place – desecrates the site, action and the moment.

Sad Beautiful Tragic – While You Were On The Train

This is another mystical song that talks about the loss of love. (Are you catching the reason why this album is called ‘Red’ yet?) It’s a simple song about going separate ways geographically and being torn apart by knowing that the literal distance is where love ends. I like this song, short and sweet with a haunting sadness.

The Lucky One – Wouldn’t You Like To Know

I love this song. Written about a past actress, it talks about the other side of the spotlight; where fame and fortune is not as pretty as you think. It’s got a 60s feel to it and you can really see the black and white images that come with this song, along with the curls and the petticoats that graced the movie and television screens. I love the light-hearted feel of the song that’s evident in both the lyrics and the music as Taylor writes about past, present (counting herself) and future starlets.

 Everything Has Changed – Hyannis Port

Co-written and featuring one of my current favourite singer/song writers, Ed Sheeran, this song is another one of my favourites. The song talks about that first encounter of just knowing that the person in front of you will special to you, whether it’s a good or bad kind of ‘special’, everything has changed because you’ve met. So that song endeavours through the process of figuring out which side they sit on. How? By getting to “know them better”.

Starlight – For Ethel

Written for Ethel Kennedy, Swift pencils a precious loves-struck memory that comes to mind when thinking of young love. It’s got that summer love feel to it and it’s really great to pump now a days since it’s our summer. I wanted to say that it’s a reflection of her own summer love story with Connor…but due to current reports, it didn’t seem appropriate.

 Begin Again – I Wear Heels Now

Talking about learning to love again, this end track is the perfect way to wrap up an album full of anger, confusion, nostalgia and lost hopes. It’s a happy ending to a journey full of pumps.

Deluxe Edition Tracks:  

• The Moment I Knew
• Come Back…Be Here
• Girl At Home

Overall:

I just think the recent interview with Ellen sums up this album completely – and who better to talk about the album with then Ellen?!

sL Star Rating: 3 Stars

Next: One Direction's, TAKE ME HOME

Coming Up:  Perks of Being a Wall Flower (Movie)

X FACTOR: 80s Week

So it's WEEK FIVE and our top eight were supposed to enter into 80s Week. Can I just say, I was disappointed that there were no fluoros, wrist and/or head bands, latex or leg warmers on our stage this week. The only thing that was remotely 80s-like was Nat's dress. Nevertheless, this week was another strong week for all our contestants.

Strandouts:

FOURTUNATE: Although they weren't in the bottom two last week, they did receive mixed comments. But this week the judges were unanimous in their glee (yes, I just wrote 'glee') in hearing just their vocals again this week. I personally agreed with Guy in regards to the second half of the song. I felt like the big-band entrance was unnecessary, but at the same time I do understand that they needed it, considering they weren't busting any moves on those giant boxes - hahaha!

THE COLLECTIVE: After those horrible suits (which would have suited - hahaha, unintended pun - this week PERFECTLY!) last week, The Collective we're back in their grunge-wear and even placed themselves on thrones to anchor the fact that they're here to stay. I loved their rendition of Madonna's Like A Prayer. It was good to see HSC student (yes, he still sat the English paper 1 MONDAY AFTERNOON), Jayden, rock his solo. I was also glad to hear another rap from Will again.


Let downs:

Can I just say, there were no real let downs, I'm just picking on Nat's girls this week because there was just as much waterworks this week as there was dry-ice last week.

Bella and Shiane both sang beautifully last night.  Shiane shared something personal that inspired her to sing as well as she did. But I was more annoyed that Bella showed her nerves even before she started and broke down the moment she was about to get her comments. I know that sounds harsh and I definitely understand that there's a lot of pressure that comes with these public-vote shows, but you have to ask about hidden agendas after two girls from the same category start crying. I just think, that some of the contestants need to enjoy their time in X Factor just as much as they work hard. You need to have a balance of both bliss and hardship, otherwise you just get lost in either the 'big dream' or drowning in a pool of your own sweat.

The Verdict

Bottom Two: Angel and Sammie

After a night of awesome performances, it was a slight shock to see two of the strongest voices in the bottom two. In saying so, I think the judges need to remember that the Australian public is voting in relation to Monday's performance and not their journey. Ultimately, what the judges do every Tuesday night, choosing between the bottom two, is what we, the public, do every Monday night (only we have to choose our favourites from the remaining finalists each week). The only issue I have with this is the fact that voting lines are opened as the first contestant takes to the stage, so ideally, those who have not performed yet could potentially already have votes before they've even stepped on stage. Give me back Idol days where we voted AFTER the show.

This week we entered into deadlock and Australia again had to decide. The choice was Angel. I personally have no thoughts on tonight's verdict. With What About Tonight it was clear that there was something lacking regardless of the constant comparison to One Direction (one I still do not see! I don't care what 1D say, 5 teenage boys who sing does not equal "the next 1D"). But tonight, it could have gone either way. I felt at Week Five we should feel closer to at least all the contestants.

I mean I can admit that Bella annoys me sometimes, but at least I know what she's does that annoys me; and  I'm glad at the fact that she can shock me when she does. Jason has that shy-kid appeal that Australia is falling in love with, as well as his down to earth nature that translates whenever he takes criticism. Nathaniel has the quirky cheekiness about him, but I think we connect a lot more with him because he maintains eye contact when he sings; but I still feel like there's more to him that we're not seeing. Shiane has been a sweetheart from the very beginning and her humble attitude just speaks volumes to an audience looking for someone to depend on. Fourtunate have had a great story from the beginning and we've seen them before, which is probably why they're still going strong - they're memorable. The Collective weren't the forerunners, but they made their mark for three weeks straight and fell slightly in week four, but this week came back; the appeal with them is the "wow" factor - the "OMG, they really are talented together!" element. I think with them, Australia was a little hesitant, but they've made it clear, they belong here.

That's my thoughts for the week!

Much love,

sL xxx

X FACTOR: Legends Week

For a week that was suppose to showcase the Legends of music, this week fell short in comparison to the calibre that the contestants placed for themselves (and each other) last week. Nevertheless, this week showcased the nasty side of more than one judge - not just to the contestants, but also to each other. And yes, Scary Spice was in the house, along with a Fiery Ronan and a slightly Grumpy Guy. There was also an excess on dry-ice, I wonder how cold it was in the studio tonight!

Standouts:

Nathaniel Willemse - “The Scientist” (Coldplay)

Poised and disciplined, with his fingers gliding across the piano keys, Nathaniel hushed the crowd as he played and sang his rendition of The Scientist. Herald as one of his best performances, I have to say, Nathaniel really did step it up a notch this week and really listened to Guy. No muscle showing just for fun, no cheesy dance moves, just his voice and the piano - just the way it should be.

Samantha Jade - “Run to You” (Whitney Houston)

I really wasn't too sure about how Sammie would be this week after seeing the set list, but I have to say, she did Whitney justice and definitely delivered her best performance yet. Last week I said that she butchered Britney's Everytime with her excess ad-libs and extended notes, this week she too showed a lot of discipline in holding back and making sure that she wasn't over doing anything, she was just singing. 


Carmelo Munzone - “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic” (The Police)

After two weeks of awkwardness and getting used to the loud crowd, Carmelo has finally stepped up to the plate and delivered a much needed 'best performance' since his audition. Finding his feet and only needing to work a little on his timing, Carmelo has finally been able to showcase the same quirkiness and ease in performing that Australia initially fell in love with - a little cheesy with the dancers, but hey - that's reality TV for you.



Odd Choices:

The Collective - “A Hard Day’s Night” (The Beatles)

Ok, it's no lie that I'm a big fan of these guys, but I have to agree with the other judges this week about having to choose a more modern song. I mean, yes granted The Beatles are the greatest 'legendary' band - no argument there - but out of the 27 number 1 singles that they have, Ronan chose "A Hard Day's Night"??? Don't even get me started on those horrible suits! I just felt like this week's song choice was an excuse to throw in some dancing - which was not well executed - and just to make sure that people at home are reminded that these guys are high-energied and can bring a house down. I would have rather they did Hello, Goodbye or Help! at least those would have show cased a different vibe that could be possible for the boys. It would have also been nice to here the boys do a slower song - it's Week Four, this is where they need to showcase a different energy. Biggest let down for me this week.

Bella Ferraro - “Ray of Light” (Madonna)

Did we enter into a time-warp?! I feel like I heard Ronan complain about Nat's song choice for Bella before - oh right when she did What Makes You Beautiful. And why was that again? Oh! I remember, because suddenly it was about re-shaping it to suit Bella's voice. AGAIN - how is she suppose to grow?! Why not pick songs that DO suit her voice that fit into the theme and then let her shine! MADONNA??? Are to kidding me? The Queen of Pop for a girl who's clearly and Indie singer?! Like c'mon! Sure her set is grander and she looked stunning - but there was no enjoyment in the song choice; there was very little commitment; and at times I didn't even know what she was singing! I feel like saying, "C'mon Nat!!! If you thought she was going to have Matt-Corby-like sound, why are you giving her more songs like that!!!"

Angel Tupai - “Dirty Diana” (Michael Jackson)

After being in the bottom two last week, it was a shame to have Angel forget her lyrics this week. Sure I didn't notice - highlighting what the other judges said about being professional and moving forward - but Mel's right, forgetting lyrics is an acceptable in WEEK FOUR especially in a series where so many contestants (in clouding Bella) have either been sent home or had to work extra hard to stay in the competition. Although she sang beautifully, I just didn't think it was her best performance and I completely agree with Mel about Angel taking a step backward rather than forward.


Overall:
I thought the strongest mentor-contestant relationship this week was Guy. Both his remaining contestant have shown their ability to listen and deliver. They have both grown in their personal journey to the finals week and I'm hoping that it's not another Justin case where it's they're best performances and both or any of them are in the bottom two and leave in the eviction night tomorrow. Votes should be based on the performances not looks. Re-watch the footage and make the right choice Australia.

The Verdict

Bottom Two: Carmelo and Fourtunate.

Well, I can't really say I was too shocked this week, last night's performances were anything but "legendary". But I have to say, I was disappointed to see Carmelo in the bottom two tonight, seeing as I thought it was his best performance out of all three live shows that he was able to showcase his talents. Although Ronan was absolutely devastated to see one of his groups at the bottom, Guy's right, they we haven't really seen them do anything more than high-energied performances. Where have their voices gone?

But I was devastated when we didn't see a lockdown happen tonight.  Nevertheless, we saw Carmelo's comeback end as Guy decided that he wanted to see more from Fourtunate. I'm convinced that the judges need to stop saying, "Best performance so far," because at the moment that the kiss of death, it's exactly like saying, "You're going to win this competition." Like no. This is a public-voting show, no one is safe.

sL xxx

PS.

This was written over the two days - so the first half was written last night and the second have was written tonight.

X FACTOR: Top Tens Week

This week our Top 10 take on songs that have hit the TOP TENS all across the globe - and no, surprisingly no one sand a Justin Bieber or One Direction song this week...odd. Overall I was shocked by the high standard that everyone brought to the plate and enjoyed the night. Even Mel B gave 'credit where it was due'.

The official twitter for X Factor AU released the set list on their website and I was shocked at how well each judge had matched their contestants with hits that would 100% showcase why they deserved to be in the Top 10 and deserve a spot in next week's Top 9. I have to admit, I had to YouTube song choices for Carmelo and (not surprisingly) The Collective due to unfamiliarity with either the song titles or the artists.

Standouts:

Justin was the biggest surprise of the entire night. Beginning the show with Fun.'s, "Some Nights" with a country twist, his vocals were at its best and I love every minute of it! Having seen the set list prior to the show, I was delighted with Guy's song choice for Justin. He was the only one that really shocked me tonight.

The groups, Fourtunate and The Collective were yet again at the hight of their game as they 'wowed' the audiences and the judges with their excessive amounts of pelvic thrusts. 

Fourtunate not only sang their little hearts out, they're every movement were in tune to the beat of the song. The only thing I really want from Fourtunate in future is to do softer, more ballad-like song to showcase their amazing voices that we fell in love with.

The Collective were nothing short of surprises - no not just a song choice from a foreign boyband from the past, but rather with a medley thrown into the mix! The seemingly 'outdated' "classic", You Got It (The Right Stuff) by The New Kids on the Block, had the black-and-white video clip come to life with Michael Jackson's, Billie Jean (see what I did there? ;P). The boys were yet again in their element and also showcased Julian and Jayden's voices this week - which works as a treat to remind us that they were individual artists prior to the home visits.

The Verdict

After an incredible lineup of guest stars including, The Veronicas, Lady Antebellum and P!nk, it came down to, very shockingly, Angel and Justin.  It came as a shock to see Justin in the bottom two seeing as last night's performance was his best this far in the competition. If the verdict was based solely on last night's judges comments, Angel would have easily been eliminated tonight.

But let's rewind before I talk about the final decision. Judging from last night's performance, the bottom two I was expecting were:

Carmelo for his lack of confidence. Last's weeks performance was forgivable being his first week back into the competition, but this week, it was like he took a step backwards. In stead of getting the hang of the live shows, he seems to have lost himself in the pressures of the competition. Last week he was able to do what any great performer does when they're nervous - smile and keep the show going, but this week, there was very little of that confidence and fear was clearly written in his face. I hope Carmelo doesn't ruin this second chance, otherwise last week's story on the Josh Brookes scandal on Today Tonight may have us seeing Josh back in the competition:

Another contestant who did not do as well as I thought she would have was Samantha Jade:

Singing Britney Spear's, Everytime, it should have been the perfect song choice for the 25-year-old. She started well, but began to get pitchy and slightly screechy towards the end of the performance. The beauty of this song is it's simplicity. The set was perfect - Sammie wasn't in a giant dress or a dome to stop her from moving, but even in her stillness, it would have been an easy ride to a, "brilliant performance" from all the judges. But when she started doing the ad-libs and trills, she lost the heart of the song. I think that even though this show is about showcasing you voice, there's also a need to do justice to the song. There's a big difference between owning a song and trying to tackle it.

Nevertheless the results are what they are. The only reason we saw Angel in the bottom two tonight is because the stakes were so high last night. It's so hard to determine who will and won't be in the bottom two. But for Angel I agree with Mel, I feel like the song choices for Angel haven't been able to showcase who she is as person through her voice. We saw Angel literally struggle with the concept of her song this week in the recap video that plays before they perform, and I think it just became very evident after her performance. Vocally, she was AMAZING!!! But her self-confidence and doubt creeped up towards the end of the song all the way through to the judges comments.

But when she sang for her life tonight, there was no doubt that she would take the final spot in the fourth week of the live shows. Although Justin did perform at his best last night, it as not enough to get him out of the bottom two, and tonight, he was out shined. 

It just goes to show, that "no one is safe."

sL xxx

X FACTOR: Party Week

Starting with ads that constantly refer to the "Josh Brookes scandal", this week's X Factor did not just change their air time, they also welcomed back a favourite. I was so excited to hear that Josh's replacement is none other then the humble and encouraging Carmelo Munzone.

Although I'm angry with what Josh had done to be kicked out of the show, I'm glad it was Carmelo that Mel chose to bring back.

PARTY WEEK!!!

Ok, so this week's theme was (to) PARTY! So with the balloons in the air and the music ready to blast, this week was nothing short of controversy and let's just say, misinterpretation of the theme. Have you ever gone to costume party with people who walk around and they clearly did not think about their costume? Well, that's how I felt like with some of the song choices for this week. Pre-warnign to anyone who's a Bella fan, I'm going to be really breaking down her performance this week, so skip it if you don't like hearing/reading anything negative.

Alright, first things first, I won't deny that she can sing and she has a great voice. But I just think this week's song choice did nothing for her. It's week two and I feel like she's done nothing to make me think, "Wow!" For many people, I think, Bella's just been singing the same types of songs and keeps getting away with it. I don't think she's growing at all. I say this because yesterday's rendition of What Makes You Beautiful was the most infuriating thing that I had seen the entire night. It wasn't that she slowed it down, because I've hear decent versions of WMYB that have been slow and acoustic, but it was more that it was a selfish rendition of the song.

On Nat's part as a mentor, she had the chance to choose a funky indie song that was upbeat enough to dance to that Bella could've really flourished in vocally. Nat's justification of "One Direction is 'party'" falls short when Ronan clearly reminded her that yes, "the original version" is 'party'. There was nothing party about Bella's performance besides the balloons.

Bella's justification of her arrangement being "prom-like" seems plausible, but only to the extent of the lighting. I found it odd that she had giant boxes on stage and a random guy playing an accordion - although, tops to that guy, he was the highlight of sitting through her performance. If you were going to set that kind of scene, then set it - have a typical cheesy high school band behind you, sing with a stand and have dancers slow dancing around you. What annoyed me even more was that this rendition even had the potential to have a climatic rise towards the mid-section, but it didn't. It was just so linear musically and vocally that at no point did you even want to sway or bring your lighters out.

I thought it was unfair for both Bella and the rest of the contestants. For Bella, I think she's stuck. I personally think that this just emphasises that she's one dimensional and that she's not willing to challenge herself. For the other contestants, I just feel like she got the easy way out with Nat's comment of "not wanting to produce manufactured artist" and that's offensive to not just the show, but also to the rest of the judges who stuck to the criteria. I just think that these themes help shape the individual sounds - it pushed them to the limits and sees where the barriers are and where the untapped potential of their voices lie. For Bella, it's like she's a fixed, one-dimentional singer that really doesn't have anywhere else to go. And I don't really think that's the case. BUT right now, we're just seeing repeats of her first audition, except it's like a re-run that looses the wow factor by the minute.

One group who seem to be getting stronger each week is The Collective. When I heard they were doing Footloose, I was like, "Ooooh..." but when they got onstage I was like, "Yes!" I love that Will and Trent are taking turns in leading the songs and Zack's doing all the trills and ad-libs, but I'm fearing that this format might bore us in the next few weeks. I'm beginning to worry about all the added rapping as well, I mean it's great, but I don't think it should be done each week. I want to be able to see all five boys have their turn in the lime light. I think potentially this is possible and it would really challenge the group as a vocal ensemble.

The Verdict

This week's bottom two were teen favourites, What About Tonight and wedding singer Nathaniel Willemse. I have never been more relieved when I heard What About Tonight's name called out as the group leaving the competition. I have nothing personal against these boys, but based on last night's performance, I have to say it wasn't a shock to see them in the bottom. I was shocked to see Nathaniel there, considering he worked really hard on his choreography and showed that he was willing to take up a challenge.

To justify my relief, What About Tonight have had no solid footing besides resonating with One Direction. I know the footage shows 1D saying that WAT "reminds them of them", but to be honest that's not at all true. I mean being young artists fine, granted they were of a similar age when they all auditioned separately, but just because 5 boys step onto the X Factor stage - that's important - and claim they want to be the next One Direction does not make them the answer to One Direction. Dressing like them and huddling around together after a song is also just mimicking them - sure, the "best form of appreciation and imitation" - but imitation is exactly that, a copy. Just because your main point of difference is that you're Australian isn't a strong enough basis to claim that you're the "answer to" 1D. What happened with WAT is people were just seeing what they wanted to see - our version of 1D.

That's why I was so against the idea of having a super group and the girl's group proved that at the home visits when they didn't get through. I was even a little shaky about having The Collective in the top 12 because their performance was not as succinct as could've been. When you're thinking of a group that can answer to One Direction you need to look at One Direction's journey. It's not just about moulding a band of individual singers with 'great' voices and a sense of camaraderie to hold it together, it's about about the inner workings of the vocal arrangement. I always revert to the Judges Houses of X Factor UK 2012 when 1D sang Torn as a comparison for any of these groups because that's where we see, not just the hard work that the boys put into their song choice, but also how they individually understood their own voices, each other's voices and how their individual voices worked together which formulated their vocal roles as One Direction. For WAT, I felt like the boys didn't even know their own sound before they had time to get to know each other's. Also, WAT's individual members all have common vocal ranges, so it's hard to really pick out a lead vocalist or someone to drive the song. This isn't usually a problem, but let's face it, every band needs to have a frontman. Not just that, but the dynamics of the song choices could end up becoming one dimensional (that's be a great name change - *kidding*).

Overall, I was really worried about the deadlock, but in the end I think Australia made the right decision, because frankly you can have only have one direction (and that's Jesus - ok sorry, that was inappropriate). 

sL xxx