EP Review: “Mad Love The Prequel” by Sean Paul

So, I have to say this firstly, I am a big fan of Sean Paul! In my teenage years, I would just listen to his music if I was wanting to dance, like no joke! I am still that way, but my hips ache and pop more frequently than before.

I am very excited to talk about this EP finally! I am very proud of myself, I actually stayed away from listening to it. I like to express what I’ve heard for the first time because I think when I listen to it multiple times before reviewing it, my general thoughts will change with each play. However, when it comes to dancehall or EDM music in general, my thoughts rarely change – I usually like it or I don’t. That’s just how I roll sometimes.

So, we’re going to get into this right now and hopefully you like it.

We start off with “Naked Truth” that has Jhene Aiko, and it’s very light, definitely not exactly what I was expecting. I usually prefer heavier songs to begin an album or in this case EP, but I like the balance between Sean and Jhene’s dynamic vocals. What I thought was interesting though was since Sean is originally based in Jamaica, why does this sounds more bollywood to me, especially the drum beats. I’m not saying I didn’t like it or anything, it was just the first thing that popped into my head. Second is “Bad Love” with Ellie Goulding, and I really miss Ellie! This is also a mild song too, but it still has a nice groove. It’s not overwhelming and works really well with Ellie’s soft voice. I had a hard time not dancing to this, so we’ll say it’s a winner!

Next we have “Mad Love” and it features both David Guetta and Becky G. After hearing the two quieter tracks, you have this sucker and I love it to pieces! This is another one that I love dancing to, both day and night. I really like the exotic feel, such a party anthem and Becky G’s vocals are fun and kind of seductive in a way. The only song that doesn’t have a guest artist on board is “Jump On It” and I’m very happy that there is at least one with just Sean, although I would have liked to have more but since this is an EP, maybe if he releases an album later on, I’m sure there will be more like this. Anywho, the song itself is pretty mellow, the beat isn’t crazy but I like it as it was though. It was sexy too!

From the moment I saw that Major Lazer would be on this “Tip Pon It”, I was instantly like, “well, this is going to be awesome” and it definitely didn’t disappoint! It was so much fun and I couldn’t stop dancing when the bass dropped. Although it wasn’t a big drop, the sound itself changed and got bigger and I think that’s why I ultimately ended falling in love with it! Next there’s “Jet Plane Trip” with an artist that I had only heard once and it was a couple of months ago, Stefflon Don. This is actually kind of calming, if that’s the right word to use, it had a nice rhythm but it has more of a slow dance vibe. It was good though!

These are the last three songs on the EP, and we have “Body” featuring Migos. One of the reasons why I really liked this was because it mixed both dancehall and hip hop together. I love that combination, and I actually liked Migos on the track. I’ve always been so-so about them, and I don’t know why so don’t bother asking me that question. Next there’s “Tek Weh Yuh Heart” with Tory Lanez. This is another good one! I thought at first I’d be a little bored with it, but it’s actually pretty great! I think Tory was a good addition to it, his voice is soft and goes with the beat well. The last song is “No Lie” with Dua Lipa, and I have heard this one other time before starting this review and I don’t think I liked it very much. I am turning into a fan of Dua Lipa, but I am also very picky with her songs. This has a great beat and it’s fun. It’s the ideal, light end of summer type of song to me.

I think in general the EP was very good. It had a lot of interesting artists on it, each brought their own sound with them. One thing that I always tend to have issues with is that whenever Sean Paul works with other artists, they seem to be more prominent in the actual song and he just kind of fades into the back, so it’s just the singers and the happy, dance-y beat. That’s why I ended up track #4 a lot more than some of the others.

Have you listened to Sean Paul’s new EP yet? What were some of your favorites and thoughts?

 

EP Review: “Know No Better” by Major Lazer

Back in 2015, the electronic dance music group Major Lazer (consisting of Diplo, Walshly Fire, and Jillionaire) released their third album “Peace Is The Mission” which I happily reviewed, they were supposed to release the fourth that same year but was pushed back and will hopefully be out sometime later this year! However, to keep all of us fans happy, they decided to put out a six song extended play or EP on June 2nd, which was two years and one day anniversary of PITM.

If anybody is not familiar with Major Lazer they mostly do dancehall, raggaeton, and regular dance music.I actually haven’t been too into EDM or rock music lately, I’ve just been going with the flow and this somehow just appeared out of nowhere. I’ll bite, I don’t care! I have like four other albums to review, but my gut keeps telling me that Major Lazer goes first!

The first is their title track “Know No Better” and it has this very soft introduction which I found interesting, but of course the beat starts up but it’s very tame compared to their previous singles, even “Lean On” wasn’t so lame, I don’t have a better word to describe it. What the beat lacks you have Travis Scott and Camila Cabello singing throughout and then Quavo just pops in towards the end, but again there’s nothing really making it stand out. Next is “Buscando Huellas” which means “Looking For Footprints” according to Google translate. The entire song is in spanish so figuring out what the song is really about, isn’t going easy to me right now. I don’t mind it though. I really like this one though. I have a hard time keeping myself from dancing, I really like the beat. It’s definitely better than the first song, sorry! It features J. Balvin and Sean Paul, so that makes it that much better in my book!

Third is “Particula” which was another word that I wasn’t familiar with, so I had to look it up and Google says it is “particle” sounds easy enough right? I’m not sure if that’s the first translation but I’m going with it. If it’s not, leave me a comment and I’ll update it. Anyways, this was another one that I liked. The beat is just interesting enough, there’s nothing really special about it but it still makes me want to dance so I won’t cut it down so much. It also features Nasty_C, Ice Prince, Patoranking, and Jidenna. I have not heard of any except Jidenna. After is “Jump” with Busy Signal and this one is very up-beat, definitely rivals their song “Too Original” it definitely has that global but dancehall sound that I’ve grown to love in the past two years. I’m betting money this will become a summer anthem towards the middle of July, I’m just calling it now!

The last two songs starts with “Sua Cara” which according to Google means “Your Face” in Portuguese. Again, I’m still not sure if that’s right. It has Anitta and Pabllo Vittar. This song is in another language but the beat is very nice. It’s not like the one before, but it’s not as boring as the first track. You will definitely have trouble not dancing to the song that’s for sure! Sixth track is “Front Of The Line” and it has Machel Montano and Konshens. Despite the fact that I was dancing while listening to it through my headphones, the beat is again tame as crap! I did love the trumpets after the choruses. I mean, it wasn’t that bad I just wish there was more to it.

This was honestly hard to review, but I think it might’ve been my exceptions though! I will say it wasn’t too awful. I feel like this is like the perfect summer party music to have in Miami, at least that’s what I kept picturing in my head the whole time! So I don’t really know what to think about it. I think everybody will enjoy it for another EDM summer release though.

Have you heard of Major Lazer’s new EP yet? What did you like or hated about it? Again, if I got the translations wrong, please leave the real meanings below so I can change them.

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Bloglovin

Music Haul | Rock & EDM

Hey guys!

Earlier this month, I had a dentist appointment. It was only a cleaning and I have to say, things went better than expected, like seriously! I was still pretty nervous about the whole thing, but since I knew what to expect (meaning the shots) I was actually a lot calmer. I didn’t react like I had when it was over, I even left my dad in the room! So far, nobody has told me that they like the shots! Even the woman who cleaned my own teeth said she didn’t like them either!

This time everything was fast paced, for one thing the medicine they had given me like the last time, worked a little better! I was way more relaxed than before, but I had also spent three hours awake I was already feeling sleepy on my own. This is was just making things that much better! Anyways, like I said things went by faster. We didn’t have to deal with the X-Rays and checking out each tooth on both sides. She still did that, but it wasn’t as intensive as before. I still had my iPod and headphones on, even though I could barely hear it. I did get through like five Evanescence songs, so I was good! I figured if I listened to any of my symphonic metal bands then they would basically relax me. In the last two times, I’ve almost fallen asleep on her because I wasn’t feeling anything and my medicine kicked in!

When my sister and I were kids, everytime we had doctor’s appointment, more importantly about our eyes or teeth. If we did very well then we were rewarded. Bribing 101 folks! Well apparently, this still works! I was already in talks with my dad about him taking me to the Record Cellar there in town afterwards, but we weren’t going to decide anything until they figured out how I could deal with the numbness of my mouth and if I was exhausted or not.

I honestly don’t remember much of the appointment. When it was done I was still in good spirits. I had something to look forward to, I wasn’t going to let my emotions or tiredness stop me! So we left to go to this record cellar and I was very happy, because we were in a part of town that we rarely visit. It’s has the vibe of the old neighborhood before it expanded. There was a building that had old paint faded on the side, it was still readable. The shops were modern, but this was classic. The one bad thing about this place is that it’s not handicap accessible. However, we usually bring the push wheelchair with us and since it’s lightweight (even with my butt in it!) my parents could lift it up the two steps. I wasn’t necessarily prepared going into this place. My dreams didn’t even come close to the inside of this sucker!

When you first walk inside, it was like walking into Hot Topic at the mall every time we go; it felt like home to me. I was expecting to see more vinyls than CDs but in a way, I liked it better that way! My dad was busy most of the time talking to the owner while my poor mom pushed me through every corner of the store. The best way to describe the walls are what I hope I can do with my bedroom one day. Every open area of the place was covered with different posters of both classic rock bands like Nirvana, Motorhead, Motley Crue, I even saw a Purple Rain era poster on the ceiling! Of course you had the modern, popular bands and artists of today like Justin Bieber, Coldplay, Halestorm, and Linkin Park.

I wasn’t even looking at the CDs yet, I was too busy distracted at all these posters and seeing who all I recognized and then we found these wooden boxes full of CDs that I have to say were better categorized than Wal-Mart where they’re all over the place! They had them alphabetical and only in two groups “pop/rock” but they also had different areas for Jazz, Rap/Hip Hop, and the new releases. My mom and I were too busy in the back that I actually missed the new releases section!

The first CD I found was Eyes Set To Kill’s album “Masks” it came out in 2014 and I have to say, this album was so good! It was also $5.55 which was the cheapest one I bought! Second was In This Moment’s “Black Widow” and I think this was a “try again” deal. I did a review for this album when it came out in late 2014 and honestly didn’t love it as much as “Blood” but my cousin and I had talked about it while she was down for Christmas so I decided to buy it. I kind of regret that decision now. Last one was “Going To Hell” by The Pretty Reckless, this one and ESTK’s album I can listen from first to last without skipping. I also bought two other albums, but they had to be ordered. They were “Skrillex and Diplo Presents Jack Ü” by Jack Ü and then “Peace Is The Mission” by Major Lazer.

All in all, I spent $80 of my Christmas money at this place! My parents weren’t too surprised on that price considering they know my history! However, since I didn’t bring up this whole “go to record place after the dentist” until we were actually in the waiting room, so I didn’t bring my purse! Hence why I didn’t get a picture of that building when we were first there! So my dad had to pay for me, but I paid him back and I just gave him the whole $100 and he gave me $10 back. Now they’re saying “start saving up so you can go back.” It’s a good thing I agreed to teach my nana how to do her camera because I’ll be able to go back sooner than later! I’m already getting started on my next batch that I want. I’m thinking some more pop this time around; I will buy Adele’s album and do an album review!

Before we left, the owner gave us a Winter Sampler from RoadRunner Records. It’s got new tracks from Killswitch Engage, The Amity Affliction, and Wild Throne. We listened to it on the way home that day. My dad said he’s a little addicted to it, so if I find it missing in a couple of days I’ll know which parent has it. My mom’s supposed to get her subs and new radio put into her car soon. The new radio that my dad got her for Christmas, it doesn’t allow CDs so at least I won’t have to worry about her stealing my music anytime soon! When we went back to the dentist two days after the girl who cleaned my teeth asked if we went and when my mom said “yes and she spent $80” we all kind of laughed. I had a smirk on my face! I couldn’t help it. Well, I could but that wouldn’t be as fun!

Am I a crazy music fan or what? You can be honest! Is there any music you think I should get as a “curious” buy the next time I go? 

 

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Bloglovin

Music Video Review: “Be Together” by Major Lazer ft. Wild Belle

Well…

Ever feel like after you watch something, you need a cold shower or maybe a cigarette? I don’t smoke, but I definitely need a cold shower asap!

That was sexy!

I’ve been trying to tell myself that nobody is going to look “cooler” on a motorcycle than my dad and his friends. Yeah, I watched this and that went right over my head! I tried to be strong, but I didn’t last very long and as much as I don’t want my mom to discover anything Major Lazer or Diplo related because she’ll just takeover and I’ll lose them for good. I kind of want her to watch this. She’ll agree with me on the fact that was just, yeah you get the point!

Moving on! I had to look back at my review of the album and this song “Be Together” to see if my views have changed after a few months of listening to it (and finally purchasing it!) and I’m happy to say I might be a little bit more in love with it now then before! It was pretty good! I liked the “dark” theme of everybody walking together along the road, it kind of gave me this hippie feeling while watching it. I know that’s strange, but the dry plains around just did that for me! It was a different kind of music video.

I have been watching less and less music videos on YouTube because sometimes the message is hard to figure out. This one was fairly simple.  When you’re going riding around on a motorcycle, don’t bring a hot girl–just kidding! No laughing matter, you should always wear senseable gear: most importantly a helmet! Both of my parents like to drive around and go to rallies, but they always wear a helmet even if it ruins their hair! My mom also doesn’t wear flip flops either! Just some helpful tips for you riders!

Have you seen Major Lazer’s new music video for “Be Together” yet? Do you like it or not?

 

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Bloglovin

Album Review: “Peace Is The Mission” by Major Lazer

I think I’ve always been a fan of electronic dance music since I was a kid. I’ve been kind of hiding my dying love for the genre, but it never got so mainstream until like 6 years ago. I love to hear artists and bands be a little bit more unique in their music. I didn’t think I knew what I was getting myself into when I found Major Lazer but I definitely don’t regret it! Major Lazer takes what we think of EDM and just twists it a little and brings a genre like raggae into the mix and who knew it would sound amazing, but it really does! It’s the kind of uniqueness that I need every once in a while.

I don’t do a lot of EDM genre reviews because I am a very picky person. But I’ve recently discovered Major Lazer and it’s become a part of me in the last couple of months and I’ve been looking forward to “Peace Is The Mission” since March. Now before we start this, Major Lazer is a group of three people: Diplo, Jillionaire, and Washly Fire.

I usually like when albums start off slow, kind of eases you into the whole thing, but I don’t know why but I don’t like this one. The first track is called “Be Together” and it features singer Wild Belle and I’ve been trying my best to like it because I actually like the beat, I dance to it everytime it starts but there’s some thing about it that I don’t like. The second is called “Too Original” and I love, love, love this one! Probably too much because I’ve been trying to get my mom into this song! She would like it if she’d just cave! Everytime it comes on my Spotify or on the radio, I start dancing and I can never get myself to stop either! This song features Elliphant and Jovi Rockwell. Third is “Blaze Up The Fire” and this features Chronixx. It is another one I love but I don’t why because it sounds a bit chaotic in between the choruses. There’s a sound that kind of takes over the entire beat itself and its lack of a better term to use: obnoxious. Besides that it’s a pretty good song!

This next song has been blowing up everywhere around the world! “Lean On”  featuring DJ Snake and MO. I’ve been talking about Major Lazer a lot in the last few months and it wasn’t until I heard this song did I get that way! I’m sorry if I’ve been annoying a few of you out there, but when I hear great new music I have a tendency to let everybody know about it too! I love this song and it’s very strange since it’s so chill and has the same tempo as the first song that I love it more. I don’t know why I do that! I love what both DJ Snake and MO brought to the song. I don’t think anybody would be able to make it any better! “Powerful” is one sexy song! I’m not kidding! I’ve been hearing a lot of stuff about this one but I never read anybody’s review about it before listening to it myself and so I had a very different outlook of what I thought it would sound like and even though I was wrong, it didn’t hurt so bad. So freaking good! This one features Ellie Goulding and Terrus Riley. Surprisingly, they’re the ones that is making this song so good!

The last batch starts off with “Light It Up” with Nyla who is apart of Brick & Lace and I’ll be honest here I got a little too excited because I love Brick & Lace and have for a few years now! It’s so nice to hear Nyla’s voice again! Sadly, I don’t know what to think about this beat. I mean, it’s good but it doesn’t really make me want to dance. It was a let down for me. This next one took me a while to get into, I had “Roll The Bass” on my Spotify playlist when it was released as a single but I wasn’t interested I guess because it just sat there and I basically ignored it for a while. I finally heard it on accident and I remember listening to it like five times in one day! I’m bad sometimes. It’s easily one of my favorites on the album! Everytime I play it I want to dance to it. Next up is “Night Riders” and it features Travi$ Scott, 2 Chainz, and Pusha T. This one is much slower, but it’s not bad if anything it works great with the vocals. Now there is one more but it’s a remix of their song “All My Love” featuring Ariana Grande and Mechel Montano that was on The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 soundtrack. I haven’t listened to the original or this version very much, but it is very good!

I don’t know what’s better, doing a review of a song/album after it comes out or waiting until you’ve had time to hear every part of the song and get the feel of it? I’ve never dreaded doing a review more than this one and I figured it was probably because I don’t know how to describe what I like about a song that makes it interesting in words. I don’t want to be the reason for somebody to not give an album a chance because of my views. Doing these reviews have done some good for me because I feel the more I do of them, especially the ones in different genres that majority of the population would chose to ignore, it broadens what we think is great music. So I might not like every song of this album but as a whole I loved it. I love the vibe of it and what it does to me, it makes me want to dance and that’s what great music is supposed to do to a listener. To end this review, I give it a 9/10. I’m ready for the next Major Lazer, hopefully we won’t have to wait too long for it!