Things that make me happy... The Heist by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
"Just when you think you know hip hop it surprises you and reminds you why you fell in love with it in the first place." - Sydney Shaw, Brown Sugar
Nuff said!!
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Album the Heist was released in August 2012 as a relative unknown but has built momentum month after month ever since. After appearances on Saturday Night Live, a concert tour, and much word a mouth this album is getting lots of recognition.
The Heist is a throwback hip hop album with strong lyrically content. Macklemore flow is so smooth and enjoyable that you might miss the message in many of his song. Some of his songs addresses gay rights, substance abuse, and trying to make it the music industry. But what makes this album stand out is the music. Although the album is straight hip hop he infuses R&B, country, and rock. You can enjoy playing the entire album through and get a different sound each track.
Another great characteristic of the album is the number of collaborations used throughout the album. Each add something different to the Album.
Album Song list
Ten Thousand Hours - Way to introduce "The Heist"
Can't Hold Us - Album's first big hit. Catchy tune and getting lots of airplay. Might be one of the songs of the summer.
Thrift Shop - The next hit. Fun another great hook... Best line of year "This is F@cking Awesome"
Thin Line -
Same Love - Political commentary at its best... on a great dope melody.
Make The Money- Soooo many ill rhymes! "Uncle Sam is
Neon Cathedral - Slowdown with the R&B feel but don't expect a let up on the verses.
BomBom - Why not a instrumental track... and its still hip hop. Genius.
White Walls - This could be remix potential dance hit.
Jimmy lovine - Another future hit... "...rather be a starving artist than succeed at getting f@cked!"
Wings - Another nice track. Good spin class "climb track"
A Wake - An indy feel. Another future hit.
Gold - A bit weak but might still be a pop hit. High school kids might love this one.
Starting Over - One of my favorites on the album. Kinda like therapy... Enimen style.
Cowboy Boots - Really?!? And its fun a song. Too funny!
Castle - Ok track
My Oh My - Nice tribute track...
Victory Lap - Shout out to Seattle. Every town needs an anthem.
Thrift Shop
Same Love
Can't Hold Us
My Oh My
NPR Tiny Desk Music Series (soo good) - Same Love and others...
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis on SNL - Thrift Shop
On Letterman - Can't Hold Us
Pros
1. One of the best hip hop albums in years.
2. Macklemore flow is wicked and he's got something to say...
3. The music on this album can keep you listening for hours. This might be a classic in the making.
Cons
1. There are only 18 tracks on the deluxe edition. And we want more.
Things that make me happy... Mumford and Sons - Babel
The 2013 Grammy Award for Album of the Year goes to Mumford and Sons, Babel. Mumford and Sons (M&S) is a English Alternative Rock band (with a folk music sound) that have risen to the top of the British and American pop charts with their bluegrass alternative rock sound. Their most recent album Babel is one of the best of 2012 and definitely worth a listen for anyone looking for a new group to discover.
There are 12 tracks on Babel with several more hits to come on this album beyond "I Will Wait."
1. Babel - Love the hard driving beat on this title track.
2. Whispers in the Dark - Ok song.
3. I Will Wait - Super mega hit... an instant classic.
4. Holland Road - Great lyrics on this track.
5. Ghost that we Knew - Soft ballad
6. Lover of the Light - Another favorite song on this album.
7. Lovers' Eyes - This could be a sleeper hit.
8. Reminder - Another favorite soulful ballad.
9. Hopeless Wanderer - This has classic folk feel but there is an awesome Rock change up.
10. Broken Crown
11. Below my Feet
12. Not with Haste - This song takes it time... and builds and builds. love the music arc. Beautiful restraint!
M&S is not a new to many people and the Babel album has been out for several months now, but after their somewhat unexpected win at the Grammy's they deserve a closer look at the album. Once you take the time to sample you will quickly realize they are definitely worthy of becoming one of your new favorite groups to listen to in the car (and anywhere else really). 2012 might have been the year of alternative rock with folk rock sound. Although bands like the Dave Matthews Band have been bring this type of sound to fans for years, there are several musicians that have moved this pop folk sound to the top of the pop charts and major airplay on radio. Bon Iver, Lumineers, Fun, Florence + the Machine and even American Idol winner Phillip Phillips (Check out the hit Home) are just a few of the acts that have garnered lots of attention this year. All are worthy of checking out actually, but M&S combines interesting use of bluegrass instruments with lyrics from works of literature including Homer, Plato, and yes even Shakespeare. Wanna have some fun? Try matching lyrics in their songs to the literary author.
The band consist of Marcus Mumford, Ben Lovett, Winston Marshall, Ted Dwayne all are talented musicians that play several instruments. It is refreshing to hear something that isn't necessary new, but refreshing a music that has been a part of American history. Mumford & Sons is leading the charge and bringing new fans to a music that stimulates the mind while it keeps your feet tapping. It sample some of their earlier music check out 2009 Sigh no More.
I Will Wait
The Cave
Lover of light
Below my Feet (SNL performance)
Live from Red Rock (now showing on Showtime on Demand)
Pros
1. Great music with a fun band with great instruments.
2. The lyrics sneak up on you. Very smart and it brings a lot to the music.
3. You got to love good old fashion knee slapping music.
Cons
1. Folk rock is everyone's cup of tea but if you want to explore this is a good place to start.
2. Many of the melodies may seem very similar at first glance, but this is Rock so you want to lower your expectation. Kinda of like reggae, the same beat can bring you so many variations with superior lyrics and delivery.
Mumford and Sons have the Gentleman of the Road tour documentary showing on Showtime on Demand this February if you want to check out the awesome live performance for yourself. The film features several performances from the tour at Red Rock in Colorado in the summer of 2012.
Music should bring you joy. Explore more and find out what you have been missing.
She composes, she plays, she sings, and she scats... my newest musical crush has to be Jazz performer Esperanza Spaulding.
Now I didn't grow up in any of Jazz's legendary periods like Big Band, Bebop, or Avant Garde, but I've been a fan of Jazz for the past 20 years (yes... I've got the achy bones to prove it.) But the good news is that Jazz has continued to evolve. Today its infused in the music of hip hop and soul artists like Q-tip, Outkast, Eryka Badu, and Jill Scott. But Spaulding is a new voice that updates the classic sounds of pure Jazz with a contemporary spin that is bring new fans to this American musical art form. Esperanza's music contains many influences. Most notably -- the music of Brazil, which is prominently featured on her 2009 self titled album.
New Music Alert:: Radio Music Society
So much happening on this album... Its part Jazz, part Pop, all Esperanza!!
1. Radio Song - The theme song of the album. Fun beat and playful to sing along. "if like to.. Because you need toooo..."
2. Cinnamon Tree - Classic Jazz ballet... One of my favorites.
3. Crowned & Kissed - R&B infused Jazz. Tribute to those everyday "kings and queens"
4. Land Of the Free -
5. Black Gold - Great song... More classic R&B sounds
6. I Can't Help it - Back on the Jazz sound...
7. Hold On Me
8. Vague Suspicions
9. Endangered Species
10. Let Her
11. City of Roses
12. Smile Like That - More vocals on some great instrumentals
The 28 years old bassist got her first major award under her belt -- the 2011 Grammy for best new artist. A first for a jazz musician. But at the pace she's going. It won't be the last. And as Jazz finds a new generation of fans, Esperanza Spaulding will be leading the new Jazz revolution.
Black Gold...
At the White House... Overjoyed!!! She rocks this performance.
Crowned and Kissed Video
Little Fly Video
Pros
1. Great musical talent. Her fresh vocals aren't even her best talent.
2. Jazz music is still classy
3. R&B and Jazz fans will find a song to like
Cons
1. Its Jazz... not everyone's cup of tea
2. A few songs are inspiring. But no can get it right all the time.
Things that make me happy today... Amy Winehouse - Lioness: Hidden Treasures
Amy Winehouse was 27 years old when she passed on July 23rd 2011. To be fully honest, I did not know Amy Winehouse music well. I liked her Back to Black album and loved the runaway hit Rehab, but I can't say she was on the top of my playlist much. I think I might have been turned off by her public struggles with drugs and her image. Maybe I couldn't get around her being a "gimmick" a over produced misunderstood artist. But, like I have often learned in life, sometimes people really aren't appreciated until they are no longer with us. So with that in mind... I found this new release - Lioness: Hidden Treasures and gave it a try.
This album is is filled with various recordings of new and old songs that were packaged and released to the public after her death. This is not polished long lost hits album really, but it still showcases Amy's talent and voice when she was just messing around in the studio. I like this album, and it made me stop and recognized that she was a unique talent of this generation. Like Harry Connick Jr. was in the 80s/90s, but better than that Buble guy of today (not hating, just not a fan).
Track rundown...
1. Our Day Will Come: Reggae infused ska beat with great vocals. Great start!
2. Between the Cheats: Doo-wop style ballad.. different but nice song
3. Tears Dry: I really like this song. Won't be a hit really but classic.
4. Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow: Signature song of this album probably. She works it!
5. Like Smoke (Featuring Nas): Yes. That Nas makes appearance. And I like the collaboration. Different but it works.
6. Valerie: I think this could be a radio hit also. Catchy tune. Decent track.
7. The Girl from Ipanema: I like this take. Playful but more soulful. A possible radio hit... A little scatting. Nice.
8. Halftime: Wowser... She got a Eryka Badu sound going on this one. One of my favorites. Contemporary R&B slipped in on this album.
9. Wake Up Alone: Another okay track.
10. Best Friends, Right?: Okay track. Not my favorite.
11. Body & Soul (Duet with Tony Bennett): Already a radio hit. A really beautiful song. She completely matches (ahem...exceeds) Tony note for note.
12. A Song for You: Another decent track. Some may like the bluesy feel.
Pros 1. Amy's Voice is classic... soulful, powerful in a little frame. Impressive. 2. The music is classic. A good album for a drive or just relaxing on beach somewhere. 3. Favorites: Halftime, Like Smoke, Girl from Ipanema, Our time Will Come
Cons 1. Amy got some crazy in her... and it made her a bit special. There is no real crazy on this album. Felt it was missing. 2. Other than the Nas track, it would be interesting to see other artist of different styles working with her.
Body & Soul - Tony Bennett and Amy Winehouse
Our Day Will Come - Amy Winehouse
Like Smoke (ft. Nas)
Lioness: Hidden Treasure Tribute Interview
One more thing... I found this touching tribute by Russell Brand that worth a read...
Things that make me happy this week... Matisyahu @ Festivals of Lights
What do you get when when you mix reggae, rock, hip hop and traditional Judaism? The beautifully soulful musical artistry of Matisyahu.
Matisyahu is a musician that defies classification. He is simply an artist that shows music really has no bounds. My first introduction to this artist was on a NYC TV show where I saw this reggae artist diving into a crowd and he was dressed in a traditional hassidic outfit. First I thought this was a gimmick, but after listening to his album, Light, I realize his skills were legit. He is known for his hits "King without a Crown' and "One Day" both making it to the top of rock and reggae charts. But he has many influences in his music style. Matisyahu musical range include beatboxing, rapping, Jazz styled scat singing, and Judaism Hazzan style of prayer singing.
This past week he played four concerts in NYC for the Festival of Lights at the Williamsburg Music and Webster Halls. On Thursday night, Webster Hall was packed with adoring fans singing many of his hits and crowd diving from the stage. As a giant disco driedel hangs from the ceiling, Matisyahu dances, beatbox, and sing most of his hits from his various albums.
Webster Hall - Festival of Light - Youth
One Day
Time of your song
King without a crown
Concert Pros
1. Great band and performance by Matisyahu
2. Disco Driedel... pretty cool actually.
3. Yiddish Lil Wayne guy that came to rap.
Cons
1. No beard on Matisyahu which is a signature look for him. Good music anyways.
2. Venue was okay. Good for this type of concert but a bit warm.
Check out Matisyahu music if you want something a little different this holiday season.
Albums - Light, Live at Stubbs I & II, Youth, Shake of the dust
Or catch a live show... he is always touring all around the world.
Things that make me happy... Eric Roberson - Mr. Nice Guy
Eric Roberson's new album Mr. Nice Guy might be quietly one of best albums of the year. Featuring a range of R&B sounds, Mr. Nice Guy has something for all R&B lovers, from urban hiphop fans to classic soul lovers. There really are no bad songs on this album so you can play the whole thing and don't worry about having to skipping any songs. For those that don't know, Roberson has been around for a while and this is his sixth album. If you like this album go and find some of his early work and might have another favorite artist to add to your favorite playlists.
So... what is so good about this album? Start with the track Summertime Anthem. Listen to this song and you will nod your head and remember those summertime block party anthems where you roller skated around on the hot asphalt. This song literally will put a smile on your face. And wait!! Chubb Rock rocks out on this joint for you old school hip hop heads. The whole album is a joy. Eric Roberson is one of those artists that may not be on everyone minds, but I dare you to listen and see if this album doesn't find a place in your heart as things that make you happy in 2011.
1. Mister Nice Guy - Fun upbeat tune that will has catchy hook that will definitely make you smile.
2. Strangers - Great beat
3. Summertime Anthem - One of my favorite tracks
4. Come with Me - Another strong song. Catch
5. Picture Perfect - This song is a minor hit already. Some airplay. Smooth neosoul sound.
6. Fall - Ballad.. Jazzy, good dinner type music.
7. Shake her Hand - Classic R&B tune again. Old school style
8. The Magician - Another favorite... Weaves in the sound of magic show in an soulful sound. Artistry at work.
9. Love's Withdrawal - Jazzy ballet with some spoken word weaved in.
10. How Would I Feel? - More Jazzy feel with good vocals
11. Talking Reckless - Okay track... but still fun to listen
12. At The Same Time - Another favorite.. Great slow jam.
13. Male Ego - A little more hip hop flavor on this jam
14. Try Love - A fun that brings back memories. Reminds me of Do The Right Thing actually.
15. All for Me - Another big ballad. Decent song.
Pros
1. Lots of styles of R&B on this album
2. No weak songs really. Strong album overall
3. Great album for a car ride, background dinner music, or even getting people moving on a dance floor.
Cons
1. The fact that I haven't been following Roberson closer all these years.
2. This is a grown people album... children just won't understand.
Favorite tracks
Summer Anthem
Mister Nice Guy
The Magician
At the same time
Picture Perfect
Summertime Anthem
Hope you give Roberson a listen... And yes. I do love the album cover featuring a smiley face. How cool is that.
Things that make me happy this week... Drake - Take Care
Drake newest album "Take Care", the follow up album from his wildly successful debut album "Thank Me Later", is filled with several hit tracks, some duds, and a bunch of other tunes that are pretty decent if you are a fan of Drake. Welcome to Drake therapy!! I hope this talented guy is saving on therapist bills.
Aubrey Drake Graham with his huge fan base (over 20 million friends on Facebook) went platinum in the first week. Based on this I am pretty sure every Drake fan knows about and have heard this new album. But for those that have kept there musical heads in the sands here goes...
I like this album overall maybe in time it might be better than Thank Me Later which I liked a lot too. This could be easily 5 hit album (maybe even 7) which matches his last album and is at Kanye, Beyonce levels. It is consistent with his past musical style and his production team's sound. But be warned this is not a upbeat album. I might describe it as melancholy and a bit emo. But that is what makes Drake different. Drake's mellow sound is very distinct from most rappers now a days and he has a knack for singing that is not common for a rapper. He uses his gifts in this album effectively to mix up hard hitting rap and soft moody ballads. This is a good listening album for a car drive. It has lots of artistry with the mix of songs and mood throughout the album. Just don't drive off the road listening to a moody self absorbed lyrics. For a guy on the top of the rap world he seems pretty sad and down. Count your blessing Drake... but keep making good music.
1. Over my Dead Body - Not the most uplifting song but good beat and decent song. Don't know if this is a hit song, but with Drake you never know what will pop.
2. Shot for Me - This starts with Drake the singer. A okay ballad. Not a hit though.
3. Headlines - A hit already. If you haven't heard this... get a life. Good jam.
4. Crew Love - A soft ballad again. Okay song. Nothing special but above average still
5. Take Care - One of my favorite tunes. Rihanna helps out with some nice vocals and the the beat is catchy. But my favorite thing is Drake does a decent job singing and rapping on this song. This will be a big hit.
6. Marvin's Room - Another early hit. Love this Drake baseline in this song. More singer/rapper mix on this one.
7. Buried Alive Interlude - Not sure what he was trying to do here. A throw in track... a good beat again.
8. Underground Kings - Okay track to me, but will be a favorite to many.
9. We'll be fine - Not my favorite. A bit of dud. A hardcore edgy attempt
10. Make me Proud - Nikki is on this one. Not bad collaboration. A minor hit already...
11. Lord Knows - Clear your throat on this one, ahem, Rick Ross. But a decent listening track. Could be a hit.
12. Camera / Good ones go interlude - I don't get this long 7+ min track. The first song Camera is awful, the 2nd part is decent song. Nice and slow joint. But why combine? Argh
13. Doing it Wrong - More singing Drake... Okay track might be a hit on the radio. Slow haunting sound.. very emo.
14. The Real Her - Another slow jam. This one Drake does an interesting thing using his the singing as the melody in the song over a strong beat. Pretty cool I think.
15. Look what you've done - This song reminds me of an uptown Harlem poetry slam. Melody in the back with poet dropping his words. This is a favorite for overall musical composition.
16. Hyfr (Hell Yeah Fucking Right) - Okay track. Don't think it will be a hit, but with Lil Wayne on this track you never know.
17. Practice - Okay track. More singing only okay this time for me.
18. The Ride - Not a fan of this track. But a bit of a throw back sound.
Pros
-The music on this album is great. Lots of memorable beats. Has emo feel over a hip hop beat.
-Lots of lyrical content - Drake the story teller at work.
-Decent collaborations with Nikki, Weezy, and Rihanna, Rick Ross, and
Cons
-A bit melancholy
-Not sure how many club hits are on this album
-No really surprise "Wow" tunes. all are decent, but I can't find one that I think will become a classic
Favorite tracks
Headlines
Marvin's Room
Make Me Proud
Take Care
Over My Dead Body
On this album you get your money's worth. 18 tracks!! Multiple hit songs and another huge success or Drake.
Things that make me happy this week... Goapele new Album "Break of Dawn"
Goapele pronounced (Gwa-pa-lay)
What makes Goapele stand out besides her name? This woman can sing with the best of them and has that classic soulful sound of the R&B artist of yesterday. But don't be mistaken, her music is contemporary in a neo-soul sort of way. But her Oakland roots shine through her music. Funk, Jazz, hip hop, and R&B fused together into her latest offering, "Break of Dawn". Maybe its what you would get if mixed two parts Sade, one part D'Angelo and splash of EnVogue vocal styling. This musical cocktail is refreshing, yet familiar-- making you want to sit down with your favorite drink after a long day, kick back, and press play on your sound system and relax.
I just got to see her perform live for the first time at BB Kings in NYC for her album release party. She has a much larger following than I thought since many have not heard of her yet. You might of heard of her big hit "Closer" from her "Change it All" album. (A good addition to anyone music library by the way.) She featured many tracks from her new album
Break of Dawn Songs
1. Play. First song released. Has a definite Sade feel to it. Strong first tune. It will get some play.
2. Tears on my pillow. Slow down ballet with a light hip hop feel of a Jahiem or D'Angelo type beat. I think this could be a hit...
3. Undertow. Sweet sexy song. Dreaming vocals and ethereal sounds... floating on clouds feel. Another one with good potential.
4. Break of Dawn. Title track is not that strong to me. Not bad. Just doesn't stand out.
5. Hush. A nice lullaby sounding song. Another soulful song but probably won't be a big hit... but I could see a nice video from this one.
6. Money. This is an okay throwback funk song. Not a big fan. This might get skipped on my playlist a bunch.
7. Pieces. Another sleepy ballet. I like the sound but doesn't stand out to me.
8. Right There. A little bit more hip hop beat with this joint. This song could use a strong remix and a 8 bars from a top rapper (Drake, Common, Weezy, or maybe Beenie man). I like this song just needs a little push to be great and top billboard hit. Think weaker version of Motivation by Kelly Rowland.
9. Milk & Money. Another strong song. This is a cool joint to play while hosting a nice cocktail tune. Classic Neosoul sound.
Pros
1. Album got soul and a mix of R&B sounds. There is about 2-3 potential hits on this album. More than her last because she is a rising star.
2. Favorite songs... Undertow, Tears on my Pillow, Right There (one of these might become a classic)
3. Strong vocals. This girl has got a powerful voice in a small frame.
Cons
1. No real upbeat club type song. Although she made had a "house" remix of closer from her last album. She should include on to get more radio play. At least one tune.
2. Some songs are not that strong. They will be forgettable.
She is an independent artist and not with a major label so she isn't going to get the marketing to get her music wide play without a grassroots hit. Think Adele... type growth.
But I like her as an artist and hope more people check out independent artist like this. Support if you can when she and other talented artist visits your town. If she was was on American idol she would definitely win and be a big star. But I bet she wouldn't want to give up creative control of her sound.
This week was a treat. Beyonce at Roseland ballroom for a private small venue show.
First of all, if you are going to see an artist at a general admission concert and have to stand up all night it best be someone like Beyonce. High energy. Amazing performer. And tunes to make people move their feet.
People were on line from 1pm outside waiting for door to open at 8pm. Yes. I guess the people without jobs had some time (and money - tix were not cheap) on their hands.
This concert featured her new album "4". If you haven't picked it up yet, it's worth a listen. What is good about the album? I think this album will have about 4-5 hits. At first listen, I thought there were 3 strong songs, super ballad "Best thing I ever had", and up tempo tunes "Countdown" and "End of Time". And although I didn't like it at first, "Run this world (Girls)" is a typically Beyonce anthem song for girls. And Party has a good "house party" and "grown folk" feel to it. And I think "Start over" might be late hit on the album. Its got a good sound to it but not sure if its commercial enough... and its another ballad.
A couple of shots from Beyonce Roseland show...
Beyonce "4" at a glance...
1. "1+1": 3. It had to grow on me, but when it did I started feeling the song. The lyrics are a bit cryptic, which reminds me of "Halo", but some will like that about the song. I heard there was a version by The Dream (who wrote the song) and Beyonce. Beyonce got the better voice so I think its the better version.
2. "I Care": 2. It seems a bit to filler, especially with the "la, la, la, la, la" and repetitive. Nothing spectacular really stands out to me with this song.
3. "Miss You": 3. Short song. Decent ballad. Beyonce shares her pain with her audience of a love gone astray. And the song ends perfectly with just the instrumental fading out. It gives a feeling of whether she'll reunite with the one she loves or forever live with the pain of not having him. **weep, weep**
4. "Best Thing I Never Had": 4. I like this song overall. Catchy. Babyface wrote and composed this song. Anyone who's familiar with Babyface's catalog is fully aware of the master artistry he creates with music. Not his best, but it works with Beyonce vocal style.
5. "Party" featuring Andre 3000: 5. This Kanye-produced track is one of my favorite songs on the album and an excellent standout! Andre 3000 is Beyonce's only featured artist and he delivers (like always). I am bias since I am Outkast fan and Andre always has great flow on an album. Smart move Beyonce!!
Gotta love this verse...
"Kiddo say he looks up to me, this just makes me feel old
Never thought that we could become someone else's hero
Man, we were just in the food court, eating our gyro"
My favorite line from Andre because it gives me a nostalgic feeling from the humble beginnings of the 90s from both artists to what they've become today. And the production has a 90s sound to it as well. Kanye did great with this track. In fact, every artist present shined on this song. This should be have been the first single... a perfect summer hit song.
6. "Rather Die Young" 3: Sleepy but when she performs it live... watch out. She sings the hell out the song. As a "an ode to Jay" because that's exactly what it is, and there's nothing wrong with that. Keep your man happy "B"
7. "Start Over": 4. Another standout track from this album. The harmonies Beyonce shares with her backup singers are breathtakingly beautiful. This song is strong as anything she has done in the past because she sounds so mature. She has definitey grown up so passionate in the lyrics. I felt her desperation to salvage the broken relationship she's in with her guy. This song might be single-worthy, but I wonder how people will respond to it.
8. "Love on Top": 2. More "classic" Beyonce. It's a fun, upbeat song that I believe her fanbase will appreciate. Very old R&B.. ala Jackson 5 and Michael.
9. "Countdown": 5. Another "classic" Beyonce song that her fanbase will appreciate. It might be one of my favorites b/c it's fun, catchy, and clever. In 10 counts Beyonce tells her audience of the love she shares with her man. I can see someone coming up with a dance for this song. Hopefully I don't see men doing the "Beyonce girl slide" as they run across the stage with those little steps she is known for.
10. "End of Time": 4. Beyonce satisfies her fans with yet another track they'll appreciate. I call this the "war dance" song. I'm a sucker for songs that have that "marching band sound" to it. It has a great intro that will appear in club remixes all over. This one might be the one that shows up those MTV dance shows.
11. "I Was Here": 4. Beyonce teamed up with Diane Warren for this angst-y track where she basically tells her audience her time as an entertainer is ending. I can see this as a closing song for the rest of her concerts. Also, this might be a big funeral song... kind of haunting. But I do like the vibe of the song.
12. "Run the World (Girls)": 2. Not my favorite song. But its an anthem song. Just okay. Borderline could have been left off the album.
All in all, my rating on this album is 3 stars. It's decent and more mature-sounding. Worth the money.
And some performances
Pros
-Beyonce looked great and the stars were out (P-Diddy, The Dream, Neyo, Jay-Z, Mary Mary, jusst to name a few.
-Great show and great energy. People were singing along word for word, even on the new songs.
-Good music
Cons
-Long wait standing on lines to get in
-Show didn't start for 2 hours.
-Smelly armpits... Thank God they gave out Beyonce perfume samples that came in handy as a defensive measure.
Anyone got any favorite Beyonce songs from the new album "4"? What about all time Beyonce songs?
