post4u.biz-playzone: 2012

วันพฤหัสบดีที่ 28 มิถุนายน พ.ศ. 2555

วันพุธที่ 30 พฤษภาคม พ.ศ. 2555

Ever since her “Pon de Replay” arrival in summer 2005, Rihanna has been ubiquitous on pop radio. After topping the charts with two killer dance-pop records, the Barbados singer changed things up with the hit soul-searching ballad “Unfaithful.” Her label Def Jam is once again wasting no time in releasing new material, jumping forward with new single “Umbrella.” The song combines Rihanna’s serious side with her dance floor sensibilities to make for her best track yet.

Pros
•Rihanna's maturing voice
•Irresistible chorus
•Uniquely effective rock-r&b production
Cons
•Unneccessary Jay-Z cameo
Description
•Drum kit and driving bass line create an edgy, rock-hop sound
•Rihanna's aggressive vocal performance
•Uniquely pronounced “umbrella” makes for an addictive hook
Guide Review - Rihanna featuring Jay-Z - Umbrella
In past work, Rihanna’s teenage voice has carried about as much charisma as a bowl of water. Five-star production and her uncanny knack for melody, however, have been able to make up for any vocal shortcomings. On “Umbrella,” Rihanna is beginning to show major signs of musical growth as she sports her most impressive and aggressive vocal performance to date.

“Umbrella” is unique in that it is constructed of a hip-hop beat but has an edgy rock sound. The song is somewhat stripped-down and consists mostly of a standard drumbeat up until the chorus. At the hook, however, Rihanna kicks her vocal up a notch alongside a roaring bass line, creating an aura of desperation, as if the whole thing could explode at any moment. The experience culminates in Rihanna’s catchy, repetitive pronunciation of the song’s title.

Although “Umbrella” kicks off with an unnecessary and somewhat uninspired rap from label boss Jay-Z, Rihanna more than makes up for the early misstep as she convincingly sings about keeping a relationship together no matter the circumstances. If this lead single is any indication, the upcoming third album, Good Girl Gone Bad should be her best yet.

Rihanna featuring Jay-Z - Umbrella

Adele - "Rolling In the Deep"

Adele "Rolling In the Deep," the first single from her second album 21, wastes no time in presenting the stunning bluesy authority of her voice. Less than five seconds in she begins proclaiming the rise of emotion that results in fantasies of revenge against a lover who has done her wrong. Hers is a voice that can raise chills up the spine, and, when she is in a mood like this, the sense of foreboding will rivet your attention. Once you hear "Rolling In the Deep," you will be counting the days before the full album can be heard.

Pros
•Adele's powerful bluesy vocals
•Powerful set of lyrics
•Impending feeling of doom in the production
Cons
•No negatives
Description
•Written by Adele Adkins and Paul Epworth
•Produced by Paul Epworth
•Released by Columbia November 2010
Guide Review - Adele - "Rolling In the Deep"
Adele took home the Best New Artist Grammy Award back in early 2009, and, if "Rolling In the Deep" is any indication, it was a well deserved honor. She is still quite young at 22, but Adele sings with the authority and sense of life experience of a 40 year old. When she wails, "We could have had it all...rolling in the deep," you feel every ounce of pain and loss with her. However, it is not a pain that has left her frail or defenseless. In fact, the entire song sounds as if she is gathering strength to do something about the pain, and the palpable feel of impending doom becomes chilling by the song's end. The lyrics are quite powerful and devastating. The words paint a picture that will make you feel like staring self-consciously.

Co-songwriter and producer Paul Epworth, who has worked recently with the likes of Cee Lo Green and Florence and the Machine, provides a perfect backdrop for Adele's vocals on "Rolling In the Deep." Martial beats, pounding piano chords, and chanting backing singers all seem to just gradually ratchet forward and follow the emotion in the lead line. A broken down handclapping bridge is positively spooky. Adele and Paul Epworth collaborate on two additional songs on 21. They are a team worth watching.

Adele had some difficulty reaching commercial success in the US with her first album 19. Ultimately, following well placed TV appearances, and two Grammy Award wins, 19 did climb into the top 10 and "Chasing Pavements" became a minor hit on the pop singles chart. "Rolling In the Deep" is not a song that US pop fans can afford to miss. Adele is a major talent who is pushing forward into exciting new territory. Don't miss this single, and let your emotions ride with it. It is a journey worth taking.