Reading Time: 7 minutes
This is soooo late. What can I say? The end of August/beginning of September is a busy one.
Despite August being my least busy month, I always find it’s the month I listen to the least amount of music.
Initially there wasn’t that much here, then Sabrina Carpenter released her brilliant new album and it seems to have bulked out quite a bit!
As always, a huge thank you for reading. It really does mean the world.
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As one of the world’s biggest pop superstars and almost a decade into her career, Katy Perry’s ‘Witness’ should and could have been a Pop triumph and a fine addition into her impressive pop discography. Except, it isn’t.
Perry shot to fame after debut release ‘I Kissed A Girl‘ and subsequently released the ever-brilliant ‘One of The Boys’, a quirky pop-rock album which took a singer-songwriter approach. The follow up, ‘Teenage Dream’ witnessed her transition into bubblegum pop to become a global superstar and it’s this album that remains her best. ‘Prism’, the follow up, aimed for the same but demonstrated more maturity. It was a well-intentioned follow up and had its moments but failed to be endearing as ‘Teenage Dream’.
On ‘Witness’, as opposed to taking an innovative approach, Perry merely demonstrates that she has lost her identity. Gone is the bubblegum pop and in is a perplexing cacophony of dark and electropop. The opening title track is sturdy enough with its twinkly piano riffs and effervescent synthesizers but fails to make an impression similar to that of ‘Roar‘, ‘Teenage Dream‘, or ‘One of The Boys‘. From here, the album barely improves. It’s an album dependent on repeated Pop hooks over dissonant electropop but fails to make much of an impression and is instantly forgettable.
The album depends heavily on contemporary production: huge drops, autotune-drenched vocals and distant synthesizers yet it doesn’t pay off. It’s a chaotic mesh of commotion which lacks personality and any memorable tracks. It’s simply a rehash of the singles chart from the last six months. It’s no wonder that Perry has had to rely on wielding Taylor Swift slurs and that droll therapy session broadcasted all over the world.
Bizarrely, the album’s best moments are the mediocre singles. ‘Bon Appetit‘ is the closest to any of the effervescent, naughty pop featured on ‘Teenage Dream’ whilst ‘Chained To The Rhythm‘ remains the album’s highlight. The same cannot be said for the diabolical ‘Swish Swish‘, however which has all the cringe of a mum attempting to be ‘down-with-the-kidz’. Musically, it could have been a fine EDM track but is let down by its unwarranted Taylor Swift-berating lyrics.
The only other times that the album attempts to redeem itself is at the very end, first on the penultimate track ‘Pendulum‘, then on finale ‘Into Me You See‘. On the triumphant, gospel-tinged ‘Pendulum‘, Perry’s vocals glisten over irresistible piano riffs and a symphony of gospel vocals whilst ‘Into You See Me‘ is a delicate piano ballad in a similar vein to Teenage Dream’s ‘Not Like The Movies‘. Unfortunately, it’s too little, too late.
It’s unlikely that the Katy Perry known and loved by many has vanished forever but certainly indefinitely. Perhaps she should take note from Miley and return in two years with a fresh attitude and a belter of a single.
Rating: 2/5
Highlights: Chained To The Rhythm, Pendulum, Into Me You See
1) Nothing But Thieves – Six Billion
Haunting and powerful track from Nothing But Thieves’ début album. Moody guitar riffs, front man Conor Mason’s Jeff Buckley-like vocals and eerie sounds result in a gorgeously endearing track.
2) Nothing But Thieves – Excuse Me
Euphoric opener to Nothing But Thieves’ début album. Haunting and gentle verses develop into an epic and powerful Chorus with gorgeous falsetto vocals.
3) Nothing But Thieves – If I Get High
Gentle guitar riffs and Conor Mason’s beautifully unique voice carry this track which ends with an epic climax.
4) Katy Perry – Mannequin
Witty and clever lyrics, quirky instrumentation; this is Katy Perry at her best. Before pop producers transformed her into a very different artist, this is the Katy Perry more should be familiar with – the singer-songwriter. Underrated track.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6YVnl83IWQ
5) Ellie Goulding – Army
After the disappointing change of direction exhibited on previous single ‘On My Mind’, this beautiful ballad marks the return of the Ellie Goulding we all know and love. Dreamy synthesisers, reverberating vocals and crashing percussion are featured throughout and it’s a gorgeous song. Think ‘Love Me Like You Do’ Part II but less repetitive and irritating.
6) The Temper Trap – Sweet Deposition
Gorgeous and powerful indie-rock ballad.
7) Katy Perry – If You Can Afford Me
Another track from Katy’s début album ‘One of the Boys’, back in her singer-songwriter days. Clever lyrics and a brilliantly catchy pop-rock track.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhierzQiLcs
8) Frances & Ritual – When It Comes To Us
Gorgeous and haunting ballad full of reverberating electro elements not too dissimilar from William Orbit’s work with All Saints. Both artists deliver beautiful vocal performances and this is is just incredibly beautiful.
9) Markus Feehily – Simple Love
Lovely and unique ballad from the ex-Westlife member. The sped up/altered pitch refrain in the chorus is quirky and works beautifully on this great track.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZ3D4dOnZ_4
10) Markus Feehily – Only You
Gorgeous ballad from ex-Westlife member Markus Feehily’s début solo album ‘Fire’. It’s a little in the same vein as Westlife’s later work but an uplifting and beautiful song.
1) Usher – I don’t mind
God-damn awful lyrics aside, I love this. Slick, smooth and simple: the characteristics of the perfect pop song! Just don’t pay too much information to the lyric content and try and block out Juicy J’s completely useless rap!
2) Gary Barlow – Offer My Peace
B-Side from the Japanese release of the wonderful ‘So Help Me Girl’. It’s classic 90’s schmaltz complete with bongo-type percussion and an electric piano but that’s a lot of what makes it so endearing! Wait for that key change 😉 Lovely little song.
3) Iggy Azalea & Jennifer Hudson – Trouble
Despite my best efforts not to like any of Iggy’s music, I always seem to get drawn in eventually… Despite some of her others which I won’t readily admit to enjoying, I will openly admit that I absolutely love this! Effortlessly catchy, simple, jazzy and just SO damn great. Completely forgot what an incredible voice J-Hud has. She makes it what it is, of course but there’s the perfect balance of rap and singing on it.
4) Longfellow – Where I Belong
Heard this on the radio and completely fell in love with it. It’s not ground-breakingly original but it’s a powerful song. Gorgeous falsetto on that chorus and love the piano too!
5) Janet Jackson – Let’s Wait Awhile
Critics would argue that this is classic 80’s cheese and yes it does have a particular element of that to it. Despite that, the message is still relevant today. It’s such an important song to multiple generations and utterly irresistible. Janet was an incredibly proficient artist in using her music as a means of raising awareness on many important issues back in the 80’s. This song is a part of that movement. The song’s producers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis also do a sterling job on this beautiful song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J75aXgdmEPw
6) Janet Jackson – Nothing
Beautiful simple song by Miss Jackson. The resemblance to Michael is uncanny in some places…
7) George Michael – Please Send Me Someone to Love (Anselmo’s Song)
Lovely track from George’s last album ‘Patience’. Chilled out and obviously very personal (Anselmo was George’s lover who died from AIDS related illness back in the mid-90’s) it’s George at his best.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMtM1dl0qu8
8) John Mayer & Katy Perry – Who You Love
Yes it may be a little cheesy but it’s such a beautiful song. Love how the lyrics come from two different perspectives by the couple and it’s lovely to hear Katy’s raw, organic vocals without any of the usual processing it receives. I love this couple so much – two of my favourite artists together.
9) JLS – Close to You
Not exactly innovative but a lovely R&B love song all the same. Really love this.
10) Usher -Burn
An often forgotten gem from eleven (was it really that long ago?!) years ago. Usher does heartbreak R&B ballads like no other. Such a beautiful song.
1) Katy Perry – This is how we do
This is so catchy, so cool and such a great, uplifting summer song. One of her best off ‘Prism’ and I’m so glad Katy’s releasing it as a single. Great video too.
2) Tulisa – Young
Whatever you think about Tulisa and N Dubz in general, this remains one heck of a tune. This is uplifting, summery and so damn catchy.
3) Take That – It only takes a minute
A massive guilty pleasure, this was a great interpretation of an old disco classic. Its sound and production has certainly been left in the ’90’s but it still sounds awesome and Take That’s version is perhaps the best loved and most known version. Such a catchy chorus.
4) Take That – Once you’ve tasted love
One of Take That’s most underrated songs of their entire career. It may have been on their début ‘Take That and Party’ which is undoubtedly cheesy and lacks credibility in places but it remains a great, great album. This song is infused with electro-pop influences and it’s just so well written/produced. Big chorus too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTSoPCNLN0U
5) The 1975 – She Way Out
Almost a year later and I’m still just as addicted to The 1975’s début album as I was upon my first listen. ‘She Way Out’ is definitely one of my favourites. It’s repetitive but it’s so damn good, so catchy and has an unbeatable sing-along chorus.
6) Jessie Ware – Tough love
I’ve heard this on the radio for months now and I’ve begun to realise I fall in love with it a little bit more with every listen. It’s soft, understated but remarkably beautiful. So chilled out and a great song.
7) John Mayer – Good love is on the way
A song that’s never appeared on a John Mayer studio album, this has only been included on John’s live albums. It’s an awesome song, however. I love the guitar instrumentation and the lyrics. Very catchy and an awesome tune. Would love a studio version someday.
8) Charlie Simpson – Long road home
I decided to check out Charlie’s new album the other day and was pleasantly surprised. Every song was beautifully written with smooth harmonies and heartfelt lyrics. This is the opening track to Charlie’s second album and it’s a killer opening. Awesome tune.
9) Charlie Simpson – Hold On
Smooth, fluttering harmonies and gorgeous lyrics. Love the guitars in this and the feel of the song in general. Incredibly beautiful.
10) Madonna – Don’t tell me
One of Madonna’s best, I particularly love the stutter-y production on this. It’s smooth, low-key and very summery. I loved Madonna’s music of this era – the country themed songs and minimalistic production.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRLHro9EPD0
1) 5SOS – Don’t stop
I do think this band is very overrated. Having said that, this song is irresistibly catchy and I do enjoy hearing it on the radio very much.
2) Usher – Good Kisser (Disclosure Remix)
Those that follow me on Twitter will know how much I love this song through my excessive tweeting about it. I’ve also already included this track in one of my previous editions of Music Monday but this is slightly different as it’s the Disclosure remix. I love the Disclosure boys – their debut album is amazing, their songs are fantastic and their remixes are awesome. Love this.
3) Chris Braide – Last great hope for mankind
You may not have heard of him but Chris Braide is the writer of many well-known and much loved songs. He’s one of my favourite song-writers. Along with his writing, he has also released a handful of his own material on a collection of albums. I love this song and how happy it is.
(Unfortunately there are no videos on YouTube for this – Spotify or iTunes it if you can!)
4) Lady Antebellum – Can’t take my eyes off you
I’ve always loved Lady Antebellum’s single releases but this week I decided to check out their albums. I fell in love with a lot of songs, the harmonies, chord structures and country-feel to each song but I especially loved this one.
5) Jess Glynne – Birthday/I wanna be your lover (Live in the Radio 1 Live Lounge)
Jess Glynne is definitely an artist to watch. She was lead vocalist on Clean Bandit’s awesome song ‘Rather be’ and also on Route 94’s ‘My love’. This was a live version of Katy Perry’s amazing track, ‘Birthday’ which in itself was already great. But then she mixed it up with some of Prince’s ‘I wanna be your lover’ and made it even more crazy. Awesome.
6) Nerina Pallot – Learning to breathe
This is a wonderful song. After re-discovering ‘Sophia’, I decided to check out the album the track was from. I loved all of the songs but I really fell in love with this song. Catchy and emotive chorus.
7) Nerina Pallot – Sophia
This song gives me lots of fond memories. I loved it upon its release back in 2006 and I remember listening to it in the car on my way home from school during my first few weeks of secondary school. It’s an absolutely gorgeous song and I love it very much. Nerina Pallot is amazing.
8) Bipolar Sunshine – Deckchairs on the moon
I keep hearing this on the radio and I love it. I love the piano and how summery/space-y it feels. Very electronic and catchy. One of the best new tracks I’ve heard in a while.
9) Lower than Atlantis – Here we go
This is quite a heavy track for me to like but I’m really loving this!
10) Oasis – Guess God thinks I’m abel
I love the guitar and chord structure on this track. Awesome song
1) John Mayer – Edge of desire
A song I’ve always loved but I fell even deeper in love with it in this past week after watching a live performance of it. The lyrics are some of the best ever written and it’s such a beautiful, emotional song that I can really relate to.
2) Peter Andre – I do
People may scoff at Peter Andre but he has created a great swing/retro album. This is a lovely song.
(You’ll have to Spotify this one!)
3) John Mayer – Free fallin’
One of those rare songs that happen to be better than the original. Amazing.
4) Katy Perry – Teenage dream
This never gets old. Reminds me of summer 2010 – it will always remain my teenage anthem.
5) East 17 & Gabrielle – If you ever
An underrated 90’s R&B classic, this is SO good. Another song that is better than the original. Brian Harvey’s vocals are silky smooth and Gabrielle has one of my favourite female voices EVER.
6) The Cranberries – Linger
Just absolutely unique and beautiful.
7) S Club 7 – Show me your colours
Again, before people scoff at this being by S Club 7, listen to the track first. Awesome song.
8) Pharrell – Angel
Catchy as hell. Pharrell is a genius.
9) TLC – No Scrubs
This girl group were one of the best of the 90’s. This remains an absolute tune. SO good.
10) Katy Perry – Thinking of you
An underrated track by Katy, this is one of her best. One of very few songs she wrote on her own, this needs to be heard by more people so they realise how talented she actually is. Beautiful, relatable lyrics.
I’d say this is perhaps my most heavily modern weighted playlist yet! I’m just really loving a lot of the current chart music at the moment which is pretty rare for me. Hope you’ll discover some new songs through this playlist and remember to check back every Monday where I’ll post my ten favourite songs of the moment.
1) Gary Barlow – Jump
Beautiful song co-written by Gary with another of my favourite writers – Tim Rice-Oxley from Keane. I’ve always found it a greatly inspiring song but hearing it live and seeing the visuals at Gary’s 02 Arena gig I attended last week made me fall even deeper in love with it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NrVR-Wkp48
2) Mr Probz – Waves (Robin Shulz remix)
Love the feel of this track. So chilled out yet so catchy – loving hearing this on Radio One at the moment.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MH9qWemtPo
3) Kings of Leon – Temple
Love a bit of Kings of Leon! This reminds me a little of their previous song ‘Supersoaker’ which I also love. Just catchy and fantastic as always.
4) Duke Dumont – I got you
I know this has been around for a while now but I’ve only just sat up and took notice of it! My love for this track grows with every listen – it is SO catchy and so summery. Cannot get enough of this. Best thing about this track is the steel pans!
5) John Mayer – The Age Of Worry
I’ve loved this for ages but only fully paid attention to the lyrics of this track lately. So inspiring.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHsCGwH7P6g
6) Katy Perry – Birthday
SO glad Katy has decided to release this track as her next single. It’s my favourite from ‘Prism’ – full of cheeky innuendo and so incredibly catchy.
7) Sigma – Nobody to love
I wasn’t sure what to make of this on the first few listens but it’s so damn irresistible. Repetitive but awesomely catchy.
8) Whitney Houston – I have nothing
I watched ‘The Bodyguard’ which happens to be one of my favourite films on Saturday night and so I’ve been going through a Whitney obsession again. This track was kinda overshadowed by ‘I will always love you’ but it’s still my favourite from the soundtrack. Incredible song and as always, Whitney’s voice was flawless.
9) Whitney Houston – I will always love you
Despite its fame I was never really fussed about this song until a couple of years ago. It’s just a beautiful interpretation of an original track by Dolly Parton. Definitely one of the greatest, if not THE greatest pop vocal performance of all time.
10) John Mayer – Queen of California
This sounds so great in the sun as it’s SO summery. Been listening to this loads recently.
Wednesday saw the 34th Brit Award Ceremony take place at the 02 arena and broadcast live across the world for the first time. Here’s my take on the events of the evening.
The Brits 2014 saw a massive drop in ratings – 2 million less people than last year. Yet, in my opinion, the 2014 Brits were a million times better than last year’s rather dull affair. Bizarre acceptance speeches, electric performances, dodgy jokes and self promotion riddled this years ceremony but in a way that made fantastic entertainment. The Brits has a reputation for generating and attracting controversy but that’s part of what makes it so endearing.
James Corden did a wonderful job of presenting once again, moving the show along nicely aided by a few funny gags and some spontaneous quips (a selfie with Prince and a pinch of a member of the Arctic Monkeys’ bum were particular highlights). Whilst not everyone was equally pleased with some of his remarks, I think James was awesome once again and I will greatly miss him hosting The Brits. He’s not overly controversial, a great guy, loves his music and funny with it. I hope whoever is lined up to present next year’s Brits will be able to bring something original to the table.
Performance-wise, whilst this year’s list of performers perhaps looked a little dull on paper, there were some great performances. Katy Perry delivered a theatrical Egyptian-themed performance of new track ‘Dark Horse’, which, despite the song not being her strongest release, managed to entertain. Bruno Mars took to the stage to sing the fantastically catchy ‘Treasure’ in which, whilst being an amazing performance, one must question whether this was a performance by Bruno or by The Bruno Mars band. There was very little solo by Mr Mars himself, instead, he was joined by an assemble of men to the point it rather looked and sounded like a Boyz II Men super-group on-stage. Beyonce appeared in a stunning, sparkly green gown to perform powerful new single ‘XO’. Disclosure managed to significantly improve incredibly scary Lorde’s ‘Royals’ by transforming it into a house track and Pharrell Williams gave a great rendition of ‘Happy’ with a little help from funk royalty Nile Rodgers.
As for the awards themselves, there were no major surprises. Daft Punk inevitably collected ‘International Group’ award after an amazingly successful year. Rudimental took home a gong for club-crazy ‘Waiting all night’ for Best British Single. One Direction won an award for a seemingly tailored-just-for-them ‘Brits Global Success Award’ in addition to ‘Best British Video’. Whilst many ridicule them, the lads certainly deserved these awards, particularly the latter, although there wasn’t any strong competition as the other Video nominations were incredibly weak and unoriginal. At least ‘Best Song Ever’ was unique, comedic and well-written/directed. Arctic Monkeys also took home two awards for Best British Group and Best British Album whilst Best British Breakthrough Act went to Bastille. Lorde appeared rather creepily onstage again to collect International Female Solo Artist whilst Bruno Mars received the male equivalent. Best British Female artist was won by Ellie Goulding whilst Best British Male was deservedly won by David Bowie.
What was perhaps most interesting this year were the presenters of the awards and the acceptance speeches. Pop royalty Prince appeared with new band 3RDEYEGIRL which was really awesome, Katy Perry returned onstage to present an award, Tinie Tempah was rather oddly paired with Fearne Cotton, Emeli Sande couldn’t keep away from The Brits, Pharell and Kylie, Jimmy Carr, glamour model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Lily Allen, Cesc Fabregas and Nicole Scherzinger, Grimmy (who passionately snogged James Corden on live telly) and Noel Gallagher. We were subjected to excessive plugs of new releases and dresses and suits for the ceremony. A confused Lily Allen struggled to comprehend her role whilst Jimmy Carr attempted three feeble jokes after which the silence was deafening. Katy Perry asked the audience if they would be attending her tour later this year to which she received a wall of silence. Kate Moss accepted David Bowie’s award on behalf of the man himself, reading a witty speech he had written in which he managed to somewhat randomly incorporate his political views (‘Stay with us Scotland.’) A rather drunk and/or stoned Alex Taylor slurred through an egocentric rant on ‘Rock n roll’, looking as if he wished to be anywhere but there.
The issue is, whilst this was all great in the name of entertainment, it just reinforced the view of many. That The Brits is less about the music and more about self-promotion and entertainment. Few of the acceptance speeches were genuinely thankful, many highly successful artists were overlooked in nominations and quite frankly, some of the song nominations were bizarre.
There is no denying that it was an entertaining show, however and a drastic improvement on last year’s bore. So, another year, another Brits over. I already look forward to next year’s!
I just watched the new John Mayer and Katy Perry video and I fan-boyed SO MUCH. It’s so bizarre but absolutely amazing that two of my favourite artists are not only dating but have recorded such a perfect song together.
This song took me by surprise when I listened to the previews of John’s album ‘Paradise Valley’ before its release as I had no idea he’d release anything the couple had recorded on one of his records. I’ve loved it since hearing the preview and no matter how many times I listen, it never ever gets dull. It’s one of the softest songs I have ever heard and lyrically it’s fantastically honest. They sound gorgeous together when they harmonise and it’s lovely to hear Katy’s voice without any processing or effects.
Stunning song and a beautiful video by one of my personal favourite directors, Sophie Muller. It’s lovely to see them so happy with each other – they make such a beautiful couple.
the-music-box.co.uk 