I received a free download of this album through One2One Network. All views expressed are the honest opinion of Just Say I Told You So.
The holidays are here. I have to admit that I wasn't really ready. Part of me feels like the season doesn't begin until the music starts... and the music if officially in the building! Idina Menzel has blessed the holiday season with her new album Holiday Wishes. And this album is truly a blessing! Is it just me or does Idina have a magical voice? And yes I loved her way before she became Elsa... can you say RENT? This chick has some serious talent... her vocal cords must be made of diamonds!
This delightful album is composed of holiday classics like "All I want for Christmas is You," "Holly Jolly Christmas," and "Baby It's Cold Outside" which she sings along with what's his name... you know the crooner - Michael Bublé! If you're looking for an album to add to your holiday music rotation... this is it! #HolidayWishes is in stores now. FYI: the Target edition of the album features two bonus tracks. You can also download it on iTunes and Amazon. Be sure to follow Idina on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube too!
I participated in the Mary J Blige The London Sessions album review program as a member of One2One Network. I was provided a free album to review. All views expressed are the opinion of Just Say I Told You So.
Mary J. Blige has been on the music scene for quite a while. She is known for the deep emotion she brings to every bar she sings. Now she's back with something completely new... Mary's new album: The London Sessions is a clear departure from her usual soul. This time she traveled across the ocean to collaborate with some of the UK's hottest talents (Sam Smith, Emile Sandé, Jimmy Napes, Naughty Boy, and Sam Romans).
In the past she has penned some prolific heartbreaking ballads, during the most turbulent times in her life. But there is something noticeably softer about Mary on this album. I don't know if it's the London vibe or the fact that Mary is happy! Whatever it is, it's kinda nice. The London Session tracks:
Therapy
Doubt
Not loving you
When you're gone
Right Now
My loving
Long hard look
Whole damn year
Nobody but you
Pick me up
Follow
Worth my time
Now I know the track list may not sound very happy, but if you've have followed Mary over the course of her career, I promise you will hear the difference. And I'm not saying that I like sad Mary better, I'm just saying happy Mary is different...
The vocals are the Mary we all know and love, strong. The lyrics are powerful and thought-provoking. The musical layout is diverse, a definite deviation from the Mary of old. I like it!
It takes guts to step outside of your comfort zone. Especially in an industry that is fickle, and the music industry is definitely that. As an artist, I imagine it must be difficult to take a leap a faith, without knowing how your audience will receive it. But there is no growth without risk, that's for sure. So I say bravo to Mary for putting it all on the table... I think she scored!
The London Sessions will be on sale December 2nd. You pre-order your copy on iTunes and Amazon.
I participated in the Mary Lambert Heart On My Sleeve album review program as a member of One2One Network. I was provided a free album to review but all views expressed are the honest opinion of Just Say I Told You So.
I❤︎ Mary Lambert. I love that she is genuinely herself. She's not trying to fit into a box, and she's not afraid to color all over the page either. Mary's new album Heart On My Sleeve is fabulous! There are several tracks that I'm really feeling, but they're all great if you ask me.
Track List
Secrets - this one is fabulous.. excellent single selection
So far away
Ribcage
Dear One - excellent spoken word piece
When you sleep
Chasing the moon - great uptempo track
Jessie's girl - classic remake
Monochromatic - love this one
Wounded animal
Sum of our parts
In a time where so many artists sound the same and we've been auto-tuned to death, Mary Lambert is a breath of refreshing oxygen. Her voice is lovely and her lyrics are awesome.I think that she has a bright future ahead of her... and she's creating her own lane! Heart On My Sleeve is currently in stores now. Also available on iTunes and Amazon. See what Mary's up to on her website. You can also follow her around on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram. I participated in the Mary Lambert Heart On My Sleeve album review program as a member of One2One Network. I was provided a free album to review but all views expressed are the honest opinion of Just Say I Told You So.
I participated in the Train Bulletproof Picasso album review program as a member of One2One Network. I was provided a free album to review but all views expressed are the honest opinion of Just Say I Told You So.
I fell in love with the Grammy Award winning group, Train, the first time I heard "Drops of Jupiter," from their second studio album. I'm sure I had heard them before that, but that song hooked me for life. And now they've done it again... their new album, Bulletproof Picasso, which is their 7th album, goes on sale next week.
I've been listening to the album for a couple of days and it sounds p-r-e-t-t-y nice! Bulletproof Picasso is classic Train sound, all the way. Check out this track list:
Cadillac, Cadillac
Bulletproof Picasso
Angel in Blue Jeans
Give it all
Wonder what you're doing for the rest of your life
Son of a prison guard
Just a memory
I'm drinking tonight
I will remember
The bridge
Baby, Happy Birthday
Don't grow up so fast
Most of the tracks are kinda up-tempo. The title track, Bulletproof Picasso, has a toe-tapping-head-bopping melody, that's pretty snazzy. Angel in Blue Jeans is my favorite, its got a mellow feel that makes me want to stand on a mountain top with the wind blowing through my hair, with sweeping views of a grand valley below! Unfortunately they had a different idea for the video:
Just a Memory, Baby Happy Birthday, and The Bridge are also tracks that I have on repeat. Overall, this is a really good album. Not that I expected anything less from Train, because they are awesome-tastic! You can pre-order your copy of Bulletproof Picasso from iTunes, Amazon, and other fine on & offline retailers. Or you can purchase it immediately on Tuesday, September 9th. Stop by the Train website, follow em' on Twitter, like em' on Facebook, or look at em' on YouTube.
I participated in the Train Bulletproof Picasso album review program as a member of One2One Network. I was provided a free album to review but all views expressed are the honest opinion of Just Say I Told You So. **This post contains an Amazon affiliate link.**
British singer-songwriter David Gray's tenth studio album Mutineers will be released in a few short days (June 17th). I've had the great pleasure of previewing Mutineers for the past few weeks, and I have to say I'm kinda in love with it. I wouldn't exactly call myself an music aficionado, not by any stretch of the imagination, but I know what sounds good to me. I like a little of everything from classical to hip hop, so I'm pretty good about listening with an unbiased ear. What grabbed me first about this album was David's smooth and even voice. It's mellow, even on the upbeat tracks. I was able to get into a good relaxing groove while listening to it. I was even able to write to it, which is huge! I'm so easily distracted that I usually write to classical tunes, but now Mutineers in full writing rotation! The title track, Mutineers, is probably my favorite. It's a little up-tempo, not very, but enough to sway steadily. The groove escalates as the track plays on... and then there is a bit of a crescendo toward the end, like an emotional peak of sorts, that I really dig. Another fave is Last Summer, which is more of a ballad. It has a beautiful violin piece at the end of the track that I find mesmerizing. Then there is Snow in Vegas, which is one of those songs that makes me want to drive down the highway with the top off! Hair flying in the wind, sunglasses gleaming, heart on fire, and the biggest smile I can muster. The lyrics are a bit more relaxed than the picture I just painted, but the energy of the melody transports me to the road at about 2:19, when David exclaims "anything you want yeah, anything at all, any little thing you need, all you do is call." Gets me every time! The first single off the album, Back in the World, is also the opening track. It's got a steady cymbal beating throughout, which forces me to bob my head to the beat. Check it out:
All the tracks are great really, I would venture to say that there isn't a single track that I don't like on the album. I like them all! And I assure you that my review of this album is not embellished, not even a little bit. It's an awesome album. If you don't believe me... pick up a copy for yourself. Mutineers will be available on iTunes, Amazon, and DavidGray.com on Tuesday, June 17th. This is not a paid post. I received a free download of Mutineers to aid in the facilitation of this review. All views expressed are the honest opinion of Just Say I Told You So.
I received a free copy of this CD to facilitate this review.
I'm enjoying music a lot these days (even more so than usual). I find myself singing and snapping my fingers (even in silence), life is good!
Remember the Dixie Chicks? I know, I love them too!
Well sisters Emily Robison and Martie Maguire have been BUSY! They've put together a new band, Court Yard Hounds, and they're on fire!
Their new album Amelita has catchy hooks, instrumental riffs, and toe-tapping melodies. The sound of real instruments makes me giddy.
Here are a list of the tracks (the one's I LOVE are in bold):
Sunshine
Amelita
The World Smiles
Aimless Upward
Guy Like You
Rock All Night
Phoebe
Divided
Gets You Down
Watch Your Step
The Road You Take
My very favorite track is The World Smiles. It's an upbeat track with a clear and positive message. My kinda tune!
Just so that we're clear, this is not a phase that these sister-gals are going through, "We're a band, not a side project. We like our sound, and we're going to continue to do this, and share something new this time around." There you have it.
Two smart chicks, who can play more than one instrument and sing - it doesn't get much better than that!
Amelita is in stores now and can be purchased online at Amazon and iTunes.
Be sure to like the Court Yard Hounds on Facebook and follow on Twitter too.
This is not a paid post. A free CD was received to facilitate this review. All views expressed are the honest opinion of Just Say I Told You So.
Some musical artist really do stand the test of time. Rod Stewart is one of those artists. I can honestly remember listening to Rod as a child of the 70's, as a kid in the 80's, and as a teen in the 90's. After 20 years, Rod Stewart is back with a new album 'Time.'
Although I have always enjoyed his music, I thought I would solicit the help of my mother, Regina, to review this album. So I gave her the CD and told her that she needed to listen to it several times before offering an opinion, and she did just that. She said "I listened to it in the car, while I was sewing, and while I laid in bed." Here is what she had to say:
"Overall, I really liked the album. There were several tracks that had a country feel to them, which was different than the old Rockin' Rod, but I liked that."
There were two tracks that she especially liked Pure Love because she could imagine herself slow dancing to that tune and Live the Life because it was upbeat and encouraging (she could also imagine line dancing to this one).
As it turns out Rod wrote 11 of the 12 tracks on the album. He is said to have rediscovered his knack for songwriting while reviewing his memoir. "Suddenly ideas were piling up in my head..." he said.
Rod will be going on tour in Europe on June 1st, with dates in America beginning on October 17th where he will be joined by another one of my favorite artists, Steve Winwood!
Time is in stores now. You can download it on iTunes or Amazon.
This is not a paid post. I received a free copy of the album through One2One. All views expressed are the honest opinion of Just Say I Told You So and our guest reviewer.
I can't remember where or how I was introduced to Michael Bublé, but we go way back (at least a 8 years or more). Sometimes he serenades me as I drift off to sleep. Other times he rides shotgun in the car while I run errands or drive to work. Michael and I have been through a lot together. I talk, he sings. I sing, he sings some more. It's a beautiful relationship, albeit one-sided most of the time!
I was thrilled when I heard that his new album was on the way. To Be Loved is his latest offering and I must say, my crooner has done it again!
There were a few tracks that I really got into like:
Nevertheless (I'm in Love with You) - feat. The Puppini Sisters
I Got it Easy
Something Stupid - feat. Reese Witherspoon
Come Dance with Me
To Love Somebody
I pretty much liked the entire CD to be honest, but those are my faves. I recognized some of the songs, but there were a few that were new to me. It's easy listening music that makes you tap your toes and move your hips. Before you know it your head is bobbing, shoulders are swaying, and you're getting your groove on. It's like that!
In his words:
"I want to take you on a wonderful journey about love - all different kinds of love... This album swings big time: it rocks, it's soulful, it's happy, sometimes a little sad. It's romantic, it's yummy, and it's heartfelt" - Michael Bublé
I really enjoyed the journey and I hope you will too!
You can purchase the album in retail stores, on iTunes and Amazon.
I received a copy of To Be Loved through One2One Network for the purpose of this review. However, all views expressed are the honest opinion of Just Say I Told You So.
Emmy Rossum's Sentimental Journey is like a time machine that takes you back to a time when life was simple and easy. I love good music that makes me feel all nostalgic. Emmy's voice is warm and velvety, this girl can sing!
My sister really loves this album, citing "The Object of My Affection," "I'm looking for a Four Leaf Clover," "These Foolish Things," "All I Do is Dream of You," "Many Tears Ago...," "Autumn Leaves," and "Things" as her faves (that's over half the album by the way).
You may know Emmy from the Showtime hit Shameless, but Sentimental Journey is anything but a shame!
Take a look:
If you want to add some "real" music to your iPod, download Sentimental Journey on iTunes today! You can also purchase the album on Amazon.
Visit the Emmy Rossum official website, see what Emmy's tweeting about on Twitter, chat it up on Facebook, and take a looksie on YouTube.
Be sure to check out Emmy on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson tomorrow night (February 6th).
I received a free copy of this album through One2One to aid in the facilitation of this review. All views expressed are the honest opinion of Just Say I Told You So.
I'm a sucker for a beautiful voice.... you too, right? In an age when just about anybody can get airplay, it's refreshing when real talent breaches the surface. That's exactly how I feel about Chris Mann. His recently released album Roadsis beautiful...
Some of you may remember Chris from NBC's The Voice, but since I don't watch the show I was able to listen with extra virgin ears. While there are several covers on the album, his voice gives each song a new dimension. There are 11 tracks:
Roads
Need You Now
Cuore (co-written by Chris Mann)
The Blower's Daughter
My Way
Unless You Mean It
Always on My Mind
On a Night Like This
Ave Maria
Falling (co-written by Chris Mann)
Viva La Vida
Chris names Pavarotti, Sinatra, and Robbie Williams as his musical influences. His voice is strong, fluid, and mesmerizing - reminicent of singers of years past. To say that I was impressed would be an understatement. Any man who can pull off Ave Maria is truly GIFTED in my book!
If you are looking to hear real music (and I mean REAL music) I encourage you to pick up this album! You can purchase it in retail store and online on iTunes, and Amazon.
I had the honor of going to see Violinist, Ray Chen, at the Luckman Fine Arts Complex in Los Angeles on Saturday. It had to be one of the most beautiful experiences of my life.
I am by no means a music critic, but I know good sound when I hear it. He plays with such spirit and conviction, feeling every note with his entire being. I sat mesmerized in the audience, my head bobbing with every dip of his bow. It was absolutely lovely!
Born in Taiwan and raised in Australia, Ray Chen has won countless awards, including the Queen Elizabeth Competition (2009). His latest album, Virtuoso, is on sale now.
Visit Ray Chen's website for upcoming shows, maybe he will be coming to a city near you! You can also follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.
I received free tickets to see Ray Chen from Flavorpill. I was not required to write a positive review, this is solely the opinion of Just Say I Told You So
Mat Kearney's latest album Young Love was released on August 2nd and debuted at #1 on the iTunes Album and Rock charts. The first single from album, Hey Mama, was inspired by a woman he met in an Anthropologie store, she would later become his wife.
Young Love is about the highs and lows and the youthfulness of love. The first encounters, being shy, playing coy, the anticipation of a possible sighting, the games that young lovers play - Mat explores it all! The rhythms are solid. He gives you something to dance to, you can bob your head to the beat, you can close your eyes and listen and relate to the lyrics. There is really something for everyone.
I listened to this album in the dark before drifting off to sleep for several nights. I sympathized with the difficulties of life on "Down" and marveled at the declaration of dedication on "Count on Me." Young Love is comprised of songs that make you want to sing along. The words are whimsical and powerful, and completely relatable.
In the midst of the "sample" generation, Mat Kearney is a refreshing original. I am certain that he will have a lasting career as a singer and a songwriter. His work has already been featured on countless television shows like: Grey's Anatomy, The Hills, 30 Rock, and Scrubs (just to name a few). So I guess I'm not the only one who thinks he's a genius!
Young Love is in stores now! You can also download it on iTunes. If you want to see what's up next for Mat, follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.
He's taking this show on the road this fall, with nearly 40 dates in the US and Canada, Tickets are on sale now:
9/14 Jacksonville, FL Murray Hill
9/16 Charleston, SC Music Farm
9/17 Athens, GA GA Theater
9/18 Carrboro, NC Cat's Cradle
9/20 Charlottesville, VA Jefferson Theater
9/23 Louisville, KY Headliners
9/24 Cincinnati, OH Bogart's
9/25 Cleveland, OH House of Blues
9/27 Interlochen, MI Corson Aud
9/29 Urbana, IL Canopy Club
9/30 Milwaukee, WI Turner Hall
10/1 Des Moines, IA People's Court
10/2 Omaha, NE Sokol Auditorium
10/4 Bloomington, IN Bluebird
10/5 St Louis, MO The Pageant
10/7 Oxford, MS The Lyric
10/8 Pine Mountain, GA Callaway Gardens
10/9 Birmingham, AL Workplay Theatre
10/20 Nashville, TN Cannery
10/23 Washington, DC 9:30 Club
10/24 Baltimore, MD Ram's Head
10/25 Lancaster, PA Chameleon
10/27 Allentown, PA Crocodile Rock
10/28 New York, NY Webster Hall
10/29 Philadelphia, PA Theater of LIving Arts
10/30 Albany, NY Northern Lights
11/1 Northampton, MA Pearl Street
11/2 New Haven, CT Toad's Place
11/4 Boston, MA House of Blues
11/5 Portland, ME State Theatre
11/6 Burlington, VT Higher Ground
11/8 Montreal, QC Petite Campus
11/9 Toronto, ON Opera House
11/11 Buffalo, NY Town Ballroom
11/12 Pittsburgh, PA Rex Theater
11/13 Detroit, MI St. Andrews
11/15 Columbus, OH Newport Music Hall
11/17 Chicago, IL House of Blues
11/19 Madison, WI The Majestic
11/20 Minneapolis, MN First Avenue
I received a copy of Young Love free from the One2One Network. I was not required to write a positive review. The views expressed are solely the opinion of Just Say I Told You So.
