Monthly Archives: September 2011

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Lee Hom’s new music

Lee Hom has a new track and music video out, just ahead of the release of his second greatest hits album titled “Open Fire” or “火力全开” which is due to be released on 30th September. The music video is rather epic, and his intentions of bringing Asian music to the Western world laudable. The only problem I have with his new track is his singing. He kind of sounds like JJ Lin on this track, which I do not mean in a good way. I hope he gets back his style of singing.

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‘I Remember Me’ by Jennifer Hudson

Alright, I have bought quite a few albums over the last few weeks. Here is Jennifer Hudson’s.

I have been very impressed by Jennifer Hudson since her American Idol days because her voice and attitude always stood out among the contestants. And she really made it big-time after her award-winning and career-changing role as “Effie” in “Dreamgirls”, even outshining Beyonce in that movie I would say.

So she is back with a brand new album called “I Remember Me”. Firstly, she looks absolutely amazing, and so different compared to the days before she lost weight. Secondly, unlike her debut album, her sophomore album is less commercial, catering less to mainstream tastes, but it showcases her soulful and big voice nonetheless. Emotions and confidence are overflowing in this album, for instance, in track like “I Got This”, “Don’t Look Down”, “Still Here”.

Alicia Keys penned 3 songs in this album, and they definitely are reminiscent of her style, and you could even “picture” her singing these songs. Other than Alicia Keys, there’s also R.Kelly, who penned the album’s first single “Where You At”, as well as Ryan Tedder, who co-wrote the title track with Jennifer Hudson.

The only misstep in this album I think will have to be the cover “Feeling Good”. I do not think that her treatment of this song impressive. Then again it could be because of the song, or that it is just not for a singer like her.

Anyway, I think this album is a better showcase of Jennifer Hudson than her debut, which was more market-driven.

3.5 out of 5

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’21′ by Adele

I never thought I would like Adele’s album, after all, I was quite skeptical about critics’ reviews and covers of her songs (or rather, song – “Rolling in the deep”) by so many artistes, including John Legend, Linkin Park, etc. I did not want to buy an album for just one or 2 nice songs, if you know what I mean. However, I decided to get it anyway.

Anyway, I was blown away already on the first listen! It has been a very long time since I liked an album from top to bottom on the first listen, and I am not talking about an album that is full of catchy brainless tunes. ’21′ is quite a mature effort, considering Adele is only 21! According to her, this album is actually inspired by her relationship. By now, we should all be very familiar with her 2 singles, “Rolling in the Deep”, as well as “Someone Like You”.

Other than these two hits, my favourites would also include “Don’t You Remember” (my absolute favourite), “One and Only”, and “Set Fire to the Rain”. The album in general is rather cohesive and flows very well. Also, Adele’s an amazing storyteller, to be able to emote and bring out the meaning of the songs. They are afterall, inspired by her relationships.

This is definitely pop music at its very best!

4.5 out of 5

 

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Tasmania!

Had a chance to visit Tasmania island in Australia over the past few weeks, and I have to say that it is really a very nice and peaceful place. Everyone should try to visit it once in a lifetime. The food’s awesome, the scenery’s breathtaking, the people friendly, etc. And there’s not a lot of people, which is either a good thing or a bad thing. Anyway, managed to take some pictures!


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’4′ by Beyonce

I am a fan of Beyonce’s, and I am always excited to get my hands on her (new) albums/ materials. Her latest album, ’4′, is definitely an interesting one – more experimental than B’day, has more slow to mid-tempo tracks, and is quite a departure from her usual style. It is still impressive nonetheless.

The album kicks off with her third single “1+1″. She sounds amazing on this track, and I think it probably has to do with her marriage. Her voice floats above this simple arrangement below, and she sounds so much in love. The best rendition of this song that I have heard so far has to be that on American Idol, when she sings with just piano accompaniment. Equally just as emotional is the track “I Miss You”.

I have to say that the mid to fast-tempo tracks sort of stands out more on her album (maybe because there are less of them). There’s “Best Thing I Never Had”, which is essentially “Irreplaceable” part II in a way; “Love on Top”, “Countdown”, ” End of Time”, and her first single “Run the World (Girls)”.

My most favourite track on the album has to be “Love on Top”, the song which she performed at the 2011 VMAs! It has this retro-feel, and it is just so catchy! Simple and effective song! “Countdown” is another favourite. I really like the arrangement for the song, and is sort of reminiscent of her B’day era.

Overall, while it is a great effort by Beyonce, it may not be a very listenable album for the first few runs. One will definitely need more time to get used to most of the songs, and once you do, you will realise how amazing an artiste she has become over the years.

4 out of  5