NoiseTrade Sampler 2011
by
Plumb This album works as a great free sampler for those who havnen't heard Plumb's music. It includes six of her greatest hits, including two completely new remixes. The original studio versions of Beautiful...
Gold
by
Britt Britt Nicole is easily one of the most popular and youthful female artists in the Christian music industry. Her music is catchy, uplifting, and powerful. With two incredible releases under her belt...
Since the year 2000, Rachael Lampa has been one of the most successful female artists in the industry. With four number one singles to her name and three highly acclaimed studio albums,...
She Just Keeps Gettin' Better - A Must Have | Posted August-27-2010
Britt Nicole just keeps getting better. Her debut, Say It, was one of the strongest first releases I have ever heard, and then with last year's The Lost Get Found, she followed up with even better musical arrangements and deeper lyrics.
Now with her first ever EP, simply titled Acoustic, Britt serves up four singles, a fan favorite, and a new song all set to, you guessed it, acoustic music. And let me be the first to say, it's absolutely outstanding.
"Hanging On", the new third single from The Lost Get Found, gets an amazing revamp. This version actually feels lighter, happier, and more meaningful than the somehwhat melancholy pop version. Her vocals are fantastic, and I actually feel that this version may have done better at radio than the current release.
"Set the World On Fire", the only inclusion from her debut, was already a ballad, but this acoustic redo gives a more earthy feel to the song and Britt's vocals are able to stand out more.
"Headphones", a fan favorite from The Lost Get Found, is a very interesting inclusion because the original was so upbeat. It's a passionate, meaningful little tune perfect for troubled teens that need that extra boost during the day. The stripped down feel fits the song well, but I personally like the original version a little bit better.
The no. 1 hit "Walk On the Water" works as equally well with the guitar backing as it does with the original piano backing. It's a good choice, although I like the original a bit better on this version as well.
Another no. 1 and arguably her biggest hit, "The Lost Get Found" is a beautiful track when it is stripped down to a more organic track. Once again, though I prefer the original just a bit more because of it's epic strings. Also, Britt sounds a bit more urgent and compelling on the original.
Finally, the new track "Found By You" is a gorgeous, simple song that is a worshipful prayer to God. I love its acoustic sound and can't imagine it any other way. It will more than likely be released as a single in the future.
Overall, this album is phenomenal. Sure, I mentioned a few of the originals are better than the acoustic versions, but none of them are bad by any means. In fact, they are all superb. Britt's vocals come through clearer on these songs and the lyrics seem even more passionate. It's a must-have for any Britt Nicole fan and a great addition to any worship or acoustic collections. Britt has once again set the bar really high for the rest of her CCM peers, and it's gonna be extremely hard to top this.
Meh | Posted August-18-2010
Well I only downloaded the 4 free songs, considering it seems the album has been cancelled or put on hold. They are just okay. Nothing special. This album doesn't seem to pack the same punch as her debut.
Bum Project | Posted June-06-2010
Although they have gone down since their fantastic debut, pureNRG has been one of my favorite acts and I am sad to see them go. I am also sad that this project is so unfortunate.
Alhough I have not heard them yet and wish they had done two original songs instead, I am sure pureNRG has done a fantastic job on their 2 cover songs. On the other hand, their picks for best songs are a bit lackluster.
Their debut has the most representations with 5 slots. This is a good thing, because their debut is easily their best album. "Footloose", "What If" and the fan's choice "Summertime" are all very worthy features, but I would have rather seen "Live My Life For You" and "Pray" over "360" (which is included AGAIN as the reNRGized version) and the so-so "Thy Word" (there's too many covers as it is, why not stick some originals in here?)
"Here We Go Again" and "Like" are two very good picks from their sophomore release Here We Go Again. Also, their best cover song "Call On Jesus" is included, which rivals the original.
"Radio" and "It's All About You" are good choices, because they are the only good songs from their third album The Real Thing.
The "360" remix from reNRGized is pretty decent and one of the best choices from that album to include. But, like I mentioned earlier, they didn't neat to feature both the remix and original.
Lastly, the karaoke tracks are just heinous. "Someday" and "Before the Sun Goes Down" are some of the WORST sing-a-long choices because they are so lackluster and boring. They are a group with the word "Energy" represented and I would just not have any fun singing these songs... not to mention, the vocal tracks aren't even included, so how am I supposed to know how the song goes unless I buy the other albums?? Songs like "Summertime" or "It's All About You" would have been much better choices. (Of course, it was the fans choice so it's not entirely their fault... but I will tell you... I did NOT choose these songs).
Overall, if you are a new fan, this is a decent representation of their best songs (though I'm still peeved about "Live My Life For You" and "Pray" which are some of their strongest songs), but if you're someone who already has all their albums, just buy the 2 new songs off of iTunes or Amazon.
Fantastic | Posted May-17-2010
Joy Williams once again delivers an amazingly beautiful song. She is so talented and this for a great cause. Good job Joy. It's already on my iPod. :)
A Letdown | Posted April-27-2010
This album was actually kind of a letdown for me. "Songs From This / Songs From That" was just so mind-blowing and amazing, and I just feel like this doesn't capture that same essence that the double EP did. It's also very very short. If I were you I'd get the first 2 songs, and ditch the last 2.
Fantastic | Posted March-30-2010
This will definitely be my favorite album of the year. Perfect Euro pop confections infused with slick beats and enchanting string arrangments are placed all over the album. Songs like "Tell Me", "Run" and the title track are on the faster side, while beautiful ballads "Not Fair", "Revolutionary Thought" and "Epiphany" end this perfect album.
My favorite song though is "Tokyo". It's an absolutely perfect song. Exquisite.
Is this really The Real Thing? | Posted February-18-2010
So I absolutely, positively, to this day still LOVE pureNRG's debut album. It was absolutely fantastic. Here We Go Again, their sophomore album, didn't hold up quite as well, though their Christmas and remix albums were quite good.
Their third studio release, The Real Thing is my least favorite to date. It feels rushed, muddled and not as much fun as the first two albums, especially their debut. While the lyrics are uplifting and the vocal harmonies are outstanding, the album falls a little short, and is also too short, only boasting ten tracks.
The first four tracks start the album off strong (with "It's All About You" being the standout track here. A+). Unfortunately, tracks 5 through 7 run together and are quite forgetful.
"Overwhelmed" is a disjointed, overwhelming (pun intended) song that lacks fluidity. "Cover of a Magazine" is again a little choppy, not quite as bad as the last track, but it just doesn't sound quite right (A+ on the lyrics though).
The album thankfully ends on a high note with "Can You Handle It", a snappy, exciting finale track. (There are also 3 sing-a-long tracks for your next karaoke party. Two from their two previous albums and "Radio" from this release.)
Overall, the album falls a bit flat for my taste, but is sure to entertain the Radio Disney/tween crowd (most of which I don't enjoy save for Miley Cyrus).
Great Artist, Bad Re-Release | Posted January-10-2010
Francesca is such a great artist and her debut was fantastic, but this re-release isn't all that great. First off, the new song "Keeping Me Guessing" was originally released in acoustic format on iTunes. It's nice that this studio version is now avilable, but I would have liked to see more songs. Also, the acoustic songs are nice (save for "It's Your Life", which was already released), but should be bought separately on iTunes. Overall, I would have either included a DVD and more new songs, or just released an EP on iTunes with the new song and acoustic songs. That's just me.
Rachael Lampa is Back! | Posted December-30-2009
After about 2 years of Rachael saying she had a new album in the recording process, she finally delivers the fantastic Human.
The album starts out with "Human Intro", a bit of music and vocals from the song "Human". It's an interesting and way to start off the album.
"Loving You" is second favorite song on the album. It's guitar-driven, feel-good, radio pop sound is completely irresistible. Rachael's fantastic voice gives the song musical depth. Definitely should be released to radio.
"Mr. Somebody Else" is a funky track that reminds me of Beyonce or Jordin Sparks. Rachael has got sass on this song and it works.
"Avalanche" is by and large the most fantastic song on the album. Rachael's pure, phenomenal vocals float over the golden, piano-driven melody. It's an absolutely immaculate song.
"All the Way Down" is another mid-tempo pop song also reminiscent of Jordin Sparks (which makes since, because Rachael is good friends with Jordin). Catchy, fun song.
"Close to the Sun" is an interesting song. It has a different vibe than any of the other songs on the album. It's enchanting "la la" background and melancholic music match Rachael's powerhouse voice perfectly.
The title track, which is also the final track is an honest, heartfelt song. It's guitar-driven melody goes well with Rachael and guest artist, Johnny Lang's voices. A nice way to end this EP.
Overall, Rachael serves up another fantastic album. It's a little short and there are close to no spiritual references. The album is mainly about being in love with another person, which is not a bad thing, it's a part of life. And Rachael doesn't go too far. I think Human is another wonderful addition to Rachael's fantastic career.
Fantastic! | Posted December-24-2009
Stephanie Smith's debut album was rockin, but a little all over the place. The new EP Stephanie Smith proves Stephanie has found her place.
All 5 songs are upbeat rock anthems. "Back to Innocence" is the first song and single. The lyrics are music are amazing and Stephanie's voice has really matured!
"Heart Attack" and "Pieces of My Heart" are amazing rock tracks.
"If You Really Want the World to Change" has superb lyrics and I love the beat.
"Joshua" is probably the hardest song on the EP, and it's my favorite as well. A+
Overall, Stephanie Smith gives us a fantastic sophomore EP with this release! I love it! If you like Superchick, Krystal Meyers or BarlowGirl, then grab this album! :)
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