NoiseTrade Sampler 2011
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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
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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,...
HOT! | Posted August-11-2009
In 2007 Britt Nicole blasted onto the Christian music scene with her critically acclaimed album Say It. Produced by famed producer Tedd T. (Stacie Orrico, Rebecca St. James) the album with its slick pop tunes became one of the hottest selling albums of that year, driven by the hit singles “You” and “Set the World On Fire”.
Now in 2009, Britt comes back her highly anticipated sophomore album, The Lost Get Found. Starting off with the #1 hit title track that has been riding the airwaves like a surfboard, “The Lost Get Found” is a mid-tempo, poised song about finding Christ. “How We Roll” starts the party with its sizzling dance beats and catchy acoustic guitar. “Safe”, co-written by Joy Williams, starts slow, but builds into a rock ballad that lets Britt’s vocals soar beautifully.
“Hanging On” is a pop ballad with a simple, yet lovely melody and smooth beat. Very refreshing and relaxing. One of my two favorites, “Headphones” starts out with a cute piano vamp that turns into a plethora of fizzy programming sound effects and drum beats. The song is unbelievably catchy and has a great message. The perfect summer song. Up there with “Party In the USA” by Miley Cyrus as my top 2 songs of the summer. “Welcome to the Show” starts off with a vintage, classy intro and dives right into the hottest dance song on the album. Britt belts out the chorus, which is perfect for head-banging. Perfect for fans of Lady GaGa or The Veronicas.
“Walk On Water” is a beautiful CCM-esque song that is driven by a very feminine piano melody. “Glow” brings the party back, but fails to bring what “Headphones” and “Welcome to the Show” delivered. Its in no means bad, but it doesn’t have that “umph”. “Like A Star” is my other favorite off the album. The entrancing pop beat and psychedelic sound effects make for the perfect song for a homecoming dance under the stars.
“Feel the Light” and “Have Your Way” end the album beautifully, with strong vocals and great messages. Overall, Britt gets an A+ from me. A lot of people have said she sound too similar to Krystal Meyers’ Make Some Noise, but honestly, I feel that this album is even better than Krystal’s. And everyone knows how much I was obsessed with that album. I think this could be the summer album of 2009. Phenomenal.
Musically Perfect, Lyrically Solid | Posted July-31-2009
Krystal Meyers has traded in the electric guitar for the pop beats. Krystal does a great job incorporating Top 40 pop beats with clean, catchy lyrics. Many people may think that Krystal is falling a little from God, and that the lyrics are vague, but I think it's great that Krytsal can have a relationship with a guy without having sex. Let's go track by track shall we?
1) Make Some Noise
The title track is a flashy pop number, musically reminiscent of Katy Perry's 2008 summer smash "I Kissed A Girl"... without the bisexual lyrics. This song is an A+.
2) Love It Away
"Love It Away" is an encouraging, snappy song that is great to sing-along to.
3) Shine
The lead single from the album is one of my personal favorites. The song is a peppy dance track with an amazing bass line. Great job.
4) S.O.S.
"S.O.S." is the most blantantly Christian song on the album. Musically it's probably my least favorite on the album, but it's great lyrically and vocally.
5) Feels So Right
"Feels So Right" is the perfect dance song. Krystal's vocals are spot-on and the beat is irresistible.
6) My Freedom
The piano-driven "My Freedom" is a great worship song.
7) Beautiful Tonight
"Beautiful Tonight" is a dark song that shows off Krystal's perfect vocals. Great dance song.
8) Up to You
This song is about some friends of Krystal's that got in a divorce. One of my favorites, "Up to You" is an almost melancholy, quiet track. Beautiful song.
9) You'll Never Know
"You'll Never Know" starts winding the album down with it's upbeat synth beats. Exquisite number.
10) In Your Hands
Krystal belts out the vocals on this achingly sincere track that ends the album.
11) Sweet Dreams [iTunes Bonus Track]
The Eurythmics cover is one of my favorite versions of this popular song. Krystal does it perfect justice.
Overall, this is by and far my favorite album of 2008. I absolutely love the musical direction Krystal is going and I hope to see more of this type of music in the future. Amazing job Krystal! A++++
Great Latin/Pop Sound | Posted July-03-2009
So I LOVED Jaci back when I was like four, but I started to dislike her when I discovered Rebecca St. James. But I've gotta say, this album is still a classic!
1) Listen to Me 4/5
The first song is a great way to start off the album with slick horn arrangements and layered vocals.
2) Crystal Clear 5/5
The title track, written by Tiffany Arbuckle Lee of Plumb, is a beautiful declaration of her love to God.
3) Every Time I Fall 5/5
This song has a fun dance beat reminiscent to Christian Aguilera's music.
4) You're Not There 5/5
This song reminds me a lot of Jordin Sparks' recent hit "Battlefield" with a haunting, ballad feel.
5) Adore 3/5
The song has amazing vocals by Jaci, but the songwriting is a repetitive and unoriginal.
6) He's My Savior 4/5
"He's My Savior" is a laidback, pop ballad laiden with Spanish guitars. It's sunny and effervescent.
7) You Don't Miss A Thing 5/5
My personal favorite on the album, "Don't Miss A Thing" is a great Latin dance song that is just vivacious and irresistible!
8) Imagine Me Without You 3/5
Much like "Adore".
9) Come As You Are 3/5
The duet with Louis Fansi is a bit boring and blah. Not my favorite.
10) Center of Your Love 5/5
"Center of Your Love" is a great upbeat track to start closing the album.
11) Just A Prayer Away 5/5
"Just A Prayer Away" is everything "Adore" and "Imagine" weren't. A great power ballad to round out the album.
Overall: A great album with a positive message and stellar vocals from Miss Velasquez. :)
Terribly Disappointed | Posted June-28-2009
I was terribly disappointed by this album. I felt it was boring and lacking in originality, lyrically and musically. The only song I like is the title track. Download that on iTunes and leave the rest. Go buy their album GO.
Terrible Waste of Product. | Posted June-10-2009
NOTE: This is a review for the Precious Girls Club re-release of the album. If you would like to see my review for the actual CD, which I have 4 stars, please go to this url: http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/userprofile_reviewssinglepost.php?review_id=11290&user_id=5577
This re-release is a terrible waste of product. The original CD was great, but to re-release this album with only, downright terrible and childish bonus track is just unexceptable. Why endores the Precious Moments stuff? You guys are teenagers, not to mention there's a guy in this group, too! I just don't understand why they would do this. It's beyond me.
I wish they would release a special edition of the album with actual, cool bonus tracks and maybe a DVD. That'd be nice. But as for this edition of the album..... yeah, just buy the original.
Another Winner! | Posted June-09-2009
I was soooooooooooooooo excited about this new CD, you have nooooooo idea!
The title track is a fresh, pop track led by crunchy guitars and peppy vocals. The songs takes me back to their debut and is just wonderful.
"Any Which Way" is a laidback, worship tune reminiscent of "One Word" from their debut. "Like" is a cheesy, cliched song with really no meaning. I mean seriously I love Miley Cyrus and Kelly Clarkson, but do their names really need to be mentioned? I also didn't like the musical production of the song. It goes from like a hip-hop track on the verses to a blazing guitar-driven pop song in the chorus, so it feels very disjointed and annoying.
"Ain't No Mountain High Enough" is a good remake of the dance classic. At times it sound a little like Kidz Bop, but oh well.
"Call On Jesus" is absolutely perfect!!!! Man can Carolyne hit those notes. Better than the original! The emotion in the song is just stunning!
"Girls Can Change the World" is another annoying song about how chicks can do anything and personally it's really stupid. And I'm not trying to be sexist or anything. I mean if, some guy came out and made a song called "Guys Can Change the World", yeah it'd be even worse. Please pureNRG keep these songs OFF YOUR ALBUMS!
"Get Up" is a great, urban dance track.
"BFF" is classic pop.
"Inside Out" is a great mix of crunchy guitars and snappy programming.
"That's What Friends Are For" is a beautiful, tender ballad that is just great.
"Are You Ready" is an amazing dance track!
The closing track "More" is another great remake.
Overall, it's not quite as good as their debut, but pureNRG is still one of my all time faves!
Back & Forth | Posted May-26-2009
I wasn't quite sure if I wasnted to buy Lanae's album, but when they offered it for free here on NRT, I was like "Who's not gonna grab this?!"
The title track is an easy going pop song that is fun to listen to. "Beautiful Things" reminds me of Point of Grace's more upbeat songs and is fun to sing-a-long to. Lanae's soft vocals flow over the piano in "Here's My Heart". So far, all of the songs have sounded the same... then "Burning Heartbeats" comes along. This is a great, uptempo song that is effervescent and peppy.
"Let's Grow Old Together" is a beautiful love song, while "It's Over" is a soft, acoustic-driven song. "If I'm Broken" starts out with a beautiful orchestration that leads into a middle-of-the-road pop song.
"Here's to the Girls" is a fun anthem that go along with songs such as "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" and "G.N.O.". Great for karaoke nights. "Enstranged" is one of the more upbeat songs on the album, "Headed Home" and "Don't Cry" are both on the ballad side of the music spectrum.
The bonus tracks are soft acoustic tracks that are a bit boring and uninteresting.
Overall, other than "Back and Forth", "Burning Heartbeats" and "Here's to the Girls", Back & Forth falls flat compared to such peers like Francesca Battistelli and Natalie Grant. The songs are mundane and generic, while Lanae's voice isn't real special. Also, the album feels like it's going to kick in at some point with some electric guitars and drum patterns, but it never does, and I was disappointed with that. If acoustic is her style, she should stick to acoustic and not include the pop programming.
If you want great, acoustic pop check out Francesca or Natalie, because Lanae' just doesn't quite cut it.
This Album Shows that Stephanie is a "SUPERSTAR!" | Posted May-07-2009
Stephanie Smith first blasted onto the screen in the summer of 2007 with her digital single "Superstar" which did well at radio and gaining her a top 5 hit. Unfortunately, the album was pushed back and pushed back and pushed back and was FINALLY released over a year and a half later this last December. Well I'll tell ya, it was worth the wait!
The album opends up with the vivacious rock track "Beauty". The song's anthem about inner beauty may be a rock track (i.e. BarlowGirl, Avril Lavigne), but the song borrows a light pop track that fits well with this great song. "Superstar" is a little choppy and sometimes the music doesn't feel quite right, but when the song enters into the funky, danceable bridge, you just can't help but smile.
The album's effervescent title track is one of my absolute favorites. I find myself singing it all the time and it's upbeat pop tune makes me happy when I feel down. Probably the strongest track on the album, "Renew Me" is a danceable worship song that shows off Stephanie's great range and killer vocals. Amazing song. Unfortunately it's followed by the somewhat dry "You Alone", which leaves me feeling bored and wanting more.
The abstract "Waitin On You" has a strange string arrangement and the song itself feels like it's trying to be a standout, but it falls on its sword and fails to wow me. The Avril Lavigne's "Sk8er Boi"-esque "Over It" is a punk rock track that is about getting over a breakup. The gutsy, dark "In My Eyes" is a huge hit and a great addition to the album. The latter and the ballad "What If I Made A Mistake" both add depth to the album and are phenomenal tracks.
The bouncy, programmed "Love Out Loud" (co-penned by Britt Nicole) is a fun pop track that features layered-background vocals and a catchy chorus and hook. The album's closer "First Words" is a beautiful ballad that deliveres a cushioned ending to the album.
Overall, Stephanie's debut is a great gem in the punk pop/rock world and I can't wait for her to put out more music.
My Paper Heart | Posted March-23-2009
You may not remember her long, but beautiful, name, but I'm sure you've heard her voice on the radio. Francesca Battistelli bursts onto the scene with this amazing debut.
The album's opener, and current #1 hit, "Free to Be Me" is a laidback pop/rock confection that is reminiscent of Carrie Underwood or Joy Williams. Her killer vocals and the fabulous musical production make for an impressive start to the album. The releases' lead single "I'm Letting Go" shakes things up with strong piano undertones and, once again, those amazing vocals. The song follows the same musical pattern as Sara Bareilles' "Love Song".
"Unpredictable" is a fun, chick-rock tune that is somewhat like Rebecca St. James, while "My Paper Heart"'s insanely awesome organ and drum beat sounds somewhat like Stephanie Smith. "Beautiful, Beautiful" is a gorgeous worship song that talks about how God makes everything beautiful. "Blue Sky" is a peppy, lively song that triggers memories of Kelly Clarkson's "Walk Away".
"Forever Love" is a little boring and repetitive, while "Someday Soon" features crunchy guitars much like Plumb. "Behind the Scenes" shows Francesca's vulnerable side while the declaration, "It's Your Life" is an uplifting, pop tune that is just screaming for radio release. "Time In Between" is a beautiful ballad that showcases Francesca's wowing vocals.
The acoustic sound of the album's closer "Keep Me Guessing" is a sunny end to this phenomenal album
Overall, the album is quite diverse and includes dabbles of pop, rock, folk, country and jazz. Francesca's unwavering vocals and faith will take her far and I can't wait to see what's in store for her.
reNRGized Review | Posted March-22-2009
I've been a fan of pureNRG since they blasted onto the scene with their debut album in 2007. Now, only two years later, with three albums, three DVDs and a book under their belt, pureNRG is back and reNRGized with this all new remix release.
"Are You Ready," from their 2008 sophomore album Here We Go Again, is given a faster pace and fun, peppy horn programming. The Radio Disney feel of "Any Which Way" is taken and toned down into a relaxing, simple beat that would be perfect to listen to while sipping lemonade by the pool. Crunchy guitars are traded in for sunny synthesizers on the song "Here We Go Again," while "Pray" gets a dose of vocal distortion and light programming sound effects.
The only song that doesn't match up to the original is the somewhat boring "It's Still Love." The original was a lively finale to their debut album and while this remix may showcase their tight vocal harmonies, the musical production is lackadaisical and uninteresting. The rock vibe of "Inside Out" morphs into a light pop beat, and while the cheesy, childish lyrics on "What If" are still present, the annoying, cheerleader-esque music is transformed into a more mature, polished sound that would fit right in with Miley Cyrus or The Jonas Brothers. Last, but not least, "360"'s sonic assembly is knocked down a couple notches and changed into a soothing end to the album.
Overall, unlike most remix albums, the songs on reNRGized are a little quieter than the originals. Although pureNRG is a great pop act, sometimes their constant energy can get a little overwhelming, and it's nice to have a project that's a little more mature and toned down. It's a great album for any pureNRG fan, and a nice sampler for those who have yet to buy their music
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