Ariana Grande- My Everything Track By Track Review

Hey everyone! Following Sunday's VMA performance, Ariana Grande has released her new sophomore album, My Everything, to retailers nationwide. How does this set stack up to her previous effort, Yours Truly? Find out below.

Intro: This short little introduction track prepares us for the sophomore album of the soulful songstress in a beautiful way that just leaves you wanting more.

Problem: Read My Full Problem Review Here!

One Last Time- One Last Time is a mid-tempo track led with a danceable EDM instrumental track. The song shows off Grande's vocals, with them occupying the spotlight of the track. However, the track always feels as if it's building up to something that it just never quite reaches and is very underwhelming.

Why Try- Why Try is a mid-tempo track that has a marching drum led beat. The beat works wonders with Ariana's laid back vocals. However, while the track is good, it's almost underwhelming, and the song slowly starts to drag just a bit before it reaches the end of its 3 and 1/2 minute duration.

Break Free- Read my Full Break Free Review Here!

Best Mistake- Best Mistake is my personal favorite off the album. Similar to Just a Little Bit of Your Heart, the piano led instrumental pairs with Ariana's hauntingly beautiful vocals in a way I've never heard before, and is simply stunning. While I feel like Big Sean would have been better suited on a different track off the album, his verse fits in well enough to complete this near perfect track.

Be My Baby- Be My Baby is one of the more upbeat tracks off the set, with a bass heavy, drum led instrumental track. Grande's fast paced verses transition smoothly into the stellar chorus. This danceable track leads us right into Break Your Heart Right Back.

Break Your Heart Right Back- Break your heart is a catchy, bass heavy track, telling the true story of a former flame of Grande's cheating on her with another guy. The track samples "I'm Coming Out" in a smart way that adds that much more to this fun, dancey R&B track. Childish Gambino is also featured on the track with a cleverly placed verse that add a lot of diversity to this solid song.

Love Me Harder- Love Me Harder is an uptempo track featuring The Weekend. The song is fun, catchy, and Ariana & The Weekend have fantastic chemistry. This track will stay stuck in your head for hours, and I currently have it on repeat.

Just a Little Bit of Your Heart-  This Beautiful ballad centers around a heartbroken Ariana asking for Just a little bit of her love's heart. The song is composed stunningly, and succeeds in every way. Lyrically and musically haunting, this is definitely a standout track. 

Hands on Me- Another standout off the album, Ariana has officially shed her Nickelodeon image, proving this with sultry lyrics including the line- "Trembling, when you touch Rush is racing body baking Picture me and you making Making sweet love Baby give it to me" (Metro Lyrics) Featuring A$AP Ferg, this urban, fun, quick paced track has the chance to become a smash hit.

My Everything- To close out the album we have a stunning ballad co-written by Ariana Grande herself. This soulful, piano-led title track doesn't even clock in at 3 minutes, and is over right as it begins, leaving me wanting more from it.

Overall, this is well, a pretty good album that's honestly, just as good as her debut "Yours Truly". Releasing a second album in less than a year really doesn't give yourself any time to grow, and not much growth is displayed on this new album. While I do like it, a sophomore album's main goal is to be better than its predecessor, which didn't happen here.

Jessie J, Ariana Grande, and Nicki Minaj- Bang Bang Review + Listen

Late on the night of July 28th, the new collaborative effort between 3 of the biggest names in music, Bang Bang was release to iTunes worldwide. Were the huge amounts of hype circulating this release really worth the finished product? Find out after the jump.

Bang Bang is an upbeat urban pop banger, with the first word I would use to describe it as is loud. The entirety of the 3 and a half minute track sounds like a party, with powerhouse, impeccable vocals, coupled with a clap led unending instrumental track that works perfectly with all three artists' unique style.

The 3 leads all bring something different to the song with each of their verses, making for an interesting track that doesn't dull throughout its run. Ariana and Jessie's vocals compliment each other perfectly in the chorus, and each manages to shine in their own verse. Nicki's rapid fire flow allows her verse to hit all the high marks, as the 3 all join in the chorus to deliver a staple in every party playlist.

Overall, this is an amazing song. The 3 vocalists all bring something different to the table in this new collaborative track that soars above and beyond all their fanbases' expectations. The track is already shooting up (ha) iTunes charts worldwide, and is shaping up to be a global smash for weeks.

What do you all think of Bang Bang? Was it what you were expecting? Share in the comments below, and I'll see you next time!

Ariana Grande Ft. Zedd- Break Free - Review + Listen

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I wrote this on July 2nd and it never published, oops... here it is anyways...

On July 2nd, Ariana Grande unveiled her newest single, Break Free, on a one day revival episode of TRL, entitled Total Ariana Live, to hordes of screaming fans (including me) in and outside of MTV studios, and across America. So, how does the new Zedd assisted single stack up to her smash hit Problem? Find out below!

The single is definitely more pop than most Ariana singles, ditching her R&B/Pop vocal style, mainly due to the upbeat, dance-able instrumental track contributed by DJ Zedd, maker of other hits including the smash "Clarity". The bass heavy instrumental leads the track through most of the song, and really contributes to the song, which could soon be a hit in clubs and radio stations through out the country alike.

While the track doesn't do much of a job at showing off Ariana's incredible vocal range and power, previous singles defined her as one of the voices of our generation. This fun, upbeat single is something different for Grande, and could very well serve her her 1st Billboard Hot 100 #1.

What did you all think of the track? Post your opinions below, and I'll see you in the next review!

Ariana Grande- Problem Review+Download

My Review tbh: fwemkvlfojgvkmler mfgoirejlkmg vgerkjgkrn wmeoirlkwmdoildnwomiefjmwe foiwefmw efoiwjfmiowefwregwrerewre qwrqwrqewewewqdxgrwgregerggg

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Honestly, that's really all that needs to be said about the song, but if you haven't bought it for some reason, I'll enlighten you a bit on why you're living your life wrong.

The first thing that really grabs you about the song is its heavily horn lead instrumental track. The horns really add a richer, vibrant sound to the instrumentals, which couple with Ariana's powerhouse vocals perfectly. The verses deliver the songstress's powerful notes she's been known to display in her previous album, while the chorus (which features a stellar beat drop) feature more laid back, dream-like vocals, displaying her large range she manages to easily switch through without missing a beat.

After getting a similar verse to the first and the chorus again, we get a guest verse from Australian rapper Iggy Azalea. The fast paced verse features a non-breaking, slick flow, similar to older works from Azalea, including her break out hit in the US, Fancy.

Overall, the song has a perfect instrumental track, a large amount of diversity from Ariana's verses, and a perfect verse from Iggy that keeps the flow going, and makes sure the song doesn't get monotonous. I've had this song on repeat since release, and considering the fact that this has been the only song to dismount Happy from its #1 position on iTunes, it seems as if the radio will as well.

What did you all think of the song? Post your comments below, and I'll see you next time! Make sure to download the track on iTunes below!

Ariana Grande- Yours Truly Download + Track By Track Review

On Friday, Ariana Grande's debut album, preceded by two top 40 singles, Yours Truly was released. How does the Nickelodeon star's album stack up in today's pop landscape? Find out after the jump in this track by track review.

Honeymoon Avenue- Honeymoon Avenue opens the album up with an orchestraic instrumental track quickly followed by an awkward robotic chorus that Ariana riffs over. The instrumental track then moves into a more modern, smooth, bass led beat. The uptempo song gives Ariana a chance to show off her versatility, as through out the song she switches off from pop vocals to R&B riffs on a dime. While not her best, the song is overall a fun pop R&B song, however, multiple times through out the five minute track the lyrics seem out of place, as if Ariana's trying to fit lyrics into a line that they shouldn't be in, overall giving the song an awkward feel.

Baby I- View my full Baby I review here.

Right There- Right There was the third single off the album, featuring rapper Big Sean. While as always Ariana's vocals are very powerful, this song is just a redux of The Way. While Big Sean does add some variety, overall the vocals, instruments, and even the riffs at the end of the song are very similar to The Way, and while it's ok as a standalone song, when included in the rest of the album it doesn't stand out as its own song.

Tattooed Heart- Tattooed Heart skips the uptempo, urban led instrumentals present in most of Ariana's songs, in favor for a much more down tempoed, symphonic feel. The 50's inspired instrumental track is complimented by Ariana's powerful vocals. In this song Grande focuses on the vocals, letting her powerful voice shine through. However, the song is over as quickly as it began, lasting only a few short minutes before we move onto the next track, Lovin' It.

Lovin' It- Wow. I'm Definitely Lovin' Lovin' It! Hahahaha get it... no? Ok. Lovin' It is a very uptempo urban song, featuring a bass heavy, smooth instrumental track coupled with a quick paced verse from Ariana, before the song picks up even more at the chorus. Overall this urban pop track is definitely one of the stand outs of the album, and I could see this on the radio any day.

Piano-  Piano is the purest pop song off the entire album. The entire song is incredibly catchy, and the piano led instrumental track adds another level to this fun, light summer jam. Grande's vocals are incredibly fun and breezy, and every part of this song is definitely a sing a long, to the point where every verse could be the chorus. This song has everything we've heard from Ariana before, powerful Maria Carey-esque vocals, a great beat, and more. The jazz-pop beat compliments the great vocals and just vsdjklvmajfklsdmanfkmvlasf I can't even this song is epic. The only way this album could have gotten better was if it was just Piano 10 times.

Daydreamin- Immediately when I heard this song, it just captured me. I don't really know how to explain it in other words, but I just loved the soft yet powerful instrumentals, and Ariana's vocals in this song are just enchanting. Maybe it's just me, because I can't explain what it is about this song I love. But everything about this song just flows together in perfect harmony, making for a near flawless track.

The Way- View my full The Way review here.

You'll Never Know- You'll never know is another uptempoed song, featuring the most modern, urban instrumental track off the entire album. The song is an urban pop song, featuring plenty of hooks to sing along to. The song doesn't sound like anything off the album, and is definitely one of the more radio songs off the album.

Almost Is Never Enough- View my full Almost Is Never Enough review here.

Popular Song- The Popular Song is an already critically acclaimed song off of British singer Mika's 3rd studio album, The Origin of Love. As the song was originally his, I expected Ariana to change the song around a bit, as the song features much more of Mika than Ariana, however, the song doesn't change at all on Yours Truly, making it sound as if Ariana is featuring in her own song. However, the song is overall a fun, uptempo pop song that has been on repeat on my phone for the last few months. Just try to not get this song stuck in your head.

Better Left Unsaid- I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around this track. It starts out as a down tempoed power ballad, but then quickly changes form, with the instrumental track becoming some sort of a dubstep track and the vocals become a more uptempo urban song. However, as quickly as that happens, it goes back into power ballad mode. wat. Like idk. The song is good but makes absolutely no sense at all. Basically Better Left Unsaid is a song that just punched itself in the face 10 times.

I had very high expectations for this album, and honestly, my expectations were blown out of the water. The album is near flawless, with almost every song being incredible. Another great plus of this album is the diversity of it. The album features pure pop songs, uptempo and downtempo R&B songs, and even ballads, there's a song for every mood, and besides one or two songs like Right There, no song sounds exactly like another. With a less than stellar opening and a clusterf*ck of an ending, the album exceeds almost everywhere, making it one of my favorite albums over 2013.

What do you guys think of Yours Truly? Post your review down below in the comments, and I'll see you guys next time!!

                                    

Ariana Grande and Nathan Sykes Almost Is Never Enough Review

In Ariana Grande's new duet with Nathan Sykes for The Mortal Instruments soundtrack, she tones down the speed of her Mariah Careyesque R&B vocals for a much more down tempo track. The song is very down to earth, featuring only a piano and a slow clap beat to accompany her beautiful vocals.

Switching it up from her normal R&B pop songs, Ariana goes for a much slower, down tempo-ed track, showing us a side of her we've never seen. In this song Ariana is able to show us just how much vocal ability and range she has.

As I had never heard of Nathan Sykes before, this was my 1st impression of him. While his parts of the song were good, they didn't really match up with Ariana's, and while they harmonize beautifully together, Ariana totally overpowers him (but honestly who doesn't she overpower), causing you to hear a lot more of her than him.

Overall, the song is good, but that's just about it. There's nothing memorable about it, and while it was enjoyable while you were listening to it, there's nothing keeping you from forgetting it right after it's over.

Ariana Grande- Baby I Review+Download

On July 22nd Ariana Grande released the follow up to her highly successful single The Way. Does this single have the potential to garner the success The Way did? Find out here.

Baby I has a similar feel to The Way as it is a throwback R&B Pop song featuring her powerful vocals over a soulful R&B instrumental track. However, while Baby I has its fair share of similarities to The Way, at the same time it has enough differences to differentiates itself as its own song, as well as differentiating itself from the majority of the pop landscape heard on the radio today.

In this song Ariana again shows off her incredible range, from calmly singing a verse to belting out runs that would make dogs bark, again confirming the opinion that Ariana could be the new Mariah Carey.

Overall, this is a wonderfully composed song that's similar to The Way, but's different enough to offer a whole new experience from The Way, and is a great followup to the first single, and will garner even more hype for her debut album, Yours Truly.

                                    

Double Review! Ariana Grande ft. Mac Miller: The Way Review and Will.i.am ft. Justin Bieber- #ThatPower Review

                                                      Credit: Republic Records

Hey everyone! Today I'll be reviewing two songs, let's start with Ariana Grande's The Way. The song starts out with Mac Miller rapping behind someone singing who honestly, sounds nothing like Ariana, but, it is her. I'd actually like to say right now that I think she uses a lot of auto tune in the studio, but she really doesn't need it, as she can sing fine on her own. Anyways, the song starts out with a short, quick paced rap from Mac Miller coupled with a great beat, originating from the song A little Bit of Love by Brenda Russel, which matches this song flawlessly. After Mac Miller's verse abruptly ends, Ariana starts singing. She sounds very Mariah Carey-esque, and this song is also much more R&B oriented than her previous songs, which is a nice direction for her. The song is very up-tempo, but she's able to show off her beautiful voice at the same time. Then, Mac Miller comes back, delivering a longer, yet still very quick paced verse. Surprisingly, he talks about the bedroom a lot. This song really does show a more adult side to Ariana, which shows her career is definitely moving in a new direction. The song finishes off there with the chorus. However, Ariana starts to sing over the chorus, at an extremely high pitch, and just when you think her voice can't get any higher, it does, and she goes into dog whistle mode, which was very unnecessary, and only takes away from the song. To me, this song was definitely a step up from her previous single Put Your Hearts Up, and I could see this song on the radio in no time. 

                                                            Credit: Interscope Records

Next, I'll be reviewing Will.i.am's new single, #thatpower. Yeah, there are hashtags in song titles now. Our world is being destroyed. Anyways, let's start! So, the song starts out with the less than stellar, slow hook from Justin Bieber. I call it less than stellar because this song really doesn't add anything to the song. It's not necessarily bad, but it doesn't contribute anything either. But after that, the beat kicks in. As with, well pretty much every Will.i.am track, the beat just makes you want to dance, fist pump, or something. Just move. Unlike most of his songs, Will.i.am moves away from his slower raps, and goes pretty fast. Paired with the great beat, the song really picks up. Not for long though, because we end up right back at the chorus. That's really what I don't like about this song. There's really no variety, it goes chorus, rap, chorus, rap, bridge, chorus  That's it, and thus, there is very little to review. I really expected a lot from this song, especially with a big name like Justin Bieber in it, who they definitely didn't use to his potential. So as for this monotonous song, well, I definitely wouldn't call it great, or even good for that matter. To me, it is a very average song, that seemed like it was really only half finished, which is disappointing.

Anyways, I hoped you guys liked our first double review, and I'll see you soon!

                                                                                                                          -Colby