Random thoughts on songs from some American artists:
Somehow or other, my sister roped me into watching Making the Band 4 this past summer, which means that, yes, I actually know who Donnie J. (sometimes seemingly just called Donnie) is--in the final episode, Diddy decided he didn't want him in the band but did want to sign him as a solo artist. I was kind of shocked that Diddy saw solo artist potential in him, from a marketing standpoint, and kind of expected Donnie to just completely fade away, that giving him a "solo contract" was just a way to get him out of the way. Apparently there's actually real work being done, though, because a clip of a song called "Dr Love" is out and about now (check out here to listen to it or play the embedded video below). It's kind of got an urban-electro thing going on, and I'm not sure if it'll end up as much more than a lot of nice production and nothing more (as well as a metaphor we've heard many times before), but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't really interested to hear the whole song.
Speaking of Making The Band, I haven't bought the new album from Danity Kane, the girl group formed in one of the earlier seasons, but after hearing so many good things about the album track "Sucka For Love" (all right, I'll admit it, a couple of reviews calling it "European-flavored" were a part of building up that interest), I bought it, and it's pretty good--it's too early to see how long it'll stick with me, but it's a catchy (in a laid-back kind of way) highly-produced mid-tempo song that I really like at the moment. If you like it, also check out the single, "Damaged."
Artist you're shocked to see launching a career: Ace Young. What?! Didn't he have a single out a while ago, and it didn't do well? And it's been so long since the season of Idol he was on (fifth)--artists from that season have already released an album and been dropped; how on Earth did Ace end up with a company or management that's still keeping him around and that is only just now launching him properly? I say "properly" because apparently he's got tracks from Andreas Carlsson--the mind boggles; getting a pretty big name Swedish songwriter--you'd think that implies some level of seriousness in making him successful, wouldn't you? I'm not writing any of this from an anti-Ace perspective, but for him to be seemingly treated in a way completely unlike any of the other Idol contestants have been handled is really confusing me--how did this happen? It just seems unlike the music industry nowadays. Anyway, the first single "Addicted (co-written by Andreas, as are four other songs on his album) is out and about on the Internet now (listen here, for example, or in much lower quality via the video below) and it's not blown me away so far--it's...competent, but not memorable (so far) or distinctive--kind of just pop, kind of pop-rock, kind of a little funk, some strings thrown in...I could end up changing my opinion on it after a few more listens, though), who knows, and I don't dislike it, but right now it doesn't have that "magic" for me.
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8 comments:
Totally missed out on all the fuss about Danity Kane the first time around but if Sucka For Love is anything to go by.....I might have to invest in their new album!
Think Ace's single might grow on me after a few listens, but hasn't grabbed me on first listen! Will persevere with it! :)
Why is Ace getting this push? Because HE himself worked these last two years getting it done. HE did it all himself, without Idol giving him a recording contract. His partner is Desmond Child - look him up and be amazed. The music is coming. And the more you listen to "Addicted," the more and more it grabs you. Ace is coming -- be there!
I've not heard anything beyond "Damaged" and "Sucka For Love" from it, but I'm thinking about buying it, too!
I'm guessing you're a fan? :) No, that's good, I was expecting that--that's why I wanted to make it clear my questions had nothing to do with disliking Ace. It's really just SO unusual for an artist to spend two years in development nowadays, whether you're from Idol or not and no matter how talented you are--everything moves so quickly and is so focused on quick returns. Oh, I just did something I should have done earlier--I checked his MySpace to see what record label he's signed to--it's an indie one. That means this makes a whole lot more sense. Andreas still can't come cheap, though.
I do know Desmond Child, and his list of credits is impressive, but in my opinion he's hit-and-miss recently (when he's on he's on, but there's a lot of not-on moments from him). I keep hoping for a good new American male popstar, though, so I'll be hoping for good material!
"Welcome to the Dollhouse" is complete hit or miss - the songs that are good are FANTASTICALLY good - the songs that aren't are horrid...and it's about even - "Damaged" "Pretty Boy" "2 of You" and "Sucka for Love" are standouts...
From what I know about Ace Young, he has spent the past two years doing corporate gigs, etc. so he could pay for the albumn he wanted to make. While he was offered some deals after AI, he decided to hold out for what was best for him. Desmond Child was suppose to just meet with him for a half hour, but ended up meeting with him for over three hours. And anyone that knows Desmond Child, knows that he is a tough guy. I agree that the more I hear the song, the more I like it. I do think he will need a big push from fans to make it go. It is obvious he has a decent following and talent -- and a good person as he has teamed up with his own charity and now the Muscular Dystrophy Association as well. He just needs to deliver and have a plan to get his name out there. They seem to have pushed back the single several times, but now there is a date for the albumn, which must come out. Will be intersting to see -- I hope he does well.
I have to say that I LOVE ACE YOUNG'S song "ADDICTED"! I loved it from the first time that I heard it. It is very catchy with a great beat! I think it is a great dance song! Anyways, before you made your comments you probably should have checked out the information on Ace because you would have been in awe at the work he has done over the last two years. I've never heard of an artist that worked so hard. He has worked so many corporate gigs so that HE could pay for the production. It was important to him that his music be his. I have nothing but admiration for him and know that this cd is going to bring something new and exciting to the music world! I'm very proud to say that I was there from Ace's audition and will be there till the end. He is an amazing performer and honestly the nicest person you'll meet! The work that he does with kids and the money that his charity "Highrollers with Heart" has raised for the Denver Children's Hospital is amazing! Now he the spokesperson for Muscular Dystrophy. The did two articles back to back in the Los Angeles Family Magazine saying that he was a celebrity that is a TRUE ROLE MODEL! He is a performer that we can all look up to!
Stoobydoo, it's sounding like it's an iTunes, pick-and-choose sort of album, then--thanks for the warning!
"Sucka For Love" reminds me in places of Justin's "My Love" - the opening of it anyway. VERY good... I've not really investigated into anything Danity Kane have done but after hearing this (like TAFKA Digital Technique!) I've every intention of checking their stuff out now.
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