Learning the Farewell Fighter Way

Artist: Farewell Fighter

Album: The Way We Learn

Release: 2011

Tracks: 7

Finding their roots in Nashville, TN, Farewell Fighter is a four-piece pop-punk band that immediately catches your attention. It's almost impossible to not take a liking to at least one of their songs upon hearing them, with their clear-cut lyrics and catchy instrumental parts. After a few plays of each of their songs, the melody will most likely stick in your head for a while, keeping you hooked. Kenny Fleetwood, lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, has a voice with a unique sound that is hard to find, being both quiet and strong at the same time, putting meaning behind every word. Lee Morton and David Jahns back up Fleetwood's voice, blending nicely together with a similar vocal style, while playing lead guitar and bass, respectively. Matthew Hooper pounds out drum beats that are different in each song, but at the same time display a singular style that identifies the person behind the drum set. Together, these four Nashville boys turned out their newest album, The Way We Learn, with enthusiasm and style that can be hard to match.

The Way We Learn begins with "Well Wishing", a song that sets the lyrical mood for the rest of the album. The rhythm guitar takes a major part in this short track, keeping time until the lead guitar takes over near the end of the song. "Growing Pains" opens with a powerful rhythm guitar part, which fades for a moment as the vocals and drums take over, only to make a comeback in the later verse and chorus. A small guitar riff fills up the post-chorus instrumental part. During the bridge instrumental, another guitar riff plays over a strong drumming part. A distorted chord progression kicks off "Never Have I Ever", shortly joined by drums and a guitar riff before the vocals start. This track is a perfect example of harmonizing vocals that deliver the impact of the lyrics in a memorable way. "Love, Lust, Or Losing It?" has a slightly softer sound than most of the other tracks on The Way We Learn, but leaves its own lasting impression with catchy lyrics and a unique beat. The rhythm guitar in this song creates an interesting beat that holds the song together while the drums and vocals hold their own. The bass takes the main stage in "Terminal", setting the pace for the song and giving it an unusual sound that grabs your attention. The vocals have a lighter sound to them with a sound that blends nicely with the instruments. The Way We Learn wraps up with "Where I Belong", an explosive song that stays strong from start to finish. The album's memorable group vocals kick in during the bridge, with the bass providing a solid backbone, returning to the drums and guitar during the last portion of the song.

The Way We Learn definitely has a unique style in terms of how it sounds and the impact that it makes on you. Most of the songs may take a few listens to grow on you, but when they do you won't forget them for some time to come. The second release from Farewell Fighter showcases the potential of this Nashville band in the music industry, especially if they stay true to their album and learn the Farewell Fighter way.

Your Teenage Dream

Artist: Katy Perry

Album: Teenage Dream

Genre: Pop

Release: August 2010

I know that Isabelle just did a piece on Katy Perry's newest album, "Teenage Dream", but I must add my input. Katy Perry's second official album is one that, once you start listening, you simply cannot stop. Really, it's catchy! This album titled "Teenage Dream" is perfectly suited to each one of the songs on this album, and also to the feelings of the listener as they remember when they were teenagers. It also makes actual teens feel just a little happier about their lives as they are. I have to say that I was skeptical of Katy Perry after her "I Kissed a Girl" passion, but that simply fades into the shadow of her new album. I highly recommend that you give it a listen, and pay special attention to the catchy tunes that wont leave your mind without Fireworks. Surely "California Girls" featuring Snoop Dogg was one of the first to make its way into radio stations nationwide, however, in the past week traveling across country, I heard "Fireworks" in almost every store we stopped at, which only made it stay on constant repeat in my memory. Katy Perry flows directly from catchy pop songs to deep, though somewhat different ones. There are, as always,other songs that are purely for fun, like"Peacock" and "Milk, Milk, Lemonade", but in songs like "Circle the Drain" and "Hummingbird Heartbeat", the song itself is almost as great as the lyrics.
Now, if you've heard this album, I have a question for you.
Have you lived your Teenage Dream yet?

iTunes Top 5

Week of: Monday November 15th-Sunday 21st

1. Forget You

Artist: Glee Cast feat. Gwyneth Paltrow
Album: Glee Season Two Soundtrack

Filled with "Glee"'s characteristic cheery pop flair, this song immediately captures your attention and holds it throughout. Paltrow actually takes the main role in the track, and surprises with a strong vocal influence. The diverse TV show cast can add another musical success to their new album.

2. Singing in the Rain/Umbrella
Artist: Glee Cast feat. Gwyneth Paltrow

Album: Glee Season Two Soundtrack

Once again, Paltrow takes center stage and adds a special kind of spice to the cast that has captured America's hearts both on television and through their covers of past hits. This track is what's called a mashup--where two songs are mixed together to create a new track. "Umbrella" is the main track, Rihanna's characteristic spunk with a fresh high school like twist, and the few lines of "Singing in the Rain" strangely sound like they actually belong. Two generations of music, Glee's second season, and another great cover: accomplished.

3. We R Who We R

Artist: Ke$ha

Album: We R Who We R

Ke$ha's pop rap style shines thouroughly throughout this track, but whether or not that's a good thing is your decision. The verses are a bit stale, though the chorus almost makes up for it. The lyrics aren't very original, many of the same exact themes present in her past songs, but it's a cute escape from reality if you need one.

4. Firework

Artist: Katy Perry

Album: Teenage Dream

See earlier review of Katy Perry

5. The Time (Dirty Bit)

Artist: Black Eyed Peas

Album: The Beginning

"The Time" can be classified as a remix gone crazy, but in a good way. There's tons of autotuning, but it's a great dance song, and combines a mix of rap, hip-hop, and pop. However, much of the track contains many of the same effects as past singles, and the beginning greatly resembled the beginning of a Ke$ha track.

POWER Trip--New Single

Single: Power
Artist: Kanye West
From Album: My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Released: 2010

Though a very short track (only clocking in at about 2 minutes) Kanye's work still carries the intensity of any other full length song. Recorded in Hawaii, this teaser track is worth taking a few minutes to listen to. With almost tribal vocalizations, a solid beat, and clever rhymes, West once again turns heads. The song starts out clean with only the vocalizations and then layers different sounds on top of it, though managing to avoid being overcrowded. West is definitely "livin' in the 21st century and doin' something mean to it". If "Power" would be any indication of the quality of West's next album, he could be seeing stars all the way through.

Katy Perry's Teenage Dream

Album: Teenage Dream
Artist: Katy Perry
Tracks: 12
Released: 2010

The album's title track packs a punch with a chorus that's almost impossible to get out of your head. Though it may start out a bit stale, Perry saves the track with her signature enthusiastic pop energy. "Last Friday Night" is a fast paced, cliched, twisted teenage humor track that could either encourage you to hit the boulevards along with it, or leave you in the dust with its hyper beats. "California Gurls" hit the top of the music charts with an undeniably catchy, well, everything, the perfect summer song. "Firework"'s theme centers on believing in yourself and letting your talent shine; once again Perry succeeded in letting her colors burst. "Circle the Drain" is the most bizzarre of Perry's releases, though its message rings through. "The One That Got Away" describes a lovesick girl that loses her first crush and regrets it for the rest of her life. The track isn't overly emotional, but the lyrics speak out loud and clear. "E.T." is purely a pop indulgent track with clever rhymes and a great beat. "Who Am I Living For?" paints the picture of someone that's lost, searching for their meaning, mixed with an almost hip-hop background, which oddly fits perfectly. "Pearl" is about a girl who's lost independence due to a bad relationship, and while the theme is strong, the instrumentals aren't nearly as striking. "Hummingbird Heartbeat" is a cute young love tune that rings out with an almost country like lightness. "Not Like the Movies" is a soft and sweet track that doesn't leave an incredibly lasting impression the first time you hear it, but is a good ending track nonetheless.
Though it can be classified as "another pop album", "Teenage Dream" experiments with morals and themes much deeper than expected. Perry's vocal ranges are tested nicely and different aspects of her voice are allowed to come to light. So if you ever have a little time, join Katy Perry in imagining your own teenage dream.

Seeing With New Eyes

Artist: Paramore

Album: Brand New Eyes

Release: 2009

Tracks: 11

The third full studio album from Paramore, Brand New Eyes had a bit of a reputation to live up to. After the explosive success of Paramore's first two albums, some were worried that the success of the band would die out over time. However, Brand New Eyes definitely proved those people wrong. Hayley Williams has vocals that are almost immediately recognizable anywhere, and the guitar riffs of Josh Farro and Taylor York hold a unique sound that can be identified with the band. Jeremy Davis and Zac Farro work extremely well together to set the beat of the song, working off of each other as they perform their seperate parts. Together, these people form Paramore and the sound that we can identify with them when we hear their music.

Brand New Eyes starts out with "Careful", a song that sets a mood suggesting "rock" when you hear the opening guitar riff. "Ignorance" also suggests a rock-type mood, with a mix of alternative sound. The guitar keeps an even timing for the verses, providing a new sound during the chorus and bridge, boosting the vocals of the song nicely to make it memorable. "Playing God" has a softer sound to it compared to the first two tracks, though it makes its own impression on you. The chorus and bridge are what hold the song together, especially after a few repetitions. "Brick By Boring Brick" has a steady bass beat that provides the backbone for the song, keeping time even when the guitar and drums take over during the chorus and bridge. "Turn It Off" heavily features the drums to keep timing, though the guitar has its own part in the song. The chorus of this song is one that will keep you coming back for more of this song once you've heard it a few times. "The Only Exception" has an acoustic sound to it for most of the song, telling the story of a girl who promises never to sing of love unless it really exists - except for this once. This song left a lasting impression on me, and the meaning of the words struck home, as I'm sure it was intended to. "Feeling Sorry" leaves the chorus and bridges to the guitar and drums, while the vocals in this song provide a nice flair that identify it as Paramore, rather than any other alternative-rock band out there. The bass has the true spotlight in "Looking Up", where it is featured even more heavily than the drums for most of the song, especially the verses. "Where the Lines Overlap" has amazing double vocals to kick off the song, returning throughout the song for various harmonies that provide a unique vocal part in this song. The guitar riff that persists throughout most of "Misguided Ghosts" catches your attention as soon as the song starts, providing the timing for the song. The song is a softer ending to the album, though it leaves its own mark on you in a different way than the louder songs on the album.

Brand New Eyes made its own mark in the music industry, standing apart from its predecessors. The slightly different sound to the album still pleases the most, if not all, of Paramore's old fans, and still manages to attract new listeners. The difference of this album compared to the first two albums reflects the changes withing the members of the band and the band itself. However, most would agree that the changes ended up being for the best, as we can see with the result: Brand New Eyes. Hopefully, you can view the album with new eyes as well.

Are You A Belieber?

Artist: Justin Bieber
Album: My World 2.0
Released: 2010
Tracks: 10

This album makes a sugary sweet (or terribly sour--it depends on who you ask) opening with one of Bieber's most successful tracks: "Baby". "Baby" takes something that every teenage boy and girl goes through and adds a catchy beat that will have you singing this Beliber anthem for the forseeable future. "Somebody to Love" also displays a solid dance beat, but not much in the way of lyrics. They accompany the song nicely, but don't stir an extremely amazed reaction as you listen. "Stuck in the Moment" is possibly the most honest of songs on Bieber's album. The overall theme of the album to document his lovelife, often times using shallow comparisons and an almost childlike repetition of lines through paraphrasing. "Stuck in the Moment", however, displays the most depth and is the least commercialized of Bieber's releases. "U Smile" is another notable song on this album, letting Bieber's charming vocals take the spotlight over the beats that constantly crowd his songs. "Runaway Love" carries the best beat of the album and compliments Bieber's vocals very well. "Never Let You Go" is a mild piece which doesn't quite catch your attention outright. "Overboard" contains a collaboration with Jessica Jarrell, who helps the song immensely and allows Bieber to make it a success. "Eenie Meenie" takes you on a spin of an old nursery saying, with Sean Kingston being the highlight of the track. Bieber tries to hold your interest, but the true attention grabber of this song is Kingston, who dominates most of the piece. "Up" demonstrates adorable rhyming lyrics that you can't help but memorize. "That Should Be Me" is a great acoustic closing track, one of the strongest of the album.
As an emerging artist, Bieber has nothing to complain about with millions of global fans that sit back and watch as he gains more everyday. However, he is an amateur in appealing to a wider audience than starstruck preteens. In order for him to find his way musically, he needs time, which some won't give him. He's not a predictable classic, but is a promising artist, if he plays his cards right. If Bieber was just looking for somebody to love him, he's definitely found them.