I'm Alive, I'm Dreaming

Album: I'm Alive, I'm Dreaming

Artist: The Ready Set

Release: 2010

Tracks: 10

The Ready Set - recording name of soloist Jordan Witzigreuter - was a widely unknown name before signing to the Decaydance Records label after being discovered by Pete Wentz, the label's founder and owner. This signing brought about a whirlwind of events, including the release of the hit single "Love Like Woe" from The Ready set's first studio album, I'm Alive, I'm Dreaming. From here, The Ready Set gained an explosive fan base, hooking listeners in to his addictive style of music. Upon discovering The Ready Set, many soon-to-be fans went on to look at his other music, finding a mixed background that tells a common story. However, the resulting style that came out of that story definitely has its own unique and special sound.

Kicking off I'm Alive' I'm Dreaming is the hit single that started a wildfire - "Love Like Woe." With its insanely catchy beat and a slightly hip-hop feel to it, it's no wonder this song shot up on the music charts within weeks of being released. This song sets the stage for the rest of the album, creating an upbeat and happy feeling that will have you unconsciously keeping time with your foot or head. "More Than Alive", the second song on the album, tells listeners to live their own life the way that they want to, and don't let anything stop them. The sound transitions smoothly from the previous track, but still has a different style that marks it as an individual song instead of a continuation of another track. The back beat that kicks off the song is guaranteed to be stuck in your head for days, even if you can't keep up with the sometimes-fast vocals in "Limits". With vocals that move up and down the scale, this track almost seems to be a rapping song at some parts, and it has a beat that keeps your attention on the song. "Stays Four The Same" is a song with lyrics that seem to be shallow and fun, but in reality have a slightly deeper meaning when you read into them. With a fast drum beat keeping time for this song and auto-tune being used to create a unique vocal sound, this song will leave a lasting impression on you after a few repeats. An upbeat song with a slightly more serious side, "There Are Days" has a different sound from the songs that precede it, straying from the hip-hop style of sound. With a chorus that seems to explode out of each of the verses creating a separate portion of the song, and a bridge that sets itself apart from everything, this is a song that stands out even against itself. "Spinnin'" is a song that speaks for itself once you listen to it with vocals that jump from a normal range to a higher range in manner that is so smooth that it seems completely natural. The beat will have you tapping your foot without you even realizing it, and the lyrics, though a bit confusing at first, catch your attention easily and keep you hooked on the song. Starting out with a small interlude part, "Melody's Song" tricks you into thinking you have another love song on your hands, but in reality you have a song about music itself. With an interesting piano melody that carries on through most of the song, and slight additions of auto-tune to add spice to the sugar, this song is one of my personal favorites, both musically and lyrically. "Upsets and Downfalls" has vocals that hook you into the song from the very beginning, and computer generated sounds that add nicely to the song, blending in to almost seem natural. The bridge stands apart from the rest of the song in a way that makes you want to repeat the entire song just to hear the it again, easily building up your play count for this song. The first bonus track on the album, "The Ghost of Los Angeles" is probably the most upbeat song on I'm Alive, I'm Dreaming with its computer generated sounds and vocals that show us how auto-tune can be used in a good way. The sound is unique, almost seeming like it should be part of a different set of tracks, lacking the hip-hop beat that seems to permeate the rest of the album's non-bonus tracks. "Giants", the second bonus track and last song of I'm Alive, I'm Dreaming, is actually a third remake of a song that had its debut over four years ago. This version, however, has a style that relates to the rest of the album in an indirect way, with small auto-tune additions and computerized sounds and beats.

I'm Alive, I'm Dreaming is the album that revealed The Ready Set to most of the world, with some of the catchiest songs that you will ever hear. The sound of "Love Like Woe" and "More Than Alive", maybe even "Giants" will be stuck in your head for days on end, keeping you coming back for more. Although the hip-hop sound may not be the normal music style that some people listen to, if you keep an open mind to The Ready Set's music, you may just get hooked, no matter your normal listening genre. So, in the spirit of the message behind The Ready Set, live your life to the fullest and keep on dreaming.

Oh Na Na, What's My Name?

Album: What's My Name Feat. Drake

Artist: Rihanna

Tracks: 1

Released: 2010

Rihanna has been one of America's favorite artists since her debut "Pon De Replay", and this single proves that time hasn't changed much for the star. Classic hip-hop elements blend well with Rihanna's vocals, and a special appearance from rapper Drake doesn't leave much to complain about. Drake's prescence, however, does take away a bit from Rihanna herself, though she takes the reigns and reminds you that this is in fact her song, during the many choruses. The pair fit very well together, and are amazing at blending pop, hip-hop, and rap. Another hit for Rihanna and another credit to Drake and his rising fame.

Tallahassee Will Stay Grey With Any Other Heart

Album: Any Other Heart - Single

Artist: Go Radio

Release: 2011

Tracks: 1

Go Radio, though not as widely known as some other alternative bands, definitely has more than enough potential and skill to quickly rise in the ranks. Started by Jason Lancaster, former vocalist, guitarist, and lyricist of the band Mayday Parade, Go Radio also includes the talent of Alex Reed as guitarist and vocalist, Matt "Burns" Poulos as bassist and backing vocalist, and Steven Kopacz as drummer and second backing vocalist. Together, they form the captivating sound that we know as Go Radio.

"Any Other Heart" is the first single off of their first full album, Lucky Street, which will be released March 1st. Kicking off with Lancaster's unique vocals and a steady rhythm on the guitar, "Any Other Heart" is a song that can easily wear out your repeat button. Keeping true to their original sound, Go Radio stretches the limits of the resources that they have at their disposal for this song to create a mind-blowing single. "Any Other Heart" has lyrical and musical depth that will captivate musicians and regular listeners alike. "Any Other Heart" has us waiting almost impatiently for the release of Lucky Street. Just don't be caught with any other heart besides your own!

She's Got A Love Like...

Album: Love Like Woe-Single

Artist: The Ready Set

Tracks: 1

Released: 2010

Breakout artist Jordan Witizigreuter (the one man band entitled "The Ready Set") captures the spotlight with his single "Love Like Woe", a prelude to his new album "I'm Alive, I'm Dreaming". Witzigreuter blends elements of pop, hip-hop, and good old fashioned lyric genius to create a fresh new sound that will surely be rocking your iPod for months to come. The song captures the greatest parts of unrequited teenage love while painting adorable images like how she "can make a storm cloud break, pulling out the sun".

"Love Like Woe" shot up the pop charts to peak at 15th in the U.S., and for good reason. Check out the video, where The Ready Set and a few lucky companions brave a world filled with zombies and...dance parties?

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Watch the Time

Artist: The Follow Through

Album: It's About Time!

Release: 2008

Tracks: 7

The Follow Through, side project of Joe Kirkland from the band Artist vs Poet, features guitar and vocal skills that create a distinguished sound. Kirkland's voice is unique among other singers in his genre, with a voice that sounds both raw and full of depth and tone that can fluctuate according to each song. With his guitar to back him up, he releases both softer and louder tracks on It's About Time!, his first EP under The Follow Through.

It's About Time! eases you into the EP with "Don't Go", a quiet track that heavily features finger-picking on the guitar. The vocals of the song are soft and blend very well with the sound of the guitar, becoming almost indistinguishable at some points, though not in a bad way. "Alive" jumps right in with explosive guitar and drums, providing a contrast with the quiet opening track. The vocals of the chorus and bridge are the most attention-grabbing parts of this song, setting it apart from the rest of the EP. A quiet intro that steadily builds up in volume sets the stage for "So High", where Kirkland's vocals take center stage and keep listeners hooked on his music. Here he displays his ability to sing in a manner that allows you to feel the full emotion of the song, backed by his guitar. "One Night Only" jumps right into a new sound, with splashes of auto-tune used to create a different sound for his vocals. The drum beat falls into place with the guitar, shining through and falling back in just the right places, and balancing well with the vocals. A unique mixture of guitar rhythms and small riffs define "Figured Out", along with Kirkland's individual tone when singing. This song doesn't hold back in terms of lyrics, expressing an opinion that people can connect with easily. "And Suddenly..." turns the volume down a bit with a softer tone for most of the song. The bridge introduces a new tone of vocals that brings to mind a chorus-style sound. It's About Time! comes to a close with "Memories", a song that provides a sort of closure for the feelings expressed in the rest of the EP. The tone of the song is soft, suggesting a somber mood completed by the piano that ends the song.

It's About Time! showcases Joe Kirkland's guitar skills in a way that allows him to progress in his own direction as an individual instead of following the idea of a band, which is not necessarily a bad thing. The Follow Through makes the most of this opportunity and shines through in this EP, where everything is put together in his spare time. Although some of his vocals tend to be a bit softer than necessary among all of the instruments, his music has a feel to it that keeps you listening. Whether or not you like the style of music that The Follow Through puts out depends on the you. So be warned - make sure you watch the time while listening to this EP. You may just get hooked!

Would You Hold It Against Me If I Liked Britney Spears?

iTunes Top Song

Song: Hold It Against Me
Album: Hold It Against Me--Single
Released: 2011

Basically, Britney has had top selling tracks in the last three decades, this new single solidifying her record. This teaser track (for her new album, to be released) launches you into a classic pop setup, which hits the mark dead on. The theme's not truly original, but it's a perfect club beat that keeps you dancing throughought the whole track, complimented nicely by Spear's unique vocals. However, the bridge lacks vocals and carries sort of an empty feeling in comparison to the rest of the song. That's not really going to hurt the track overall, though, as this preview of Spear's new album has me excited to see what comes next.

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.