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.

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.