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Showing posts with label Adele. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Adele. Show all posts
Friday, January 1, 2016
Saskya Sky Covers Adele's Hello in Haitian Creole

  • Posted on Friday, January 1, 2016
HAPPY NEW YEAR but more importantly BON ANE EPI JOU ENDEPANDANS to all of my Haitian (American) readers, friends and family!!!
Being that it is our independence day (I made my first solo pot of Soup Joumou!!!) I thought it only fitting to post the cover of Adele's "Hello" that Saskya Sky did in creole. I love it!
Enjoy your day everyone. Count your blessings, work on your vision boards, and always remember L'Union Fait La Force!

Natasha Marie
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Second Annual "THIS YEAR IN MUSIC" Review (2015)

  • Posted on
As I was writing 2014's year end review I talked about the lackluster sales drought everyone was experiencing, that is, until America's Sweetheart Taylor Swift stopped the RIAA from committing musical suicide. I mean, what's the point of having an association to pass out certifications if no album has been worthy of certifying? Hence the changing of the rules and counting streams and records shipped versus just records sold which I said was a cop out and my opinion still stands. Artists are providing us with sub par albums which garner less than remarkable sales and yet they're earning certifications due to loopholes and not merit. Clearly it was deemed possible when SLAYlord Swift accomplished it in just one week. And even MORE so when ADELESUS came in and took over thee entire WORLD. Like, THE WORLD. But sure. Go ahead. Celebrate the mediocre...which is what the bulk of the releases this year were at best. 2013, sales aside, it was sooo hard for me to narrow it down to just a top 5 that I had to throw in Honorable Mentions. This year, much like 2014, I struggled with even choosing a top 5...I'm looking for the good albums like
Without a doubt, topping my list is Adele with "25" [read: review; purchase: iTunes]. I have been listening to that album at home, in the car, and at work ad nauseam. My poor co-workers. I sing along too, loud and proud, like I'm home alone in the shower. Oh well. Just know that "25" has to be the best album I have heard in a long time. I'm expecting her to take home the Grammy for Best Album in the Universe. What were we doing before The Grand High Supreme Empress of Soul returned??? I'm literally trying to think of what or whom I was listening to. I even welcome the silent despair that I experience each and every time the tracks dredge up the sweetest pain that I've ever known. That's that type of masochistic 'Twilight' love. 
And yet I can't stop, make that WON'T STOP, listening to this album. No matter how much it hurts. My fave tracks have to be "All I Ask", "Remedy", "Hello", "When We Were Young", "Love In The Dark", and "Million Years Ago". Plus every other track on the album. *wails*
I definitely fell in love with Skye Townsend's EP "Rocking Chairs" [read: review; purchase: iTunes] from the very first listen. Let's face it, she's gorgeous, hilarious, down to earth, and her voice is AMAZING! I mean, what else can you ask for in an artist? She has the makings of a star. You read it here first. This EP may only be 5 tracks but they're so amazing I just listen to them on a loop and pretend like it's longer than it is. My fave songs are "Always", "Red Wine", and "Are You Sure". SKYE PLEASE MAKE A FULL ALBUM!!! I'm over here so pressed.
It took me a minute to get into Dawn Richard's album but it wasn't for naught and not to say that it isn't absolutely GREAT because it is. It just started out so slow but I am so glad that I finally sought it out and listened after having reviewed it [review; purchase: iTunes]. "Blackheart" is definitely at the top of my albums list for 2015. Her intro rivaled that of Ariana Grande's from "My Everything" and that is saying A LOT because Queen Ari topped my top albums list two years in a row! Her videos are always FIRE and she be dancing her ass off!
My fave tracks are "Phoenix", Blow", Noir", and "The Deep". I've loved Dawn since her Danity Kane days so she better work! I wish her all the best in her solo career. Blessings, beloved. I don't think this album got all of the pomp and circumstance that it deserved and still does. It definitely deserved a Grammy nod but c'est la vie.
There can be no mention of the greatest albums of 2015 without speaking on Ms. Jackson If You're Nasty aka Janet. "Unbreakable" [read: review; purchase: iTunes] came for everybody this year. She said "Y'all think these young broads got something on Ms. Jackson? Let me nip this shit in the bud right now." And then she went on a full fledged tour and danced her ass off. She hit us with the 
I'm always here for Janet. She whispers in the way that Jhene Aiko wishes that she could. No shade, just facts (no printer). I love "BURNITUP", "Shoulda Known Better", "No Sleeep", and "Unbreakable". Don't think because she married a billionaire and acts here and there that she's lost her touch. Ms. Jackson is an icon and if you disagree
Kendrick Lamar has me on the fence. His album? It was everything. Yet, his consciousness makes me want to believe that he is woke but then he says stupid shit like "Black on Black crime" and I want to smack the shit out of him and never listen to his music again. It pisses me off and I'm just like 
But I won't take his accomplishments away from him. He says that he's gonna go out and pick up all the Grammys for the Black hip hop community? Well have at it. I'm sure "To Pimp A Butterfly" [read: review; purchase: iTunes] will most certainly win at least one. It'll save us the tragedy of Macklemore and company winning and being forced to do this
I, of course, have to round out my top albums list with a select few honorable mentions. In no particular order: Monica's "Code Red" [purchase: iTunes], Erykah Badu's "But You Caint Use My Phone" [read: review; purchase: iTunes],  Justin Bieber's "Purpose" [purchase: iTunes], Dr. Dre's "Compton" [purchase: iTunes], and, UNEQUIVOCALLY, Mariah Carey's "#1s To Infinity" [read: review; purchase: iTunes]. I highly doubt I left anything off. This list, in and of itself, was already a stretch. However, everything on this list is definitely worth a listen and if you love them, by all means purchase them! ESPECIALLY my, female dominated, top 5! The men took over last year and I was shocked. Now I'm like "WHO RUN THE WORLD?!?"
What were your fave albums of the year that didn't make my list?

Natasha Marie


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Thursday, December 31, 2015
Album Review: Adele - "25" (Track By Track)

  • Posted on Thursday, December 31, 2015
I bet you thought I forgot to review Adele, huh? Not at all! I had to get my bearings! This album has literally been on repeat since the day I purchased it. Love at first listen. Ain't God good?! Amen! Recently, ADELESUS has announced her North American leg of her "25" tour and all I'm thinking is whoTF would willingly go to an Adele concert??? This is not shade. Don't get me wrong, I love me some Adele...but what does that even look like? A bunch of, once dapper, well-dressed, and made up individuals, now blubbering with red eyes and runny noses, hugging each other and thinking about all of the people in their lives that they've long since forgotten (or not really by the sounds of wailing heard in surround sound). Ok, a bit dramatic. But that's what I envision when I think of going to listen to this soulful voice singing about our once hidden depths of despair. So naw. I'll pass. But if you are a masochist, tickets [(if they aren't sold out in your city) can be found: here]. I haven't done a track-by-track in so long and quite frankly, no album warranted such an honor bestowed upon them until now.
Check out this "track-by-track" review of "25":

 1. "Hello" 

First of all, "Hello? Soul? Welcome back to my body." To be quite honest I was so ecstatic for the return of real music I would've accepted any damn track from her. Needless to say, I wasn't disappointed [read my review: here]. I was at home preparing for the rest of the album like
2. "Send My Love (To Your New Lover)"

Now see, bitch, you play. As thoughtful as that may be, and grown up, apparently, to show you harbor no ill will or feelings towards your ex and his new lover but send my love...?
I was listening so intently after I read the title like DAFUQ is she going with this??? *emoji eyes* Then she said Send my love to your new lover/treat her better/gotta let go/of all of our ghosts/we both know we ain't kids no more... Wayment...Is that how we know we ain't kids no more?!? Well then I'm childish AF because naw.
3. "I Miss You" 

I love the way your body moves/Towards me from across the room/Brushing past my every groove/No one has me like you do/In your heart I bring my soul/But be delicate with my ego/I wanna step into your great unknown/With you and me setting the tone If ever there was a time that I was depressed to be bae-less it is now because I don't have anyone to miss when the lights go down. 
4. "When We Were Young"

You look like a movie/you sound like a song/My God, this reminds me/Of when we were young/Let me photograph you in this light/In case it is the last time/That we might be exactly like we were/ Before we realized/We were sad of getting old/It made us restless/It was just like a movie/It was just like a song Girl. You and me both.
5. "Remedy"

My second fave song on this album and if it doesn't describe my life to a tee. I remember all of the things that I thought I wanted to be/ So desperate to find a way out of my world and finally breathe/Right before my eyes I saw, my heart it came to life/This ain't easy it's not meant to be/Every story has its scars Except at this point I need someone else to be my remedy because I'm a beautiful nightmare and a dreadful blessing most of the time.
6. "Water Under The Bridge"

Loving someone who won't/can't love you the way you need? Like if that ain't bout a...then asking for him/her to let you down gently and stop playing with your life? Even if it isn't romantically like OH MAH GAWD. If you're not the one for me/Why do I hate the idea of being free...?/And if I'm not the one for you/You've gotta stop holding me the way you do 
7. "River Lea"

Everybody tells me it's 'bout time that I moved on/And I need to learn to lighten up and learn how to be young/But my heart is a valley, it's so shallow and man made/I'm scared to death if I let you in that you'll see I'm just a fake/Sometimes I feel lonely in the arms of your touch/But I know  that's just me cause nothing ever is enough She is definitely singing through the heart of a Pisces. So many emotions, so much indecision, so much love, lust, hurt, hope, defeat, pain, desperation, and anger all wrapped up in one beautifully imperfect package.
8. "Love In The Dark"

I can't love you in the dark/It feels like we're oceans apart/There is so much space between us/Maybe we're already defeated THIS IS SO SAD! *weeps imperceptibly* How do you let go of a love that you know you shouldn't have? When it's over and you're no longer in denial but you need a push and don't have the strength to boost yourself towards the door? Adele is singing from the pages of a tear stained diary, y'all. OMG.
9. "Million Years Ago"

I know I'm not the only one/Who regrets the things they've done/Sometimes I just feel it's only me/Who can't stand the reflection that they see/I wish I could live a little more/Look up to the sky, not just the floor/I know I'm not the only one/Who regrets the things they've done/Sometimes I just feel it's only me/Who never became who they thought they'd be/I wish I could live a little more/Look up to the sky, not just the floor I think this is every 20-something year old (with ambition of any kind, that is) who is living with insecurities - whether it's about love, life, school. I know I get on FB and all of my friends from school are engaged or married with 7 kids whilst I'm over here like
10. "All I Ask"

MY. FAVE. TRACK. EVER. This is like "friend zone anthem of 2015". LMFAO. Way to play on someone's emotions. If this is my last night with you/Hold me like I'm more than just a friend/Give me a memory I can use/Take me by the hand while we do what lovers do/It matters how this ends/'Cause what if I never love again? I am likely to get in a car wreck the way I be singing this song with all my heart and soul, eyes shut, and then I be like OH SHIT I'M DRIVING! 
11. "Sweetest Devotion"

Sometimes, not all the time, but sometimes, she be tripping. Like I don't think I have ever or will ever fully devote myself to anyone but Black Jesus. I think that may be where my "daddy issues" manifest themselves lol because I don't have any of the other typical issues. I'm not clingy or looking for a father figure or love in all of the wrong places. If anything I love em and leave em like the apple don't fall far from the rotten tree nShit.
12. "Can't Let Go"

I like to call this the "Daddy Issues anthem" because girl you tripping. You lowkey stalking and this is the definition of "needing someone to complete you". When did it go wrong, I will never know/I have loved you all my life/How did it slow down, I go round and round/Thinking about it all the time/I gave you heaven on a platter baby/I gave you everything you never gave me/I never lied and I never faked it/Only wanted for you to save me/This love, it ain't over yet/There's too much that I haven't said
13. "Lay Me Down"

Is this a cover of the Sam Smith song? *googles* Nope. This is a better song. No offense to Sam. But I mean if Adele names a song the same as yours you may as well just change yours CTFU because there's no comparing Adele's slay with anyone else's.
14. "Why Do You Love Me"

I'm gonna answer the question even though it has nothing to do with the song. I LOVE you QUEEN EMPRESS GODDESS OF SOUL because you SLEIGH every mere mortal, living and deceased (Not Whitney lol), with your pristine vocals. Not to mention that you curse like a sailor and you are my spirit animal. Why do you love me?/There must be something in the water/Cause baby I'm in deeper than I knew/How do you keep me coming back for more/After all we've been through/I can't decide if I should run and hide Ugh. I even forgive you for taking an eternity to deliver this masterpiece to me but it's so wonderfully executed that I will even stop referring to it as "25+2" or "27" because you, my lady, are flawless. 

Bruh. I intentionally sing along to this album with my emotions turned off (another great trait of a Pisces) and not even listening to the lyrics. This album is meant to have you bawling and in your feelings. Like whoTF raised Adele?!? Or rather who broke her heart? I thank that person wholeheartedly (no pun intended since her shit is clearly broken) because this album was everything the heavens and earth intended for it to be. I know, without a doubt, that the late great Fairy GodMOTHA Whitney, sprinkled some holy fairy dust on this album like bippity boppity boop. What a blessing!
"25" is available online [buy it: here] and in stores [grab that Target copy with the bonus tracks!!!] NOW!
Natasha Marie
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Tuesday, October 27, 2015
ICYMI: [WATCH]: Adele - "Hello" Video

  • Posted on Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Dammit Adele! I was hellbent on being irate with your insubordinate ass for presenting me with an album you preposterously named "25" even though you're releasing it 17 years later but you had me at "Hello"...how fitting? Everything that you are willing to offer, Goddess Vocalist of the Most High, Supreme of the Musical Coven, may be laid upon my alter. This musical year has definitely been an 'American Horror Story' whilst you traipsed your ass abroad not giving a hot red cent about us over here suffering, having ne'er a song to listen to besides those filled with whispers, screams, and trap queens. Welcome back, Queen. Address the peasants as you see fit.
Love you though I might, Your Highness, I shan't refer to this album as "25", it will either be "25 + 2" or "27", which I gladly accept as tribute. Hell, at this point, I thought we'd be naming this album "Adele: Songs from the Afterlife". Watch the video below (she has Tristan Wilds as her love interest, and I mean, doesn't that make the video that much more interesting?):

"Hello" is online NOW and "25 + 2" will be in stores and online [Pre-order: here] on November 20th!

Natasha Marie
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Tuesday, September 2, 2014
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