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Showing posts with label Album Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Album Reviews. Show all posts
Friday, January 1, 2016
Second Annual "THIS YEAR IN MUSIC" Review (2015)

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)

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, May 19, 2015
Jamie Foxx - "Hollywood: A Story of 2 Dozen Roses"

Understand this. Jamie Foxx's vocal chords give me a source of sustainable life. I care not that he gave me "Wade in the Water" realness with that Negro Spiritual ass rendition of the Star Spangled Banner during the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight. None of the backlash would've even occurred had he just gone against the grain and sang the Negro National Anthem in the first place. He could've been the hopes, the dreams, and the manifestation of the slaves. But instead he chose to be a respectable Negro and offended everyone within a hundred mile radius. But again, that's neither here nor there. The point is his voice has been breathing life into the very essence of me since the beginning of time. 
In short, I love him. So you should as well. Only the deaf would ever shade the perfection that is he. Listen below:
"Hollywood: A Story Of 2 Dozen Roses" is available online and in stores NOW!

Natasha Marie


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Sunday, March 22, 2015
Resurrected: Marsha Ambrosius - "Friends & Lovers"

Last I heard, Marsha Ambrosius was a salty ex-lover, hoping that her man’s new beau would cheat on him with a basketball player. As a follow-up to her 2011 release, "Late Nights and Early Mornings", Ms. Ambrosius seems to have finally found a boo, but she's still having trouble keeping one. This album is entitled, "Friends and Lovers", but it was certainly made for the latter. Be not mistaken, this album is for the grown and sexy.  With tracks titled, "So Good", "69", "Night Time", and "Kiss and Fuck", this is definitely the soundtrack to sexy time. And she impressively penned every song on the album. Go girl! Get those writing credits and keep your coins!
"Friends and Lovers" "Intro" sets the tone for the rest of the album. Once I heard the seatbelt buckle and the engine start, I knew I was in for a bumpy ride with the soundtrack to relationship drama blasting at full volume.

I always like to watch a few interviews of an artist’s commentary on their music, to get a feel for their inspiration behind the project and the story they’re trying to tell. I was under the impression that Marsha was going to walk me through a tale of friends turned lovers, breakups, and make ups. After listening to "So Good, Night Time", and "69", I realized this story ain't got nothing to do with friendship.

And after a while, I realized I was on autopilot and had completely zoned out.  I was like, “Did I just listen to the same song three times?!” The beginning of this story is just sex, and lots of it.  In a very hypnotizing, loopy, "Are you high right now?" type of way. And I couldn’t figure out what she was saying for the life of me, but she sounds amazing, as always.
Fast forward to "Shoes". I can’t believe I keep doing this to myself/but it’s so good./Last night we made love…/we swore it’d be the last time, but we just cant stop. Okay, now the story begins. I guess the previous three tracks were meant to be a prelude to the story. This track is straightforward, and she replaced the beautiful mumbling she was doing in the prior tracks with clear pronunciation. I get you now, Ms. Ambrosius. Your mind wasn’t right before, and now you’ve come back to earth. We’ve all been there. Kudos to her for not only telling the story lyrically, but conceptually through the musicality of the songs. I see you, girl!
I’d have to say that the intros and interludes were one of my favorite part of this album, as her acoustic vocals take the spotlight. That, and the fact that they were the only way I knew what’s going on in the story she’s trying to tell.

"Stronger", featuring Dr. Dre is a pivotal point in the album. Because after this, my friends, the album gets good.

"You and I"! Finally! This was the track I was waiting to hear! This track gives us a chance to hear her impeccable tone without all the congestion of trippy bells and synths. I don't listen to artists like Marsha to zone out, I listen to get in my feelings. THIS is the Marsha Ambrosius I love. "La La La La La", which samples Minnie Ripperton’s “Loving You", "Love, Cupid (Shot Me Straight Through My Heart)", and "Run" prove that Marsha writes her most beautiful songs when she’s in love. These songs are for the old-school Floetry fans. I'm not an emotional girl, but she had me wanting to run through fields of sunflowers with my non-existent bae. 
I’m convinced I’m a 65-year-old woman trapped in a twenty-something body, so the track "Spend All My Time" featuring Charlie Wilson was the one I was anticipating the most. Uncle Charlie never disappoints, and the mélange of his raspy granddaddy vocals with Marsha’s fluid vibrato is so good I caught myself rocking back and forth and doing the stank face like my Mama does when the sermon is good. 
"OMG I Miss You" sounds like it belongs in the beginning of the album with the freaky, sex-so-good tracks, and "Streets of London" just doesn’t fit in with any of the other songs at all. I don’t get it. She could’ve left me with Uncle Charlie and I would’ve been fine.

Parts of "Friends and Lovers" are nice to light a few candles and vibe to, but I honestly feel like most of these songs belong on different playlists. Some of the songs are for the Jhene Aiko roll up and space out crowd, some are for the Floetry lovers, and a few are for my fellow old ladies of the world. Take your pick. 

"Friends and Lovers" is available online and in stores NOW!

T. Nikki Paige

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Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Album Review: Big Sean - "Dark Sky Paradise"

In September of last year Big Sean hit us with a double whammy: signing to management team Roc Nation and dropping a surprise four track EP that featured the hit single, "IDFWU", with guest E-40 which skyrocketed up the charts and became platinum in no time. He used this EP to prepare us for his new era, one where he was no longer overshadowed by all of his features. Let's be real...his first big single, "My Last" was carried by Breezy. Then Kanye West opened the door for him and put him on two of the biggest tracks of 2012, "Mercy" and "Clique", and I don't remember him on either one. Lest we forget the infamous "Control" in which Kendrick Lamar not only overshadowed him but ultimately his entire album was forgotten after that controversial feature. Fast forward to 2015 and Big Sean is ready to make waves with his third studio release, "Dark Sky Paradise" which has special guests Drake, Kanye West, E-40, Chris BrownJhene Aiko, Lil Wayne, John Legend, PARTYNEXTDOOR, and QUEEN Ariana Grande. Extremely feature heavy for someone who is typically overpowered but let's see if he held his own. Third time's a charm, right?
In the grand scheme of the album it was a good effort. For the most part, the album did what it needed to do: show his growth as an artist. In "Blessings" Big Sean held his own against Drake, the duo make a great pairing. I would actually like to hear more from them. He does, however, get absolutely demolished by Kanye West on "All Your Fault", which is understandable. The track is amazing and veteran West is, well, Kanye West.
"IDFWU" is a perfect radio track which is why it's done so well. The song is slightly ridiculous but it goes in the club and in the car so none of that even matters. Another radio friendly track is "Play No Games", which is accompanied by the vocals of Chris Brown, who doesn't steal the shine this time around. It perfectly rounded out the first half of the album that only has a few bumps and bruises, lyrically, but is otherwise a great listen.

The second half of the project has more downs than ups. I wanted her to be great but, of course, the hooks in which he enlisted the aid of Jhene "Sleep Machine" Aiko, were as interesting as watching wet paint dry. He needs to return her to the rainbow and marijuana laden field from whence he plucked her. Then there's "Deep", which is anything but, and Lil Wayne couldn't even drag this song out of the abyss of mediocrity where it dwells. I'm not sure why he would put all three of these Debbie Downer ass tracks back to back unless he doesn't want people to wake up from their Jhene induced comas. The album's saving grace, at this point, is "One Man Can Change The World", a dedication to his grandmother, with aid from both Kanye West and John Legend. Honestly, the best track on the album. The outro, cleverly named "Outro", is Big Sean in his comfort zone. I need more of that.
As far as the deluxe tracks are concerned, "Deserve It" and "Platinum and Wood" were worthy of their bonus placements. All three could've easily replaced those 3 sullen and depressing ass tracks and he could've scrapped them from his album altogether. I was, of course, here for "Research". But I'm always here for Queen Ari. It was a different sound for her, staying in her lower register, and she paired well with him, per usual. I truly hope the track is just general and not about Naya Rivera, no matter when it was written, because that would be some petty shit. To have your current girl help you diss your ex-girl, who is married, unbathed, and unbothered is childish. But that's neither here nor there...
This is definitely Big Sean's best release to date. Despite a few hiccups, I'd definitely keep this in my musical rotation. Listen to the stream below:
"Dark Sky Paradise" is available online and in stores NOW!

Natasha Marie 


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Thursday, February 19, 2015
Album Review: Estelle - "True Romance"

Estelle made her debut into the music industry in 2008 with her smash hit "American Boy". Although her fourth studio effort, "True Romance", lacks a killer Kanye collaboration like that one, she doesn't even need it. Unlike her last project, 2012's "All Of Me", this album has more of an overall Pop and House sound which is readily heard out the gate with opening track "Time After Time", as well as tracks like "Something/Good Devotion", "Conqueror", and "Not Sure". But have no fear! There are tracks that give us much needed soul such as "Silly Girls", the reggae-roused "She Will Love, and sure to be a fan favorite, "Gotcha Love".
Mapping out the various stages of a relationship the album consists of four major themes: courage, passion, true romance, and (of course) the inevitable bullshit that comes along with love. The concept is loose but creates a framework for a compilation of songs detailing the experience of being knocked down by love but being able to pick yourself up in the aftermath. It's emotional, it's real, and extremely relatable. Estelle certainly delivers and "All That Matters" is the perfect fairy tale ending.
Listen to the stream below:
"True Romance" is available online and in stores NOW!

Natasha Marie


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Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Album Review: Raheem DeVaughn - "Love Sex Passion"

Raheem DeVaughn is back with his fifth studio album, "Love Sex Passion", which consists of 18 tracks of romantic ballads, sensual slow jams, and tracks that send you reminiscing and two stepping on a Friday night. In short, the flawlessly executed project bestows upon us the R&B we've been missing with this generation's "talent". Equipped with simple instrumentals accompanied by piano, drums, horns, and organs, Raheem takes us back to a time where love is prominent, whether we like it or not.
Raheem opens up with a musical recap of "A Place Called Love Land" then follows up with songs such as "Black Ice Cream""Miss Your Sex""Strip", and "Sun Proof (From the 50 Shades soundtrack)" all which provide different approaches to romantic soul balladry with a mixture of vocal retorts. Lest we forget the amazing instrumentals equipped with both a dramatic drum machine and synthesizer orchestration as well as some Southern Soul rhythm guitar riffing on the latter. "Queen" is a thick piano driven slow crawling funky soul ballad that reminds me of 2008's "Woman". Meanwhile "Nothing Without You" is predominately a jazz funk number. "Pretty Love" takes the passionately rhythmic dance route reminiscent of old school funk that features the talents of Trombone Shorty, showcasing another strong Afro-Latin inspired percussion solo on the bridge.
"Temperature's Rising" is an unyielding, bass synth accented accented by Raheem and his own harmony's acting equally as melodic and percussive components. "All I Know In My Heart" contributes a contemporary feel to the album, though stripped down, while "When You Love Somebody", "Terms of Endearment", and "Baby Come Back" are all organ and rhythm guitar accompanied ballads that pay homage to Southern Soul. The album approaches it's end with a somewhat theatrical slew of songs beginning with "Countdown To Love", a Leon Ware inspired uptempo selection with Brazilian drums as well as a string and rhythm section. "Feather Rock Lovin'" incorporates the methods of Boney James in conjunction with The Illadelph Horns to articulate a soothing tempo with Raheem blessing us with alllll the adlibs. "Infiniti" serves as the finale with a climactic piano driven gospel soul tribute to romantic success.
Many male soul/funk artists since the mid 80's have been recklessly declared "the next Marvin Gaye". Raheem DeVaughn is one of a few artists in contemporary music who truly embody that identity. Undoubtedly, with "Love Sex Passion", he has allowed us to rediscover every aspect of love. Whether you're blissfully in love, in search of love, or even pining after it this album speaks to your plight, joyous or otherwise. What's even more amazing is that Raheem manages to stay true to his musical roots whilst making music that can capture the hearts and minds of even the current generation of teeny boppers. This album may not ever be on heavy rotation at the radio, but once you start listening to it, it'll surely take hold of your attention and keep it for all 18 tracks.

"Love Sex Passion" is available in stores and online NOW!

Natasha Marie


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