Powerstars

Okay, I understand. For me, that was "The Stars (Are Out Tonight)"

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Powerstars

Okay, so I wanna review an album outside the Rock genre. The question is, which album? I want you guys to suggest things. You don't need to send it to me, I'd just like some suggestions. Genres I like include...

-Ambient
-Anime
-Blues
-Breakbeat
-Breakcore
-Dubstep
-DnB
-Grime
-House
-Nu Jazz
-Psychedelia
-Trap
-J-Pop/J-Rock
-K-Pop
-New Wave
-Among others

Expect a new review sometime this week.

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Powerstars

So wait. In this song, the vocalist explains that the reason his love interest is attractive is because she doesn't know she's attractive, but, as he's telling her she's attractive, she now knows this fact, thus not attractive anymore. I don't know. The whole thing is a paradox.


Okay, really, this is filler until I can find a decent album to review. I had this thought for a while and decided to let it out in a funny way. Peace.

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Trollheart

Yeah I claim the same disclaimer BUT I think what the lyric means is that she's one of those girls who is beautiful without trying, who doesn't go around preening and looking at herself and wanting everyone to worship her. Of course she know's she beautiful; she just doesn't make a big deal about it, is what I think they're saying.

But it would make less of a snappy title, wouldn't it? "You know that you're beautiful but you don't go round making a big deal about it" -- Wo-oh!

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Trollheart: Signature-free since April 2018

Powerstars

Well yeah, but that segment isn't terribly serious. :P Just funnyz.

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Powerstars

The year is 2004. The Indie Rock fad of the mid-'00s is in gear when a band called The Killers releases their debut. The face of Glamorous Indie Rock and Roll is never the same. Not to be bias, but I really love The Killers, I think Brandon Flowers (vocalist) is a genius, as well as the others. Genius, genius, genius. I saw this much fabled album in my brother's CD collection and had to hear it. Not to mention, it doubles as New Wave, so here's a little diversity for the journal. So let's look at their debut, eh?

1. Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine
We open with the spacey strains of only one part of the supposed "murder trilogy." This one rocks hard as Brandon occasionally strains his voice as rockers like to do. Also, the funky bass really helps things along. Looking at the lyrics, it's hard to deny that the narrator is at least being a little obsessive about Jenny, even if it doesn't involve murder. Still, either way, a solid opening track with energy and New Wave influence everywhere.

2. Mr. Brightside
Since I first heard this song a few years back, it has been my off-again-on-again favorite song of all time. The singer's girl left him and had sex with "him." We don't need a name. We know it's the singer's douche, girl stealing rival. Then, if it's the same perspective from the last song, maybe the narrator is the douche and the rival is saving the girl, who would prefer to be with him. Ahem, back to the point. Emotional lyrics and delivery, catchy crunchy guitars, and overall a kickin' single.

3. Smile Like You Mean It
Right as we open, the indie rock and new wave elements are beside each other with synth and guitar. Being apparently written in 8 minutes, the new wave elements complement the rock part and give the song an almost dreamlike feeling. The effects on the guitar solo also help to give that feeling to this coming-of-age song. At least one person had compared this song to the work of The Smiths, and it's hard to deny that there was at least some influence taken from them.

4. Somebody Told Me
I gotta say, I'm a sucker for fast pop rock that focuses more on the, ya know, ROCK side of things. That's why I don't like most modern pop rock and that's why I like this song. It certainly does have it's pop edge with it's melody and the synth. But it rocks out hard to keep it from being too poppy, which makes it just BETTER. I also totally love the lyric "That you had a boyfriend who looked like a girlfriend." It proves these guys have not only a sense of medley, but a sense of humor. The chorus in general is pretty funny, and the song works well off of it.

5. All These Things That I've Done
We start with some eerie piano/organ stuff. It's a catchy song, and if you strip it down, it's very clearly inspired by The Beatles in some respect, which would make sense because Brandon is a huge Beatles fan. The big "I got soul but I'm not a solider" part could be inspired by any number of artists and is tailor-made to be sung with the audience at a concert.

6. Andy, You're A Star
We open with dem guitars, for possibly one of the hardest rocking songs on the album at times, and also very much a ballad. The lyrics are kinda...uh...I don't know, my interpretation of them is that the narrator is gay and telling a war veteran not to spend too much time with his spouse because "Andy, you're a star! In nobody's eyes, but mine." I don't know, that's just my take, though Brandon has said it's about a stalker and his object of desire...kinda the same thing.

7. On Top
A really bittersweet sounding song that manages to be on the more inspirational side of sad...while being fast at the same time. To me, it kinda sounds desperate. It also seems to deal with a rival of sorts, like the one in
"Mr Brightside" wanting to steal "my bride."

8. Change Your Mind
You know, this song is pretty happy for being about someone whose girlfriend may be rejecting him. He's fairly optimistic about it. He believes that maybe if "the answer is no, can I change your mind?" Delightful in that it's the happiest sounding song on the album without being way too cheesy and over-the-top. Although, the synth does make it just a bit cheesy, but just enough to make it acceptably cheesy, while the rock of the song keeps it in check.

9. Believe Me, Natalie
Dang it Natalie, why won't you listen to me! This is of great importance! It's the difference between life and death! This is the last time you can party-a-go-go...yeah, really serious sounding song for that being it's subject matter. I'm not even making that up...they use the phrase "party-a-go-go!" This is the one song on the album that I believe is a bit too cheesy in some way. I mean, the instrumentation is great as always, but the lyrics just don't work for this serious sounding of a song. Ah well.

10. Midnight Show
Dude, the dissonance at the beginning! THIS is definitely the hardest rocking song on the album! Also a part of the murder trilogy, I think during the last verse, the narrator is referring to throwing her dead body into a body of water and watching it sink. The Midnight Show itself is also probably also implying this. Also, the solo is just freakin' amazing with the funky stuff going on while the basic rockin' solo is going. And we end on a melancholy orchestral note...

11. Everything Will Be Alright
This song just makes the listener feel more comfortable after the songs about cheating girlfriends, murder, and other things. The luscious melody coupled with the emotional and high-energy vocals from Brandon, as well as the more laidback backing vocal, that I sadly cannot identify (could just be another recording of Brandon; if not, it's likely Ronnie [The drummer]). The dreamlike solo only adds to the charm. A beautiful ending song to finish off this occasionally dark album on a positive note.

Conclusion: Man, if there was ever such a great debut with so few problems. The album, while having a few short comings, is a modern classic that needs to be heard. If you can afford it, I also recommend the Limited Edition with 3 extra songs including "Glamorous Indie Rock And Roll," which I've referenced a few times before. Overall, solid and stellar album.

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Zer0

The Killers were part of an indie rock fad? I thought they were a pop band with guitars?

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Powerstars

No no no...they were the opposite: a rock band with synths.

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Powerstars

Oh, Dragonforce. One of the most controversial metal bands of all time. People consistently argue over whether or now they're talented or talentless. Personally, my stance used to be that they were amazing, but now I'm kinda indifferent. I received this album for my birthday and now there are select tracks I like to listen to. Of course, most people know about Dragonforce because "Through The Fire And Flames" was in Guitar Hero 3, including myself, but most people don't know anything about them beyond that. So here I am, diving into their only album that people actually bought!

1. Through The Fire And Flames
Oh here we go! Their only song anyone actually cares about. I can't knock it too much, the opening riff is beyond catchy and, even though no one gives a damn about them, the vocals are solid. It's a good opening track to set the mood of the album.

2. Revolution Deathsquad
Once again, catchy opening. The rest of it isn't very catchy, but it's still a pretty ok song. Solos are good, but also not very memorable. The record scratch thing was cool though. Also, autotune at one part...o-kay?

3. Storming The Burning Fields
Opening with the sound of something starting on fire and phaser sounds, this is slightly faster and heavier yet than the 2 previous songs and certainly more catchy than "Revolution Deathsquad," but not by much. Chorus is freaking brilliant in it's catchiness and heaviness.

4. Operation Ground And Pound
Apparently, this is one of their better-known songs. And it's tad more unique compared to the others in that, while it's heavy, it's not just rapid playing and actually has a foundation...until about 45 seconds in. *sigh* Oh well, chorus at least has a decent foundation, but seriously Dragonforce, try something new. Oh well, can't knock this one too much with the dissonance that I love so much.

5. Body Breakdown
Pretty decent verses that are less heavy, and the chorus is catchy, but it's standard Dragonforce fare. The bass groove was a welcome surprise though.

6. Cry For Eternity
Opening riff is pretty cool. Standard, but rather great song. It's really growing on me. Spacey effects are really awesome and ska-like guitars at times are random, but cool

7. The Flame Of Youth
Eh, more generic Dragonforce fare, though the soft drums during the first verse is okay.

8. Trail Of Broken Hearts
What's that? Dragonforce tried something different, you say? A power ballad,you say!?! That's right, a unique song. And it's a damn good one. Catchy, light, yet heavy, and epic. They did something unique.

Conclusion: Sorry I wasn't able to go as in depth as I usually do, but this album is too repetitive for that. Overall, if you're looking for a fantastic listening experience, don't buy this. If you want an album for your party, take it. Also, don't just get this. Get the special edition that leaves out off quite possibly the best song on the album. But anyways, yes, I believe this could work as a party album with "Trail Of Broken Hearts" being the climax where all the drunken party goers get together and wave lighters in the air.

Final Score: 49/100 (Way repetitive, but it has some decent moments)

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Powerstars

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