2011 Album Reviews

I think this may be a easier way than video blogging it cause so much has to say about the albums. In this review I am going to mix my reviews with what albums I thought impressed me this year. Some were popular & some were not.

See a lot of albums came out earlier but the singles went both in 2010 & 2011 in extensions to their original release dates. And some came out in the hype of things and in between with a few hit singles but the albums kind of got less praise.

I have to say that 2011 brought out a lot of mixtapes more than albums, but there was a good balance.

I have to start with saying that I think Ryan Leslie as one of the most underrated artist out there. His album Transition had a release but suddenly got pulled out and it is rumoured that Les Is More was shelved as well. Nonetheless I think that this album was one of the forgotten of the bunch earlier last year. The hit single You're Not My Girl got a few plays on TV stations. But I love the album until this day.
There are technically 11 tracks on this album the other 3 are bonus tracks.
Each song are very decent in their own right & production on the album has a upbeat tempo with a R&B feel to it.
Song listing:
Never Gonna Break Up
Something That I Like (feat. Pusha T from The Clipse)
Zodiac
Is It Real Love
Sunday Night
You're Not My Girl
To The Top
Nothing
Guardian Angle
All My Love
I Choose You
Bouns Tracks:
When We Dance
Promise Not 2 Call
Rescue U

Worth the listen: Zodiac, Is It Real Love, Nothing, Guardian Angel,I Choose You, Promise Not 2 Call

Another denoted mixtape that came out that went un-noticed in my books has to be Teedra Moses. Although it has been years and changes in her career. I have to say since her only official release I have to say her mixtapes between Lionhearted the mixtape and Royal Patience - Compilation... A Royal Journey has to be one of the better releases since Complex Simplicity.

Teedra Moses worthy tracks to listen to between the two mixtapes:
Raindrops, I Told U, So Kool, Get Yours, Put It In The Wind, R U 4Real (Freestyle), Everybody Rock!!!, Take It Away, Realize, All That I Have

2 albums that did not got unnoticed are: Late Nights & Early Mornings by Marsha Ambrosious & On The Brink by Dru. I have to say that I have to say got unnoticed this year was Marsha Ambrosius.

I have to give credit to her as her depart as the duo of Floetry is always a risk to go solo but I believed she pulled it off with Late Nights & Early Mornings. There isn't one terrible song here, cause each song puts you on the album. With a remake to her original Butterflies from Floetries first album it shows that her vocal talents is there cause I love her flawlessness. This album is a mood album and shows that no matter how you feel, it can mature you in any mode.

Dru's - On The Brink  got released through Universal Music Group in December and I have to say it is a long departure since his time in the group In Esssence (Canadian R&B Group - search on Youtube). This album has grown on me and it is another feel good disc with a mixture of fast tracked island songs with a mixture of a true R&B album. I think it has been a long time coming. With the song Gettin It In succeeding as a top hit here in Canada and getting some notarity in the States shows that no matter how long you are in the business you can get a hit. I do love his R&B songs on this album.
Most played jams for me: Love Collision, Countdown, Let You Go, Solid Ground, Win Your Love, Long Time Coming, Until The End Of Time, Give Her What She Wants
Sidenote track: Runnin feat. Dru & Lincoln by Doman & Gooding 

Note Worthy & Album Anticipation for me: After a long time anticipation for Melanie Fiona's On The Bridge. She released 2 news songs during this period but her album is not out yet until later this year; I hear the album is speculated to be called: The MF Life. With songs 4 AM & Gone & Never Coming Back became huge hits worldwide besides North America, I was very suprised on how it is doing and had her performing on worldwide TVs mostly on American Shows. I have to say that I am proud she is Canadian and very excited to see what other tracks will come out of the production for this album.

Video's That Got Noticed In 2011:
Noteworthy: Although Metric's "Fantasies" came out in 2009. The album is really strong and had video's come out between 2010 and 2011 with Gimme Sympathy, Stadium Love, Help I'm Alive, Sick Muse I have to give a shoutout with coming out with some of the most simple and yet innovate video's for a Canadian band representing Last Gang Records and their counterpart band mates who made some interesting video's themselves. Shoutouts go out to Metric. 

Noteworthy: For those who forgot who Nina Sky since there first self titled album, the twin sisters Natalie & Nicole have release many songs besides Move Your Body debut back in the day. With the issues of their former label Polo Grounds/Universal Music/Sony Music. I think Nina Sky has put out their best work to date. With a dramatic change in there look from recent years. I have to give the New York natives a lot of credit for their success and with their mixtape released: The Other Side which is downloadable I think on their site, they have matured in the industry and cannot wait to see what else they do in the near future with a official album I hear is in the works. *cross fingers* From The Other Side mixtape: You Ain't Got It (Funk That) is the notable single. Tracks to listen to: The Other Side, Too Long To Let Go, Beautiful People (Refix), Only You


We saw a lot of late releases come out later in the year of 2011. With the popularity of Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez and other teen sensations with a lot of matured members of boy band groups. I tend not to follow a lot of trends but I have to give a lot of credit to a lot of the major artists that I enjoyed this year.

That list would have to include:
Lady Gaga with Born This Way,
Katy Perry - Teenage Dream,
Adele - 21,
Drake - Take Care,
Keshia Chante - Night & Day,
Shawn Desman - Fresh,
LMFAO - Sorry For Party Rocking,
Kid Cudi - Man On The Moon 2 - The Legend of Mr. Rager,
J-Lo - Love (Deluxe Edition),
Beyonce - 4,
Lupe Fiasco - Lasers (Deluxe Edition),
Jazmine Sullivan - Love Me Back,
Mia Martina - Devotion,
Danny Fernandes - Automatic Love
Mya: K.I.S.S.
Raekwon: Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang
Amy Winehouse: Hidden Treasures

Shoutout to the album: Alexnadra Stan - Mr. Saxobeat (Note: most of the songs sound the same with a few slight changes in melodic and sounds to them but they are fast track and I think I guarantee you that every song will get stuck in your head, I know they sure do, cause when I get tired this is something you want to wake up to.)

With so many albums coming out this year and to go through I will give you my top picks from the albums cause it would be difficult to write a individual review for each song.

Key notes to each of the albums starting with:
 Lady monster herself Lady Gaga note worthy songs of choice for me: Americano, Marry The Night, Scheiße, Born This Way, Bad Kids, Bloody Mary, Highway Unicorn (Highway to Love), The Queen, Judas, Black Jesus + Amen Fashion

Katy Perry song choices of mine: Califonia Girls, Who Am I Living For?, Teenage Dream, Pearl, Hummingbird Heartbeat, Not Like The Movies, Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F), Fireworks

Adele: Rolling In The Deep, Set Fire To The Rain, Rumor Has It, Turning Tables, Someone Like You, If It Hadn't Been For Love, Hiding My Love, He Won't Go, I'll Be Waiting

Drake: Over My Dead Body, Headlines, Shot For Me, Crew Love, We'll Be Fine, Look What You've Done, Make Me Proud, Take Care, Camera's/Good Ones Go, Practice

Keshia Chante: Hotline, Pillow Talk, Hang My Jersey Up, Ghost Love, Table Dancer, Test Drive, Victorious, Shooting Star, Set U Free, If U Say, I Miss U, Hush, Edit Cut & Delete U

Shawn Desman: Fresh, Electric, Something Stupid, Money Shot, Shiver, Night Like This, Trouble, Impossible, Dynamite

LMFAO: Champagne Showers, Pary Rock Anthem, Sexy And I Know It, I'm In Miami Bitch, All Night Long, Best Night, We Came Here To Party, Shot

J-Lo: Papi, Hypnotico (Bonus Track), I'm Into You, On The Floor (both spanish and english versions), Villian, Take Care, Charge Me Up, Louboutins, Good Hit

Kid Cudi: REVOFEV, We Aite (Wake Your Mind Up), Wild'n Cuz I'm Young, All Along, Ghost, Trapped In My Mind, These Worries, Don't Play This Song

Beyonce: Run The World (Girls), Countdown, Start Over, Best Thing I Never Had, I Was Here, Party, 1+1, I Miss You

Lupe Fiasco - every song on this album is noteworth. Never a disappointed track on here.

Jazmine Sullivan: worth the listen to. Love every song too, cause it is a emotional and upbeat CD. Every song has its own mood.

Mia Martina: Stereo Love, Devotion, Chasing The Rush, Latin Moon (both english and french version), Burning (has the aspects of Mr. Saxobeat by Alexandra Stan sound to it)

Danny Fernandes: every popular song off his album that he has video's for.

Mya: Yeah she did release a new album, I happen to cross it when I saw her tweets on Twitter.
She did a real good job with this album and although I didn't see a physical copy of this album, Mya has matured with her sound, every song is worth a R&B hit.
Tracks: Love Me Some You (feat. Marques Houston), K.I.S.S. (Keep It Sexy & Single), Rear View Mirror (feat. Sean Paul), Fabolous Life, Mess Up My Hair, Fugitive of Love, Mr. Incredible, Problem + Solution, Runnin' Back (feat. Iyaz), Before You Say Goodbye, Sorry, Love Comes Love Goes, Evolve, Alive (Bonus Track), Fabolous Life (Dawty Remix - Bonus Track)

Raekwon - Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang : worthy hip hop hit. It was most underground critically acclaimed and I say worth the download.

Amy Winehouse: I love this Hidden Treasure album because it gives the old school and raspy sound but up-tempo versions of the sounds of Motown with the moderization of Adele's 21 album.

Shoutout albums go to the late releases to Coldplay, Eminem with another brilliant album under their belt.

Noteworthy: Kelly Clarkson is something worth looking for more hits from.

I hope that 2012 brings forth a new album releases that I hear coming soon from Mariah Carey I hope, I miss her voice and presence in here. More to come soon for more releases from Keshia Chante, Shawn Desman, Melanie Fiona is what I am expecting. I hope too that Alicia Keys although writing and producing a play for broadway comes out with a future album on the way. There will be more hits from the late albums from Dru & Coldplay. I think I would look forward to more hits form unexpected talent or new songs and video's from a lot of R&B/Rap, Pop artist. Watching the scene for 2012 and so on... I hope more talent develops.

With the return of Katherine McPhee on a debut TV called Smash, it won't be far from her singing roots as a American Idol alumni. It would be interesting.

2011 In Review: Reflections & Giving Thanks

Ok, so I ran out of time video blogging this, so I will be expressing it through written form.


SOLO THOUGHTS
I know that in previous years that a lot of people say often that they had the best time of their lives in certain years of their lives, well definately 2011 has to definately been mine on so many levels. Why you may ask? Well I think I put more effort than years past to see as many famous faces as I could (as time permitted me to). I think I found a wonderful place to be at, I caught up with a lot of stuff I kind of split in years before.
I have to say I have a lot to be thankful for. A lot of people have came into my life that I have been glad to meet & some people returned into my life that made my life unexpectedly pleasant to see again.
Also, I learnt that certain people I learned a whole lot of things about close friends I never knew personality wise & situations they presented me. It was pretty interesting that you never know what you learn about them until you hang around them, I was suprised by things I discovered & got to live through by them.
To my friends & family I learned so much from you, some of you helped me out at a better time to listen to me & to share the journey in life with you, makes me a wiser & better person as life graciously passes by. (You know who you are)


DISCOVERY & LEARNING
I think I learned some interesting facts & secrets about the entertainment business that intreguiged my mind about how things gets done & the processes of things from music, tv, sound effects & movies that only people that attend, work, or affiliated with these places the general public may not pay attention to or appear easy but isn't to do. A lot of effort gets put into these things & takes hours on end to days to get completed. I think I was mind blown.
I learned a lot of things & the craft of this entertainment industry I am now humbled by learning these things cause it takes a whole lot out of you & keeps you up 24 hours.
As someone who is still trying to perfect my many talents as a poet/lyricist & entertainment fan I got to learn the art behind the art & got to take a look & experience many people who have been in the industry for a long time & understanding them.
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THE (I Would Like To Give)THANKS TO:
I am very greatful this year on so many levels cause a lot of interesting people in this one year alone & I made a better effort to go out there to experience things & life than previous years.
I would thank to a lot of the industry people I discovered that makes things happen from invites to contest I discovered affiliated with artists.


Let's just say I like to give thank (in no particular order):
Juno Fan Fare & Much Music for letting fans get close to their favorite musicians, I got to see KC, Danny Fernandes, Karl Wolf, Headley amongst others

Lotus Leaf Style (you ladies & guys make things happen) you hosted a lot of events this year, thanks for a lot of the invites (see you in 2012)

BHD (Broken Heels Diary/founder Danielle Etinette & staff) thank you, thank you, thank you... I appreciate for all your blog post I hope to read on & learn more thoughts from you. Seeing Keshia Chante for the 1st time live was a real honor & delight!

Contiki Travel: nice ads - you definately got my attention & to know you were affiliated with bringing the first official VIP performance of me watching one of my favorite artist Keshia Chante is fun!


Flare Magazine: Thanks for the Guess re-openimg and having Keshia Chante performing & Canfar for particpating  & taking donations (glad that I could take part in giving back).

To Tanjola Brands/Universal Music Canada
Thanks to all the staff there! Thanks for running many contest with the artist they have on their roster, I try to win things from you but sometimes I run out of time to enter.


Dru- finally meeting you as the lead singer from In Essence is a pleasure cause I have been a fan since I was a kid; cannot wait to see what happens for 2012.


Last but first on this list:
Keshia Chante it is always been a pleasure to meet you in every performance & hosting gig, I get to see different aspects of your career as a long time fan. It has been a honor to help your career for your current project Night & Day. Excited to see what happens in 2012 with the tour & new album in the works. Being a official KCRyder is a pleasure & I plan to help out with the promotional side for Luv KCFansite & KCRyders street team in 2012 & beyond. You have to be one of the nicest popular people I have ever met & I hope to join you on your journey for your career.

Tessa Agnelo it is always a pleasure to meet you. I am always surprised when you come out knowing you are tired. Thanks for being the #1 supporter for Keshia Chante ;)  Always being there at many events as you can is a blessing. It is always a pleasure to see you around.

To everyone affiliated & working with Keshia Chante, thanks for adding me from Facebook & Twitter there is so many of you to thank!

Shawn Desmand/Danny Ferandes:
Thanks for the pics i got from you, it was a pleasure to meet you

Ameriie thanks for followimg me back, I have to thank Teliah Winters for making it happen. Cheers!

Thank you to Nina Sky (Nicole & Natalie) for giving me one of the best part of my memories in life, I appreciate it. Thanks to Erin and MadeMe clothing for the shoes and the email updates. Excited to see the 2012 line.

I have to thank members of LuvKCFansite/KCRyders:
Cassie Dash
Koolkidincash93
Catherine - hope to come to Montreal in the future
Malcom Jones
Martika
Calio Williamson
Gapnteeth
KCRyders
Jordan
Linda
HeavenlyAngel
Angelofdarkness
Katrina Lopez
Darrius Santiago
Michelle Noble
KCSource
Michelle Christian
Doom aka Dominik
And any KCRyders i forgot



Journalist/TV Personalities:

Melissa Grelo/Steve Anthony - I get up early to watch you before I go to work, it gets me through the day. Hahahaha your tweets Melissa are interesting & entertaining to read

Teddy Wilson/AJ FRY: thanks for the 3 pics, it was jokes & entertaining to chit chat with you during Fan Fare Expo


John Amenda - Snap Brampton: thanks for the Danny Fernandes/Keshia Chante opportunity to meet them both.
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Street Teams:
Amerieweb worldwide team members worldwide
Ameriie Promo team
Team Fox Boogie
Team Shawn Desmand
Team J-Lo
Team Mariah
Ameriie web Promo
LuvKCFansite
KCFansite Main
Team Danny Fernandes
And to all the other teams that tweet me or Facebook me shoutouts to you

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Fan Expo & Ty Buttler: See you in 2012, I hope to attend next year & thanks for making my first year attending intense and plan to do it again.

Bramalee City Centre:
Thanks for hosting Tyler Mederios, Keshia Chante & Danny Fernandes for your performing there.

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Ameriieweb forum members past and present thanks for being such a great supporter for many years:
Doom (Dominik)
Annie
Teliah Winters
Lizzie
Brian
Mylene
Meghan
AJ Strictland
DJ Ford
Weslley Cornello
Shorty Spice (Elissa)
+ all the others amerieweb members I have forgotten
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I would like to give thanks to my friends and being supporters over the years who had made and are making new history with me.You know who you are. You make my life interesting and continue to make it interesting no matter what. You are a blessing & I hope to join the presence of you all soon.