Review: Rihanna - Loud

Loud, is the fifth studio album by Rihanna. This girl doesn't need an introduction: this album alone has produced two number one singles in the US (Only Girl (In The World) and What's my name?)!

Loud has been recorded in a rather short amount of time. Rihanna's team ended the 'Rated R' era rather quick which was a wise decision because 'Rated R' wasn't giving Rihanna the commercial succes she needed. I personally think 'Rated R' was a solid album but the whole image Riri had been building up during that era wasn't really working for her.

So how did Rihanna's management have to boost her career?
With a brand new album full of upbeat, and happy songs of course! During the summer, a writingcamp has been organised with some of the best writers out there writing those jams Rihanna needed to keep her career alive!

So did it work?
Yes it did. Loud, is a good pop album which keeps you entertained from beginning to end. It contains some really good, and single worthy, tracks like: 'S&M' and 'Cheers (Drink To That)' and of course the two hits 'Only Girl (In The World)' and 'What's My Name?'

But is it her best work yet?
I honestly don't think so. The album contains some great songs, but it doesn't flow very well. It looks like a collection of randomn good songs rather than an album which has one direction or influence to it.
Another letdown is the fact that Rihanna herself doesn't have writing credits for a single song on the album. The songs on the album are good, but they miss the influence of the artist singing them. This is why I personally like 'Rated R' better. It might have been a big shift compared to her previous work, but you could feel that she had creative control and was passionate about the album. 'Loud' unfortunately doesn't give the listeners this feeling.

Solid pop album with stand out songs!
6,5 out of 10

Arvid

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Arvid

Review: Robyn - The Body Talk series

Throughout 2010, Swedish pop singer Robyn has come out with three new studio albums! The Body Talk series! (1,2 and 3)

I think, this is something that has to fit you! But there's almost no denying that this is one (if not the best) of the best pop albums of 2010! Body Talk pt 3 contains 5 songs from the first, and 5 songs of the second Body Talk album plus 5 brand new songs! So if you don't want to buy all of the albums make sure you buy this one, because it's a collection of the best work from the three albums!

Body Talk received 'universal acclaim' based on the score it got from the critics. It has also been named 14th best album of 2010 by Rolling Stone! I can not else then agree with them! This album doesn't do fillers. It contains 15 fantastic club bangers. And Robyn shows her rare ability to infuse chilly, futuristic soundscapes with genuine emotion and soul. The album proves there’s still room for smart, mature songwriting and heartfelt performance in the high-gloss world of club music.

Body Talk isn't just experimental. By picking the best of the project’s songs, it feels like a greatest-hits collection and brand new album rolled into one. These aren't just meaningless songs with a heavy beat, these songs are produced by top-notch producers, but the fact is that they wouldn't be half as good as they are now if Robyn would't sing them. She is one of the few out there who can raise a song to a whole other level.

Hands down the best dance-pop album of the year.

Arvid

Review: Black Eyed Peas - The Beginning

I think it's important for artists to keep re-inventing themselves with their new work. They should mix it up a little and surprise the audience with something we haven't seen yet.
This new album from The Black Eyed peas failed miserably to do so. There is nothing we haven't seen yet on this album. The switch they made with their previous album (The End) brought them an incedibly succesful era, and it seems like they thought sticking to this style would give them the same amount of succes again.

Seems like that ain't working out for them though. When you compare The End to The Beginning you must admit that the newest one can't compete with its precursor. There is zero creativity to be found back on this album. 6 of the songs are samples, and seeing as those are the best songs on the album it says a lot about their own created melodies.

Another thing I didn't like about it is the small role Fergie plays on the album! She is no longer the 'head' of the Black Eyed Peas but just sometimes gets to sing (although it's 90% computer) a few lines on a song. This new album seems to be created around Will.i.am and doesn't have a lot of room left for Fergie.

Most annoying did I find the production of this album. After listening to the album I had a headache and my ears were soozing. Not joking.

As a whole I'd give this album a 4 out of 10. It has zero meaning to it, isn't creative, but if you're partying and having a good time it'll still do the trick!

Arvid

Review: Hurts - Happiness

Hurts has come out with their first studio album on 6 September 2010 and are an English synthpop duo. These two guys deserve a lot more attention than they are getting right now!
I checked out their album and was blown away! This is an album you should certainly buy.
I can see these two guys getting very big in the future as this is an amazing debut!
The album is relatively short but this results in it having no fillers. One track on the album (Devotion) is a duet with Kylie Minogue and is one of the many stand-out tracks of the album! Critics are calling this new band a newer Depeche Mode which I think is a completely earned titel!

If you like synthpop, Electro pop and New Wave, then this is something you totally want to check out!

Arvid

Hey guys!

Hey everyone!

I've been planning on creating my own personal creative area on the web for some time now, and now I've finally decided to start my own blog!

I'm an (almost) eighteen years old boy who has a passion for music, and actually much more. I love the stories and faces behind the music! I want to update this blog with music news and want to write reviews for and give you guys the newest insights on upcoming albums or new and emerging artists!

Furthermore, I will update the site with creative and inspiring posts about architecture, trends, and other forms of art!

Stick around to see what's next!

Can't wait to get things started!

Arvid