Hi all!
Welcome to 'Pop Forum Recommendations'. This is a thread that allows you to share your favourite pop artists which are perhaps not known to many members on Buzzjack. This is a place where you can post reviews of songs and albums that you love.
I look forward to reading and discovering new must have albums
What Cameron is listening to...
"Lauren Aquilina - Isn't It Strange?" - Released August 2016 via Island Records
Lauren Aquilina is British singer of Maltese descent. Aquilina was born in Bristol and is known on the internet for her successful trilogy of EP's. In August 2016 Lauren's debut album "Isn't It Strange?" was released via Island Records, this is my personal review of this album.
The first 'official' single taken from the album is a track called "Kicks". The song tells of Aquilina's struggle with bullying and trolls within her life. On Twitter, the singer revealed that the song was originally much darker than it is now, but Aquilina decided to change the lyrics and turn it into an upbeat song about fighting against those who cause her pain and grief. From a personal point of view, this track is everything I love in a pop song. The catchy hook and the chanting of 'Hey' in the chorus gives off nothing but empowerment, guaranteeing it's listeners a boost in confidence and the knowledge that they can fight against the struggles that dominate their lives.
The album opens with the stunningly beautiful Midnight Mouths. From a personal perspective, the instrumental has some tropical influences but still stays true to the pop vibes that Aquilina shows throughout the album. A mid-tempo song, Midnight Mouths talks about the struggle of being with someone who twists their words in order to get what they want, influencing the emotions of the person who they are playing like a puppet.
Moving on from this, "Wicked Game" continues the upbeat tempo before introducing the third track, "Kicks". "Wicked Game" shows influences of tracks done by singer 'Foxes'. It hints that Aquilina has been influenced by the sound that is present in both albums released by Foxes.
After "Kicks", the album travels towards the more 'adult pop' route with heart-wrenching ballad's such as "How Would You Like It?" and "Fools". Aquilina still manages to slot upbeat tracks such as "Hurt Any Less" and "Way Too Good" to break up the running order of the album in order to keep the listeners attention.
"Suddenly Strangers" see's the album's title crop up with the chorus featuring the line "Isn't It Strange". Following on from this, the exquisite "Thinking About" leads to the album closer "Ocean", which see's the singer experiment with different vocal effects to create an effective album closer which leaves the listener wanting more.
Overall, this album is perfect for those who are looking for something simple but is effective in all definitions of pop. A solid debut from a rising star!
That's a great review of Isn't It Strange, Cam! It's a stunning album and I hope more people get the chance to have a listen I actually think Kicks and Ocean are two of my least faves on there Fools is an absolute stunner though and to hear it as part of the album was such a proud moment as someone who's been a fan since the Fools EP!
Hope I'm OK to do my own review
What Joseph is listening to...
"Benjamin - Fingerprints" - Released April 2016 via Warner Music
Benjamin Peltonen is a Finnish singer, best known on Buzzjack for being sent to BJSC by Martyn and myself with his singles Young & Restless and Body (respectively). He released his debut album Fingerprints in April 2016, after the Square One EP in May 2015.
The first single from the album, Underdogs, was released back in September 2014, and despite the lengthy amount of time between the release of the single and its parent album, it's vibe is very much reflective of the rest of the album. Underdogs is a song essentially about youth and having fun, with a catchy chorus exclaiming "if there's an ocean, we'll jump in, if there's a tree, we'll climb". Underdogs was followed by three further pre-album singles: Unbreakable (which only made the deluxe edition), Young & Restless and Body.
Despite the vibes of Underdogs and the album in general, it opens with Hold On, a more mid-tempo track, but the theme of the song is no different to the rest of the album - love. As you'd expect from a 19 year-old male pop singer these days, every song talks about teen love. Hold On sees Benjamin sing about truly loving someone, saying "if it falls apart, don't walk apart cause if love could talk, I know it would say hold on". It's a great and slightly unexpected start to the album following the singles that came first. In fact, I don't think Hold On would sound out of place on a One Direction album, which is no doubt a good thing going by his target audience.
Where the album really excels though is through the choruses. More often than not, they are loud and perfect to sing along to, making Benjamin perfect listening if you're up for some carefree pop. Not every song is a perfect example of this - To Be With You generally lacks oomph alongside some odd wording ("hold on little girl"). This seems to just be a blip on an otherwise top notch album, and the strong chorus return immediately after with a 1-2-3 punch of Rush, Underdogs and Young & Restless. Rush in particular is one of the highlights and surely a potential future single from the album. However it's the latter song in that list that is my highlight. Young & Restless was single #3 from the album, and it totally encapsulates the concept of being carefree and embracing your youth. The chorus is without a doubt the best on the entire album and is totally irresistible, it's exactly what I want in a pop song too.
Current single Man On the Moon is the only collaboration on the album, and sees Benjamin hook up with Spanish girl group Sweet California. The song was an instant highlight on the album, with the voices of both artists going exceptionally well together, particularly throughout the choruses.
Overall, if you want a strong pop album, look no further than Fingerprints. Not every move on the album is perfectly executed but overall there are way more hits than misses, and the highs are exceptionally high. What's even more impressive is that this is just a debut album, meaning there is a bright future ahead for Benjamin and hopefully a load of fantastic songs still to come.
Loving this, will do one at some point!
My first thought was Lauren's album and you've summed it up perfectly Cami Li! How Would You Like It is definitely in my top 5 of the year and the album is fabulous, highly recommend
Fab review Joseph! I might give it a listen, you do seem to introduce me to great male singers (as you know I am so picky with male vocals )
Natalia Kills - Perfectionist
Even before she is sensationally fired from X Factor New Zealand, Natalia Kills was no stranger to controversy. Her 2011 debut was lashed by some critics and fans for sounding too formulaic; too much like a Lady Gaga clone. But Lady Gaga clone is never a bad thing, and for a pop filler to plug the gap between Gaga albums, anyone could do much worse than going back to this.
The album's opener and lead-off single (2nd after Mirrors) Wonderland is perfect to set the scene. The self proclaimed perfectionist is begging for her perfect ending, but she's already achieved pop perfection with a mixture of moody but whimsical synths and fairytale-esque lyrics that twists tropes and cliches. It's also somewhat encouraging and empowering, eschewing the typical happy fairytale ending in favour of real, honest love - whatever is your own version of that perfect happiness. The Gaga comparison is most apparent on first single Mirrors, which sounds like it's lifted straight off of The Fame Monster with its dark, gothic feel aided by stadium rock guitars and 80s sounding synth backdrop. It's a wonder that it never smashed as hard as it deserved to.
One of the biggest successes from the album was European single Free, which reached top 20 in multiple countries with the help of will.i.am.. Whilst not the album's strongest moment, it's certainly the most commercial. The fun, breezy demeanour makes it perfectly radio ready and the lyrics are endlessly quotable, with Kills' confidence proclaiming that she can "look fresh in a potato sack". Similarly breezy is Kill My Boyfriend, which is deceptive in its carefree production. Deranged Natalia comes out in this song, with her dedication for an ex she never wanted her to lose driving her to kill her current beau to be with her true love.
Single potential was in abundance on this set, with the hopeless tale Love Is A Suicide perhaps being the biggest missed opportunity. The lyrics detail the inevitable feeling that you're going to get hurt, but being too far into things to get out. The ballsy rock tinged number Break You Hard is a fierce declaration of independence; this is a woman who doesn't need the lovey dovey. The album is far from all as perfect as these though, as the album does hit a couple of lows in its second half. The lifeless Not In Love feels like the confident and independent woman has given up, and Broke is laden with cliches and a dreary, dull melody.
Overall though, the pop perfection is strong with this one. This won't be the most inspired or unique album you've ever heard, but just because Lady Gaga did this sound, it doesn't mean that other artists can't have a fair crack. And as far as Lady Gaga impersonations go, this is a bloody brilliant one that makes for a very underrated and overlooked album.
What Cameron is listening to...
"Ward Thomas - Cartwheels" - Released September 2016
Ward Thomas are a British, Country duo formed of twin sisters Catherine and Lizzie Ward Thomas. "Cartwheels" is the follow up album to the duo's debut "From Where We Stand" which charted at a mildly disapointing 41 in the UK album chart. The album is genuinely unknown.
The first single taken from the album is a track called "Carry You Home". The song is perfect for those who want to find a country track that is considered 'light'. The stunningly beautiful melodic harmonies of the sisters voices make the track such a joy to listen to and is a perfect opener, and indeed, introduction to the album. Some of you may even remember this track from a recent edition of BJSC.
Following on from the debut single, the next tracks on the album are the catchy "Almost Easy", and my personal favourite "Material". Both song's again show the pitch perfect vocals of the twin's and continue the incredible harmonies that the pair share.
Following on from this, the title track "Cartwheels" is followed by the second single from the album - "Guilty Flowers". The song takes a much softer approach to country than "Carry You Home" did. I personally find the song rather sassy and love it lots!
Moving onto the latter half of the album, stand out tracks "Boomerang" and "Who I'm Not" continue the flow of soft, beautiful harmonies and bring the album to an effective close.
Overall, this album is incredibly strong! I was very shocked at how much I enjoyed it and definitely think it was worth the purchase.
What Cameron is listening to...
"Michelle McManus - The Meaning Of Love" - Released February 2004
Michelle McManus is one of Scotland's national treasures with a career spanning over a decade. Michelle is best known in the UK for winning Pop Idol and being a vodka enthusiast.
Michelle opens the album with the number 1 - the timeless classic "All This Time". The album version of the song features a longer introductory instrumental which smoothly settles our eardrums as we await the Scottish powerhouses pipes to start singing. What a start to the album!
Following on from the debut single, the FLOP follow up "The Meaning Of Love" follows. The song was a top 20 hit in the UK and see's Michelle's vulnerability come through as she isolates her vocal talent from the instrumental. Slaying the weaves of all who listen.
Further on in the album, a cheeky cover of "Feeling Good" is added in to prove that the queen should really be a jazz singer... McManus >>> Bublé
Tracks written by lyrical gods Diane Warren and Lucie Silvas bring the album to an end with Michelle once again showing her emotions.
5/5 queen
Omg
fire it
What a song this was, from early 2003 (reaching #2) just rediscovered it, definitely one of my favourite pop songs ever.
Hi everyone,
I decided to bring back this thread with a help from Liam and post some pop recommendations...I will try and do 2 or 3 songs in a weekly basis.
From WIKI: Aleyna Tilki (born 28 March 2000) is a Turkish singer.[3] She achieved national recognition after the release of her song Cevapsız Çınlama[4] along with its music video, which has more than 300 million views.[5] She was also a semi-finalist on the sixth season of Yetenek Sizsiniz Türkiye (Turkish version of the Got Talent series).[6] She caught public attention because of her Gesi Bağları cover on the show.[7] She got the reaction of the 65th Turkish government for taking to the stage in alcohol drinkable places due to the fact that she is 16 years old and The Family Ministry warned Tilki's family.[8] Emrah Karaduman, Aleyna's producer of Cevapsız Çınlama and friend, was stabbed by a platonic fan of Aleyna.[9]
Aleyna Tilki - Sen Olsan Bari
Ok, I know this is very Spotify hit but it has some ethnic elements that it makes it very catchy...oh and the chorus is very easy, basically it sounds like she is singing 'Else Somebody' ..currently is at 66 million views in 10 days .
Yas! I neglected this but will also attempt to post some recommendations
Oh my gosh I've only just noticed you'd reviewed Cartwheels, probably one of my favourite country pop albums. Almost Easy is STUNNING
Francesca Michielin - Vulcano
Francesca finally releases a banger! I knew she had it in her. This is kinda typical blog pop in a way but in Italian it sounds beautiful and I love the way it builds. She did mostly more acoustic or at least slow stuff on her albums prior to this but if this is the direction for the new album I am HERE <3 Probably my fave Italian singer regardless.
Bonnie McKee - Thorns
Something different from her...I love it and lyrics are so good!!!
I did NOT expect this from Grace!!! She won AGT last year at 12 years old, and her lyrics have such a maturity but her voice can be a bit annoying, this is so well produced and is a bop though *.*
I'm gonna pin this too to keep it visible and hopefully more active!
Let's start to introducing Lithuanian pop scene.
Giedre Barauskaite is a Lithuanian singer-songwriter comedian based in France.
Based on the lyrics of her main hits, it's like Lithuanian Kat McSnatch with songs on French language.
Giedre - Toutes Des Putes (2014)
Lyrics :
Girl group Mango is the veterans of Lithuanian pop. This group was created in 1998 and during its ten-year career Mango released 9 (!!!) studio albums. The band announced its retirement in 2007 with a release 3 CDs compilation of its best songs and a good-bye tour across Lithuania.
In 2014 year girls did a comeback with different line-up under name "Man-Go".
Some new songs :
Their official Youtube channel : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjVieCQJ18JtGJigfnDkdKA/videos
Some old songs also available.
Mandy Harvey - Mara's Song
This might seem like a bog standard acoustic song, but this lady is currently on America's Got Talent and she is actually deaf It's a beautiful song anyway but it really hits me when you think of the challenges she must have faced to compose this without hearing and having to adapt herself to composing in that way, insane really. She's got such a beautiful voice with a way of expressing that a lot of people with hearing could only dream of!
Sirdeles ("Hearts" on English) was short-lived Lithuanian girl group with two hits.
"Moterys Meluoja Geriau" is a main theme of popular TV series with the same title.
"Kodel?"
In 2008 year ex-YVA member Goda Sabutyte was a part of pop rap duet Goda & Lukas.
"Krize" (their debut song was about global financial crisis)
"Drakes" (funny song about a conflict between two Lithuanian pop stars Mia and YVA's leader Natalija Zvonke-Bunke)
My favourite ex-YVA member Kristina Ivanova and her band Magnit.
Laiko Rate
Meile Kaip Kine
In this year all fans of Lithuanian music TV shows got amazing "Muzikinis Issukis" and obviously Monika was the best female participant.
Her top 3 performances :
3rd place :
2nd place :
The best :
Don't miss the end of video.
As I said many times before Lithuania is the music paradise for girl groups' fans.
Lithuanian girl groups list :
- YVA
- Pop Ladies
- Studentes (Mokinukes)
- Sirdeles
- Kristal (Magnit)
- MIS (Rugiagelis, Vysnios)
- Braskes
- Sokoledas
- Man-Go (Mango)
- 4 Roses (Queens of Roses)
- Blogos Mergaites
- Pinup Girls
- 69 Danguje
- Dyvos
- Sirenos
- HIT
- Olialia Pupytes (Naujos Pupytes)
- Sarka
Some bands used a different names.
Most popular top 5 groups : 69 Danguje, YVA, Mango, Studentes, Pop Ladies.
From my favourite TV show "Muzikine Kauke" (Lithuanian version of "Your Face Sounds Familiar") :
Ruta Zibaityte and her three perfect performances in a role of Mia, Natalija Bunke and Inga Valinskiene.
Natalija Bunke is a leader of YVA and amazing solo singer. Obviously the queen of Lithuanian pop scene.
Sirdis Ant Balto Sniego
Pazadai
Nieko Asmenisko
Mandisa - Unfinished
Pure pop bop, not enough of this around atm. Think a Christian version of Fight Song/Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You) *.* The lyrics are a bit preachy and OTT Christian but it's still a tune.
YVA was in London again.
https://www.15min.lt/vardai/naujiena/lietuva/paseles-yva-savaitgalis-londone-ispaniskos-dainos-ir-dingusios-lauktuves-katazinai-1050-861656#_
These ladies really needs to find somebody, who will push them on the European pop scene. Because YVA is the best girl pop group in the world now. Not Little Mix, not Fifth Harmony and obviously not those endless Asian groups.
Their new versions of classic old hits.
Pretty much Marvin Gaye by Charlie Puth in Italian about selfies, but way too much of a bop ffs. I can't get it out of my head whenever i hear it, it 'll come on shuffle and not leave my head for 83 years afterwards :')
For fans of modern sound I can recommend these Lithuanian girl groups.
HIT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9i5VGNyQCo
Sirenos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcX_URHNnl8
Rugiageles (ex-MIS)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMMGdBdR6xg
Pinup Girls
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axhqJDk-ySI
This won't be up many people's street on this Forum but for me this is by far the best latin pop song of 2017, catchy as hell.
New song from my adorable Monika Sedziuviene.
New song from Kristina's group Kristal (ex-Magnit).
Wasted by Amber Stone goes pretty well
Beautiful Lithuanian song.
New single from Monika Linkyte.
I'm really enjoying this Stanaj track, I don't really know anything about him but the song is a bop!
Hello.
Right now I am listening to Sam Smith’s “Too good at Goodbyes”. It came out a while ago but I cannot seem to get enough of that song. It is so emotional and heart-touching. I have listened to a few of Sam’s song but this is the one I like the best. Here is the link if any of you have not heard it yet:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_ub7Etch2U. Hope you like it!
Been so into Grace VanderWaal lately, she won America's Got Talent a couple of years ago and is just 14 and she's just a raw and honest way of writing and communicating, her voice is so unique and honestly for any age it's incredible but for 14 she's a STAR. She's got a bit of Spotify bop in Moonlight but she can do raw and emotional as shown by I Don't Know My Name and Clay, both of which she performed on AGT.
For those who like Empire of the Sun (well, I do atleast ), there is a brand new cool popduo from Sweden/Australia called Hey Bluem that reminds a little bit of them! A friend of mine showed me their first single called "Just a Vibe", album will soon be out.
Check them out, they are on Spotify aswell...
HEY BLUEM - Just a Vibe
[/font]Lately obsessing over this Pop/Soul artist, Olivia King. She has a new single out called "Deserve Me" that I literally dance around the house to every morning lol. Have you guys heard of her? [/font]
Judith Hill is a great artist worth checking out, she is an amazing part African American/Part Japanese soul singer with some awesome tracks of blended genres. Really raw and pierful but also a little quirky.
I would recommend her song and music video "Be with me", and some of her other great songs include "There aint no turning back", "Cry, cry, cry", "Desperation", "Angel in the dark" and she's just released a new album called The Pepper club.
Judith came second on The Voice US and was a backing singer and duet partner for Michael Jackson's This is it and also a close collaborater with Prince who produced some of her songs.
New song from Natalija Bunke.
Baiba - Kartu
New single from Pop Ladies
Grace is now in the stage of being matured. She sang very well good..
I am willing to join if you don't mind..
I am an artist, and started writing songs and producing music wish me luck please.
Good luck.
Now that the decade is nearly over, I have been looking back at one of the best pop songs of the decade (imo):
It's a pity Yasmin didn't have many chart hits.
Dora - Cute Rock
Pop Artist EM Is Giving Us Taylor Swift Vibes in her Latest Spotify Single Release “Say What You Mean”
Have you guys listened to Pop Icon EM’s latest Spotify single release titled “Say What You Mean”? The track is giving us major Taylor Swift vibes! The single is enchanting and poetic; it’s a special type of love song that talks about the heart and soul of all relationships. Give “Say What You Mean” a listen on Spotify! Listen to Em capture the depth of love through her impeccable songwriting and vocal abilities. In fact, her writing is comparable to that of Taylor Swift.
The single itself is also accompanied by a video directed by Parris Mayhew. The video is fantastic; it features Em dressed like a fashionista in a provocative gown while wearing her raven black hair streaked in white. Em’s crimson red lipstick and emerald green create a magical mood that will amaze anyone who watches. You can watch the Say What You Mean video on Youtube!
Em is originally from New Jersey and is a singer/songwriter who just released a new EP titled EM. On this project, she collaborates with producer Chris Young. Together, they turn the the project into a lyrically rich body of work filled with female self-empowerment. The album includes stand out tracks, including “Dear Life”, “Even When It Hurts” and “Blue Light”.
To learn more about Em, make sure to follow her social media pages and check her website for updates!
EVALINA - I Already Told My Mama What You.
She gives me major Caity Baser vibes!
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