E=MC2

Mariah Carey is back and better then ever! She has released her new album E=MC2 on April 25th and did phenomenal with record sales. This album sold 463,000 copies making it the Mariah's biggest debut sales week ever. E=MC2 is also the highest sale of the year, surpassing the 375,000 sold of Jack Johnson's "Sleep Through the Static" which was released in February. Mariah has gotten into the best shape of her life and has done a complete 360 with her life habits. I'm glad to see that she has come back around and is using her talents to her fullest. Her first single "Touch My Body" was a hit and her next single is going to be taking it slow with "Bye Bye." This song is dedicated to her father who she lost when he passed away just a couple of years ago. She makes reference in the song how "that someone" never saw her "get back to number 1." This song means a lot to Mariah. I feel that this is going to be another song that brings much inspiration to her biggest fans, which she is known for in the past.

Across the Universe.

I have yet to write a blog about a movie but I figure this will be my first since it is one of my favorites. Across the Universe is a film that was released October 2007. It is a musical film following several characters in the time of the 1960's. Of course we have all heard of a musical film before but none of which are like this particular one. Across the Universe's songs throughout the movie are all written by the members of "The Beatles." The story fits perfectly with the 33 compositions featured in the movie. If you are a Beatles fan like my self, you will find yourself entertained from beginning to end with the music alone. It is interesting to find that every character in the movie refers to one of The Beatles songs. For example the main characters are Lucy (Lucy in the sky with diamonds), played by Evan Rachel Wood, and Jude (Hey Jude) played by Jim Sturgess. These are only 2 references out of many that you will find in the movie. It keeps you interested to see what song will play next, and to what scene of the movie it will fit into. This film will have you singing to yourself fun songs from The Beatles, and have you invisioning bits of the movie while doing so. If I had a say, I would suggest that this movie musical takes the stage and creates an even wider audience to represent a great storyline and familiar music many can enjoy.

Pretty Odd

Panic at the Disco released their new album "Pretty Odd" and I think that the album title explains it all. From what we heard on their last album "A Fever You Can't Sweat Out", I feel as though they are trying to take a different direction in how they want to sound with their music. "Pretty Odd" has so far been compared to with the sounds of The Beatles, but i wouldn't push it. PATD were inspired from the sounds of The Beatles and I feel that they were trying to bring that style of music from the 70's. What does sound most similar to the music of The Beatles is the background vocals are now sang by guitarist Ryan Ross with the lead singer Brendon Urie. The combination of the two is creating the same vibe of McCarthy and Lennon. Otherwise I would not go as far as comparing the two bands as being similar, that would only be putting down the legendary Beatles in my opinion. With a toned down album, most PATD fans are wondering how they will perform live now that their music is much more mellow. The band is known for their upbeat personalities on stage that went along with their music from their last album. I guess only time will tell.

I've Got a Secret.

Okay so when we think Beyonce we automatically think of R&B vibe right? Well later this year Beyonce is set to release a new album that she is currently in the process of working on. Unofortunatly for her one of her singles has been leaked onto the internet and what we are hearing is more of a dance/pop album. The song that has been leaked is called "Beautiful Nightmare". I am suprised to see that Beyonce is going in a new direction with her music, but at the same time excited to see what she is going to do with it. From all of her fame and success in the past I don't think that this change of pace will be a "Beautiful Nightmare" for her but more of a sweet dream. But then again, look what happened to Kelly Clarkson after she decided to change genres. Seriously, has anyone heard from her yet?? Kelly?!

On the other hand..

While I'm on the topic of the UK, I'm sure you have all heard of the new artist Leona Lewis. Well actually, she is not that 'new'. She was the winner of the third season of X Factor, which can be described as an 'American Idol' show in the UK. She released her single ' A Moment Like This' in 2006 which broke a record being downloaded 50,000 times in 30 seconds. Since then her second single, of which we all have heard of today 'Bleeding Love' was the biggest selling single in 2007 in the UK and made its way to number one on April 5Th 2008 here in the US. Surprisingly, grumpy old Simon Cowell continues to say that Lewis is the next Whitney Houston and is the nicest, most talented artist he has ever worked with. I guess he actually can be kind! I have gotten the chance to listen to her new album "Spirit" which was released April 8Th, and I am loving it! Leona is a very talented woman and I expect to be hearing a lot from her in the future. Even though I am getting sick of 'Bleeding Love' already. Not only are the over doing it playing it 1000 times a day on the radio, but I have been listening to the song since last year! Stop already and Leona please release a new single to the radio stations! Here is one of my favorite songs on the album called " Better in Time", performed live.

Estelle!

Estelle is a new artist here in the U.S! She comes from the UK and was introduced to us during new artist week. Her sophomore album "Shine" was recently released on March 31st, in the UK and will be on sale here in the United States on April 29th. Her sound is fresh and new, being that she has such a unique voice most seem to enjoy her music. She is doing extremely well over in the UK but isn’t having the same luck here just yet. Her current single here is called ‘American Boy’ featuring hip-hop icon Kanye West. On her album not only does Kanye drop in, but you can also hear from artists such as Cee-Lo and John Legend. I suggest you check her out, it’s always nice to hear a fresh new beat.

Rock on

Let's think about the newest and most popular video game around right now. What do you think it would be? If you're thinking of the typical gun war, mario party, frogger type thing, you're wrong. Music and instruments has given inspiration to the game of the year. I'm sure you've heard of these two popular games; Rock Band and Guitar Hero. These games have taken the world by storm, allowing people to feel like they are part of a live band and they are controlling an instrument, regardless of musical talent. While Guitar Hero is simply a guitar, Rock Band comes equip with a guitar, drum set and a microphone. They both give the selection of old and new school rock, where you will decide what song you want to "play" on your instrument. This allows for people to really "rock out" with their own personal band. My favorite out of the two would be Rock Band, I'm great at the guitar, and I love to play with a few friends. But what I like most about this video game is that it is getting kids more involved with instruments. Playing the guitar or the drums virtually is making kids want the real thing, which is amazing.