Joy Williams Venus Album Review

Joy Williams was part of the Grammy winning duo The Civil Wars which broke up in 2014.  Her solo album Venus is set to be released on June 29th.  

Venus tells an honest story of Joy's life over the past two and a half years.  As her band broke up, she had a baby, moved, and generally worked on improving herself, all of her struggles and emotions are shared in these songs.  Joy asked herself, “Is it true to me, even if only to me?  If it wasn’t true, it didn’t get on the album."  

My favorite song is One Day I Will.  It makes you feel like there is always hope even when things are hard and nothing seems to be going right.  The sound of this album reminds me a little of Annie Lennox.  It is different then what The Civil Wars offered but she has definitely made some inspiring choices on this beautiful solo album.

Venus will be available to order on Amazon and iTunes and will be released on June 29th.

I participated in the Joy WIlliams Venus album review program as a member of One2One Network. I was provided an album to review but all opinions are my own.

MADONNA REBEL HEART ALBUM REVIEW

Rebel Heart is Madonna's 13th studio album!  Half of the album has explicit language and references to sex and drugs (BEWARE!).  Madonna commented in Billboard magazine, “Rebel Heart explores two very distinct sides of my personality, the rebellious renegade side of me and the romantic side of me.”  I much prefer the romantic side!  You can pretty much tell from the titles of the tracks which will be explicit.  This is definitely not an album to listen to with the children around.  

Rebel hearts features many collaborations with artists such as Nicki Minaj, Kanye West, Nas, Chance the Rapper, and Mike Tyson.  My favorite song on the album is Ghosttown.  It is more like the classic, catchy Madonna that I love.

The Rebel Heart World Tour will start later this year but you can purchase Rebel Heart now on iTunes.

Rebel Heart Track List

01 “Living For Love”

02 “Devil Pray”

03 “Ghosttown”

04 “Unapologetic Bitch”

05 “Illuminati”

06 “Bitch I’m Madonna” (Feat. Nicki Minaj)

07 “Hold Tight”

08 “Joan Of Arc”

09 “Iconic” (Feat. Chance The Rapper & Mike Tyson)

10 “HeartBreakCity”

11 “Body Shop”

12 “Holy Water”

13 “Inside Out”

14 “Wash All Over Me”

15 “Best Night”

16 “Veni Vidi Vici” (Feat. Nas)

17 “S.E.X.”

18 “Messiah”

19 “Rebel Heart”

 MADONNA

REBEL HEART WORLD TOUR 2015

NORTH AMERICA / PUERTO RICO:

Date City Venue

Aug. 29 Miami, FL American Airlines Arena On Sale Mar. 9

Sept. 2 Atlanta, GA Philips Arena On Sale Mar. 16

Sept. 5 San Juan, PR Coliseo de Puerto Rico On Sale Mar. 21

Sept. 9 Montreal, QC Bell Centre On Sale Mar. 14

Sept. 12 Washington, DC Verizon Center On Sale Mar. 16

Sept. 16 New York, NY Madison Square Garden On Sale Mar. 9

Sept. 19 Brooklyn, NY Barclays Center On Sale Mar. 9

Sept. 24 Philadelphia, PA Wells Fargo Center On Sale Mar. 16

Sept. 26 Boston, MA TD Garden On Sale Mar. 16

Sept. 28 Chicago, IL United Center On Sale Mar. 9

Oct. 1 Detroit, MI Joe Louis Arena On Sale Mar. 23

Oct. 3 Atlantic City, NJ Boardwalk Hall On Sale Mar. 16

Oct. 5 Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre On Sale Mar. 9

Oct. 8 St. Paul, MN Xcel Energy Center On Sale Mar. 16

Oct. 11 Edmonton, AB Rexall Place On Sale Mar. 9

Oct. 14 Vancouver, BC Rogers Arena On Sale Mar. 9

Oct. 17 Portland, OR MODA Center On Sale Mar. 23

Oct. 19 San Jose, CA SAP Center at San Jose On Sale Mar. 9

Oct. 22 Glendale, AZ Gila River Arena On Sale Mar. 23

Oct. 24 Las Vegas, NV MGM Grand Garden Arena On Sale Mar. 16

Oct. 27 Los Angeles, CA Forum On Sale Mar. 16

I participated in the Madonna Rebel Heart album review program as a member of One2One Network. I was provided an album to review but all opinions are my own.

IDINA MENZEL HOLIDAY WISHES REVIEW

Idina Menzel has a new album of Christmas songs just in time for the holidays.  You may recognize her beautiful voice from the movie Frozen where she voiced Elsa and sang the super popular song Let It Go.  Who wouldn't want to hear that lovely voice singing Christmas songs?  While there is nothing really unique to the album, when you are fantastic vocalist you can really sing anything.  I hope one day she might write her own Christmas songs.  My favorite song is When You Wish Upon a Star because I have never really thought of it as a holiday song before and I enjoy finding new holiday songs.  For more information you can visit the Idina Menzel website.

Holiday Wishes is available to order on iTunes and Amazon.

Holiday Wishes Track Listing

1. Do You Hear What I Hear
2. The Christmas Song
3. Baby It’s Cold Outside (Duet with Michael Buble)
4. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
5. All I Want For Christmas
6. What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?
7. December Prayer
8. When You Wish Upon A Star
9. Silent Night
10. River
11. Holly Jolly Christmas
12. White Christmas

Bonus Tracks on Target Exclusive

1. Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow
2. Mothers Spiritual

I participated in the Idina Menzel Holiday Wishes album review program as a member of One2One Network. I was provided an album to review but all opinions are my own.

Mary J Blige The London Sessions Album Review

Mary J Blige's latest album, The London Sessions, was just released on December 2nd.  Each song is a collaboration with musical talent from the UK.  Some of the artists featured include Disclosure, Eg White, Emile Sandé, Jimmy Napes, Naughty Boy, Sam Romans and Sam Smith.  

Capitol Music Group Chairman Steve Barnett said, “Mary J. Blige created a one-of-a-kind blend of hip-hop and soul that has excited fans for more than 20 years, making her one of the most successful and acclaimed artists in any genre of music. The London Sessions is a fantastic album; another step forward for this great and enduring artist, and I am thrilled that she is now an important member of our Capitol Records family.”  Mary J Blige said, “The songs are fun, therapeutic and soulful. This is a beautiful change for me and I’m proud of what we have done here.”   

My favorite song is Right Now.  It has a nice, smooth dance beat.  You can see the music video below.  It is fun to hear the variety of songs that were created working with so many different artists.

For more information, check out the Official Mary J Blige Website.
The London Sessions is available on iTunes and Amazon.

Track Listing1. Therapy
2. Doubt
3. Not Loving You
4. When You're Gone
5. Right Now
6. My Loving
7.Long Hard Look
8. Whole Damn Year
9 .Nobody But You
10. Pick Me Up
11. Follow
12. Worth My Time



I participated in the Mary J Blige The London Sessions album review program as a member of One2One Network. I was provided a free album to review but all opinions are my own.  

Neil Diamond Melody Road Album Review

I have always been a fan of Neil Diamond.  He is one of my parents favorite artists, so I grew up listening to him.  He has so many great catchy old songs and I was hoping for some new ones.  While the album is full of beautiful, soulful, storytelling songs, none for them are super catchy.  Still, it is great to have Neil Diamond back producing original music.  Hopefully this will just be the first of many new albums. My favorite on the album is Something Blue.  He preformed it last week on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon. You can check you the music video below.  Melody Road is Neil Diamond's first original release in six years.  His previous album, Home Before Dark, was released in 2008.  He will be going on tour in 2015 although, dates and information have not been announced yet.  

Something Blue Music Video

For more information, check out the official Neil Diamond website.

You can purchase Melody Road on iTunes and Amazon.

Through Saturday 10-25 you can get $2 off at Best Buy.  COUPON

I participated in the Neil Diamond Melody Road album review program as a member of One2One Network. I was provided a free album to review but all opinions are my own.

Mary Lambert Heart on my Sleeve Album Review

Heart On My Sleeve is Mary Lambert's debut full-length album.  She first came into the spotlight for writing and singing the hook on Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ marriage equality anthem Same Love.  Then she signed with Capitol Records and released Welcome To The Age of My Body.  I actually did not her about her until her song Secrets started playing on the radio.  It is one of my favorite songs right now, so I was very excited to receive the full album!

Mary said of her album, “It’s a statement for me as an artist, but also a statement for me as a human being. I spent a lot of my life feeling really small and worthless, and to put out an album where I’ve gotten to say exactly what I want is gratifying beyond words. It’s a moment for me not to be a doormat anymore and to feel powerful and hopefully inspire that in other people in a way that's fun and makes people feel something. I think that's the message of the whole thing.”

I enjoyed the whole album!  Secrets is definitely the most catchy, but the other songs remind me of music that used to be on the T.V. show Dawson's Creek.  The songs are mostly about love and relationships.  There is also a cover of Rick Springfield’s classic Jessie’s Girl that is slower and darker than the original, but a great addition to the album.  This is definitely one of my favorite album right now! 

To find out more, visit Mary Lambert's official site.
You can purchase Heart on my Sleeve on iTunes and Amazon now.


I participated in the Mary Lambert Heart On My Sleeve album review program as a member of One2One Network. I was provided a free album to review but all opinions are my own.   

Train- Bulletproof Picasso Album Review

Train's latest album, Bulletproof Picasso, was just released on September 16th.  This album is fantastic!  The first single, Angel in Blue Jeans, has been on the radio for a month now and is already at the top of the charts.  While the song is catchy, it sounds a lot like Mermaid to me so I was worried the whole album might sound like a repeat of previous songs/albums.  I am happy to say that I was wrong.  The songs are definitely unique and original the album is worth checking out.  My favorite songs are Bulletproof Picasso and Give It All.  Pat Monahan, Train's frontman said, “I’ve always wanted to emotionally connect with people through the songs.  But I also want to get into people’s lives with this album. We’re very excited about Bulletproof Picasso and we’re looking forward to performing some of the new songs for all our fans.”  To find out more, visit Train's website.

You can order Bulletproof Picasso on iTunes or Amazon.

Tracklisting for Bulletproof Picasso: 
1. Cadillac, Cadillac
2. Bulletproof Picasso
3. Angel In Blue Jeans
4. Give It All
5. Wonder What You're Doing For The Rest Of Your Life
6. Son Of A Prison Guard
7. Just A Memory
8. I'm Drinkin' Tonight
9. I Will Remember
10. The Bridge
11. Baby, Happy Birthday
12. Don't Grow Up So Fast

Train On Tour:

8/28 Gilford, NH Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion at Meadowbrook
8/29 Lenox, MA Tanglewood
8/30 Atlantic City, NJ Borgata Hotel and Casino

Record Release Shows:

9/5 5pm ET Live 1-hour performance on QVC 
9/17 Los Angeles, CA Pantages Theatre
9/18 Los Angeles, CA Pantages Theatre
9/21 San Francisco, CA The Masonic
9/22 San Francisco, CA The Masonic
9/25 New York, NY Radio City Music Hall

Band Members:

Pat Monahan (vocals)
Jimmy Stafford (lead guitar)
Jerry Becker (rhythm guitar and piano)
Hector Maldonado (bass)
Drew Shoals (drums)

I participated in the Train Bulletproof Picasso album review program as a member of One2One Network. I was provided a free album to review but all opinions are my own.

David Gray Mutineers Review

David Gray's latest album, Mutineers, was released this week!  This is his tenth album and his first in four years.  To coincide with Mutineers, Gray will tour the UK for the first time in three years. The headline tour, commencing at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall on June 23 will include a show at London’s Royal Albert Hall on June 24.

Recorded in Church Studios, London and produced by Andy Barlow (Lamb), whose brief was to not let Gray “make the same record I’ve made before.” Gray said, “I know I’ve done something here that has an authority that is inspiring me and I don’t have to worry about my past or any of that. The lovely thing about this is we’ve had the time to experiment, and it’s been wonderful.”

David Gray's breakout multi-platinum hit White Ladder, the first of three No.1 UK albums, earned him both Brit and Grammy nominations.  His more recent albums Draw The Line (2009) and Foundling (2010), both reached the Billboard Top 10 in the US.

I am so glad that David Gray has returned to recording.  He has a great voice and this is one of his best albums.  While his voice is unmistakeable, it is apparent that he worked really hard to make Mutineers unique.

You can order Mutineers on either iTunes or Amazon now.

Mutineers Track Listing:
Back in the World
As the Crow Flies
Mutineer
Beautiful Agony
Last Summer
Snow in Vegas
Cake and Eat It
Birds of the High Arctic
The Incredible
Girl Like You
Gulls
Nearly Midnight (bonus track)

North America Tour Dates & Cities:
See all dates and ticket info here.
Aug 01 - Boston
Aug 04 - NYC
Aug 05 - Philadelphia
Aug 07 - Columbia, MD
Aug 08 - Charlotte, NC
Aug 09 - Nashville
Aug 11 - Raleigh, NC
Aug 12 - Atlanta
Aug 13 - Indianapolis
Aug 15 - Cleveland
Aug 16 - Cincinnati
Aug 17 - Detroit
Aug 18 - Chicago
Aug 20 - Denver
Aug 21 - Salt Lake City
Aug 22 - Boise
Aug 23 - Troutdale (Portland), OR
Aug 25 - Redmond, WA
Aug 26 - Vancouver, BC
Aug 28 - Oakland, CA
Aug 29 - Reno, NV
Aug 30 - Las Vegas
Aug 31 - San Diego
Sep 03 - Los Angeles

This is a review post sponsored by One2One Network. I received a free download of the album to review from One2One Network.  All opinions shared are my own.

Court Yard Hounds Amelita Review

Amelita is the second album from sisters Emily Robinson and Martie Maguire of the band Court Yard Hounds. They were both previously members of the band Dixie Chicks.  “We’re a band, not a side project. We like our sound, and we’re going to continue to do this, and share something new this time around,” said Robison.   

After a few years away from the limelight and the Dixie Chicks, the two sisters were ready to get back into the studio.  Amelita has 11 new tracks and a new perspective than their debut album in 2010, which is due in part to time passed since Robison’s divorce. “I’ve been freed of all of those time-heals-everything kind of things,” says Robison. “Now, I’ve opened up to other ideas and ways of looking at life and the world. I think it’s not only a more hopeful album, but it’s more… well fun."

"I love this band...the way we explore new aspects of ourselves and what we can expect from each other, both musically and as people," says Martie. "We are close. Plus, being on the road and being in the studio is like my spa from the everyday challenges of just being a mom.”

The Court Yard Hounds’ new album is a clear statement of who the girls are as artists, defining their sound as a band, with soaring songs that are personal, yet familiar and widely relatable.

I had never heard of Court Yard Hounds before receiving the album to review.  It has a beautiful and rich sound and since they are sisters you can hear that they have a deep connection and history.  My favorite tracks are Aimless Upward, Gets You Down and The Road You Take.  They all sound likes songs that would have been featured on the T.V. show Dawson's Creek.  If the show was still in production, I have a feeling that Court Yard Hounds would have been featured regularly.

Amelita is available to purchase now on iTunes or Amazon.

Amelita Track Listing:

1. Sunshine
2. Amelita
3. The World Smiles
4. Aimless Upward
5. Guy Like You
6. Rock All Night
7. Phoebe
8. Divided
9. Gets You Down
10. Watch Your Step
11. The Road You Take

This is a review post sponsored by One2One Network. I was provided a copy of the album for my review and I am entered in a prize drawing. All opinions shared are my own.

Michael Bublé To Be Loved Album Review

"I want to take you on a wonderful journey about love—all different kinds of love," Michael says. "The album swings big time: it rocks, it’s soulful, it’s happy, sometimes a little sad. It’s romantic, it’s yummy, and it’s heartfelt."

On To Be Loved, Michael covers songs by Frank Sinatra, the Bee Gees, Jackson 5, Elvis Presley, Van Morrison, and more. There are also four original songs co-written by Bublé, which he used his personal life for inspiration.

"Do not think I take my success these last ten years for granted. I was anything but an overnight sensation,which inspires me to deliver big time for my fans—maybe even make some new ones this time out." says Bublé. "I labored over every song, every note and every arrangement because I can’t resist trying to make each record better than my last one."

"I wrote Close Your Eyes about my wife and about the power of all the women in my life—my sisters, my mom, my grandma and all women in general. Let’s face it, where would we be without them? I Got It Easy, another original, is basically a song where I count my blessings and is a reminder to me and everyone to appreciate all the good parts of life. I’m a very lucky guy and I never want to forget it," says Michael.  He is even about to become a first time dad.

The whole album is great!  Michael Bublé has such a fantastic voice.  He could probably sing anything and make it sound good.  My kids especially enjoyed You've Got a Friend in Me. To Be Loved is available to purchase now on iTunes or Amazon.




To Be Loved Track Listing:

1. "You Make Me Feel So Young"   

2. "It's a Beautiful Day" 

3. "To Love Somebody"

4. "Who's Lovin You"

5. "Something Stupid" (featuring Reese Witherspoon) 

6. "Come Dance with Me"

7. "Close Your Eyes"

8. "After All" (featuring Bryan Adams)

9. "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You" (with Naturally 7)

10. "To Be Loved"

11. "You've Got a Friend in Me"  

12. "Nevertheless (I'm in Love with You)" (featuring The Puppini Sisters)

13. "I Got It Easy"    

14. "Young at Heart"

This is a review post sponsored by One2One Network. I was provided a copy of the album for my review and I am entered in a prize drawing. All opinions shared are my own.

Rod Stewart Time Album Review

Rod Stewart has spent four decades being a rock star, three being a parent, and has a new album's worth of stories to tell.  Time is his first album of new material in almost 20 years.  The album was born from a burst of inspiration that came while he was reviewing his life for his recent memoir.  "Suddenly ideas for lyrics were piling up in my head," he says. "Next thing I knew, I had a song called 'It's Over' about divorce and separation. And now I was getting up in the middle of the night and scrambling for a pen to write things down, which has never happened to me. I finished seven or eight songs very quickly and I still wasn't done, and it became apparent that I would eventually have a whole album of material to record."  Rod Stewart is starting his Live the Life tour in Europe on June 1st and will be in America starting October 17th.  
I had not really listened to Rod Stewart before receiving this album except for his songs that were on the radio.  Time definitely has the classic Rod Stewart sound.  I think it is great that he is back to writing new material after 20 years.  My favorite track was Pure Love.  It is such a sweet song and I had it stuck in my head for days. Time is available to purchase now on iTunes and Amazon.

Time Track Listing:
1. She Makes Me Happy
2. Can’t Stop Me Now
3. It’s Over
4. Brighton Beach
5. Beautiful Morning
6. Live The Life
7. Finest Woman
8. Time
9. Picture In A Frame
10. Sexual Religion
11. Make Love To Me Tonight
12. Pure Love

This is a review post sponsored by One2One Network. I was provided a copy of the album for my review and I am entered in a prize drawing. All opinions shared are my own.