Shontelle has to be one of the most underrated women in pop. Her album was great (ready my review here) but "No Gravity" could only manage one week in the top 100 before plummeting faster than "Run The World (Girls)". I thought she had cut her losses and moved on to album number number three but the rich man's Rihanna had other plans. Shontelle is pushing "Say Hello To Goodbye" to pop radio in America and, so far, it seems to be working. The track is already top 40 on pop airplay and should get a good push from the classy video (below), which was released on Friday. It's a pretty simple affair. Basically, Shon looks all depressed and goes on the trainride from hell where she's haunted by memories of her ex-boyfriend. I think I've taken that ride. On the bright side, the diva's stylist has stopped playing jokes on her and there are none of the trannylicious outfits that made "Licky" such an iconic (for all the wrong reasons) mess. I have to admit that it took my a while to warm to this lovely ballad - I was too busy stanning for "Love Shop" - but it's a grower and will hopefully repeat the worldwide success of "Impossible". Don't waste your time on rubbish like "California King Bed" when you could be listening to a real tearjerker like this instead! Source URL: https://popmusicrecords.blogspot.com/search/label/Barbadian%20Beauties Visit pop music records for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection
I have issues with Rihanna. She knows her way around a killer single better than anyone - as her impressive chart run attests - but the poor man's Shontelle is yet to release a decent album and I just don't buy her frequent image changes. Is she the edgy Grace Jones wannabe from "Rated R" or the happy go lucky sex addict circa "Loud"? Riri strikes me as the ultimate record company product - a blank canvas tarted up by a panel of music execs to fit the latest trend - but she tops the charts more regularly than Toni Braxton files for bankruptcy, so who am I to judge? I guess I was just hoping to catch a glimpse of the woman behind the machine at last night's concert. It didn't happen. There is something incredibly impersonal about Rihanna. She came across as surprisingly sweet, looked absolutely stunning and, when she wasn't miming or singing over a backing track, sounded less offensive than I remember. But the Bajan beauty still seemed to be going through the motions. Regardless, it was a fun show and I would go back and see her again. She just needs to watch Beyoncé's "I Am... World Tour" DVD on repeat for a couple of days to see how a real diva does it.
The show began on a high. Riri emerged from under a catwalk to sing along to a recording of "Only Girl (In The World)". She looked beautiful in a long red wig and dress made of flowers and appeared a lot more at ease than she did during the "Rated R" numbers. I should point out that Rihanna brought her "Last Girl On Earth" tour to Australia (ie. the "Rated R" tour) not the "Loud" tour she's about the kick off in the States. Happily, she threw in a couple of new songs - all of which sounded better than the dirge from her last album. Speaking of crap, "Hard" was next. That was followed by a rock version of "Shut Up And Drive". You couldn't really understand a word she was singing but it was probably for the best. After yet another "Rated R" stinker - "Fire Bomb" - things livened up again with a eerie rendition of "Disturbia". I had forgotten how awesome that song is. I went for a piss when I heard the opening verse of "Rockstar 101" but, happily, I made it back to see Ri-cycle mime "S&M". Her performance was great and I'm slowly coming around to "Loud". She just seems so happy and relaxed singing along to songs from that album. It's kind of contagious! The fun part of the first half concluded with one of the highlights from "Rated R". A filthy rendition of "Rude Boy". M.I.A. would be so proud.
Sitting through a live Rihanna ballad medley is almost enough to make you forgive Chris Brown. "Hate That I Love You" sounded retched, "Love The Way You Lie" (an absolutely epic song) just made the grade, while her wailing through "Unfaithful" solved Sydney's pigeon problem. I was genuinely excited when Riri switched it up by belting out her lesbian stalker anthem "Te Amo". I still think it is one of the best tracks she's ever recorded. That was followed by "What's My Name?" and a roof raising performance of "Don't Stop The Music". Girlfriend should have kept the old school hits coming. Where was "We Ride" and "Pon De Replay"? Instead we got "Breakin' Dishes" and a cover of "The Glamorous Life" - an obvious and appreciated nod to Australia's iconic queen of pop Melissa Tkautz. "Let Me" and "SOS" weren't particularly memorable - probably because she gave them the shitty "Rated R" rock treatment, but I loved her rendition of "Take A Bow". Which is probably my favourite Rihanna song of all time. It was as good a point as any to end the concert. Even though Riri didn't get the standing ovation they were obviously hoping for when they turned the camera on the audience. Rudeness, Sydney. Her encore was a crappy medley of "Wait Your Turn", "Live Your Life" (another fave of mine) and "Run This Town" - which included footage of Bey's husband. Aww. Rihanna's final number was a monumentally fabulous take on "Umbrella" - while suspended above the stage on what appeared to be a giant pogo stick with jets blowing pieces of red tinsel into the air. A cute way to end a pleasant if not mindblowing show.
It feels like forever since my last album review. I was going to break the drought with my three-months-in-the-making academic study of Soraya's genre defining masterpiece "Dreamer" but I'm still too emotional after being tweeted by Spain's glorious gift to the universe. Next on my list was Selena Gomez & The Scene's underrated pop opus "A Year Without Rain" or my extremely overdue review of Ke$ha's already iconic "Cannibal" but I just can't get one album out of my head or off my iTunes recently played list. I'vewritten about Shontellebefore. You know - the new and improved Rihanna, best known for the year's best diva ballad "Impossible". The Barbadian beauty's sophomore album was released back in September and peaked at #81 in America before falling off the chart altogether. Which just goes to prove that there's no accounting for taste. "No Gravity" isn't the deepest musical offering of 2010 and suffers from one too many cooks production-wise, but if you're looking for a sizzling bunch of club bangers with a sprinkling of over the top balladry then Shonnie is your bitch. This is the album Rihanna would make if she removed that giant stick from her overused arsehole. It's fun, catchy and completely unpretentious. Shontelle needs to migrate to Australia where her voice and talent would be better appreciated. She could be the Marcia Hines of the new millennium! Here is my track by track review:
1. Perfect Nightmare
"No Gravity" was delayed for several months to give Shontelle the opportunity to get in the studio with Darkchild and this is a result of that collaboration. I adore the song but it has to be said that "Perfect Nightmare" owes a lot to Beyoncé's "Sweet Dreams". The lyrical content is very similar and the production isn't exactly worlds apart. But if you're going to rip something off, it might as well be something good. And I love the way Shon's exploration of the line between love and hate, passion and obsession begins as an acoustic ballad before transforming into a brooding dance anthem. Rodney Jerkins has been on fire lately and this is one of his most interesting productions. Perhaps a little too interesting. "Beautiful Nightmare" takes a couple of listens to get into, which could explain its inability to chart. It's a shame because this a truly beautiful pop song.
2. Impossible
Oh fuck, what do you say about "Impossible". To my mind, it's one of the year's most unexpected hits. The track is such a throwback to the 90s (you know, when divas could actually sing) with its soaring chorus and you done me wrong lyrics. Toni Braxton would have owned this back in the day but Shontelle shows off her own powerful pipes to stunning effect. I defy you to listen to "Impossible" without at least one power grab!
3. No Gravity
For a while this was touted as the album's second single. With good reason. "No Gravity" is an irresistible pop explosion with effortlessly uplifting lyrics and a plethora of catchy vocal hooks. There's something very European about the production, which isn't really that surprising given the long list of Swedish names in the credits. The album's title track is as cute as button. I really hope they haven't given up on this entirely. It could work wonders in Europe and Australia.
4. Take Ova (feat. Pitbull)
I've had a sick obsession with Pitbull since seeing him perform at Supafest earlier this year. His mesmerising hip thrusting turned me into a stan overnight and the prospect of my man collaborating with the pride of the Barbados left me salivating. Happily, the song lived up to my lofty expectations. Darkchild's dancehall meets Eastern European disco approach to production is fierce and the heavy beats are guaranteed to get your feet moving. There's nothing particularly deep about the lyrics (well, apart from Pit's rap about playing with his microphone - hell yes!) but this is a great party anthem that sounds radio ready for America.
5. Say Hello To Goodbye
Shontelle returns to ballad mode on "Say Hello To Goodbye", injecting some variety into the album. I don't mind this. It isn't particularly ground-breaking or original but I like the song's message and Shonnie's emotional vocal. My only criticism is the production, which sounds very dated. Producers really need to move on from Ryan Tedder increasingly boring formula of guitar based mid-tempo balladry. He spends enough time recycling that shit himself without the rest of the industry jumping on his bandwagon.
6. DJ Made Me Do It (feat. Asher Roth)
This has become something of a fan favourite but it's easily my least favourite song on the album. Co-written by Bruno Mars and produced by his team (The Smeezingtons), "DJ made Me Do It" is a fairly straightforward club banger with highly predictable lyrics that I swear I've heard a million times before. It also has a really annoying sample and features the world's most pointless rapper. The track was originally recorded by Nina Sky but rescued by Shontelle when their album was shelved. She shouldn't have bothered. "DJ Made Me Do It" is pleasant enough but it's been done before and better.
7. Love Shop
If you download only one song from "No Gravity", make it "Love Shop". This pop trash explosion pushes all my camp buttons and is already a #1 smash in my alternate universe. I love the stunningly bad lyrics - "I'll be your love shop baby tonight, I'll do all the things you like" and "my love is open from 6am to 6am, so hurry up and come inside". Subtle! My love shop couldn't handle all that business but I digress. "Love Shop" showcases Shontelle's fun side and is catchy to the point of being annoying. I have no idea who Djibril Kagni and Jordan Houyez are but Dannii needs to hire these geniuses to re-produce her domestic violence themed club classic "Love Fight". Amazing!
8. Helpless
The upbeat dance-pop continues with "Helpless". It's a fun track but pales in comparison to "Love Shop". There's just something missing that holds this back from being excellent. Perhaps its the generic production or boring lyrics. And why does Shonnie pronounce mirror as mir-woir. Girl, you're not French. Think of this as pleasant filler.
9. Kiss You Up
Written and produced by Tony Kanal (No Doubt) and Jimmy Harry, "Kiss You Up" is a sweet little ballad. The piano is a nice touch and I love the pretty lyrics. Shontelle is so versatile. She can churn out throwaway dance-pop with the best of them but also knows how to interpret something more intimate and introspective. This is missing the big hook it needed to work on radio but it's a little gem that I can't stop listening to.
10. T-Shirt (Radio Killa Mix)[feat. The-Dream]
I have no idea what Shon's stunning debut single is doing on this album. It was the crowning jewel of her fabulously titled debut ("Shontelligence") but the sexy slow jam doesn't fit on "No Gravity". I'm so pissed off that "Licky" was given the flick, while this made the cut. Sure, that stunning dance anthem boasts the least flattering video clip of 2010 but the song is amazing and sounds like a hit to me. Hopefully it will feature on the inevitable re-release!
11. Evacuate My Heart
Shontelle pulls a Kylie by wasting one of the album's best songs as a bonus track. Sure, "Evacuate My Heart" is Rihanna by the numbers but it's more fun than anything RiRi's done since "Good Girl Gone Bad" and Darkchild's seething production is club and radio ready. This would be a good single choice if Shontelle is afraid of exposing her love shop to the world. The heavy beats and catchy chorus make this a perfect conclusion to an extremely enjoyable album that never tries to be anything other than dumb fun.
No, seriously! This week "Impossible" climbs all the way to #17 on the US charts - becoming the Barbadian diva's first biggest hit. I'm so happy for her. Shontelle instantly became a guilty pleasure when I learned that she was calling her debut album "Shontelligence" (yes, I'm that easy!) and moved into fan territory when Rihanna stans cruelly dubbed her the beast of Barbados. Girlfriend can't help looking like a man! Anyway, they are probably just jealous of Shontelle's stunning $ucce$$ now that she's officially an international megastar. I just never thought "Impossible" would be the song to break her. In fact, I'll even admit to initially hating it but I can now see the error of my ways. The power ballad is an absolute grower that becomes more addictive with each listen. The arrangement is very 90s and there's no denying that my girl can sing RiRi under the table! Although that's not really saying very much...
As much as I like "Impossible" and hope it continues to rocket up the charts - I vastly prefer the follow up/international lead single. "Licky" was unveiled way back in January but is still listed as the second single from Shontelle's forthcoming sophomore album. Apparently, it will also serve as the international single and has just been remixed by a bunch of America's hottest DJs. Regardless of its status, "Licky" is one of the hottest songs of 2010. I love the dirty lyrics and that chorus is catchier than cholera. One listen and you'll be humming along to "L-I-licky-C-K-licky-Y". Can Universal please release this in Australia so I can get some relief from "Rated R"? I guarantee that it will be huge. On my blog. Maybe just ignore the video (below). It's probably what started the rumours about Shontelle having man parts. The Gaga gone wrong hooded dress and fringed boots combination is all kinds of nasty and that feathered jacket isn't much better. Anyway, I'm sure we can all agree that Rihanna is now officially redundant. And that's got to be a cause for celebration!
I could turn you loose, baby what's the use? I come back to you like automatic
Last year I chatted with a little known singer called Livvi Franc about her debut single "Now I'm That Bitch". In the interview the upcoming diva boasted about working with super producer RedOne (Lady GaGa, Little Boots, Sugababes etc) on her next single and promised to show a different side of herself by delivering "a club banger". Well, lovely Livvi was true to her word. "Automatik" is a breathtaking dance anthem that should be the Barbadian beauty's calling card to mainstream chart success. I'm not RedOne's biggest fan - it seems like everyone but Lady GaGa gets served up the same old shit - but Livvi obviously caught the Swede on a very good day. The production is less intrusive than usual, showcasing the surprisingly vulnerable lyrics with pristine beats and pretty synths. I love upbeat pop songs with a slightly bittersweet twist (think Kylie's "Better The Devil You Know") and "Automatik" is a superb addition to the genre. I'm not sure about the video (below), which is trying to be Beyoncé on a Michelle Williams sized budget but who cares when the song is this good? Strike up Livvi's jam as one of the first killer pop tunes of 2010.
Shontelle has to be one of the most underrated women in pop. Her album was great (ready my review here) but "No Gravity" could only manage one week in the top 100 before plummeting faster than "Run The World (Girls)". I thought she had cut her losses and moved on to album number number three but the rich man's Rihanna had other plans. Shontelle is pushing "Say Hello To Goodbye" to pop radio in America and, so far, it seems to be working. The track is already top 40 on pop airplay and should get a good push from the classy video (below), which was released on Friday. It's a pretty simple affair. Basically, Shon looks all depressed and goes on the trainride from hell where she's haunted by memories of her ex-boyfriend. I think I've taken that ride. On the bright side, the diva's stylist has stopped playing jokes on her and there are none of the trannylicious outfits that made "Licky" such an iconic (for all the wrong reasons) mess. I have to admit that it took my a while to warm to this lovely ballad - I was too busy stanning for "Love Shop" - but it's a grower and will hopefully repeat the worldwide success of "Impossible". Don't waste your time on rubbish like "California King Bed" when you could be listening to a real tearjerker like this instead!
