lhdang2000 Posted January 9, 2019 Author Posted January 9, 2019 12. Alessia Cara – The Pains of Growing Quote “It pains me to think the girl is bashed because she wins a Grammy Award. Honestly, she did not choose to win, the committee gave her the award. Yet somehow, people use that as an excuse to give this girl so much hate. “The Pains of Growing” is not the best album ever, but I believe it is a much stronger effort than “Know-It-All.” While she keeps herself humble and relatable, her lyrics have grown much more after everything Alessia has gone through the past years. It was a pleasant surprise to know that she writes every song on the album while produces some of them solely by herself. “Nintendo Game” is one of the most brilliant tracks I have heard all year. The lyrics using metaphors from Nintendo games such as ‘I’d rather try my hand at Rainbow Road,’ ‘this is takin’ longer than Zelda’ are very creative, and I don’t think any professional writer could have pulled them off. Alessia has a gifted talent, and she has always told authentic stories. Even though she, her team, or her label was playing safe, “Growing Pains” could have been misleading as a lead single because it sounds almost the same as everything else on her debut album. However, every other song on this album is different and would have been a better representative of this amazing album.” HIGHLIGHTS: “Nintendo Game,” “Comfortable,” “I Don’t Want To” 11. Anne-Marie – Speak Your Mind Quote “Another harmless pop girl that has been insanely hated towards by ATRL. I guess that if the lady does not shade the presidency, make disco gay bops and still being successful, the gays will hate her? Personally, “Speak Your Mind” is an interesting journey that Anne-Marie has taken me through. While she still makes the same mistakes that I have mentioned with Rita Ora that the recording process was too long, and the album’s creative control becomes messy, the album’s production and Anne’s songwriting saves this album by a lot. The album is full of bangers, and almost every song can be a single. Even so, it still sounds cohesive with the stories lie behind the lyrics. To pick out the highlight, “Then” would have been an easy pick for me. In an album where the listeners come across so many dance tracks, the song shines with Anne-Marie’s vocal ability to make people feel what she is trying to convey. One can hear the pain that she was going through by her tone in this song. Props to her and I hope she still has enough energy for a sophomore effort.” HIGHLIGHTS: “Then,” “Can I Get Your Number,” “Ciao-Adios” 06. Olly Murs – You Know I Know Quote “You Know I Know” is one of the coolest album concepts I’ve seen in years. The album is split into two discs, the “You Know” consists of Olly’s biggest hits though out his career, and the “I Know” consists of his new songs. However, only one disc is listenable. Unfortunately, it’s the “You Know” one. The “I Know” part is hard to digest. With a concept like this, I expect Olly to show new sides of him, something that he has never tried before. Instead, he gives me the same thing he has been serving many years. Why put so much effort in the concept when you could have used all those time for the content? I must give him props though. It’s not easy to make a 14-track album sounds just like your greatest hits’ compilation. The dedication to be a one-trick pony is insane.”
Remmy Posted January 9, 2019 Posted January 9, 2019 I mean The Pains of Growing isn't bad but I don't think it's good enough to be this high I heard Anne-Marie SYM snippets back in the day when I was looking for newer people to discover and I wasn't feeling much. Didn't really care for 2002 in full either, Friends is meh as well. Only know a little about Olly and haven't heard from him in years, I couldn't picture myself listening to one of his albums Quote I used to listen before I bought the album, but now that I start working, all those pre-orders stuff make me feel special. Still, shouldn't have done that with Origins tho. sweetener's stronger highlights saved the album A LOT. One day you will love successful. Oh for sure! [x2] Hmm, maybe. Possibly the day I enter Hell and they're playing it on the loudspeakers?
ATRL Moderator kelly-clarkson Posted January 10, 2019 ATRL Moderator Posted January 10, 2019 I hate the album tracks of Speak Your Mind. Then is that song I only liked 1 song from Olly's album
potent Posted January 10, 2019 Posted January 10, 2019 I didn't listen to those two albums and tbh am not interested, Alessia had some cute singles though. I also liked some of Olly's hits back then but yeah he's definitely become a one trick pony.
MusicLoverDude Posted January 10, 2019 Posted January 10, 2019 Sober in the Top 10. Empty Cups is cute
ATRL Moderator Legend E Posted January 10, 2019 ATRL Moderator Posted January 10, 2019 Alessia is disliked because she is kinda boring and has peaked with her debut single
lhdang2000 Posted January 10, 2019 Author Posted January 10, 2019 REPLIES. 23 hours ago, Remmy said: I mean The Pains of Growing isn't bad but I don't think it's good enough to be this high I heard Anne-Marie SYM snippets back in the day when I was looking for newer people to discover and I wasn't feeling much. Didn't really care for 2002 in full either, Friends is meh as well. Only know a little about Olly and haven't heard from him in years, I couldn't picture myself listening to one of his albums Oh for sure! [x2] Hmm, maybe. Possibly the day I enter Hell and they're playing it on the loudspeakers? I do think her smash singles didn't do the album justice honestly. She has much more stronger tracks on the album. Um, probably, considering you will be able to listen to Ariana's voice and Pharrell's production better. 19 hours ago, kelly-clarkson said: I hate the album tracks of Speak Your Mind. Then is that song I only liked 1 song from Olly's album That's one more than me... 15 hours ago, potent said: I didn't listen to those two albums and tbh am not interested, Alessia had some cute singles though. I also liked some of Olly's hits back then but yeah he's definitely become a one trick pony. I'm so sad because 24HRS was cute, but this album is just not...it... 11 hours ago, MusicLoverDude said: Sober in the Top 10. Empty Cups is cute Glad someone is appreciating Empty Cups. 11 hours ago, Brandon said: Alessia 7 hours ago, Green said: I liked some Anne-Marie songs thanks. 7 hours ago, Legend E said: Alessia is disliked because she is kinda boring and has peaked with her debut single Scars to Your Beautiful is not her debut single tho.
lhdang2000 Posted January 10, 2019 Author Posted January 10, 2019 (edited) 10. Janelle Monae – Dirty Computer Quote “I was pleasantly surprised to find myself cannot put the album any higher than #10. It was an amazing album, but for me, it took a lot for me to go through the whole album, and every song itself is not strong enough by its own. Do not get me wrong, I appreciate this piece of art. I believe Janelle has reached a high level of artistry with “Dirty Computer,” and the concept of this album is out of this world. In 14 tracks, Janelle was able to bring up a lot of social issues, controversies, while still being able to have fun. While the production of the album is on point, I love the lyrics so much. Coming from a communist country, the idea of intentionally shading the government like ‘seventy-nine cent to your dollar,’ ‘while they blocking equal pay, sippin’ on they Coca Colas,’ ‘the same mistake, I’m in jail, you on top of ****’ is a whole new concept to me, and I love it.” HIGHLIGHTS: “Pynk,” “Screwed,” “Make Me Feel” 09. Shawn Mendes – Shawn Mendes Quote “Shawn Mendes has been a pleasant surprise to me this year. He completely shifts from a heartthrob who sings ballads to someone who digs deeper with their emotions and experiments with their sound. “Lost in Japan” is by far Shawn’s best effort in his career. He puts the teen boy heartthrob image away and decides to pursue something more intimate and playful. Shawn knows he needs to start switching to something more mature and releases the song has helped him tremendously. Interestingly, Shawn has learned to approach different singing styles for different genres, which makes “Self-Titled” his best effort yet. One of the examples is “In My Blood” and “Nervous” putting together, while the former is soulful, the latter is sultry. At the age of 19, it is crazy to see the growth in this guy. His passion and the braveness in trying different sound is what will help this guy in years to come.” HIGHLIGHTS: “Lost in Japan,” “In My Blood,” “Particular Taste” 08. Carrie Underwood – Cry Pretty Quote “Unlike Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood’s newest effort heads towards a more poppy route but still has country vibe. Coming back after three years, “Cry Pretty” is one of, if not, Carrie Underwood’s most vocally challenging album in her career. While the production is mediocre, Carrie’s distinctive voice has saved the entire album. “Low” is arguably the best song on the album because once again, we get to hear Carrie goes full force with her vocals. Her deep tone in ‘I’m so lonesome for you’ to display her disappointment, and the full explosions in the bridge are Carrie’s bravest and most powerful moments in music since her single “Blown Away” seven years ago. With this album, Carrie has made a statement for herself. Even though there are generic songs that could have been cut like “Love Wins,” we all know her main demographics is the reason why she did not go deeper with the song’s meaning. However, we see a woman who is poised, powerful, and has reached a higher peak artistically. HIGHLIGHTS: “Low,” “Drinking Alone,” “End Up with You.” 07. Little Mix – LM5 Quote “Another harmless pop girl that has been insanely hated towards by ATRL. I guess that if the lady does not shade the presidency, make disco gay bops and still being successful, the gays will hate her? Personally, “Speak Your Mind” is an interesting journey that Anne-Marie has taken me through. While she still makes the same mistakes that I have mentioned with Rita Ora that the recording process was too long, and the album’s creative control becomes messy, the album’s production and Anne’s songwriting saves this album by a lot. The album is full of bangers, and almost every song can be a single. Even so, it still sounds cohesive with the stories lie behind the lyrics. To pick out the highlight, “Then” would have been an easy pick for me. In an album where the listeners come across so many dance tracks, the song shines with Anne-Marie’s vocal ability to make people feel what she is trying to convey. One can hear the pain that she was going through by her tone in this song. Props to her and I hope she still has enough energy for a sophomore effort.” HIGHLIGHTS: “Then,” “Can I Get Your Number,” “Ciao-Adios” 05. Post Malone - Beerbongs & Bentleys Quote “While I never like Post Malone, it is very hard to be a music fan and not come across his music in 2018. It was (and still is) everywhere. And to be honest, I do not like his voice, but “Better Now” is a cute effort that makes me want to give this album a try. I thought I was deaf after the hour. I love artists trying to be experimental, but he did too much with this album. Nothing works together, everything sounds like different puzzle pieces trying to squeeze together in the whole picture, which, to no surprise, is a mess by the end. Together with most of the rappers in this industry, Post really tries to boost his SPS number by including multiple tracks in the album. It works for his fanbase, but for a person listening to him for the first time, this is a pain to go through.” 04. F.A.M.E. – Maluma Quote “I was really trying. Until track 5 with five seconds in, I’m done.” Edited January 10, 2019 by lhdang2000
ATRL Moderator kelly-clarkson Posted January 11, 2019 ATRL Moderator Posted January 11, 2019 4 hours ago, lhdang2000 said: That's one more than me... nnn Cry Pretty it's amazing and I'm not even a Country music fan. But since the album is a bit more pop, I think that's the reason why I like it! I hate the cover art of Malulma's album
Remmy Posted January 11, 2019 Posted January 11, 2019 LM5 was gearing up to be the first Little Mix release I've heard in full because I enjoyed Woman Like Me more than all their other stuff, then they messed it up with all the promo tracks that didn't interest me Shawn Mendes is nice, there's a few weak spots but he experimented with some new sounds and they he generally successful at it. Dirty Computer She snapped and we all been knew. Your highlights from both of those are all 10/10s except for Particular Taste You and your ears are so brave for listening to some of these worst albums, I gotta tell ya... couldn't be me
lhdang2000 Posted January 12, 2019 Author Posted January 12, 2019 REPLIES: On 1/10/2019 at 7:31 PM, kelly-clarkson said: nnn Cry Pretty it's amazing and I'm not even a Country music fan. But since the album is a bit more pop, I think that's the reason why I like it! I hate the cover art of Malulma's album The fact that Maluma hides half of his pretty face. 19 hours ago, Legend E said: Cry Pretty 11 hours ago, Remmy said: LM5 was gearing up to be the first Little Mix release I've heard in full because I enjoyed Woman Like Me more than all their other stuff, then they messed it up with all the promo tracks that didn't interest me Shawn Mendes is nice, there's a few weak spots but he experimented with some new sounds and they he generally successful at it. Dirty Computer She snapped and we all been knew. Your highlights from both of those are all 10/10s except for Particular Taste You and your ears are so brave for listening to some of these worst albums, I gotta tell ya... couldn't be me Like I said, I was trying to be open-minded, but some of these disappoint me so hard.
lhdang2000 Posted January 12, 2019 Author Posted January 12, 2019 06. Bishop Briggs – Church of Scars Quote “I have been sleeping on Bishop Briggs for so long and thank God for Dancing with the Stars and The Voice for introducing me to “Water” and “River,” two of the best songs I have heard this year. Ever since the first track, Bishop has brought powerful energy, and she manages to maintain every moment until the last track of the album, which is hard to do. It is also worth mentioning that the production of the album is top-notch, and a lot of other artists would easily be struggling to keep up with it. Not Bishop Briggs. Her voice was powerful yet emotive, and the gospel roots seen in some of the lyrics set her apart from artists like Florence + the Machine or Imagine Dragons in the same genre. HIGHLIGHTS: “River,” “Water,” “Dreams” 05. Camila Cabello – Camila Quote “Here comes the artist that surprises me the most the past year. I was one of those who did not like Camila during her time with Fifth Harmony, and I could not contain my excitement when she left the group. I thought she could never release an album, but it turns out she gives me one of the best albums of the year. Camila has an incredible stage presence, and she uses that advantage to release pop bangers. “She Loves Control” and “Havana”, one of the biggest hits this decade, are two songs that see Camila being influenced by her Latin culture. While putting out vibrant, danceable tracks, the album also has songs where Camila strips down to use her beautiful vocals. The album’s highlight belongs to “Into It,” a collaboration with hit-maker Ryan Tedder. Using familiar electro-hip-hop beats, Camila shines over the production with her R&B singing technique. Making the track as the last official song on the album, this could foreshadow Camila transforming into a sexy grown woman in the next album, with lyrics like: “I see a king-sized bed in the corner/we should get into it.” Camila ends the album on a high note, and we may have to just wait for her next album to see what she is capable of.” HIGHLIGHTS: “Into It,” “She Loves Control,” “Consequences” 03. lovelytheband – Finding It Hard to Smile Quote “lovelytheband is an US indie band that recently finds their success with the song “Broken.” Honestly, the song was everywhere where I live. The radio stations adore it, my favorite pro-cuts place play it every time I am in there. And I love that song. I thought the structure and the song’s idea is very different from the other bands. So, when they released the album, I was eager to try it. After all, if 5 Seconds of Summer manages to put out a quality album, I do think my love for boybands will make me love lovelytheband. It was a mistake that I could never fix in my life. Before anything, I still question the album’s intro until this day. Who approved that? Who produced that and thought that was cute? Who allowed that to be the album title? What does it represent the band? Boring, bland, and copycat of two centuries ago? Let’s talk about the album content. It was nothing like the first single at all. I was worried that they would try to recreate “Broken” because of its success. They did not, but I wish they did because what they put out was a total misleading compared to what they first introduced me to. I do appreciate the album title, because it warns me of what I was getting through. I was indeed “Finding It Hard to Smile.”
ATRL Moderator Legend E Posted January 12, 2019 ATRL Moderator Posted January 12, 2019 Camila is cute!
ATRL Moderator kelly-clarkson Posted January 12, 2019 ATRL Moderator Posted January 12, 2019 Camila She Loves Control and Into It are bops
lhdang2000 Posted January 12, 2019 Author Posted January 12, 2019 REPLIES: 14 hours ago, Brandon said: Camila 8 hours ago, Legend E said: Camila is cute! 7 hours ago, kelly-clarkson said: Camila She Loves Control and Into It are bops Thanks guys!
lhdang2000 Posted January 12, 2019 Author Posted January 12, 2019 04. 5 Seconds of Summer – Youngblood Quote “It pains me that people only give “Youngblood” the attention it deserves after 5 Seconds of Summer rightfully tops The Carters on the Billboard Hot 200. After that, people ignore the album and only focus on the #2 album of the week. But that does not take away the quality of the album. In the past, 5 Seconds of Summer struck me as the teen girls’ heartthrobs. Well, “Youngblood” did that. But I do not see wannabe-boys anymore, I see grown men who want to establish themselves through their music identity. This is one of the longest albums on the list, but I do not mind at all. Every song has a different personality that adds to the overall concept of the album. The band pursues pop-rock, but that does not mean they have to follow any male groups (which is hard considered most bands follow this genre). Unlike most current bands that would pick a ‘front-guy’, “Youngblood” highlights 5 Seconds of Summer as a group, and they all get to showcase their talent.” HIGHLIGHTS: “Youngblood,” “Want You Back,” “Better Man” 03. Benjamin Ingrosso – Identification Quote “Eurovision did Benjamin so wrong, that is all I have got to say. Normally, I would hear some cheesy songs that pander the country’s vote or some safe entries to secure the win. But “Dance You Off” is an approach as to what pop boys should pursue right now: sexy but classy. And “Identification” confirms the image. He does pop, R&B. Of course, he does cheesy ballad. What makes him stand out? His songwriting, his voice, and his vision. “So Good So Fine When You’re Messing with My Mind” stands out as the best track of the album. Benjamin stated that he thought he had made the best song on Earth. Well, that is a bit too far, but to say one of the best songs I have ever heard? I may say yes. The combination of pop, R&B, dance, and the smart use of voice distortion (“as she’s slipping from my chest right down to my ****”) creates a signature banger that hardly any other pop boys would dare to pursue. “All I See Is You” is one that hops the trend of Trance Pop, a risky genre that guys rarely do. Following the album’s journey, you will see many other insane decisions. Benji wants to stand out, so he makes different choices. It pays off, as “Identification” is one of the albums you will have to give it a try.” HIGHLIGHTS: “So Good So Fine,” “Spotlights,” “Dance You Off” 02. Drake – Scorpion Quote “Alright. Where do I start with this? It is so hard because I used to love Drake’s debut efforts (“Thank Me Later” and “Take Care”) so much that I not only feel disappointed with him but sad for his potential too. Drake went from a person who released good music to one who would do anything to top the chart. Not that I hate his ambition, I would kill for any of my favorites to pull off his numbers, but not in such a desperate way. Together with Olly, I do think artists should not release 2CDs if they are unable to pull it off. Because an hour and a half for a music project is too much. Especially when he releases once every half a year. I love myself a hard-working artist. But what I love even more? Quality over quantity. Over half of the tracks of this album could be cut to make it a cohesive EP/album, but Drake would not do that because he knows the SPS number would be much lower. The production is not bad. After all, he samples some biggest hits in the world for this. And it makes things worse, because that just shows how uninspiring he is in this project. What hurts me even more is how the GP appreciates this album and the Grammys nominate this for Album of the Year. This just helps Drake puts more lifeless albums like “Scorpion” in the future.”
ATRL Moderator kelly-clarkson Posted January 13, 2019 ATRL Moderator Posted January 13, 2019 Youngblood has some bops! I need to check Benjamin's album
ATRL Moderator Legend E Posted January 13, 2019 ATRL Moderator Posted January 13, 2019 I didn't listen to Youngblood, but the title track is good
Remmy Posted January 13, 2019 Posted January 13, 2019 C**ila on the best list ? I listened to Bishop's 2017 EP but I didn't care about her enough to hear the album. River is nice. Youngblood 5SOS snapped once again! Better Man is an interesting top 3 pick Lowkey an Ed Sheeran copy (actually, there's a handful of songs that match other people's styles but I can't complain.) Drake deservedly on the worst list, he was such a stain on 2018 Whew that lovelytheband cover is serving major low budget
potent Posted January 13, 2019 Posted January 13, 2019 The Carters >>> 5SOS Drake's album had a few bops, but yeah was way too long.
lhdang2000 Posted January 14, 2019 Author Posted January 14, 2019 REPLIES: 22 hours ago, kelly-clarkson said: Youngblood has some bops! I need to check Benjamin's album You should! I was genuinely shocked at how good the album was. 10 hours ago, Legend E said: I didn't listen to Youngblood, but the title track is good It wasn't good enough to persuade you to give the album a try? 7 hours ago, Remmy said: C**ila on the best list ? I listened to Bishop's 2017 EP but I didn't care about her enough to hear the album. River is nice. Youngblood 5SOS snapped once again! Better Man is an interesting top 3 pick Lowkey an Ed Sheeran copy (actually, there's a handful of songs that match other people's styles but I can't complain.) Drake deservedly on the worst list, he was such a stain on 2018 Whew that lovelytheband cover is serving major low budget Camila is good. She offers everything for everybody. I thought the lovelytheband's album cover was a prank at first. You should give Church of Scars a try tho. The album is amazing. 2 hours ago, potent said: The Carters >>> 5SOS Drake's album had a few bops, but yeah was way too long.
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