3/31/15

Music Review #67: "Subdivisions"

Today, I will be reviewing "Subdivisions" by Rush. This song was released in 1982 as part of Rush's "Signals" album. Right off the bat, I really like the synthesizer at the beginning of the song and throughout the entire song. I also am a big fan of the bass. Neil Peart never fails when it comes to playing the drums. In my opinion, Geddy Lee steals the show in this song with the vocals, bass, and synthesizer. This song makes me think about when I was in high school. Even though it was only two short years ago, it was true that people had to do things to be cool or be noticed by others. The real question is "why does this stuff even have to happen?" I'll leave that question for you to figure out. Anyways, this song is my favorite song by Rush. I give this song a ten out of ten.

3/30/15

Music Review #66: "Stolen Dance"

Today, I will be reviewing "Stolen Dance" by Milky Chance. This song was released in 2013 as part of Milky Chance's "Sadnecessary" album. I enjoy the guitar in this song. I also really like the rhythm. I don't think the vocals are that great, but I think this song is very catchy. This is one of those songs that I feel isn't that great, but I would listen to it many times because it is so catchy. I give this song an eight out of ten.

3/29/15

Music Review #65: "Peace of Mind"

Today, I will be reviewing "Peace of Mind" by Boston. This song was released in 1976 as part of Boston's "Boston" album. I like how the song starts out with acoustic guitar then shifts to electric guitar. I also like how this song is very uplifting. With every Boston song, Brad Delp's voice sells the song. This is one of my top five favorite songs by Boston. I think it sounds pretty similar to "Long Time," another song by Boston. I really like this song. I give this song a ten out of ten.

3/28/15

Music Review #64: "A Horse With No Name"

Today, I will be reviewing "A Horse With No Name" by America. This song was released in 1971 as part of America's "America" album. I like the acoustic guitar in this song. I also think the addition of bongos in this song is interesting. Even though there is a lot of good in this song, I'm not very crazy about the lead singer's voice. When hearing this song, I can actually picture myself in the desert. I also think this song is very catchy. I like this song a lot. I give this song a nine and a half out of ten.

3/27/15

Music Review #63: "Piano Man"

In honor of one of my friend's birthdays today, I will be reviewing "Piano Man" by Billy Joel. This song was released in 1973 as part of Joel's "Piano Man" album. The song starts out with an interesting piano solo. I really enjoy the addition of the harmonica in this song. I also like how this song is mellow and very uplifting. This song has really good rhythm as well. I like this song a lot. I give this song a ten out of ten.

3/26/15

Music Review #62: "Fanfare for the Common Man"

Today, I will be reviewing "Fanfare for the Common Man" by Aaron Copland. In the video, the song was performed by Northumberland Brass during the 1999 Indian River Festival in Prince Edward Island. I really like how the timpani sets the tone for the entire piece. I also really enjoy the trumpet entrance and when the trumpets and French horns play. The addition of the trombone and lower brass adds to the excitement of the song. My favorite part of the song is from 2:24 to 2:43. I absolutely love this song. It is very patriotic and it sounds very heroic. It makes me have somewhat of a stronger faith in humanity. This song is one of my top three favorite songs ever. I know that people say that you get sick of a song after listening to it for an extended period of time. If I listened to this song 100 consecutive times, I would still not get sick of it. This song gets a ten out of ten.

3/25/15

Music Review #61: "Down Under"

Today, I will be reviewing "Down Under" by Men At Work. This song was released in 1981 as part of Men At Work's "Business as Usual" album. I think the flute gives this song an interesting flare. I also like the drums in this song. The lyrics are very strange, but I fin the music video pretty humorous. I really like all of the instrumentation from this song. I think it is very catchy. I give this song a nine out of ten.

3/24/15

"Come Sail Away" by Styx

Today, I will be reviewing "Come Sail Away" by Styx. This song was released in 1977 as part of Styx's "The Grand Illusion" album. I like the piano solo at the beginning of the song. I also like how the song transitions from mellow to heavier. I really like the guitar in this song. It is also interesting what the synthesizer does to this song. This is a song that I really enjoy. I give this song a nine and a half out of ten.

3/23/15

Music Review #59: "Dance Floor Anthem"

Today, I will be reviewing "Dance Floor Anthem" by Good Charlotte. This song was released in 2007 as part of Good Charlotte's "Good Morning Revival" album. I really like the rhythm in this song. I also really like the addition of keyboards in this song. There is also a really nice bass line throughout the song. I really like all the instrumentation when the refrain is performed. Even though the instrumentation in this song is superb, I don't think Joel Madden's voice is very strong. I don't mind it, but there is just something that gets to me about his voice. This is a solid song. I give this song a nine out of ten.

3/22/15

Music Review #58: "Sunday Bloody Sunday"

Today, I will be reviewing "Sunday Bloody Sunday" by U2. This song was released in 1983 as part of U2's "War" album. This song is based off a "Bloody Sunday," which occurred on January 30, 1872 when British soldiers shot 26 unarmed civilians who were participating in a protest march against internment. Right at the beginning, I like the drums and the guitar. I really like the rhythm throughout the song. I am also nuts about the bass guitar. This song is one of my favorites by U2. I give this song a ten out of ten.

3/21/15

Music Review #57: "Sister Christian"

Today, I will be reviewing "Sister Christian" by Night Ranger. This song was released in 1983 as part of Night Ranger's "Midnight Madness" album. I really like the piano throughout the song. I also am a big fan of the rhythm. This song makes me want head-bang when it gets to the "Motoring, what's your price for flight...." part of the song. I actually saw Night Ranger perform this live last year and everyone was going nuts. This is such an awesome song. I give this song a ten out of ten.

3/20/15

Music Review #56: "Crazy Train"

In honor of the late Randy Rhoads, I will be reviewing "Crazy Train" by Ozzy Osbourne. This song was released in 1980 as part of Osbourne's "Blizzard of Ozz" album. I love the guitar in this song. Randy Rhoads was such a great guitarist. He died 33 years ago from yesterday when he was involved in a plane crash. The bass also sounds great in this song. The rhythm is spectacular as well. Even though I really enjoy this song, I feel that it is overplayed at sporting events. I feel that when songs that you enjoy that are played way too often, the songs lose their spark. I give this song an eight out of ten. Even though Randy Rhoads is gone, he is not forgotten. May he rest in peace.

3/19/15

Music Review #55: "500 Miles"

Today, I will be reviewing "500 Miles" by The Proclaimers. This song was released in 1988 as part of The Proclaimers' "Sunshine on Leith" album. I like how this song is upbeat. I also like the rhythm and all of the instrumentation. The only thing I'm not nuts about is the lead singer. Nothing against him, but I am not really a fan of his voice. Other this is a very catchy song. I give this song an eight out of ten.

3/18/15

Music Review #54: "In A Big Country"

Today, I will be reviewing "In A Big Country" by Big Country. This song was released in 1983 as part of Big Country's "The Crossing" album. I really like the rhythm in this song. I also go nuts about the part that starts at 1:56. I am also a big fan of the lyrics in this song. Somehow, the instrumentation and the vocals make me think of the United Kingdom. I think it is very cool how the instrumentation and the vocals blend together well. Another thing that I like about this song is that it is very upbeat. I really like this song. I give this a rating of ten out of ten.

3/17/15

Music Review #53: "Intergalactic"

Today, I will be reviewing "Intergalactic" by the Beastie Boys. This song was released in 1998 as part of their "Hello Nasty" album. I like how this song is catchy. This is what I consider "good rap" because it is one of the older rap songs and the Beastie Boys generally have a lot of good stuff. I think it is kind of funny that they have a robot fighting against an alien in the music video. Guaranteed, the robot and alien are guys that are dressed up. Fun job, right? I'd say so. I like how the Beastie Boys are able to rhyme their lyrics and how they are able to say the lyrics quickly but clearly. I have always enjoyed this song. I give this song a nine and a half out of ten.

3/16/15

Music Review #52: "Clocks"

Today, I will be reviewing "Clocks" by Coldplay. This song was released in 2002 as part of Coldplay's "A Rush of Blood to the Head" album. I am nuts about the piano in this song. I am so nuts about it that I just had to learn how to play this song on the piano. I also like the rhythm and I feel that Chris Martin does a nice job in making the lyrics audible for everyone. Another instrument that I feel has a significant role in this song is the bass. I really like its presence in this song. I have always been a fan of "Clocks." I feel that it is a song that makes you think about what is going on in your life and what is going on throughout the rest of the world. It sounds like a reflection song. I give this song a ten out of ten.

3/15/15

Music Review #51: "Take Care"

Today, I will be reviewing "Take Care" by Drake and Rihanna. This song was released in 2011 as part of Drake's "Take Care" album. Right off the bat, I am going nuts about the piano in this song. Also, I feel that Rihanna's voice is a compliment to this song. I also like the rhythm of this song. I feel that this song is rather mellow, which is quite pleasing. I will be honest in the fact that I am not a fan of rap, but I find this song acceptable. The only part of this song that I'm not nuts about is the part that goes from 3:19 to 3:49. Other than that, this song is pretty good. I give this song a nine out of ten.

3/14/15

Music Review #50: "Touch of Grey"

Today, I will be reviewing "Touch of Grey" by Grateful Dead. This song was released in 1987 as part of Grateful Dead's "In The Dark" album. I really like how the song is so upbeat. I also like the rhythm and all the instrumentation in this song. The best part of the song in my opinion is the presence of Jerry Garcia. Jerry Garcia is one of my favorite musicians. I have always been a fan of this song. It is very upbeat and catchy. This is a song that would be good to listen to if you are having a bad day. I really like this song. I give this song a ten out of ten.

3/12/15

Music Review #49: "Beautiful Day"

Today, I will be reviewing "Beautiful Day" by U2. This song was released in 1993 as part of U2's "Zooropa" album. I feel this song makes sense for today, as the sun is shining bright today. I think it's interesting how Bono sings of negative occurrences to start the song, but shifts to the positive. I really like the bass guitar in this song. I always enjoy it when Bono sings "It's a beautiful day" because I really like it when the backing vocals accompany him. This song is very uplifting. I really enjoy this song. I give this song a ten out of ten.

3/11/15

Music Review #48: "Somebody to Love"

Today, I will be reviewing "Somebody to Love" by Jefferson Airplane. This song was released in 1967 as part of their "Surrealistic Pillow" album. This song was also performed at Woodstock. This song is truly a classic. I understand that people may be a bit spooked out by Grace Slick's voice, but I just love how it gives this song a "spooky" flare. I also really like the rhythm in this song. "Somebody to Love" is one of my favorite songs. Not to mention, it was played in a good number of movies including Apollo 13. I really like this song. I give this song a ten out of ten.

3/9/15

Music Review #47: "More Than A Feeling"

Today, I will be reviewing "More Than A Feeling" by Boston. This song was released in 1976 as part of Boston's "Boston" album. As many of you may know, former Boston lead singer Brad Delp committed suicide just eight years ago. This was a true loss for the group and for all Boston fans. I always enjoy the acoustic guitar at the beginning of the song. Brad Delp's vocals really help sell the song. There is great rhythm to this song as well. This song is one of my top five favorite songs by Boston. I give this song a ten out of ten. Though Brad Delp is gone, he is not forgotten. Rest in peace, Brad.

3/8/15

Music Review #46: "Freewill"

Today, I will be reviewing "Freewill" by Rush. This song was released in 1980 as part of Rush's "Permanent Waves" album. I really like the guitar in this song. Also, this song has one of my favorite repetitive set of lyrics. "You can choose a ready guide in some celestial voice. If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice. You can choose from phantom fears and kindness that can kill. I will choose a path that's clear. I will choose freewill." I am also about Geddy Lee's bass playing around the 3:05 marker of the song. Also, Neil Peart never fails to amaze me on the drums. This song is one of my top five favorite songs my Rush. I give this song a ten out of ten.

3/7/15

Music Review #45: "Rocket Man"

Today, I will be reviewing "Rocket Man" by Elton John. This song was released in 1972 as part of John's "Honky Chateau" album. Right off the bat, I really like the piano in this song. I also like the slower tempo to the song. I find the lyrics quite interesting as well. The one thing that I think is strange is that he says "Mars ain't the kind of place to raise your kids. In fact it's cold as hell." Cold as hell? Last I checked, hell was hot. Eh, what are you going to do. This song is truly a classic. I give this song a nine and a half out of ten.

3/5/15

Music Review #44: "Rock'n Me"

Today, I will be reviewing "Rock'n Me" by Steve Miller Band. This song was released in 1976 as part of the band's "Fly Like an Eagle" album. I am a big fan of the guitar at the beginning of the song. I also like how there's harmony when the lyrics "Keep on rock'n me, baby" are repeated. I also mentally go crazy when I hear "I went from Phoenix, Arizona all the way to Tacoma, Philadelphia, Atlanta, LA." I really like this song. The only downside about this song is that it goes really fast. This is one of those songs that I want to continue for at least another minute. This is still an awesome song. I give this song a ten out of ten.

3/4/15

Music Review #43: "Wagon Wheel"

Today, I will be reviewing "Wagon Wheel" by Darius Rucker. This song was released in 2013 as part of Rucker's "True Believers" album. I will first start out by mentioning that I am not a country music fan. Even though I am not into country music, I like the rhythm and instrumentation of this song. I also like the "Hey, mama rock me" sections of this song. I think that this song is also very catchy as well. While I am not very interested in country music, this is still a pretty solid song. I give this song a nine out of ten.

3/3/15

Music Review #42: Come A Little Closer"

Today, I will be reviewing "Come A Little Closer" by Cage The Elephant. This song was released in 2013 as part of Cage The Elephant's "Melophobia" album. I am a big fan of the refrain throughout the song. I also really like the bass in this song. I think that the lyrics make this song sound calming. I'm not much of a fan of the 2:17 area because it sounds like a dog panting. I do, however, enjoy the "Time flies by" area. As a whole, this is a song that I enjoy. I give this song a nine out of ten.

3/2/15

Music Review #41: "Go For Soda"

Today, I will be reviewing "Go For Soda" by Kim Mitchell. This song was released in 1984 as part of Mitchell's "Akimbo Alogo" album. This song is very cheesy. In the video, you have these guys jumping out of a television and performing in the refrigerator. Even though this song is wild, I do enjoy the guitar and rhythm. The refrain has a head-banging beat. Also, the message that Kim Mitchell is trying to convey in this song is that you should drink soda rather than reaching for a beer because if you are throwing a party and someone gets buzzed, they may end up being involved in fatal car accident. Also, something else that I find very strange is that it seems like the one guy in the video looks like he smoked a joint or something. Even though this song is really cheesy, I do enjoy it. I give this song an eight and a half out of ten.

3/1/15

Music Review #40: "Alone"

Today, I will be reviewing "Alone" by Heart. This song was released in 1987 as part of Heart's "Bad Animals" album. I really like the guitar in this song. I also like the vocals provided by the Wilson sisters. I also like the calming tone for a majority of the song. There is a lot of great instrumentation in this song. This is one of those songs that you could head band to. I really enjoy this song. I give this song a ten out of ten.