It's Crys (short for Crystallina in case you haven't figured that out yet) here reviewing some songs for you! Mostly recent music, but not just the singles and hits!
3 Doors Down- When I'm Gone
I'll first start this review with a general comment about rock songs lately- they all sound alike. Literally. One can be replaced with another. Now that that's out of my system, this one isn't half bad. It has a good melody, and the vocals are competent- well-sung in the verses and forceful on the chorus. The lyrics at least attempt to rise above typical rock lyrics, and they succeed sometimes. Overall, this song isn't as original as some of their previous efforts, but it's very listenable.
Clay Aiken- This Is The Night
As most of America knows, Clay Aiken was the runner-up in American Idol's second season, losing to Ruben Studdard. The North Carolinian singer has released this as his first single. It's not bad- as usual, Clay's singing is very good, and lyrics aren't bad. Overall, it's a competently made ballad, although I would have preferred 'Bridge Over Troubled Water'.
Ashanti- Foolish
Catchy describes this song pretty well- Ashanti, the latest R-and-B singer to be discovered, has a single out that isn't half bad. Her voice is pretty good- it wavers in a few spots but I've heard much worse. The content's reasonable too. However, the lyrics could use a bit of work- "I don't know why you treated me so bad", etc. Overall, this is a song that grows on you.
Ashanti- Rock Wit U (Awww Baby)
Forget how utterly inane the title is. This song's actually pretty pleasant to listen to, if nothing striking or original. Ashanti's vocal is sunny and the rhythmic quality suits the song well. The melody's suitably pleasant. However, the lyrics aren't especially original, sometimes repetitive, and the everpresent "aww/oh baby" gets on your nerves after awhile. Still, it won't make you jump to change the radio station.
Michelle Branch- All You Wanted
I don't care how old she is, she sounds like she's in her early teens in this sweet yet unremarkable song. The content's middling at best, and the lyrics aren't anything remarkable. Branch's vocals are what I dislike most about this- they're too contrived, manufactured- as if she's trying to make her modest voice sound rich and powerful. This song's pleasant on the first few hearings but isn't anything special.
Sarah Brightman- Scarborough Fair
Before you read this review, let me assure you that yes, I have heard the original version by Simon and Garfunkel. I liked that version, too. That doesn't stop me from falling in love with Brightman's rendition. As usual, her voice is pure and clear, and the lyrics and melody are just as moving as they used to be. This song is, simply put, haunting.
Kelly Clarkson- A Moment Like This
Yup, the American Idol winner has her new single out, and it's middling. Yes, I said middling. Why? The content and lyrics are basically cliche ridden- nothing new brought to the table. At least someone with a decent voice is singing it- I can't imagine someone with an okay voice singing this song. It wouldn't go over well. Or at least it shouldn't. The vocals are strong and save this song.
Creed- With Arms Wide Open
Points for originality. I haven't heard a song about someone's new baby yet, which makes for a refreshing change of pace. The song sounds similar to Creed's other songs- dramatic, sometimes over-the-top. However, the relatively fresh content and message redeem this song. Not bad at all, better than many songs.
Craig David- 7 Days
He has the same smooth voice and singing as his previous songs, and he sings the lyrics just as fast. So fast that sometimes they're intelligible. The music here is okay, a bit repetitive at times though. The content's not too original, and the lyrics are okay but nothing outstanding. Overall, it's an average radio song but sounds a bit too similar to other songs that are out right now.
Destiny's Child- Bug A Boo
Pulls you in by beginning with the chorus, and doesn't let you go until the finish. The verses are all nice, fast, and very singable and the content is reasonably unique- a girl who's upset with her guy because he calls, e-mails, and generally contacts her too much...most of the time, it's too little. Near-perfect for karaoke or just dancing.
Destiny's Child- Survivor
Beyonce says she was inspired to write her song after various people taunted her group, saying it was like the hit TV show Survivor- who'd be "voted out" next? Now for the song itself. It's good- the lyrics get slightly repetitive at times, and this got a bit annoying. But the beat's good, the vocals are fine. A pretty good song here, enjoyed it.
Evanescence- Bring Me To Life
You don't see too many female-fronted rock bands. And you see even less of them with lead singers who can actually sing. Well, now you've heard one. Bring Me To Life is pretty good. The vocals, while annoying at times, match the lyrics in style and tone. Lyrics aren't bad- I've heard worse. The melody's good. Overall, it comes together quite nicely and stands out from the other songs on the radio. Worth a few listens.
Incubus- Drive
All I can say is that I was pretty impressed by this song. It has a lot of things going for it- a running metaphor, lyrics that aren't flooded and washed away by angst, and decent vocals. The chorus, however, seems tacked on- could fit better with the rest of the song, and it abandons the metaphor. This is a small detail, though. I liked this song, and thought it a good choice for a single. Avril Lavigne- Complicated
A catchy pop/rock song here, with a definite edge to it that a lot of other singer/songwriters don't really put into their songs. The content, a girl fed up with her guy who acts differently around other people, is reasonably fresh- it's a common issue but you just don't see too many songs being written about it. Vocals are pretty good. This song's pretty catchy- one of the better songs I've heard lately.
Lenny Kravitz- Again
Like the title, he's back again, with this new single included on his Greatest Hits CD. It's no masterpiece, but not too bad. The lyrics delve into the cliche often ("I heard a cry within my soul" is an example which pops to mind, in the first verse), but otherwise it's allright. It's easy to listen to, but tiring after repeated listenings. Madonna- Die Another Day
Yes, another single from Madonna. This one was written for the James Bond movie of the same name. It's another song to add to her collection of electronica/dance songs. Not bad, but not outstanding either. The vocal seems very tweaked and unnatural, and it seems very repetitive at times. However, it's generally danceable. Overall, it's okay, but will probably only be remembered because of its movie.
Madonna- Don't Tell Me
Her list of singles is like the Energizer Bunny- it keeps going...and going...and going, from the 80s to the 2000s. And she's back with "Don't Tell Me", a song which I liked. The lyrics were better than most songs out there, and I could actually listen to them without cringing. They pretty much made the song. It was a bit repetitive at times, but I didn't mind it for this song. Overall, a worthy addition to her singles.
Mya- What Cha Say
It's a decent party song, one of two party songs on her Mya album. From the beginning, she pulls you into the song with her fast vocals, which settle into a rhythm after a while. Catchy. Some problems, though, mainly with the chorus. It could use some more vocabulary than "hey, hey, what cha say"- basically the entire lyrics to the chorus. But I like the song anyway, single or not.
Mya- Fear of Flying
This is the title track of Mya's "Fear of Flying" album, and it's a pretty good slow song. The content's okay- a metaphoric take on a woman who doesn't fall in love because she was hurt earlier. The flying metaphor isn't the most original but it's better than some songs I've heard. Problem, though- the lyrics can get a bit cliche/cheesy at times, for instance "Your love for me is like therapy for my soul". Other than this, it's not bad.
Nivea- Don't Mess With My Man
I remember hearing about Nivea a couple years ago, and she finally has a hit song. Unfortunately, 'hit' doesn't always mean 'good'. I do not like this song, at all. It's very repetitive- there's not much variety, just a couple of lightweight verses that sound alike and then the chorus eight million times. Nivea's vocals sound forced and straining; the male vocals are average. The lyrics don't say much more than the title of the song- it's the same words switched around over and over again. Overall, this song is annoying, repetitive, but marginally listenable.
No Doubt- Hella Good
It's a dance song, a definite dance song. About dancing, a danceable tune- overall, it was meant to be played on the floor. It can be a bit grating to listen to the first few times, but that slides by after awhile. The lyrics are a step above others- they actually show signs of good songwriting, lyrics that you won't find in eight other songs like it. It comes in heavy, stays there for awhile, and leaves you energized. Not bad for its genre.
No Doubt- Don't Let Me Down
This is the musical equivalent of fruit juice- sweet and energizing, but still with some substance to it. From the beginning to the end, this song's simply happy. And the lyrics are pretty good; detailed and with some poetic qualities. Vocals are decent, and the hook really works; it bursts through with such happiness that you can't help but smile and sing along. A great song.
Pink- Missundaztood
Pink's title track stands out from the background-vocal, studio-altered songs that flood radios day in and day out. She breaks out and sings in her true voice- not perfect, but certainly a change. The song's pretty good, too- catchy in its simplicity. Good to sing to, but not intended as a dance song. The ending's really strange, by the way- you'll know when it starts to get weird. Ex-Lax commercial indeed.
Pink- Most Girls
Pink's second single from her "Can't Take Me Home" CD, this song's catchy. "Most Girls" goes against the grain of some beliefs that flood music- the more money the better, etc. Here, Pink states that "most girls want a man with the mean green, don't wanna dance if he can't be everything that I dream of, a man that understands real love." Not bad, although it can ramble from point to point at times.
Red Hot Chili Peppers- Otherside
This song starts out with a quietly gloomy tone, like dozens of other rock/alternative songs. Like dozens of other rock/alternative songs, it builds up to a louder, more instrument-filled chorus as it progresses. However, it begins to show its uniqueness in the verses. The lyrics, while incomprehensible at times, seem somewhat thought-out. And the melody and vocals are good, adding to the mood of hopelessness. Overall, a worthy and even memorable song.
Shania Twain- Up!
Relentlessly optimistic. These are two words that perfectly describe Shania Twain's second single from the CD of the same name. From the exclamation point in the title to the bouncy chorus and melody to the positive lyrics, this song is like a waterfall of happiness. Which is not always a good thing- at times I felt overwhelmed by the blatant cheeriness of it all. However, it certainly wasn't bad, a good feel-good song.
Staind- It's Been Awhile
It's the classic, ubiquitous self-pitying rock song. I don't think these are generally awful, but once you've heard songs on the same subject sung over...and over...and over again, it gets old pretty quickly. Anyway, the content I've gone over. Lyrics and vocals are ok- nothing spectacular. My other concern is that it's simply too long- to the point of "Is it over yet?"
Justin Timberlake- Rock Your Body
As much as I've attempted to resist Timberlake's solo efforts, I have to admit he is growing on me, especially with this latest song which has lodged itself into my mind and stubbornly refuses to leave. Lightweight and danceable, it is reminiscent of several older songs by Madonna (the background effects are similar to those in 'Holiday') and Michael Jackson (as he hoped). Basically about a night dancing, it's repetitive but relentlessly catchy. Nothing earth-shattering, but certainly competent.
Train- Calling All Angels
I usually enjoy music with a good message, and this song is no exception. The vocals are good, and unlike many other songs, the lyrics actually mean something. And on top of all this, it's pleasant to listen to, easy on the ears. I enjoy this song; it's a nice break from the angry, angst-filled hard rock and rap songs on the radio.

I know, this list is VERY concise. So boogie on over to All-Reviews.Com for a fuller list! It's a great site with just about every hit that made it through the studios, although at times it can be slow to update.

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