The First Listen: Gwen Stefani - This is What the Truth Feels Like #ThisIsWhatTheTruthFeelsLike #GwenO2O

What are your favorite songs about? Happy times and falling in love? Or do you prefer to sit down and listen to tales of betrayal and heartache? With Gwen Stefani's new album This is What the Truth Feels Like, you will get the best of both.

I've been a fan of Stefani since her No Doubt days, so I was happy to have the opportunity to review her latest album. What fans will notice first about this album is that it is much more grown up than her first two solo releases—that isn't to say that the previous albums were juvenile, because they both have musical complexities that are far beyond typical dance pop. What I'm talking about is a sense of maturity in this new album that opens up much more on a personal level while still giving fans what they want—great music with a range of tempos that you can chill out to or dance to, depending on what you're feeling that day.

The album starts off with “Misery” which is an expression of suffering and rolling with the punches. This track is one of my favorites and reminds me of a classic Gwen Stefani track. As the album continues, another one of my favorites is “You're My Favorite” which goes through all of those twists and turns of life lessons to realize what you really want in life.

But not all of the tracks are about loved lost. Stefani also includes a number of tracks that explore the idea of new love, such as “Where Would I Be?”, “Make Me Like You”, “Truth” and “Send Me a Picture” to name a few.

If you are looking for something that reminds you of the more upbeat, fun pop that Stefani is known for (think “Bubble Pop Electric” or “Yummy”), my #1 favorite on this album is “Naughty”--it's a get-up-and-shake-it kind of track. It's still working with the theme of losing love and betrayal, but it's done in a way that makes you want to smile knowing that the subject of the song's going to realize the power of karma.

Fans of Gwen Stefani won't be able to get enough of this album. Those who haven't discovered her solo work will find a number of tracks that they can enjoy. If you want to go out and get your own copy of This is What the Truth Feels Like, you can purchase it now from iTunes or Target (this version includes four bonus tracks). You also have the opportunity to get your hands on special bundles from Gwen's website, but those are limited so you'll want to act quick. 

 

Want even more? Make sure to follow Gwen Stefani on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.

*I participated in this sponsored album review program as a member of One2One Network. I was provided the album to review but all opinions are my own.

The First Listen: Harry Connick Jr. THAT WOULD BE ME #thatwouldbeme #O2O

On October 23, Harry Connick Jr. will be releasing his new album, That Would Be Me. I was lucky enough to get an early listen. Here are some of my thoughts on the album.

This album starts out with a surprising, upbeat tune "Smile." It's surprising because I'm used to listening to Connick's slower, soulful tunes. Although this track seems different from what I've heard before from this artist, it was really good. It seems like a fun track that can be danced to and something that can lift any mood.



After the first track, the songs settle into that slower soul that you've come to expect from this artist. The songs are great easy listening when you want to relax and enjoy good music with a combination of R&B, a little jazz and engaging lyrics.



My favorite track of the album is "Songwriter" because it is a great unrequited love song. It is a little more upbeat like the first track, but the lyrics are still what you would expect from this artist. 

Overall, this album is what fans would expect from Harry Connick Jr.--simply great music. But this album definitely has the potential of reaching many more who have yet to become fans with it's easy listening.



If you want to check out That Would Be Me, it will be released October 23. You can get it from iTunes or Amazon.

I participated in the That Would Be Me album review program as a member of One2One Network. I was provided an album to review but all opinions are my own.

The First Listen: Joy Williams VENUS #JoyWilliams #O2O

The summer always offers up a chance to listen to new music and find that special summer sound that we all love to play. This summer, Joy Williams may have a big part in that summer sound you'll be hearing. Once a member of The Civil Wars, Williams is now on her own and revealing her honest story through her album Venus.



Each of the songs on the album tells part of her story, but it definitely goes bigger than that--the lyrics also provide the listener with a bit of light and encouragement that can come with the clarity of getting through rough times. When it comes to the sound, Williams provides an eclectic mix of country storytelling, dance beats and very clean pop hooks that are interesting to listen to over and over again.

My personal favorites to listen to on this album are "Woman (Oh Mama)", "One Day I Will" and "The Dying Kind." Check out the video for "Woman (Oh Mama)" yourself and let me know what you think:



Venus is available from iTunes and from Amazon so you can discover it for yourself. It's available for download, on CD and vinyl (my personal favorite).

**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.

The First Listen: Madonna - Rebel Heart

Sex, drugs and rock'n'roll--yep, pretty sure I'm listening to Madonna!

The music of Madonna sort of spans my existence on this earth. When she released her first album, I wasn't born yet. When she was getting her erotica on in the 90s, I wasn't allowed to listen to her. And when she re-emerged at the turn of the century, I didn't give it much of a thought, thinking that she was trying to be younger than she was. Those were my TRL years. I'm not entirely proud of the things I listened to then. But now with her thirteenth studio album Rebel Heart, she's the kinda artist I want to listen to.



The album begins with the single "Living for Love" and takes it from there.



While I know that Madonna certainly doesn't want to be labeled, you can break up the songs on this album in a couple of different ways. First, there are the contemplative, serene tunes and the fun dance-your-butt-off tracks. If you want to go zen, try listening to "Devil Pray," "Ghosttown," or "Joan of Arc." If you are more interested in shaking it all night long, try a playlist with "Living for Love," "Unapologetic Bitch," or "Hold Tight" on it.

When the content of the lyrics are more your thing, Madonna gives you a range of her classic themes that include religion, sex and having that attitude--bold and brazen, yet very real. Along with what you would expect from Madonna lyrically, she also has that same voice you can hear in all of her earlier work. Most artists with such as wide-ranging career either have to deal with vocal changes are create them, but she hits every note just right. If you've enjoyed Madonna in the past, this album delivers everything you could ever want. New to Madonna? You'll enjoy dancing the night away to Rebel Heart.

You can get the album on iTunes today, so what are you waiting for?

The First Listen: Mary Lambert - Heart on My Sleeve #HeartOnMySleeve #o2o

Music can serve many purposes for both the singer and the listener. One artist that provides a great balance of truth and entertainment in her music is Mary Lambert. This lady has certainly impressed me with her musical ability since she appeared on my radar through a friend on Facebook. I was extremely happy that the One2One Network provided me with a copy of the album Heart on My Sleeve (dropping tomorrow!) to review. 

While Mary Lambert may not be a well-known name in music at the moment, you may recognize her from the Macklemore and Ryan Lewis song “Same Love.” She’s out with her own album now, and it starts off with the fun, poppy “Secrets.” This song has everything a catchy tune needs to get into your head, have you learn the lyrics in just a few listens and also provides you with a great message. It is about hiding who we truly are until we no longer see ourselves in our daily lives. It is a celebration of our differences and does it in a light, upbeat way.

Much of the album has a variety of love songs. The key difference to Lambert’s songs is that she adds her own spin, making the raw emotion of the lyrics shine through what can sometimes look like just standard lyrics. Much of the music on the album is relatable and has a lot of strength within heartache. Vocally, Lambert is also a woman who has range. She can go from the fun pop song to the emotional journey and right into a low, haunting tune. 

The album also includes a cover of “Jessie’s Girl.” I have to say up front that I don’t like covers 99% of the time, no matter how well they are done. This one is no exception. I prefer the original version, though I will give Lambert much credit for making it her own, yet still retaining completely the sadness and jealousy that the original song embodies. 

Overall, this is a great album and something that I already love jamming to while in the car. If you want to learn more, check out these videos.You can also check her out on iTunes and Amazon.

**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.