Speak Now

This is not the first blog post of mine related to or inspired by Taylor Swift. I bought "Speak Now" from a WalMart store yesterday. Many have questioned Taylor Swift calling people out the way she did in these songs. For example, "Dear John" is (thankfully) not about me, but John Mayer. My reaction to this CD was pretty interesting. The most unusual thing about this blog post is that I am a guy- so my reaction to something like this will be quite a ways different from how most females would perceive this album. Perhaps I need to do more music CD reviews, but I will blog about this CD with my own commentary. What do I think of this CD from the country cutie from Wyomissing, Pennsylvania? Read on!

--- Speak Now ---

Here is the cover of this CD:


^ from: amazon.com - Taylor Swift's "Speak Now" CD cover.

Before I tell you about my thoughts on this CD, let me read a little excerpt from the CD cover:

"What you will say might be too much for some people. Maybe it will come out all wrong and you'll stutter and you'll walk away embarrassed, wincing as you play it all back in your head. But I think the words you stop yourself from saying are the ones that will haunt you the longest."

-Taylor Swift, from the "Speak Now" CD jacket

Having said this, this CD is the most hard-hitting album ever from Taylor Swift. It is hard hitting both with the music and with most of the passion in these songs. One thing you have to appreciate about Taylor is how she isn't passive in expressing herself. Perhaps another thing- she expresses herself without the need for any raunchy language or suggestive themes. I think you need to read the CD jacket inside to understand the meaning of Speak Now and what the album is all about. Taylor delivers some powerful material in her songs. She lives up to the "Speak Now" aspect with a fearless, impervious, and unapologetic manner.

Calling Out Boys in Songs: Fair or Foul?

I've read magazines asking if it's fair or foul for Taylor Swift to call guys out like she does in songs. Some say it's fair while others would cry foul. I think this is part of Taylor's personality in songs. I think Taylor Swift is one of the most well-natured people anywhere in the world. She is sensational in singing and in entertainment. However, when armed with a guitar and performing her music, she is one of the most expressive and most entertaining personalities in music. "Speak Now" encapsulates this completely. If you are a Taylor Swift fan, this CD is much different from what she brought to her debut CD and in "Fearless."

On a different end, Taylor Swift's songs about boys is something different from most of the suggestive, raunchy, violent, tasteless tones some other artists express in songs. Some have complained that this is all Taylor sings about. However, most would rather hear songs about something different than what most other popular artists and groups sing and make songs about. So it goes both ways in my view.

Remember what I typed earlier- I'm talking about this CD from a male perspective. I'd hate to have a diss-worthy song about me being made, but I'd be just as upset as most guys would be if I did some girl wrong (or at least have no idea I've done her wrong). I'd just hate to have a song about me or with elements involving past relationships. There are two ways to think about this- (1) do your girl right 24/7 and all year! (2) Unless your girlfriend is just tough to please, just make the most of your relationship as best as you can. Or maybe... a relationship just will never work or wasn't meant to work. This is more of Taylor Swift's way of revenge while also giving some insight to other girls who may or may not be faced with such situations in love.

Whether or not you see calling out boys in songs as fair or foul depends on what you think overall. I, for one, think there are two sides to every story and every conflict. Taylor will call hers in her songs. So if I had to choose fair or foul to be called out in a song... fair (as long as it's not me that's the subject of the song).



You at least have my word- "Speak Now" is a great CD. This CD consists of 14 songs, including the title track, "Speak Now." Here is the track list:

"Speak Now" Track List:
1. Mine
2. Sparks Fly
3. Back to December
4. Speak Now
5. Dear John
6. Mean
7. The Story of Me
8. Never Grow Up
9. Enchanted
10. Better Than Revenge
11. Innocent
12. Haunted
13. Last Kiss
14. Long Live

This CD is classic Taylor Swift goodness. Classic goodness that is probably the most hard-hitting Taylor Swift music ever.





Thanks for reading! If you want to get "Speak Now" online, get this CD on Amazon here:


Or use this widget for more Taylor Swift goodness on Amazon:

A Related Read (and a Preview).

Now for some insight from a friend. If you want an idea about one of the songs from this CD, my blogging friend named Gabriella made a blog post regarding her thoughts on "Enchanted," which was met with a cover song by Adam Young of Owl City ("Enchanted" was about Adam Young). You can read more about it and get a preview of "Enchanted " by reading "Wonder-Struck" by Principessa Gabriella.


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Natalie

(UPDATED: March 14, 2012)

A former Houston Rockets Power Dancer named Natalie had music listeners goin' crazy hearing the voice and experiencing the energy of a beautiful singer from Clear Lake, Texas, USA. Natalie, or "Nat Boogie," is a rhythm and blues-type singer that also has a pop and a hip-hop edge. She also does a good deal of dancing as well. Her first album in 2005 was a self-titled album that helped set the tone for what many could expect from her. That pace would get a little change of pace when her second album, "Everything New" shown up in 2006. This blog entry concerns the beautiful Natalie and her lovely music.

LATEST UPDATE:

MAR 12 2012 - simple edits made

--- How I Discovered Natalie ---

Before I go any further, here is the beautiful Natalie below:

^ from: amazon.com - Natalie Alvarado. She went from Houston Rockets Power Dancer to making her own slam dunk in music.

It was 2005 when there was a very sweet-sounding song playing on the radio. One girl was singing sweetly to a very smooth and soothing song. This girl was goin' crazy with such a beautiful song playing on the radio. Back when 4Kids TV used to be on FOX (nowadays on the CW network), one Saturday morning was dedicated to Natalie and her hot song, "Goin' Crazy." I was drawn to her and her singing easily. I even got a peek of "Goin' Crazy" during commercials. The morning was capped off with a show called "The Menu," which featured Natalie singing one of her other songs, "Energy" with Baby Bash.

One day, I was convinced at Natalie's singing that I wanted to get her CD. So I went out to a Walmart and got her album. Ever since, I was sold on Natalie and her singing. Natalie somehow manages to combine hip-hop flow (I think she used to do freestyle rap) while also blending in some R and B and pop in her music. The end result is a unique blend of music that only enhances her outstanding flow of music. In addition to her hit song, "Goin' Crazy," a makeup line started by Zalia Cosmetics was set up called... "Goin' Crazy."

Since then, I've had nothing but respect for this beautiful and talented singer. Yep- Natalie arrived.

--- "Natalie" (2005) ---

The same Natalie that had fans goin' crazy back in 2005 had many more songs to please fans. I'll name a few of them and offer some comments.

Goin' Crazy.

This was the song that marked the arrival of Natalie. This easily makes my list of favorite songs of the 2000s (2001-2010) if I came up my All-Star list of songs for this decade. It somehow combined sweet singing along with a hip-hop style of flow. It is a smooth love song, but it also has a kick of hip-hop to freshen up the formula. Have a look at this video to experience this hit song yourself:

^ courtesy of the YouTube channel NatalieVEVO


There are more songs than just this one! Here are some other favorites of mine:

Other Favorite Songs.

Here are some of my other favorites with some brief comments on them.

• "Energy" - not as crazy about it, but still worth listening. Features Baby Bash.
• "Better Get it Right" - hip-hop flow with some sweet singing and beats. Features Max Minelli.
• "You Don't Love Me No More" - a fun song with sweet singing. Later, she goes into a little freestyle that adds some great charm to this song.
• "Stay" - Natalie sings to a soothing set of instruments. No beats- just Natalie, her angelic singing, and her unique hip-hop flow
• "Something About You" - with Russell Lee, this is a melodic and fun sung wonderfully by both Natalie and Russell.
• "You're the One" - this song somehow both soothing and bumpin' (if I may use that word). LOVELY song.
• "Emptiness" - this song has a very nice beat and flows very nicely.
• "Where Are You?" - what can I say- I LOVE this song! Justin Roman joins Natalie, and both sing beautifully in this sweet song.

Not to be outdone, there's also a Spanish version of "Goin' Crazy" that is featured in this CD.

--- "Everything New" (2006) ---

Natalie wanted to change things up a year later for her second CD, Everything New. If I had one bit of criticism for her first CD, maybe it was that there weren't as many bumping songs. Not as many bangers. Otherwise, her first CD was fantastic. The second CD had a few more impactful-sounding songs. So with Natalie trying to change things up for her second album and keep up the great work from the previous CD.

Here are some of my favorites from this CD with some added commentary:
• "All of My Life" - one of my favorite songs from this CD. Sweet singing and sweet music with some sweeter beats.
• "Heartbreaker" - very fun and girly song. Pretty much dedicated to the flirtatious girls out there! :)
• "Slow Dance" - funky cool from the beats to the singing. You almost swear this song has a '70s vibe to it.
• "Turnin' Me On" - heavy on the beats along with some awesome singing! Great to listen to.
• "Everything New" - more hip-hop flow than sweet singing, Natalie has no problem dropping sick rhymes in this song.

The only song I didn't make mention to but liked was "What You Gonna Do?" featuring Port Authur, Texas native and Houston hip-hop legend Bun-B. There is also a bonus song (name undisclosed) that is also lovely to listen to. As a preview, here is a brief lyric: "...I love you so..."

--- What I Would Tell Natalie (if she were to read this) ---

Even five years since arriving on the music scene, I still have great respect for you on both in music and away from music. Whatever you are up to or have been up to lately, I wish you the best in all aspects of life. You've done a great job representing Houston and Houston music. Your work is as heralded and respected as almost any other Houston-area singing talent past or present. You have my full respect with your great singing as well as your very cool hip-hop style you incorporate into your music. It is a unique mix that equals great music for all to enjoy. Oh, and welcome to John's Blog Space! :D

Keep up the great work and best wishes to you in whatever you are working on, whether music or something else. Best wishes and kindest regards to you!

Would I Want to Meet Natalie if Given the Chance?

Absolutely.





Want more Natalie? Here are a few ways to show more love for Natalie:

• NATALIE on Myspace Music
• Become a Fan/Like Natalie on Facebook!
• NatBoogieTV on YouTube
• NatalieVEVO on YouTube (WARNING: it's a VEVO profile - meaning you'll face ads before actually seeing a music video)
• Follow Natalie on Twitter!
• Wikipedia entry on Natalie

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Cream Trance Anthems: Ibiza 2009

Various artists supplement lovely trance songs on this CD pack. You're getting trance music to the tune of 60 total songs. All three CDs feature 20 songs. All CDs feature about 75+ minutes of music. What you're getting for the money is a CD package with many songs to choose from. This CD consists of songs and mixes from many artists the likes of Armin Van Buuren, Robert Miles, Oceanlab, Chicane, Paul Van Dyk, Darude, Underworld, and more.

The CD is basically a long mix. You'll start hearing songs transition from one to another across the three CDs. For the most part, this is a CD that you can enjoy listening to. I needed some newer trance music to listen to because some of the other electronica I have got a bit old. I wanted to listen to something a bit different from what I have on my MP3 player. This was the CD you may remember seeing in my blog entry about remembering music stores. Here is a look at what is on the CD. But first, here is how it looks:


^ from: israbox.com - Cream Trance Anthems: Ibiza 2009. Three CDs with 20 songs each averaging anywhere between 1:15:00 to 1:18:00 of trance music.

Now let me review this thing proper!

--- Cream Trance Anthems: Ibiza 2009 at a Glance ---

Here is your look at what songs are on each CD.

Cream Trance Anthems: Ibiza 2009 - Disc 1
01. Chicane - Poppihola
02. Paul Van Dyk - For an Angel (PvD Remix '09)
03. Armin Van Buuren (featuring Jacqueline Govaert) - Never Say Never
04. Ferry Corsten - We Belong (Tritonal Air Up There Remix)
05. Sander van Doorn & Marco V - What Say?
06. Mike Koglin - The Silence (Neptune Project 2009 Remix)
07. Art of Trance - Madagascar (Richard Durand Mix)
08. 4 Strings (featuring LeeMac) - Let me Take Your Breath Away (Orjan Nilsen Remix)
09. OceanLab - On a Good Day (Above & Beyond Club Mix)
10. John 00 Fleming & Digital Blonde - Oxygen V2
11. DT8 Project - Destination (Above & Beyond Remix)
12. Marco V - Unprepared
13. Gareth Wyn - Cuba
14. Rank 1 - L.E.D. There Be Light
15. DJ Yvan - Adagio for Strings 2009
16. Cosmic Gate - Sign of the Times (Markus Schulz Mix)
17. Dash Berlin With Cerf, Mitiska & Jaren - Man on the Run
18. Gareth Emery - Exposure
19. Simon Patterson - Thump
20. Judge Jules - Judgment Theme

CD 1 features a lot of songs that I've put on my MP3 player and my PC. You hear a lot of hard-hitting trance instruments with some smooth vocals. These songs kind of filled the void that some of my other trance MP3 kind of left behind as I got a bit bored with them. The past songs I've had were all good songs, but this CD featured some incredible music. There are many great songs on this CD.



Cream Trance Anthems: Ibiza 2009 - Disc 2
01. Hybrid - Finished Symphony
02. Sasha & Emerson - Scorchio
03. Robert Miles - Children
04. Alena - Turn it Around
05. Lustral - Everytime (Nalin & Kane Remix)
06. Three Drives - Greece 2000
07. Chicane - Offshore (Vocal Mix)
08. Lange Feat. Skye - Drifting Away
09. JDS - Nine Ways
10. Nalin & Kane - Beachball (Tall Paul Remix)
11. Liquid Child - Diving Faces
12. Freefall (featuring Jan Johnston) - Skydive (I Feel Wonderful)
13. Warrior - Warrior
14. CRW - I Feel Love (R.A.F. Zone Remix)
15. Mauro Picotto - Lizard (Claxixx Mix)
16. Storm - Storm
17. Darude - Sandstorm
18. Underworld - Born Slippy
19. Signum (featuring Scott Mac) - Coming on Strong
20. ATB - 9PM (Till I Come (Signum Remix)

The second CD is more like what I'd call a classics CD, especially with the likes of Robert Miles, Darude, Underworld, and ATB being represented. I find myself listening more to the songs of CD2 than I do any other. The only non-classic I find myself listening to more than any other song is Chicane's "Offshore" Vocal Mix. Same could be said for Skydive. I already have Underworld's "Born Slippy" on my MP3 player. The version on this CD is much shorter and a bit better than the almost 11-minute long version I have. This is more like when I want to hear "Born Slippy" and don't have time to listen to the full-length song. "Born Slippy" is a song I usually like playing when it's Saturday evening (anywhere between sundown to sometime before Midnight). This is a lovely CD and my personal favorite of the three.



Cream Trance Anthems: Ibiza 2009 - Disc 3
01. Deadmau5 - Lack of a Better Name
02. Pryda - Lift
03. Sebastian Ingrosso & Dirty South - Meich
04. Wolfgang Gartner - Wolfgang's 5th Symphony
05. Cirez D - Raptor
06. Sidney Samson - Riverside (Rene Amez Riverkass Clean Remix)
07. Steve Angello - Isabel
08. Ferry Corsten - Made of Love
09. Simon Patterson & Sean Tyas - For the Most Part
10. Above & Beyond Presents OceanLab - I Am What I am (Lange Remix)
11. Rank 1 - Symfo (Sunrise Festival Theme 2009)
12. Agnelli & Nelson - Holding On to Nothing (Paul Van Dyk Re-Edit)
13. Tilt - Invisible
14. Cygnus X - The Orange Theme (Moonmans OJ Mix)
15. Ariel - A9
16. Push - Universal Nation
17. Blank & Jones - Cream (Paul Van Dyk Mix)
18. Balearic Bill - Destination Sunshine
19. York - The Awakening
20. DJ Manta - Holding On

Of all the CDs, the third CD is the one I've ripped the fewest songs to. That's not to say this doesn't feature any good songs, though. Deadmau5 and Ferry Corsten have some awesome songs as well as OceanLab and the Paul Van Dyk remixes.





Overall, this CD features a lot of great songs and some great remixes. I've loved (as in made MP3s out of 50 out of the 60 total songs). I don't think you will be disappointed if you want to hear some great trance either in your home or on the go. I wanted to do a blog entry on this CD package for a long time. However, I never got to do one because I wanted to give you a chance to buy it on Amazon if you like it. Please read "An Important Amazon Note" in the sidebar for more on Amazon items.

Do you want to check out the music in this CD package after I've talked about it? Enjoy this CD collection as much as I have:



...and thanks for reading!