Hooked On The Music

Album Reviews

Neighborhoods EP – Clones of Clones Review

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Clones of Clones are an up-and-coming Alternative/Rock band from Washington DC, who have actually been around for about 10 years, but haven’t really released any music. Their 4-track debut EP, Neighborhood, is quite something. Even though it is only 4 tracks long, it thoroughly sums up what the band is about and their genre of music.

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Onyx – Pop Evil Album Review

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Hailing from the great state of Michigan, this band of hardcore rockers have actually been around since 2001, formed from pieces of other Michigan bands, known as TenFive. They independently released an album, War of The Roses in 2004 and a 3-track EP, Ready or Not in 2006, the latter featuring the concert favourite Somebody Like You, which also features on their debut studio album Lipstick On The Mirror, released in 2008. In 2011, Pop Evil released War Of Angels which contained lots of rock songs but also ballads, and got good reviews. Can Onyx exceed the standard of their past albums?

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DEMI – Demi Lovato Album Review

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Demetria “Demi” Lovato has had quite a hard time over the last few years, going to rehab for cutting and an eating disorder, which she has struggled with since a very young age. Her 2011 album Unbroken and smash-hit single Skyscraper represented this, and people found that they could relate to the songs on a deeply emotional and personal level. 2 years later, she has tried to show how she has matured with her latest album DEMI, which has been done very well, with songs that I don’t think she could have pulled off 2 years ago on Unbroken.

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So Alive – The Product [EP] Review

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This Michigan band, made up of B.J., R.J., Rich and Charlie have had quite a breakout in the last few years. Their first EP, Break The Silence was released in 2009 and got a big following in the Midwest of the USA. It sold over 4,000 copies, and the band’s reputation grew with an extensive Midwest tour. They’ve opened for other local bands like Pop Evil and have won a lot of new fans over with their heavy guitars and undoubtedly catchy choruses. What further opportunities will the second six-track EP, So Alive bring for the home-grown Alternative rockers?

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Almería – Lifehouse Album Review

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After 12 years of making music, Lifehouse are still at it. With the success of their first album, No Name Face back in the 90s (which sold two and a half million copies), the band knew they struck a chord with people, and so created more and more albums, including a few hit singles (“Hanging By A Moment“, “You and Me“, “First Time“, and “Whatever It Takes“). In December 2012, they released Almería, their sixth studio album.
Album Rating: ***** (5/5)

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Misty Eyes – Aiden Grimshaw Review

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It’s time again for me to review an act from a talent show – this time it’s the X Factor. Aiden Grimshaw was a contestant in 2010 (the 7th series) and ended up being eliminated in week 6. Over the last 2 years he’s been working with top producers and writers to create and release Misty Eyes, his debut album. Was all the work he was doing worth it? What oppurtunities can this record create for the 22-year old X Factor evictee?
Album Rating: ****.5 (4.5/5) (more…)

Turn On The Lights – Daniel Powter Review

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Daniel Powter has been on the music scene for quite a few years – with his hit single Bad Day, to coincide with the release of his second album, Daniel Powter. Since then he’s played at Live 8 and won lots of national and international awards. The Canadian singer released Under The Radar, his fourth studio album in 2008, which failed to match the success of Bad Day. So, what can 2012 and a new album bring to a one-hit wonder such as Daniel?

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Escala Album Review

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This symphony girl group rose to fame in 2008, when they reached the final of UK show Britain’s Got Talent. The electronic string quartet from London met when they were all in the string section on tour with McFly, and so formed their own group. They auditioned for Britain’s Got Talent, playing “Palladio” and the crowd and judges were blown by their performance. They reached the final of the talent show and went on to release their album with Syco Records.

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The Midsummer Station – Owl City Review

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The Midsummer Station
It’s been quite a rollercoaster ride for Adam Young, with the success of Fireflies and his first album, Ocean Eyes. Then he released All Things Bright and Beautiful, which didn’t sell so well, so he decided to release The Midsummer Station.
Album Rating: *** (3/5)
 
Young is known for his quirky lyrics and sounds, which this album lacks somewhat. This album is trying too hard to be part of the mainstream music community, and I give him his due for trying, but he really should have just stuck with his original, creative beats and lyrics.
Saying that, some songs actually show his true potential, such as Bombshell Blonde, which is my personal favourite from this album, because of the good rythm and catchy beat, although it does have its dubstep touches, which is again trying to be mainstream. He released one song from the album, Good Time, Featuring Carly Rae Jepsen, and I dread listening to it when it comes on the radio or on my playlist. This is because it just sounds too familiar to what is on the radio. The whole album seems to have the same sound and doesn’t really live up to Adam Young’s standards or reputation.
Overall, I would recommend this for people who like the music constantly playing on the radio right now, but if I could go back in time, I wouldn’t have bought the entire album, just a few songs.
Where to buy The Midsummer Station: iTunes | Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk
A K Jones
xx
DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the copyright for the content of this post