Glee: The Music Volume 7

christina — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 23:51:09 +0000

month:

January

Byline:

Samina Martens – Crofton House School, Vancouver BC

year:

2012

Teaser:

The talented cast of Glee brings listeners on a diverse musical journey.

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4 Stars

The talented cast of Glee brings listeners on a diverse musical journey.

Whether you like show tunes from West Side Story or the catchy beats of Katy Perry, there’s something on this album for everyone. Glee has evolved from its traditional Rachel/Finn set-up, allowing other characters to take centre stage on their top-selling soundtracks. Unfortunately, the ill-fitted performance of Hot For Teacher performed by Mark Salling (Puck) made Volume 7; but the mashup of Adele's Rumour Has It and Someone Like You ignites the soul and Michael Jackson's Man In the Mirror, which the album ends on, is a track you don’t have to be a “Gleek” to enjoy. Overall, the amazing vocals and song choices do not disappoint.

Samina's fave track: Rumour Has It/Someone Like You by Naya Rivera and Amber Riley

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Arkells: Michigan Left

Tienneke — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 21:22:02 +0000

month:

December

Byline:

Tracy Dong – Queen Elizabeth Secondary School, BC

year:

2011

Teaser:

The Arkells are back for round two with Michigan Left!

Article Body Text:

4 stars

The Arkells are back for round two with Michigan Left!

Kick back, relax and reminisce about sweet summer memories as the Arkells’s upbeat ballads play from their second full-length album, Michigan Left. Receiving positive feedback from their first album, Jackson Square, the Canadian alternative-rock band has returned to the studio with ease. The album blends the perfect amount of variety with echoing vocals, rippling guitar riffs and a kicking beat. Michigan Left is a tasteful mixture of indie-rock, simmering with soulful influences with tunes like, Coffee, and Kiss Cam. A definite upgrade from their previous album, the Arkells are improving with experience!

Tracy's fave track: Book Club

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Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album Volume 2

Tienneke — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:35:55 +0000

month:

December

Byline:

Olivia Quon - Killarney Secondary School, Vancouver BC

year:

2011

Teaser:

Get your Glee on this Christmas and sing your way into the new year!

Article Body Text:

4 stars

Get your Glee on this Christmas and sing your way into the new year!

Calling all Gleeks! Here’s an album that’s sure to make you smile this Christmas! Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album Volume 2 has a wide variety of songs that will suit every mood of the holiday. From upbeat songs, like, Extraordinary Merry Christmas to the slow, sentimental songs like Little Drummer Boy, set your iPod to re-play and embrace Christmas Glee style! Despite missing the famous mashs-ups, this album is sure to put everybody in the festive spirit.

Olivia’s fave track: Extraordinary Merry Christmas

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Coldplay: Mylo Xyloto

Tienneke — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 17:15:21 +0000

month:

December

Byline:

Sunny Huang – Churchill Secondary, Vancouver BC

year:

2011

Teaser:

Coldplay’s Mylo Xyloto delivers new sounds but remains reminiscent of original tracks.

Article Body Text:

3 stars

Coldplay’s Mylo Xyloto delivers new sounds but remains reminiscent of original tracks.

The long-awaited Mylo Xyloto is UK alternative rock band Coldplay’s fifth album. Although the album is reminiscent of many of Coldplay’s original sounds, its often vague and unoriginal tracks don’t live up to previously held expectations. Tracks like U.F.O. and Hurts Like Heaven are average in comparison to some of Coldplay’s other timeless works. Nonetheless, Coldplay generally stays true to its original sounds by delivering an album full of electronic mixes, guitar motifs, and of course, sappy lyrics.

Sunny’s fave track: Charlie Brown

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Jason Derulo: Future History

Tienneke — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 20:57:34 +0000

month:

December

Byline:

Puneet Badesha – Tamanawis Secondary, Surrey BC

year:

2011

Teaser:

Jason Derulo is making Future History with his second album.

Article Body Text:

5 stars

Jason Derulo is making Future History with his second album.

Since his last album, Jason Derulo has shown his musical talents have matured, as revealed on his latest release, Future History. Nearly every song in this album is catchy and upbeat, with the exception of a couple of slower jams. What really stands out are the lyrics, which are relatable and thoughtful. With two tracks from this album making it to the top of the charts (It Girl and Don't Wanna go Home), Derulo is dazzling everyone with his dance moves and catchy tunes.

Puneet's fave track: It Girl

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Jane’s Addiction: The Great Escape Artist

Tienneke — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 19:05:27 +0000

month:

December

Byline:

Chris Bell – Rocky View Learning Connection, AB

year:

2011

Teaser:

Escape made easy, with Jane’s Addiction.

Article Body Text:

4 stars

Escape made easy, with Jane’s Addiction.

Having just returned from a string of successful tours, the reunited Jane’s Addiction quickly found themselves back in the studio. To show for their efforts, the band has released The Great Escape Artist. With vivid storytelling and expertly blended riffs and melodies, the album easily provides its promised escape. The modern aspect of the music is found somewhere between the super-charged riffs of The Underground and the haunting vocals of Broken People. Though at first listen it may not be your cup of tea, why not take a few steps down the rabbit hole with Jane’s Addiction? You will not be disappointed.

Chris' fave track: Irresistible Force

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Blink 182: Neighborhoods

Tienneke — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 17:48:07 +0000

month:

December

Byline:

Hailey Rollheiser, Sardis Secondary School, BC

year:

2011

Teaser:

After an eight-year hiatus, the new release from Blink 182 lacks in originality.

Article Body Text:

2 stars

After an eight-year hiatus, the new release from Blink 182 lacks in originality.

Blink 182 is back with its sixth album, which is full of the usual punk-rock material that made fans love them in the first place. The band's first single, Up All Night, is less catchy than previous hits and the tracks are somewhat difficult to differentiate from one another because of their overall similar sound and lyrics. Blink 182 fans who have been eagerly awaiting this release may be disappointed because the album lacks originality and memorable tracks - but die-hards will likely be satisfied with this mediocre effort.

Hailey's fave track: Ghost On The Dance Floor

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Kelly Clarkson: Stronger

Tienneke — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 17:01:50 +0000

month:

December

Byline:

Emily Peck – Brookswood Secondary, Langley BC

year:

2011

Teaser:

Kelly Clarkson comes back Stronger, but is it enough?

Article Body Text:

3 stars

Kelly Clarkson comes back stronger, but is it enough?

Original American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson’s new album doesn’t fully live up to expectations. The lyrics on Stronger are repetitive and become predictable - definitely lacking wow factor. However, Clarkson has yet to let down her fans; her superior vocals and catchy harmonies and melodies create a powerful, full-sound experience. Although many of the tunes lack in originality, they provide a pop-rock atmosphere that's perfect for listening to in the car!

Emily's fave track: Let me Down

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Evanescence: Evanescence

Tienneke — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 22:07:44 +0000

month:

December

Byline:

Emily Luba – Seycove Secondary, North Vancouver BC

year:

2011

Teaser:

Long-awaited return from gothic rock band doesn’t disappoint!

Article Body Text:

4 stars

Long-awaited return from gothic rock band doesn’t disappoint!

Evanescence, the band's self-titled third album, brings a message of empowerment with lyrics like: "Do what you want, if you have a dream for better" (from What You Want). While remaining true to their gothic, moody roots, this rock band certainly has returned with an outstanding new effort. Packed full of pure emotion on songs like Lost Paradise and self-declaring anthems like Made of Stone, the album is the perfect you-can't-stop-me ranting mood music. Emotional and rocking!

Emily's fave track: Erase This

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Kathryn Calder: Bright and Vivid

Tienneke — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 21:01:17 +0000

month:

December

Byline:

Hannah Hunter-Loubert - Queen Elizabeth High School, Calgary AB

year:

2011

Teaser:

Calder strengthens her stellar reputation with an ambitious second solo album.

Article Body Text:

4 stars

Calder strengthens her stellar reputation with an ambitious second solo album.

Between working with the New Pornographers and touring, Kathryn Calder has found time to pull together another creative and charming synth-pop album. Bright and Vivid continues just where her first solo release, Are You My Mother?, left off - on a reflective and introspective journey into the exotic realms of the musical spectrum. Using fluid rhythms and her well-balanced voice, Calder has built an extensive arsenal of layered and exotic songs. While the album may drag on a bit for those looking for a quick and cheap thrill, those that have the time to appreciate it certainly will.

Hannah's fave track: Who are You?

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