Demi Lovato, Demi

I became a Demi fan when she released Skyscraper. I admit I really didn't know much about her before that, but soon she was making headline news for her "troubles". Skyscraper was the perfect anthem for her to come back and show us that she is going to stay strong. I realized then that she had a killer voice, unlike most of the Disney stars...homegirl can actually sing. And then I saw her cover of  Lil Wayne's How To Love and I became super hooked. I don't own any other album of hers, but I was intrigued as to what this one would sound like...

1. Heart Attack- This is her first single and one of my favorite songs of 2013 so far. It's super catchy, with an incredible beat and use of instrument. The added effects make it an intriguing, cool pop song.


The feelings got lost in my lungs
They’re burning, I’d rather be numb
And there’s no one else to blame
So scared I take off and I run


2. Made In The Usa- Songs like these remind me that I'm not in Demi's demographic. And by that I mean- when I'm cold you're there like a sweater? Seriously? But lyrics aside, it's actually a good song. I know, lyrics are a pretty big deal, but the chorus is fantastic, and her vocals are great.


No matter how far we go, I want the whole world to know
I want you bad, and I wont have it any other way


3. Without The Love- Relatable lyrics, killer vocals, baseball references, and an amazing hook= perfect song. And the bridge? Christ.


You're beautiful, but cause me pain
You play my heart like it's a game
And you work so hard to get me, just to let me go
Yeah you put me in the spotlight, just to steal the show


4. Neon Lights- This is a dance/club/girls night out kinda tune that people will love to hate but secretly blast it while they slip on their heels and apply mascara.  This won't be one of the songs that I play again and again, but it's a fun night out kinda song.


Shining like stars cause we're beautiful, beautiful
You're all I see in all these places
You're all I see in all these faces
So let's pretend we're running of time, of time

5. Two Pieces-Demi's vocals on this track are, so far, the best of any song we've heard, and that makes me excited for the rest of the album. The song goes from gentle, soft and story telling to belting and passionate, making it an emotional ride and an interesting song. The bridge is, once again, incredible.

We'll never fall apart, cause we fit together right, we fit together like two pieces of a broken heart

6. Nightingale-A beautiful, sweet ballad. Demi sounds like a mature, polished singer here, showing off her incredible vocals. The story is relatable, we all want someone to come and be next to us in this crazy world. One of the best songs on this album.

Cause baby you're my sanity, you bring me peace, sing me to sleep

7. In Case- This is my favorite song, hands down. The piano driven song is emotional, honest, and raw. The song tells a story, and Demi is holding onto this guy, just in case he changes his mind. It touches on the grief we feel when we lose someone, hoping that maybe they'll come back someday.


In case
You don't find what you're looking for
In case
You're missing what you had before
In case
You change your mind, I'll be waiting here
In case
You just want to come home

8. Really Don't Care- My roomate played me this song and it's what made me want a copy of the album. It's sassy and angsty, very catchy with a perfect pop production. Demi's speaking up for all us strong, single ladies here. Cher Lloyd makes a cameo, which is eh. Well. It fits. I am not a Cher Lloyd fan, but I appreciate it in this song.


I cant believe I ever stayed up writing songs about you
You dont deserve to know the way I used to think about you
Oh no not anymore, oh no not anymore
You had your shot, had your shot, but you let go

Now if we meet out on the street I won't be running scared
I'll walk right up to you and put one finger in the air
And make you understand, and make you understand
You had your chance, had your chance


9. Fire starter- Well Damn. She really is a badass, huh? This song is all about being strong, confident, and full of sass. The pop production is A plus.


I'm a bad-ass jumping off the moving train


10. Something That We're Not- Talk about sassy. Demi's good at that, she's clearly following in the footsteps of Kelly Clarkson. This is the perfect "thanks but no thanks" song. You go girl! With the clapping and electric guitar matched with hilarious, sassy lyrics, this is a winner.


You wanna be more than just friends
I can't go through this again
Stop trying to get inside my head



11.  Never Been Hurt- This may be one of the more forgettable songs on the album, seems like just a filler. But the vocal gymnastics on the chorus is pretty awesome. Other than that, it's just another good pop song.

You wanna be more than just friends

I can't go through this again
Stop trying to get inside my head



12. Shouldn't Come Back-Demi's emotions bleed through in this song, making it a touching song. Her voice is different than the other songs she gave us on the album, a good kind of different. I like the variety, it shows that she really can sing anything.


Maybe you shouldn't come back
Maybe you shouldn't come back to me
Tired of being so sad, I'm tired of getting so mad, baby


13. Warrior- Demi closes the album with the emotional, personal song. She opens up about her struggles that we've all heard about. She is singing for herself, but also for every other person who has been in her shoes. Her voice is incredible on this song, making you want to go hug her.


Now I'm taking back my life today
Nothing left that you can say
Cause you were never gonna take the blame anyway


Overall, Demi has given listeners an amazing, powerful album with some fantastic pop hits mixed with emotional ballads- and she does all of this with gorgeous vocals.

Lady Antebellum: Golden

I don't even know how long I've been waiting for this album. I adore Lady Antebellum and have since I saw them when they opened for Martina McBride in 2008. Back then, there wasn't even an album out yet. They had one song on their myspace page. Now look at them! They are incredible musicians. I read somewhere that they really wanted people to relate to this album- and to that I say cheers, you did it.

1. Get To Me-  This is a pretty classic Lady A tune, which showcases Hillary's vocals. It has a catchy, cool melody and those sweet, sweet harmonies. The theme is similar to their mega hit "Need You Now", but not nearly as emotional and raw. The lyrics are beautiful, though.


You’re gonna show up and kiss me
Pull me in, hold me tight, love me and carry me away
Like there’s no more tomorrows and no more yesterdays


2. Goodbye Town- Charles Kelley leads the vocals here, and he sounds better than ever. The song is about wanting to escape from the town. There's a really cool part of the song where it quiets down to piano, and Hilary jumps in with a softer vocal. There's also an instrument break toward the end of the tune, and the song surprises us with a treat. Charles carries out the song with an emotional "Goodbye" to the relationship, singing out "you're gonna think of me, you're gonna think of me, when I'm long gone". The outro is outstanding, a hidden little gem on this album.



Oh one day you’re gonna look back on what we had
You’re gonna think of me
You’re gonna think of me
When I’m long gone



3. Nothin' Like The First Time- A sweet song about new love. Both Hillary and Charles sing on the verses, and of course, harmonize perfectly. A relatable song, with a sweet story. One of my favorites.

There's a magic in the way you will always stay

4. Downtown- This is Lady A's first single, and it's already a hit. Hillary shows off her sassy side in this uptemo song. It's a fun song to sing along to, one of their more "fun" singles. Ladies love this one, I think we can all relate. We just want you to take us out, boys.


I got some platforms sittin’ in the corner
They wanna stroll on a city sidewalk
I gotta dress that’ll show a little uh, uh
But you ain’t gonna uh, uh
If you don’t come pick me up...show me off

5. Better Off (Now That You're Gone) I've been excited for this song ever since the track listing was released. And I am 100% satisfied with what I hear. It's got a bit of a rock edge, both instrumentally and lyrically. It's basically a "Screw you, I don't need you" song.  There's one point where I really thought they were going to drop the "F bomb". Which would have been kind of awesome, actually. But these are good ole county kids. I love this song, and I can't wait to see what they do with it on a live show.


nights spent with empty bottles and picking up broken glass
I should have known from the very first night that this just never would last

6. It Ain't Pretty-One of my favorites. It's a Hillary song, and a heartbreaking song. I like that this is kind of like a follow up to downtown- now Hillary is downtown alone, crying in the bathroom, surrounded by happy people. The bridge is a little bonechilling, and Hillary's voice almost starts to break at one point. It makes you want to hug her. We've all been there, Hil. It sure ain't pretty when a heart breaks.


I almost dialed your number
To remind you what you did
But I think it might be better
To just let this night end





7. Can't Stand The Rain-So some of my favorite songs from Lady A have been their "inspirational" ones- every album has one...One Day You Will, Hello World, Heart of the World. Can't Stand The Rain has a similar message, about supporting someone when they are going through a hard time and being their umbrella. But it just doesn't quite capture me like the other songs I mentioned.


When you can’t take it even one more day
No I’m never too far away
Even when you feel like you’re out there on your own
No you’re not alone


8. Golden- The band takes a step back from the heavy instruments on this one. It's a beautiful song, with perfect harmonies and a lovely chorus. Although it's a softer song than the Lady A we've seen recently, it's one of their best songs on the album.


From the day you strolled in
My heart was stolen
You’ll be the hand I’m holding
When the heavens open
Cause you are golden


9.  Long Teenage Goodbye- A sweet, nostalgic song that makes me want to be 18 again. This one gives us every detail of a teenage romance.  It's carefree, exciting and sweet.


Chasing fireworks flashing down the Carolina shore yeah
Arms around me and you called me yours
That salty kiss made me forget about my sunburn


10. All For Love- Hands down, best song on the album. It's also the most dramatic and emotional, much like Need You Now. Both Hillary and Charles sing with such passion here, trading verses and blaming one another for the fall of the relationship. This song almost perfectly describes the fall out my last relationship, so it hits close to home.


Cause what about the times that you said to me
That I was everything that’d you’d ever need
How can you just up and walk away
And look me in the eye and say
You did it all for love 


11. Better Man- This is a sweet, low key tune, mainly featuring Charles (although the harmonies are beautiful on the chorus!) and it's his story of the love he has making him, well, a better man. The song doesn't stand out, but it's a good tune and I'm sure it will be used at many weddings. :)


Do you remember that one night we spent in Santé Fe
We drank ourselves into a fight and almost threw it all away
But we talked it out till the bar closed down and we gave it one more try
As they swept the floors, we just sat there laughing till we cried



12. Generation Away-  I love love love the idea behind this song- it's fresh and new, taking a break from love and heartbreak.  IT's kind of a silly song, but it's fun. I'm sure it will be a crowd pleaser at summer concerts.


Let’s make some memories while we can
Laugh and love, don't miss your chance
Cause He's still got the whole world in His hands, so baby let's dance