Friday, January 4, 2013

We Came As Romans - "Hope"


To kick off 2013, I want to write about We Came As Romans' new song "Hope" (below), a second single to follow "Let These Words Last."

I don't think that We Came As Romans can write a song that I won't like.  For this particular song, I thoroughly enjoy Kyle's vocals cause he intensifies it by nearly going into unclean vocals.  One more vocal push going into and coming out of the chorus and he would be joining Dave.

The song's message proposes the idea of leading people through hope, and it's time to stand up and make a voice for yourself.  I love when bands make songs like this that encourage listeners to believe in themselves.

"Hope" sounds like it'd be a really good intense song to rock out to live, and I HOPE I get the chance to February 16th when they come to Austin on the Take Action Tour with The Used.  They'll definitely get the crowd going with this one.  The chorus almost acts as a unified chant, with lyrics easy to learn, and shouting them at a live show would bring the audience together.

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

My Top 10 Songs for 2012


Hello readers!  I am alive and well.  What can I say besides sorry for the big lack of post this past semester.  It was a busy and hard one, so I've made it a new year's resolution to post regularly from now on! (:  I've lost my sense of form and structure with my writing, so bear with me with the differing writing style - that's something that I'll have to pick back up when I resume my blogging!

So here is something to sink your teeth into to make for the lost time for the last six months - it'll give you a taste for what music I was into in my absence.  This is my top ten songs list for 2012 and it's not based on hits, popularity or merit; these are the songs that I listened to a lot and/or really enjoy minus how many times I've heard them.

1.  "King For a Day" by: Pierce theVeil feat. Kellin Quinn
I seriously love listening to this song over and over.  It's the perfect combination of Pierce the Veil and Sleeping With Sirens (Quinn), and it never gets old.  I don't know what it is about the song that keeps attracting me, but I never skip it and frequently start it as my playlist when I'm doing school work or getting ready for a hot date.  For my blog, it's the most read and second most read post.  For the music world, according to Alternative Press, it's the number one collaboration song.

2.  "Your Body" (explicit) by: Christina Aguilera
I really like this version of the song, but unfortunately it’s not even a real version of it.  I say that because it’s explicit with the words “fuck your body” as opposed to “love your body” and that version isn’t even available on iTunes or her album, AND this version is in a faster temper which better matches the song in my opinion.  The clean slower version on the album and iTunes is not as exciting.

3.  "Somewhere in Neverland" by: All Time Low
This is one of my favorite songs on the Don’t Panic album.  It’s very catchy and fun to sing and dance to.  I wrote a post about it that you can read my post here.

4.  "Ballroom Murder" by: Empire Holiday
My friends never cease to amaze me with their talent.  This song is probably one of their best cause it’s upbeat and intense and you will be fist pumping to it.  Read my post here.

5.  "Glad You Came" (cover) by: We Came As Romans
When I heard this song drop from the Punk Goes Pop Vol. 5 album, I listened to it maybe ten times.  I honestly like it better than the original because it enhances The Wanted’s catchniess, and of course I always appreciate Stephen’s unclean vocals that add some intensity to the song.

6.  "Filth Friends Unite" by: I See Stars
This song, its message, and its music video all contribute to its goodness.  Read my post about it here.

7.  "Kiss You" by: One Direction
I admit, I have a soft spot for One Direction.  When all their songs were leaking out, the 30 seconds of this song instantly hooked me and I listened to those 30 seconds many many times and couldn’t wait for the album to drop.  The song is incredibly catchy and upbeat, and much like most of One Direction’s songs, it’ll make you happy no matter what.

8.  "Bangarang" by: Skrillex
I just really like this song, okay?

9.  "I Knew You Were Trouble" by: Taylor Swift
Two words: guilty pleasure.  I do not like Taylor Swift, but I cannot deny that her music is undeniably catchy.  Whenever this song comes on, I will never hesitate to turn up the volume to jam to it.  What I find troubling is that my favorite part of the song is the (failed) attempt to integrate dubstep into the song – even though it doesn’t work, I am still drawn to it for some reason.

10. "Abby Lee" by: Travis Garland
I have a soft spot for Travis as well.  His voice is amazing and sexy, and he could probably sing a song about tuna sandwiches and still make me love it.  His range always impresses me, and I hope he goes far in the music industry.  Read my track-by-track review of his Fashionably Late EP here.

Well, that’s my top ten for 2012.  Let me know what you guys think or share some songs that were on your top ten!  I promise to do my best to post regularly.  I have a growing list for “Siri’s Bands to Listen to,” and I’m excited to listen to their music and share them with you.

I hope you all have had a wonderful holiday and had a happy new year!  Let’s make it an unforgettable one!